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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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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, 1999
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 No. 000-26357
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LOOKSMART, LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 7373 13-3904355
(State or other jurisdiction
of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or
organization) Identification No.) Identification No.)
625 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 348-7000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
Registrant's principal executive offices)
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
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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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K 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. [_]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, based upon the closing price of common stock on March 23, 2000,
was approximately $1,286,216,000. Shares of voting stock held by each officer
and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting
stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.
This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive
determination for other purposes. As of March 23, 2000, 87,899,230 shares of
the registrant's common stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information called for by Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by
reference to the definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of
stockholders of the company which will be filed no later than 120 days after
December 31, 1999.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Page
----
ITEM 1. BUSINESS...................................................... 3
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.................................................... 24
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS............................................. 24
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS........... 24
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.......................................... 25
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.......................... 27
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.................................... 27
ITEM 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.... 39
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA................... 40
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE................................................... 60
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT............ 61
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION........................................ 61
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT.................................................... 61
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS................ 61
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM
8-K........................................................... 62
2
PART I
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Discussions containing forward-looking
statements may be found in the material set forth under "Business,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and in other sections of the report. We use words such as
"believes", "intends", "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "may", "will" and
similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. You should not
place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Our actual results
could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking
statements for many reasons, including the risks described below in the
section entitled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
LookSmart is a leading global Internet search infrastructure company. We
have built a robust suite of scalable, customizable and high-quality search
products and have distributed these products, in varying forms, to our network
of approximately 100,000 partners and affiliates worldwide. Our search
partners choose LookSmart because our search solutions are developed to
satisfy their various strategic goals. First and foremost, we build our search
solutions to provide our partners' Internet users with a fast, effective and
high-quality environment to find the most relevant results. Second, we craft
our search solutions to maximize the generation of revenue for our partners.
Third, because of the scale of our distributed search solution network, we are
able to drive significant amounts of traffic to various destinations
throughout the Internet. Finally, we build private-label search solutions for
our partners that are highly customized and deeply integrated to meet each of
our partners' specific goals. Because our search solutions leverage our
existing Internet directory, we are able to deploy our search solutions in a
cost-effective and scalable manner.
Our domestic network of search partners and affiliates includes:
. Internet portals such as Microsoft, Excite@Home, Alta Vista and Go2Net;
. media companies such as Time Warner, Sony, Cox Interactive Media and
MacroMedia/Shockwave;
. Internet services providers, or ISPs, such as US West, IBM.net,
RoadRunner, Flashnet and Prodigy; and
. approximately 95,000 personal and small business websites.
BT LookSmart, our joint venture with British Telecommunications, is
primarily responsible for the expansion of our international network of
partners and country-specific search directories in Europe and Asia, including
the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, New
Zealand, Japan and Korea. We also maintain the www.looksmart.com website,
primarily as a showcase for our search products and as a destination for users
who wish to search directly with LookSmart.
In January 2000, more than 45 million unique users accessed the websites of
our distribution partners and www.looksmart.com, according to Media Metrix.
This figure is calculated by combining the unduplicated reach of the websites
of our search partners with the unduplicated reach of our www.looksmart.com
properties. On a duplicated basis, our reach exceeds 100 million users per
month.
Our search solutions consist of a robust suite of search products. At the
core of our search solutions is a directory of high-quality, granular content.
Through the use of technology and human editors, we have assembled what we
believe to be the largest collection of high-quality, granular content on the
Internet. Our directory currently includes a collection of over 1.5 million
links to, and reviews of, high-quality websites organized into more than
100,000 categories. We exclude hate and pornographic content from our
directory. We provide various
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methods to Internet users to search our solutions, including browsing the
directory by categories, searching the directory by keyword and asking
questions in a natural language, interactive format to our team of specialized
Internet editors.
Industry Background
The emergence and wide acceptance of the Internet has fundamentally changed
how millions of people worldwide share information, communicate and conduct
business. International Data Corporation estimates that the number of Internet
users worldwide will increase from approximately 142 million in 1998 to
approximately 399 million by the end of 2002. IDC expects the total number of
URLs to grow from 925 million in 1998 to 8 billion by 2002. This includes
"suffixed" pages, which are separate URLs within individual websites. We
believe this increase is leading to a greater amount of highly specific
content on the Internet. Major factors driving this growth in Internet usage
and content include the increasing familiarity with and acceptance of the
Internet by businesses and consumers, the growing number of personal computers
in homes and offices, the ease, speed and lower cost of Internet access and
improvements in network infrastructure. These factors make the Internet
accessible to inexperienced users as well as the technologically
sophisticated. The growth in the number of Internet users has also led to the
emergence of the Internet as a powerful advertising and commerce medium.
Forrester Research estimates that total spending on Internet advertising in
the United States will grow from $1.5 billion in 1998 to nearly $11 billion in
2002.
The Search Challenge
The massive volume and growth of granular content on the Internet has
created the need for an organizing layer that can successfully match end users
with content providers. This organizational challenge, which we call the
"search challenge", has led to the development of several Internet services,
including directories and search engines, designed to help users locate
information. These services also seek to enable content providers, including
website owners, Internet communities, advertisers and sellers of goods and
services, to reach their target audiences.
We believe that most Internet organization efforts to date have failed to
fully meet this challenge. Traditional Internet directories often lack focused
and relevant category structures, have limited content and contain many links
to "dead", outdated or irrelevant websites. Search engines, which use software
to locate websites based on user-entered keywords, often generate large sets
of results but typically cannot determine website quality. Moreover, search
engines often have limited capacity to determine the relevance of websites to
a query, have poor "ranking algorithms" to order results, do not contain
recently published websites and fail to respond to "dynamic" or frequently
changing material. We believe Internet users are demanding smarter search
capabilities and better organized content that will allow them to find
granular, deeply specialized and local content.
The Search Infrastructure Challenge
We believe that search is critical to most Internet users' ability to use
of the Internet productively and effectively. To provide a satisfying user
experience, many portals, ISPs, media companies and other website operators
have recognized the need to provide sophisticated search functionality on
their websites. We believe that as these companies invest more heavily in
adding content and functionality to their websites, they will have relatively
fewer resources to devote to creating and maintaining relevant and focused
directory and search services. At the same time, the complexity and resources
needed to provide superior directory and search capabilities are increasing.
Specialized expertise is needed to organize the growing amount and specificity
of content available on the Internet. Search technologies are becoming
increasingly sophisticated, because of the need to integrate internal company
data, information from across the company's website properties and data from
external Internet websites into search results. Therefore, the editorial and
technical demands for companies to maintain high quality directories and
advanced search functionality has grown significantly. As a result, many large
companies, portals and websites are finding it more effective and efficient to
outsource their Internet search and directory infrastructure.
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The Advertising Challenge
The rapid emergence of Internet advertising and commerce has created new
challenges for businesses seeking to advertise and sell their products and
services online. As businesses try to attract qualified people to their
website through online advertising, they need to find a means of both
aggregating a large volume of traffic through their websites and targeting
their advertising message according to individual users' interests. However,
the ability to effectively target an advertising message to Internet users
requires specialized capabilities. Therefore, expanding website traffic and
developing targeting capabilities is a key element of the online advertising
challenge.
In addition, many companies have little understanding of, or experience in,
monetizing their website traffic through advertising. Finding firms who wish
to advertise on a company's website, selling effective advertising products to
them, serving the advertisements and billing the clients requires a scale in
activities that can discourage website owners from conducting these tasks
themselves. Online companies can derive significant benefits from outsourcing
this function to a specialized service in order to monetize their traffic and
maximize their advertising revenues.
The LookSmart Solution
We have created a powerful suite of search solutions to enable our partners
and affiliates to achieve their objectives of providing a superior user
experience and maximizing the revenues from their traffic. We have assembled
what we believe to be the largest collection of high-quality, granular content
on the Internet, organized in a categorical, easy-to-search directory format.
We have also developed and partnered with technology leaders to develop
flexible search capabilities that can be customized to our partners'
specifications. Finally, we have developed an interactive search solution
which enables users to access the expertise of our web-searching experts. In
developing this full set of search solutions, we believe we are creating a
highly scalable asset that can be distributed to a large number of Internet
users through our network of distribution partners and through our Internet
properties. In the process, we seek to address the challenges faced by users,
content providers, advertisers and vendors.
Our Search Solution
We provide search solutions that enable users to find useful information
quickly. Our services allow users to choose between browsing the directory
through an intuitive category search path, inputting keywords in a search box
or interacting with our editors to find the most relevant sites quickly.
Comprehensive Content. The LookSmart directory currently contains over 1.5
million unique URLs in over 100,000 categories. We have developed locally
relevant and culturally sensitive Internet directories for Canada, Australia
and some Latin American countries, as well as over 70 local areas in the
United States. We have also developed specialized directories for several
countries in Europe and Asia, which we have licensed to BT LookSmart, our
joint venture with British Telecommunications. BT LookSmart plans to offer
these and other directory services for countries in Europe and Asia, aside
from China.
High-Quality Content. We focus on including only authoritative, up-to-date,
categorized content in our directory. Our team of over 200 editors includes
taxonomists, copy editors, subject specialists, maintenance editors and
generalist editors. Our editors use proprietary and licensed software products
that help them find, categorize, index and rate high-quality websites. They
also review the directory regularly to check whether websites are active and
still relevant. Additionally, they exclude hate and pornographic websites from
our directory.
Easy-to-Navigate Content. The LookSmart directory is organized to provide
relevant search results for both category-based and keyword search. Our
navigation interface allows a user to follow a search path into sub-categories
and sub-sub-categories visually on the screen, enabling the user to see not
only which path was
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chosen, but also those which were not. We believe that this is a critical
element in the trial and error process that most users undertake to find
material. Our keyword search brings users directly to website results. All of
our navigation results include a brief review of each website to help guide
users.
LookSmart Live! In July 1999, we introduced a service that enables users to
directly contact our editors to get assistance with their Internet search and
related activities. We developed this feature in response to consistent data
from our qualitative research that suggests that Internet users, particularly
new users, often "get stuck" and would greatly value assistance.
Our Search Infrastructure Solution
Our ability to categorize and organize highly granular content from the
Internet and integrate it with internal and company-specific information
allows us to offer a variety of Internet infrastructure solutions to our
business partners. We have developed and partnered with technology providers
to offer customized versions of our directory and customized search algorithms
to our affiliates. Our ability to tailor search solutions according to the
specifications of our partners is an important part of LookSmart's value
proposition to our partners. We work with our partners to customize our search
solutions to meet the particular needs of their website strategy and core
audience.
Our outsourcing Internet infrastructure solution has three principal
benefits to our distribution affiliates. First, we enable our affiliates to
obtain customized private label search functionality without expending
resources and expertise to develop and maintain a comprehensive Internet
directory and search technology. Second, inclusion in our network enables our
partners to gain exposure to a large number of Internet users and advertisers.
Third, we build our search solutions to maximize the generation of revenue for
our partners.
Our Advertising Solution
We launched www.looksmart.com, the showcase site for our LookSmart
directory, in October 1996. We leverage our database by syndicating, licensing
and distributing our search solutions to leading Internet portals, ISPs, media
companies and other websites, including Alta Vista, Excite@Home, Go2Net,
Microsoft Network, Netscape Netcenter, Shockwave (a Macromedia company) and
Time Warner. According to Media Metrix, in January 2000 over 45 million unique
users viewed the websites of our distribution partners and our
www.looksmart.com website. As a result of this substantial Internet user base,
we are able to offer advertisers the opportunity to reach Internet users on a
broad scale.
In addition, by offering advertisers the ability to place their
advertisements on category and keyword results pages, advertisers are able to
find their target audience more effectively. Rather than tracking individual
users' Internet page views or matching this user data with personal
information about the user, our targeted advertising solution is achieved by
placing contextually relevant advertisements on the pages and in the
categories of information the Internet user has specifically requested from
our search solutions.
The LookSmart Strategy
Our strategy is to establish LookSmart as the leading search infrastructure
provider to Internet portals, ISPs, media companies and other websites
worldwide. We seek to address our partners' search needs through our directory
and search solutions and derive multiple revenue streams by leveraging these
core assets. The key elements of our growth strategy include the following:
Expand Our Collection of High-Quality, Granular Content
We intend to expand both the number of high-quality URLs included in our
directory as well as the number of categories into which we classify the URLs.
Our mission to be the largest provider of granular information on the Internet
requires us to continually improve the content in our existing categories by
including new websites, communities and commerce environments, deleting
outdated links and updating editorial reviews. We also plan
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to expand the type of content in our directory, including new content in our
Australian, Canadian and Latin American databases, expanding our broadband
directory and providing information for wireless Internet devices. Our joint
venture with British Telecommunications, BT LookSmart, plans to enhance our
existing directories and develop new directories for selected countries in
Europe and Asia. In order to expand these directories, we plan to increase the
number of Internet editors that we have worldwide and leverage their efforts
with advanced productivity tools.
Broaden Our Network of Affiliates, Advertisers and Ecommerce Partners
We intend to continue building a network of portals, media companies, ISPs
and other websites that use our directory and search infrastructure solutions.
At the same time, we plan to capitalize on our expanded reach to attract
additional advertisers and ecommerce partners who wish to reach a larger, more
targeted audience.
Utilize LookSmart Directory and Search Solutions to Drive Multiple Revenue
Streams
Our goal is to leverage our unique assets--the LookSmart directory and
search solutions--and monetize them in several ways. We are targeting the
convergence of three market opportunities: online advertising and syndication,
licensing, and ecommerce/distribution. We plan to continue monetizing our
assets through these revenue opportunities, as well as to create additional
revenue streams, including international sources and new ecommerce and
distribution opportunities.
Pursue Strategic Acquisitions and Alliances
We plan to pursue acquisitions and alliances to strengthen our technology,
broaden our audience reach, capture new distribution channels or open new
revenue streams. In addition, we may seek to acquire businesses or develop
alliances which will further expand our syndication, licensing and
ecommerce/distribution services.
Expand into Select International Markets
As a company with relevant operational experience outside the United
States, we believe we are well positioned to enter major international markets
in a locally relevant, culturally-sensitive manner. We plan to expand our
directory and search solutions in selected markets internationally, both
through direct offerings of our services to Internet users in Australia,
Canada and selected countries in Latin America and through the BT LookSmart
joint venture in Europe and Asia.
The LookSmart Directory
The LookSmart directory has been structured to include "all of the useful
stuff and none of the junk". The database is organized in order to enable
users to follow intuitive category and sub-category "paths" to find their
desired content or to retrieve it by typing a keyword in a search box.
We create this directory database using a combination of proprietary and
licensed software and a highly structured Internet editorial team. Our
editorial teams are located in San Francisco, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Melbourne
and Montreal. Our software includes a sophisticated desktop tool that enables
editors to find, review, describe and categorize websites and to check whether
websites is currently active and available. The systems we have developed
enable our editors to perform five core processes:
Find the Content
Our editors use a range of automated search technologies, other websites,
website submissions from website owners/builders, off-line data sources and
other methodologies to find the content our users may require.
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Select the Content
In finding useful content, our editors also encounter a lot of "junk",
material that is unlikely to be useful to our users. For example, a user
searching through traditional Internet directories for material on surgery for
breast cancer is likely to come across material that is either commercial
material, material related to cosmetic surgery, pornographic material, or
material from sources with limited medical authority. Our editors select and
place content for each of over 100,000 categories according to parameters that
our taxonomy team maintains. Also, the editors will often organize the
websites to enable the user to find the most generally useful or authoritative
source first and view the more specialized or marginal sources later.
Organize the Content
Our team of full-time taxonomists, primarily library science and
information science specialists, create and frequently modify our category
taxonomy to ensure that it is logical, current and intuitive.
Describe the Content
The end product that users typically seek from a navigation service is a
list of website links. Our editors facilitate the search process by providing
succinct descriptions of up to 20 words for every listed website to assist
users in determining which websites contain content most relevant to their
search.
Maintain the Content
Our editors regularly review user requests and content availability to add
new categories and new websites for existing categories. We also use a
combination of software and editorial intervention to minimize inactive links
in the database. Websites in each category are reviewed according to a
schedule that is appropriate to the subject matter. For example, we update our
collection of material related to the current news much more frequently than
we update our material on historical subjects.
Advertising and Syndication of Our Directory and Search Solutions
In 1999, $22.1 million or 45% of our revenues derived from advertising and
syndication of our directory and search solutions. We offer a full suite of
search solutions and often sell and serve the advertising on our partners'
websites. In most cases we offer a complete search solution where we create a
unique HTML environment for the client's search feature, host the service,
sell advertising on those pages and share advertising revenue with the client.
We believe that there are three factors that drive advertising business to
LookSmart:
. we deliver highly targeted advertising based on the specific content
category on the page;
. we create a quality environment with all sites selected by expert web
editors and exclude all hate and pornography; and
. advertisers are attracted to the scale we have achieved through our
distribution network of search solutions customers.
Our advertising sales were handled through Softbank Interactive Marketing
until October 1997 and by DoubleClick, Inc. from October 1997 through mid-
1998. In an effort to maintain stronger relationships and loyalties with our
advertisers and to reduce advertising sales costs as a percentage of revenues,
in mid-1998 we created our own sales organization, which now consists of a
national sales team of 29 personnel located in San Francisco and New York. We
plan to expand the size of the team and the location of the offices
commensurate with traffic expansion.
The following is a list of some of the advertisers that have recently
advertised on our www.looksmart.com website or the websites of our
distribution affiliates: Amazon.com, Ameritech, Barnes & Noble, Bell Atlantic,
eBay, Farmers Insurance, JC Penney, Jenny Craig, LowestFare, Microsoft,
Nordstrom, Office Max and Providian Financial.
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Licensing of Our Directory and Search Solutions
In 1999, $19.3 million or 39% of our revenues derived from licensing of our
directory and search solutions. We receive revenue from licensing our existing
directory and customizing our directory based on the specifications and needs
of our customers. Clients who license our directory include Microsoft and
Excite@Home. We have built 25 country databases and established partnerships
abroad, most recently with British Telecommunications to form BT LookSmart, an
equally-owned joint venture which will provide search and directory services
in Europe and Asia.
Ecommerce and Distribution
In 1999, $7.5 million or 15% of our revenues derived from our ecommerce and
distribution activities. Many online businesses have elected to be included in
the LookSmart search network, because it allows them to reach a potential
audience of tens of millions of Internet users. Our "Buy It On The Web"
shopping website promotes and sells a range of consumer products, including
the "As Seen on TV" product line promoted by our partner Guthy Renker
Corporation. We plan to establish additional distribution partnerships with a
range of other businesses in order to expand our distribution-based revenue
streams. We also intend to work with existing and new partners to explore ways
to leverage our distribution network and create new revenue streams.
International Operations
LookSmart has established international operations to meet worldwide demand
for improved search infrastructure on the Internet. Central to our
international efforts is our ability to localize our database for individual
markets in order to create a more locally relevant, culturally sensitive
offering. We currently have editorial teams located in San Francisco
(primarily for United States, Latin American, Japanese and Korean services),
London (primarily for English-language European services), Melbourne
(primarily for Australian, British and New Zealand services), Montreal
(primarily for Canadian services) and Copenhagen and Amsterdam (for non-
English European services).
Our recently-formed joint venture, BT LookSmart, plans to enhance existing
local directories, build new country-specific directories and provide search
solutions for selected countries in Europe and Asia. BT LookSmart is equally
jointly owned by LookSmart and British Telecommunications and will seek to
provide Internet search solutions and specialized locally relevant directories
in a number of countries across Europe and Asia. See "Business--Risk Factors--
The BT LookSmart joint venture will require a substantial investment of
resources and may not ever become profitable".
Network of Distributors and Affiliates
We have actively pursued relationships with portals, ISPs, media companies
and other websites and regard these relationships as key drivers of growth in
traffic and revenue. These relationships include the following:
British Telecommunications
In February 2000, LookSmart and British Telecommunications established a
joint venture, BT LookSmart, which plans to offer locally relevant, culturally
sensitive Internet directories for selected countries in Europe and Asia. We
licensed to BT LookSmart our websites for several countries, including the
United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand, as well
as our directories for several countries, including Japan and Korea. BT
LookSmart intends to expand these existing directories and build new ones for
selected countries in Europe and Asia. The joint venture plans to offer its
services to British Telecommunications' established base of Internet customers
in Europe and Asia.
Cox Interactive Media
We have a strategic alliance with Cox Interactive Media relating to local
websites, local navigation services and local content. Our United States
directory is prominently placed on all 23 of Cox's local city sites, such as
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www.accessatlanta.com. Cox Interactive Media, using its own editorial staff,
provides the local content for over 70 city markets for our United States
directory database using a licensed copy of our proprietary Editorial Support
System.
Excite@Home
In June 1999, we entered into a three-year licensing agreement with
Excite@Home Corporation under which Excite@Home licensed our directory
databases for use on the www.excite.com website and other properties. Under
the agreement, we update the database periodically.
Microsoft
In December 1998, we entered into a five-year licensing agreement with
Microsoft Corporation under which Microsoft licensed our directory database
for use on the www.msn.com website and other properties. The agreement is
terminable by either party on six months' notice at any time after June 5,
2000. Under the agreement, we provide Microsoft with custom-tailored Internet
directory content according to Microsoft's requests in six-month increments.
Time Warner
In January 2000, we entered into an agreement with Time Warner, Inc. under
which we agreed to syndicate our search service across Time Warner Internet
properties including www.CNN.com, www.CNNfn.com, CNNSI, www.warnerbros.com
(Warner Bros.), www.Entertaindom.com and www.EW.com (Entertainment Weekly).
Competition
We compete in markets that are new, intensely competitive, highly
fragmented and rapidly changing. We compete on the basis of several factors,
including the quality of content and the ease of use of online services. In
the licensing and syndication market, there are additional factors such as
performance, scalability, price, and relevance of results. The number of
companies and websites competing for users, Internet advertisers' and
ecommerce marketers' spending has increased significantly. With no substantial
barriers to entry in these markets, we expect this competition to continue to
increase. Competition may also increase as a result of industry consolidation.
We face direct competition from companies that provide several types of
Internet services, as illustrated in the following table.
Category Focus Example Competitors
-------- ----- -------------------
Internet content Internet search, content AOL, Yahoo!, Netscape
retrieval aggregation and content Open Directory, Inktomi,
licensing Ask Jeeves, Alta Vista,
Lycos NBCi, Go Network,
GoTo.com
Internet advertising Demographically targeted and Internet advertising
content-targeted advertising networks like DoubleClick
and 24/7 Media; Internet
navigation firms with
similar content targeting
capabilities like AOL,
Yahoo!, and Lycos
Internet outsourcing Outsourcers of Internet Inktomi, InfoSpace.com,
search solutions, Internet Netscape Open Directory,
portal or website Ask Jeeves, GoTo.com,
enhancement content MyWay.com, NBCi, Lycos
Online commerce Small vendors Internet and TicketMaster-CitySearch,
enabling companies transaction enabling AOL's Digital Cities,
Sidewalk, Go2Net, iMall
and Hypermart
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See "Business--Risk Factors--If we are unable to compete effectively in the
Internet navigation market, our business and profitability will suffer".
Technology
One of our principal assets is our internally-developed and licensed
software for creating and distributing the LookSmart directory and search
solutions. In addition, we use a variety of hardware and communications
technologies to distribute and maintain our business.
Editorial Support System
We have developed a proprietary software application, the Editorial Support
System, used by our editors to discover, edit, and categorize websites into
the LookSmart database. This system undergoes frequent revision and upgrade
and over 200 editors can use the application simultaneously. In addition to
the Editorial Support System, we have developed several proprietary algorithms
which enable us to extract data from the database, publish this data in
various editions of the directory and perform routine maintenance on the
database, such as deadlink checking.
The Editorial Support System also provides various statistical and
reporting functions, including editorial productivity levels and work quality,
and identifies trends in user preferences. We have recently enhanced the
system to include capabilities for Asian characters and languages.
Taxonomy and Search
We publish our data in a proprietary and unique set of categories in a
specific taxonomy. This taxonomy has over 100,000 categories. We have
developed proprietary search technology to search this database and return
relevant answers to users. In addition, by integrating keyword search software
from Fast Search and Transfer into our systems, we can create custom search
solutions for our partners' data and content. Through our partnership with
Inktomi, our partners can create and manage customized directories, utilizing
the breadth, depth and ongoing development of Looksmart's core directories.
Server Architecture
We believe we have developed a proprietary, dynamic and scalable server
software architecture that allows us to support our ISP partners by serving
custom versions of the ISP's home page or any other page on the ISP's website
as part of our distribution of directory content. In January 1999, we signed a
license agreement with Engage Technologies to license their Accipiter
advertising server technology. We converted our advertising serving
functionality from an internal proprietary application to the Accipiter
technology effective in March 1999.
GlobalCenter
In February 1999, we signed an agreement with GlobalCenter, Inc. to provide
co-location, Internet connectivity, and maintenance of our hardware equipment
at GlobalCenter's facilities in Santa Clara, California. GlobalCenter provides
comprehensive facilities management services, including human and technical
monitoring of all production servers, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Marketing
Marketing activities will be important in our efforts to build traffic and
attract additional advertisers, syndication affiliates and ecommerce partners.
We have initiated a multi-tiered marketing strategy to support activities
related to key aspects of our business model. We have identified the following
primary targets for our marketing programs:
. the advertising trade, including advertising agency media planners who
plan and buy online advertising for their clients;
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. business partners, including leading ISPs, media companies, portals and
other websites that use LookSmart on a branded, co-branded or unbranded
basis to enhance the search experience of their customers; and
. Ecommerce websites and online marketers of products and services that
seek to be reviewed and included in LookSmart's database of URLs in
order to gain online reach through our partner network.
Employees
We had 151 employees at the end of 1998 and approximately 535 at the end of
1999. We have never had a work stoppage, and none of our employees is
represented by a labor union. We consider our relations with our employees to
be good.
12
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an
investment decision. If any of the following risks actually occur, our
business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed. In
that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could
lose all or part of your investment.
We have a history of net losses and expect to continue to incur net losses
We have incurred net losses since our inception, including net losses of
approximately $12.9 million and $64.7 million for the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1999. As of December 31, 1999, we had an accumulated deficit of
approximately $87.9 million. We expect to have increasing net losses and
negative cash flow for the foreseeable future. The size of these net losses
will depend, in part, on our ability to grow our revenues and capitalize on
new sources of revenue and on the level of our expenses. We expect to spend
significant amounts to:
. develop our international business, particularly through our BT
LookSmart joint venture with British Telecommunications;
. maintain and expand our network of strategic distribution partners;
. fund new product development and enhance the functionality of our search
and navigation services; and
. acquire complementary technologies and businesses.
As a result, we expect that our operating expenses and non-operating losses
will increase significantly in the near term and, consequently, we will need
to generate significant additional revenues to achieve profitability. Even if
we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase
profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.
Our quarterly revenues and operating results may fluctuate due to many
factors, each of which may negatively affect our stock price
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of
a variety of factors that could affect our revenues in any particular quarter.
These factors include:
. the level of user traffic on our and our affiliates' websites and our
ability to monetize that traffic in any given quarter;
. the demand for our Internet search and navigation services;
. the level of demand for Internet advertising and changes in the
advertising rates we charge;
. the timing of revenue recognition under our licensing and advertising
contracts;
. the level and timing of our entry into new contracts for Internet
infrastructure building, database licensing and syndication;
. seasonality of our advertising and ecommerce revenues, as Internet usage
is typically lower in the first and third quarters of the year;
. technical difficulties and systems downtime or failures, whether caused
by us, third party service providers or hackers;
. changes in our or our partners' pricing policies or termination of
contracts; and
. the timing of our delivery of URLs under the Microsoft contract. We
recognize quarterly revenues under this contract based on the number of
URLs added to our database during the quarter relative to the total
number of URLs we are required to add to our database during the
relevant six-month period. As a result, to the extent that we satisfy
our database update obligations unevenly, the revenues we recognize may
be skewed on a quarter-to-quarter basis.
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Our expense levels are based in part on expectations of future revenues
and, to a large extent, are fixed. We may be unable to adjust spending quickly
enough to compensate for any unexpected revenue shortfall. Our operating
results may vary as a result of changes in our expenses and costs, including
costs related to acquisitions and integration of technologies or businesses.
Due to the above factors, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of
our operating results are not necessarily meaningful. You should not rely on
period-to-period comparisons as indicators of our future performance. If our
operating results in any future period fall below the expectations of
securities analysts and investors, the market price of our securities would
likely decline.
We will need additional capital in the future to support our growth and
additional financing may not be available to us
Although we believe that our working capital will provide adequate
liquidity to fund our operations and meet our other cash requirements until
the end of fiscal 2000, unanticipated developments in the short term, such as
the acquisition of businesses with high negative cash flows, may also require
additional financing. In any case, we will seek to raise additional funds
through public or private debt or equity financings in order to:
. fund our 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;
. reduce outstanding debt;
. 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
technology and Internet companies, have traditionally 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 we need will be available on terms favorable to us,
or at all.
Our business prospects depend on the use of the Internet as an advertising
medium and our ability to generate advertising revenues
For the quarter and year ended December 31, 1999, advertising and
syndication revenues accounted for 55% and 45% of our total revenues. We
expect that revenues from advertising and syndication will continue to
represent a significant portion of our total revenues for the foreseeable
future. 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 Internet advertising. We expect
downward pressure on advertising prices in the industry generally due to the
increasing amount of advertising inventory becoming available on the Internet.
As the Internet evolves, advertisers may find Internet advertising to be a
less effective means of promoting their products or services relative to
traditional advertising media and may not continue to spend money on Internet
advertising. Acceptance of the Internet among advertisers will depend, to a
large extent, on the level of Internet usage by consumers and upon growth in
the commercial usage of the Internet.
In addition, advertising on the Internet is at an earlier stage of
development in international markets compared to the United States. We intend
to expand our overseas operations and will therefore be subject to the greater
uncertainties associated with our reliance on advertising revenues from
international operations.
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In addition, our ability to earn advertising revenues depends on the number
of advertising impressions per search and the number of clickthroughs. We
believe category searches generally result in a greater number of advertising
impressions per search and a higher number of clickthroughs than keyword
searches. Accordingly, if we are unable to implement category-based search
broadly across our network of affiliates, or if users decide to use keyword
searches more frequently than category searches, our advertising revenues
could decline.
Intense competition for advertising revenues exists among high-traffic
websites, which results in significant price competition. Currently, there are
a variety of pricing models for selling advertising on the Internet. Several
of the most widely used pricing models are based on the number of impressions
or clickthroughs, the duration over which the advertisement is displayed or
the number of keywords to which the advertisement will be linked. It is
difficult to predict which pricing model, if any, will emerge as the industry
standard. This uncertainty makes it difficult to project our future
advertising rates and revenues that we may generate from advertising. In
addition, our advertising revenues will depend on our ability to achieve,
measure and demonstrate to advertisers the breadth of the traffic base using
our search service and the value of our targeted advertising. Filter software
programs that limit or prevent advertising from being displayed on a user's
computer are available. It is unclear whether this type of software will
become widely accepted, but if it does, it would negatively affect Internet-
based advertising.
Our management and internal systems may be inadequate to handle the growth of
our business
Since January 1, 1998, our workforce has grown substantially, from 55
employees at that date to approximately 535 employees on December 31, 1999. In
addition, many members of our management team have only recently started in
their current positions, including our Senior Vice President, Engineering and
Senior Vice President, Finance. We also need to hire employees to fill several
key positions, including Senior Vice President, Marketing and Vice President,
International. Implementation of our growth strategy requires that we hire
additional highly qualified personnel in the near term, particularly in our
engineering, administration, product development and sales operations.
Our growth has placed, and will continue to place, a significant strain on
our management, our engineering and product development staff, and our
internal accounting, operational and administrative systems. To manage future
growth, we must continue to improve these systems and expand, train, retain
and manage our employee base. If our systems, procedures and controls are
inadequate to support our operations, our expansion could be slowed. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to manage our growth effectively, and any
failure to do so could harm our business.
We derive a significant amount of our revenues from Microsoft, and if
Microsoft terminates their contract with us, our business could be harmed
We derive a significant amount of our revenues under an agreement with
Microsoft Corporation, and after June 5, 2000, either party may terminate the
agreement for any reason on six months' notice. For the quarter and year ended
December 31, 1999, revenues from Microsoft under this agreement accounted for
$4.7 million (26%) and $18.8 million (39%) of our total revenues. The cash
payments we receive for each six-month period under this agreement are subject
to full or partial refund if we fail to provide the stated number of URLs
during that period. Microsoft has the right to use our database during the
term of the agreement and, after the agreement is terminated, to continue to
use the content we delivered during the term of the agreement. Microsoft also
has the right to sublicense these rights to others, both during and for up to
two years after the term of the agreement. Microsoft may not sublicense its
rights to a specified group of companies, which includes some of our
competitors.
Our revenues and income potential are unproven and our business model is
continuing to evolve
We were formed in July 1996 and launched our search and navigation service
in October 1996. Because of our limited operating history, it is extremely
difficult to evaluate our business and prospects. You should evaluate
15
our business in light of the risks, uncertainties, expenses, delays and
difficulties associated with starting a new business, many of which are beyond
our control. In addition, we compete in the relatively new and rapidly
evolving Internet search infrastructure market, which presents many
uncertainties that could require us to further refine or change our business
model. Our success will depend on many factors, including our ability to:
. expand and maintain our network of distribution relationships, thereby
increasing the amount of traffic to Internet properties using our search
services;
. attract and retain a large number of advertisers from a variety of
industries; and
. profitably establish and expand our service offerings, including
ecommerce distribution and LookSmart Live!
Our failure to succeed in one or more of these areas may harm our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
The BT LookSmart joint venture will require a substantial investment of
resources and may not ever become profitable
We face many risks associated with the BT LookSmart joint venture:
. we will recognize 50% of the net income or loss from the joint venture
as non-operating income or expense on our statement of operations. In
the early years of operation we expect the venture to incur significant
losses and require large capital expenditures. As a result, LookSmart's
earnings will be adversely impacted. We cannot project when BT LookSmart
will reach cash flow break-even or become profitable, if at all.
. we may be unable to raise funds to meet our financing obligations, in
which case our equity ownership of the joint venture will be
proportionately reduced;
. the joint venture will face competition in international markets from a
range of competitors, including Yahoo!, Microsoft Network, Alta Vista,
UK Plus, France Telecom, Deutsche Telecom, Tele Denmark, Scandinavian
Online, Sonera Plaza and other American and foreign search engines,
content aggregators and portals, some of which have greater capital
resources and local experience in these markets;
. the joint venture may fail to offer locally-relevant search products and
services, which would prevent it from aggregating a large base of
Internet traffic;
. the joint venture will face risks associated with conducting operations
in many different countries, including risks of currency fluctuations,
government and legal restrictions, privacy or tax laws, cultural or
technical incompatibilities and economic or political instability;
. the joint venture's success will depend on its ability to aggregate a
large amount of Internet traffic and monetize that traffic through
advertising and other revenue streams;
. the joint venture may fail to establish an effective management team and
hire experienced and qualified personnel in each of the countries in
which it offers its search and navigation services; and
. we have not previously worked with British Telecommunications and may be
unable to forge an effective working relationship in the joint venture
due to differences in business goals, assessment of and appetite for
risk or other factors.
If we are unsuccessful in expanding the network of affiliates using our
directory and search services, we may be unable to increase future revenues
Our success depends on our ability to expand the network of affiliates
using our directory and search services. We have invested, and will continue
to invest, a significant amount of our human and capital resources to expand
this network. However, we cannot assure you that this strategy will be
successful or that we will
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continue to grow and expand the traffic through the network of websites using
our Internet infrastructure services. If we are unsuccessful in doing so, the
reach of our search services, and consequently our ability to generate
advertising revenues, will be seriously harmed. In that event, our business
prospects and results of operations may deteriorate.
A failure to manage and integrate businesses we acquire could divert
management's attention and harm our operations. Acquisitions may also dilute
our existing stockholders
If we are presented with appropriate opportunities, we intend to make
additional acquisitions of, or significant investments in, complementary
companies, products or technologies to increase our technological capabilities
and expand our service offerings. Acquisitions may divert the attention of
management from the day-to-day operations of LookSmart. In addition,
integration of acquired companies into LookSmart could be expensive, time
consuming and strain our managerial resources. In particular, it may be
difficult to retain key management and technical personnel of the acquired
company during the transition period following an acquisition. Geographic
distances between LookSmart and its acquired businesses may require some
employees to relocate. For these reasons, we may not be successful in
integrating any acquired businesses or technologies and may not achieve
anticipated revenue and cost benefits.
Acquisitions may also result in dilution to our existing stockholders if we
issue additional equity securities and may increase our debt. We may also be
required to amortize significant amounts of goodwill or other intangible
assets in connection with future acquisitions, which would adversely affect
our operating results.
We may be unable to address capacity constraints on our software and
infrastructure systems in a timely manner
We have developed custom, proprietary software for use by our editors to
create the LookSmart directory and we also use proprietary and licensed
software to distribute the LookSmart directory and associated pages, and to
serve advertising to those pages. This software 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 website or the websites of our syndication partners:
. demands on our software and infrastructure systems resulting from
substantial increases in editorial activity or the number of URLs in our
directory;
. customization of the database for syndication;
. substantially increased traffic; and
. the addition of new features or changes in our directory structure.
If we fail to address these constraints and difficulties in a timely
manner, our advertising, syndication and other revenues will decline and our
business will suffer. In addition, as we expand our service offerings and
enter into new business areas such as ecommerce distribution, we may be
required to significantly modify, enhance and expand our software and
infrastructure systems. If we fail to accomplish these tasks in a timely
manner, our business will suffer.
The operating performance of our systems is critical to our business and
reputation
Any system failure, including network, software or hardware failure,
whether caused by us, a third party service provider or hackers, that causes
an interruption in our service or a decrease in the responsiveness of the web
pages that we serve could result in reduced user traffic, a decline in
revenues and damage to our reputation and brand name. In addition, our users
and customers depend on ISPs, online service providers and other website
operators for access to the LookSmart directories. These service providers
have experienced significant outages in the past and could experience outages,
delays and other operating difficulties in the future.
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In February 1999, we entered into an agreement with GlobalCenter, Inc. to
house our hardware equipment at their facilities in Santa Clara, California.
We do not presently maintain fully redundant systems at separate locations, so
our operations depend on GlobalCenter's ability to protect the systems in its
data center from earthquake, fire, power loss, water damage,
telecommunications failure, hackers, vandalism and similar events. Although
GlobalCenter provides comprehensive facilities management services,
GlobalCenter does not guarantee that our Internet access will be
uninterrupted, error-free or secure. We have not developed a disaster recovery
plan to respond to system failures. Although we maintain property insurance
for our equipment and business interruption insurance, we cannot guarantee
that our insurance will be adequate to compensate us for all losses that may
occur as a result of any system failure.
We face risks related to expanding into new services and business areas,
including LookSmart Live! and ecommerce distribution
To increase our revenues, we will need to expand our operations by
promoting new or complementary products and services and by expanding into new
business areas. We are continuing to develop and implement various ecommerce
services, including facilitating transactions and providing ecommerce
solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. These products and services will
require both modification of existing software and systems and the creation or
acquisition of new software and systems. We may lack the managerial, editorial
and technical resources necessary to expand our service offerings. These
initiatives may not generate sufficient revenues to offset their cost. In
addition, as we continue to expand our offerings in these and other markets,
we will require significant additional managerial and financial resources that
may strain our existing resources.
For example, one of our new business areas, LookSmart Live!, is capital and
human resource intensive, and may be difficult to scale quickly and
profitably. If we are unable for any reason to expand the service in line with
consumer demand, our reputation and business could suffer. In the fourth
quarter of 1999, the LookSmart Live! service generated no revenues and had
$2.0 million in operating expenses. If we are unable to monetize the traffic
generated from this service, it may not become profitable and may harm our
results of operations and financial condition.
If we are unable to compete effectively in the Internet search infrastructure
market, our business and profitability will suffer
We compete in the Internet search infrastructure market, which is
relatively new and highly competitive. We expect competition to intensify as
the market evolves. Many of our competitors have longer operating histories,
larger user bases, longer relationships with consumers, greater brand
recognition and significantly greater financial, technical and marketing
resources than we do. As a result of their greater resources, our competitors
may be in a position to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies
and changes in consumer requirements and to develop and promote their products
and services more effectively than we do.
The barriers to entry into some segments of the Internet search
infrastructure market are relatively low. As a result, new market entrants
pose a threat to our business, particularly with respect to providing Internet
search services to vertical market segments. We do not own any patented
technology that precludes or inhibits competitors from entering the Internet
search infrastructure market. Existing or future competitors may develop or
offer technologies or services that are comparable or superior to ours, which
could harm our business.
We currently face direct competition from companies that provide directory
content, search algorithms, content aggregation and licensing, demographically
and content-targeted advertising, Internet outsourcing and online interactive
service capabilities. As we expand the scope of our Internet services, we will
compete directly with a greater number of Internet search and navigation
providers, content aggregators and other media companies across a wide range
of different online services, including:
. subject-specific websites where competitors may have advantages in
expertise and brand recognition;
. portals that have a branded franchise and a high frequency of repeat
visitors;
18
. metasearch services and software applications that allow a user to
search the databases of several directories and catalogs simultaneously;
and
. category-based and directory-based services that offer information
search and retrieval capabilities.
To date, the Internet search infrastructure market has been characterized
by intense competition for consumer traffic. This has resulted in the payment
of consumer referral fees by us and others to frequently used websites such as
portals and ISPs. If these companies fail to provide these referrals, or the
market for these referrals becomes more competitive so that the cost of
referrals increases, our business and potential profitability could be harmed.
Recent acquisitions and strategic alliances involving our competitors could
reduce traffic to our and our affiliates' websites
A number of significant acquisitions and strategic alliances have been
completed or announced in the Internet search and navigation market involving
some of our competitors, including:
. CMGI's acquisition of an interest in Alta Vista;
. America OnLine's acquisition of Netscape Communications Corporation and
proposed acquisition of Time Warner, Inc.;
. The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of an interest in Infoseek
Corporation;
. NBCi's formation from Snap, XOOM.com, NBC.com, NBC Interactive
Neighborhood, AccessHollywood.com, VideoSeeker and a 10% equity stake in
CNBC.com;
. Yahoo, Inc.'s acquisition of Geocities;
. @Home Network's acquisition of Excite, Inc.; and
. Ask Jeeves' acquisition of Direct Hit Corporation.
Although the effect of these acquisitions and strategic alliances on our
business cannot be predicted with certainty, these transactions could provide
our competitors with significant opportunities to increase traffic on their
websites and expand their service offerings, which could drive down traffic
for our network. In addition, these transactions align some of our competitors
with companies, including television networks, that are significantly larger
and have substantially greater marketing and technical resources and name
recognition than LookSmart. As a result, these competitors may be in a
position to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes
in consumer requirements and to develop and promote their products and
services more effectively than we do.
We may be unable to execute our business model in international markets
A key component of our strategy is to expand our operations into selected
international markets, both through the BT LookSmart joint venture in Europe
and Asia and through our direct offerings of search and navigation services in
Australia, Canada and selected countries in Latin America. To date, we have
limited experience in syndicating localized versions of our service offerings
in international markets, and we may be unable to execute our business model
in these markets. In addition, most foreign markets have lower levels of
Internet usage and online advertising than the United States. In pursuing our
international expansion strategy, we face several additional risks, including:
. lower per capita Internet usage in many countries abroad, due a variety
of causes such as lower disposable incomes, lack of telecommunications
and computer infrastructure and questions regarding adequate on-line
security for ecommerce transactions;
. relatively small Internet markets in some countries may prevent us from
aggregating sufficient traffic and advertising revenues and scaling our
business model in those countries;
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. competition in international markets from a broad range of competitors,
including Yahoo!, Alta Vista and other United States and foreign
telecommunications firms, search engines, content aggregators and
portals, some of which have greater local experience than we do;
. uncertainty of market acceptance in new regions due to language,
cultural, technological or other factors;
. our potential inability to aggregate a large amount of Internet traffic
and find and develop relationships with international advertising and
distribution partners;
. difficulties in recruiting qualified and knowledgeable staff and in
building locally relevant products and services, which could prevent us
from aggregating a large user base;
. unexpected changes and differences in regulatory, tax and legal
requirements applicable to Internet services; and
. foreign currency fluctuations.
Our failure to address these risks could inhibit or preclude our efforts to
expand our business in international markets.
Our future success depends on our ability to attract and retain key personnel
Our future success depends, in part, on the continued service of our key
management personnel, particularly Evan Thornley, our Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, and Tracey Ellery, our President. Mr. Thornley and Ms.
Ellery are husband and wife. The loss of the services of either of these
individuals, or the services of other key employees, could adversely affect
our business. LookSmart does not have employment agreements with Mr. Thornley
and Ms. Ellery, and they do not have stock options or restricted stock subject
to vesting based on continued employment.
Our success also depends on our ability to identify, attract, retain and
motivate highly skilled administrative, technical, editorial and marketing
personnel. In particular, we are currently conducting searches for senior
marketing, international operations and finance personnel. Competition for
such personnel, particularly in the San Francisco Bay area, is intense, and we
cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our key employees or that we
can identify, attract and retain highly skilled personnel in the future.
Many of our advertisers are emerging Internet companies that represent credit
risks
We expect to derive an increasingly significant portion of our revenues
from the sale of advertising to other Internet companies. Many of these
companies have limited operating histories, are operating at a loss and have
limited access to capital. If any significant part of our customer base
experiences financial difficulties or is not commercially successful, our
business will suffer.
Our results will be negatively affected if we fail to adapt to rapid
technological change and evolving industry standards
To be successful, we must adapt to rapidly changing Internet technologies
and evolving industry standards. The introduction of new technologies,
including new or superior Internet search methods, or the emergence of new
industry standards and practices could render our systems and proprietary
software obsolete or require us to make significant unanticipated investments
to adapt to these changes. We must also enhance our existing service offerings
and introduce new products and services to address the changing needs and
demands of Internet users and our customers. If we are unable to respond to
any of these developments on a timely and cost-effective basis, our business
will be adversely affected.
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We may face liability for intellectual property claims or information
contained in our search and navigation services, and these claims may be
costly to resolve
We make information available to end users on our search and navigation
services, both on our website and our distribution affiliates' websites. We
also provide our distribution affiliates with custom-developed software and
software developed by others as part of our service offerings. Although we do
not believe that our website content and services infringe any proprietary
rights of others, we cannot assure you that others will not assert claims
against us in the future or that these claims will not be successful. We or
our distribution affiliates could be subject to claims for defamation,
invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright, trademark infringement, breach of
contract or other theories based on the nature and content of our information
and services. These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully,
against online service providers in the past. In addition, we are obligated
under some agreements to indemnify other parties as a result of claims that we
infringe on the proprietary rights of others.
Even if such claims do not result in liability to us or our distribution
affiliates, we could incur significant costs and diversion of management time
in investigating and defending against them. Our insurance may not cover
claims of this type, may not be adequate to cover all costs incurred in
defense of these claims, and may not indemnify us for all liability we incur.
Our business prospects depend on the continued growth in the use of the
Internet
Our business is substantially dependent upon continued growth in the use of
the Internet as a medium for obtaining information and engaging in commercial
transactions. Internet usage may decline and ecommerce may be inhibited for
various reasons, including:
. user inability or frustration in locating and accessing required
information;
. actual or perceived lack of security of information;
. limitations of the Internet infrastructure resulting in traffic
congestion, reduced reliability or increased access costs;
. inconsistent quality of service;
. governmental regulation, such as tax or privacy laws;
. general economic problems in the United States or abroad which decreases
users' disposable income;
. uncertainty regarding intellectual property ownership; and
. lack of appropriate communications equipment.
We believe that capacity constraints caused by growth in the use of the
Internet may, unless resolved, impede further growth in Internet use. Further,
the adoption of the Internet for commerce and communications, particularly by
those individuals and companies that have historically relied upon traditional
means of commerce and communication, generally requires the understanding and
acceptance of a new way of conducting business and exchanging information.
Companies that have already invested substantial resources to conduct commerce
and exchange information through other means may be particularly reluctant or
slow to adopt a new Internet-based strategy that may make their existing
personnel and infrastructure obsolete. If any of the foregoing factors affects
the continuing growth in the use of the Internet, our business could be
harmed.
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 Federal Trade Commission and government agencies in some states
and countries have been investigating some Internet companies, and lawsuits
have been filed against some Internet companies, regarding their use of
personal information. Any regulations imposed to protect the privacy of
Internet users may affect the way in which we currently collect and use
personal information.
21
The European Union has adopted a directive that imposes restrictions on the
collection and use of personal data, guaranteeing citizens of European Union
member states various rights, including the right of access to their data, the
right to know where the data originated and the right to recourse in the event
of unlawful processing. We cannot assure you that this directive will not
adversely affect our activities, or the activities of BT LookSmart, in
European Union member states.
As is typical with most websites, our website places information, known as
cookies, on a user's hard drive, generally without the user's knowledge or
consent. This technology enables website operators to target specific users
with a particular advertisement and to limit the number of times a user is
shown a particular advertisement. Although some Internet browsers allow users
to modify their browser settings to remove cookies at any time or to prevent
cookies from being stored on their hard drives, many consumers are not
familiar with or technically proficient to customize these settings. In
addition, some Internet commentators, privacy advocates and governmental
bodies have suggested limiting or eliminating the use of cookies. If this
technology is reduced or limited, the Internet may become less attractive to
advertisers and sponsors, which could result in a decline in our revenues.
We retain information about our users. If others were able to penetrate our
network security and gain access to, or in some other way misappropriate, our
users' information, we could be subject to liability. These claims could
result in litigation, our involvement in which, regardless of the outcome,
could require us to expend significant time and financial resources. We could
incur additional expenses if new regulations regarding the use of personal
information are introduced or if any regulator chooses to investigate our
privacy practices.
New tax treatment of companies engaged in Internet commerce may adversely
affect the Internet industry and our company
Tax authorities on 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 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. However, new or revised taxes and, in particular, sales taxes,
would likely increase our cost of doing business and decrease the
attractiveness of advertising and selling goods and services over the
Internet. These events would likely have an adverse effect on our business and
results of operations.
Future sales of our securities may cause our stock price to decline
The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of
substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the
perception that such sales could occur. As of December 31, 1999, approximately
26.6 million shares of common stock were held by non-affiliates and
approximately 59.1 million shares were held by affiliates, all of which are
currently available for resale in the public market without registration,
subject to compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Moreover, as of
December 31, 1999, the holders of approximately 42.2 million shares of common
stock and warrants to purchase approximately 13.5 million shares of common
stock had rights to require us to register those shares under the Securities
Act.
In addition, the Chess Depository Interests, or CDIs, which are publicly
traded on the Australian Stock Exchange under the symbol "LOK", are
exchangeable into shares of LookSmart common stock at a ratio of 20 CDIs per
share of common stock. Holders of CDIs may exchange their CDIs for shares of
LookSmart common stock. In that event, the exchanged shares of common stock
may be available for resale at the option of the holders in the Nasdaq
National Market. The CDIs currently trading on the Australian Stock Exchange
are exchangeable into an aggregate of approximately 4.4 million shares of
common stock.
These resales of common stock in the Nasdaq National Market, or the
perception that they may occur, could cause our stock price to decline. These
events may also make it more difficult for us to raise funds through future
offerings of common stock.
22
Our stock price is extremely volatile and investors may not be able to resell
their shares for a profit
The stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations,
and the market prices of technology companies, particularly Internet-related
companies, have been extremely volatile. These broad market and industry
fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock,
regardless of our actual operating performance. You may not be able to sell
your shares for a profit as a result of a number of factors which may cause a
decline in the stock price, including:
. changes in the market valuations of Internet companies in general and
comparable companies in particular;
. actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our operating results;
. changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
. announcements of technological innovations or new products or services
by us or our competitors; 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
outcome.
Government regulation and legal uncertainties could decrease demand for our
services or increase our cost of doing business
Any new law or regulation pertaining to the Internet, or the application or
interpretation of existing laws, could decrease demand for our services, or
increase our cost of doing business, or both. Currently, there are a number of
laws and regulations that pertain to communications or commerce on the
Internet, and it is likely that the number of such laws and regulations will
increase. These laws or regulations may relate to liability for information
transmitted over the Internet, online content regulation, user privacy or the
quality of products or services provided over the Internet. Moreover, the
applicability to the Internet of existing laws governing intellectual property
ownership and infringement, copyright, trademark and trade secret is uncertain
and developing.
Directors, officers and significant stockholders have substantial influence
over LookSmart, which could prevent or delay a change in control
As of December 31, 1999, our executive officers, directors and significant
stockholders and the funds for whom they act as general partner, collectively
owned approximately 69% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. If
these stockholders choose to act or vote together, they will have the power to
control matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our
directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation and approval of
significant corporate transactions, including mergers or sales of all of our
assets. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of discouraging
others from making a tender offer or bid to acquire LookSmart at a price per
share that is above the then-current market price.
The anti-takeover provisions of Delaware's general corporation 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
23
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,
could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a
change of control.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our headquarters are located in 137,000 square feet of leased office space
in San Francisco, California. The lease term for our headquarters extends to
October 15, 2009. The lease provides us with an option to renew the lease for
two additional five-year periods after the initial lease term of ten years
expires. In January 2000, we subleased approximately 43,000 square feet of
space at our headquarters facility to third parties. In March 2000, we
subleased an additional 30,000 square feet of space in this facility. These
subleases terminate in December 2000 and the rent received on the subleases is
in excess of our obligation under the original lease.
We also lease approximately 17,000 square feet of space in San Francisco
through November 30, 2000. In January 2000, we subleased all of this space to
a single tenant through the term of the original lease. The rent received on
the sublease is in excess of our obligation under the original lease.
We lease a number of smaller facilities overseas in Melbourne, Sydney,
Montreal, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. These facilities have various lease terms
extending as far as October 2004.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On October 5, 1998, Hollinger Digital, Inc. filed a complaint against us in
New York Supreme Court (Case No. 604797/98). The complaint alleged that we
breached an agreement to sell 3,059,798 shares of our Series C preferred stock
(representing approximately 15% of our fully vested capitalization at the time
of the alleged breach) to Hollinger for $2.33 per share. The complaint also
asserted claims for promissory and equitable estoppel and sought specific
performance of the proposed terms of the alleged Series C transaction, which
included a right to pro rata participation in future financings prior to our
initial public offering. On December 1, 1998, we filed a motion to dismiss
Hollinger's complaint. On March 17, 1999, the court issued an order granting
our motion and dismissed Hollinger's complaint with prejudice. On May 4, 1999,
Hollinger filed a Notice of Appeal. On November 16, 1999, the Appellate
Division heard oral argument on the matter and took the appeal under
submission. We believe that Hollinger's complaint is without merit and we will
continue to vigorously defend the lawsuit. If we are required to issue shares
of our capital stock in connection with Hollinger's claims, however, our
investors will suffer dilution.
Except for the Hollinger litigation, we are not a party to any material
legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1999.
24
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
LookSmart, Ltd. common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "LOOK". The following table sets forth the range of high and low
closing sales prices for each period indicated:
HIGH LOW
------- -------
Fiscal 1999:
Third quarter (from August 20)............................ $40.500 $16.250
Fourth quarter............................................ $42.063 $24.375
Fiscal 2000:
First quarter (through March 23).......................... $69.625 $27.500
LookSmart had approximately 7,505 stockholders of record as of December 31,
1999. We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on the 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.
Report of Offering of Securities and Use of Proceeds Therefrom
On August 20, 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission declared
effective our registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-80581)
registering the initial public offering of 8,855,000 shares of our common
stock at an offering price of $12.00 per share. The initial public offering
was managed by Goldman, Sachs & Co., BancBoston Robertson Stephens and
Hambrecht & Quist. Gross proceeds of the offering, including the underwriters'
exercise of the over-allotment option, were approximately $106.3 million. Net
proceeds to LookSmart for the offering, after deducting commissions, fees and
expenses related to the offering, were approximately $96.9 million. As of
December 31, 1999, a portion of the net proceeds had been used for general
corporate purposes, including working capital, marketing and promotional
activities, expanded operations, new product development and increased
personnel. The remaining proceeds were invested in short-term investments in
order to meet anticipated cash needs for future working capital.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Since our incorporation in July 1996, we have sold and issued the following
unregistered securities:
(1) On July 24, 1996, we issued 119,640,000 shares of common stock to
two founding stockholders for an aggregate consideration of $19,940.00.
(2) On September 22, 1997, we repurchased 101,640,000 shares of our
common stock from one founding stockholder for the aggregate repurchase
price of $16,940.00 in exchange for the issuance of a warrant to purchase
9,000,000 shares of common stock and a promissory note in the aggregate
amount of $1,500,000. The warrant has an exercise price of $0.00017 per
share.
(3) On January 5, 1998, we issued a warrant for 1,500,000 shares of
mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock (Series A) to a bank in
connection with a line of credit agreement for an aggregate purchase price
of $534,400.00.
(4) On February 1, 1998, we issued to one investor a convertible
promissory note in the aggregate amount of $250,000.00, mandatorily
redeemable for preferred stock (Series A).
(5) On February 5, 1998, we issued to two investors convertible
promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $250,000.00, mandatorily
redeemable for preferred stock (Series A).
(6) On March 7, 1998, we issued to one investor a convertible promissory
note in the aggregate amount of $50,000.00, mandatorily redeemable for
preferred stock (Series A).
25
(7) On March 12, 1998, we issued to one investor a convertible
promissory note in the aggregate amount of $75,000.00, mandatorily
redeemable for preferred stock (Series A).
(8) On March 26, 1998, we issued a warrant for 1,010,412 shares of
mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock (Series A) to one
investor for an aggregate purchase price of $359,976.12.
(9) On March 27, 1998, we issued to one investor a convertible
promissory note in the aggregate amount of $1,500,000, mandatorily
redeemable for preferred stock (Series A).
(10) On April 6, 1998, we issued to one investor a warrant for 336,804
shares for an aggregate purchase price of $56,134.00 and a convertible
promissory note in the aggregate amount of $500,000.00, both for
mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock (Series A).
(11) On May 6, 1998, we issued 1,057,500 shares of common stock to one
director for an aggregate consideration of $8,906.25.
(12) On May 7, 1998, we issued 6,352,614 shares of Series A preferred
stock to seven investors for an aggregate consideration of $2,287,493.39,
we issued 14,327,748 shares of Series B preferred stock to one investor for
an aggregate consideration of $6,004,997.98, and we issued a warrant to
purchase 1,500,000 shares of common stock to one investor for an aggregate
purchase price of $3,750,000.00 and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
3,024,924 shares of Series A preferred stock to two investors for an
aggregate of $1,267,846.48.
(13) On September 10, 1998, we issued a warrant to purchase 480,000
shares of common stock to one investor for an aggregate purchase price of
$200,800.00.
(14) On October 23, 1998, we issued 6,000,000 shares of Series 1 Junior
Preferred to seven investors for an aggregate of $2,900,000.00 in
connection with the acquisition of BeSeen.com, Inc. as a wholly-owned
subsidiary.
(15) On March 24, 1999, we issued 12,007,590 shares of Series C
preferred stock to 45 investors for an aggregate of $60,037,950.00, and a
warrant to purchase 439,999 shares of Series C preferred stock to one
investor for an aggregate purchase price of $2,199,997.50. On April 26,
1999, we issued 75,939 shares of Series C preferred stock to 14 investors
for an aggregate of $379,695.00.
(16) On April 9, 1999, we issued 2,550,000 shares of common stock to one
investor for the aggregate consideration of $6,375,000.00 in connection
with an asset purchase.
(17) On June 9, 1999, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of
540,000 shares of common stock to four investors for an aggregate
consideration of $675,000 in connection with an asset purchase.
(18) On December 30, 1999, we committed to issue up to 71,870 shares of
common stock to four investors in connection with a purchase of securities
in Futurecorp International Pty Ltd.
(19) Since our incorporation, we have issued options to purchase an
aggregate of 25,693,000 shares of common stock with exercise prices ranging
from $0.00953 to $34.6250 per share. Since our incorporation, options to
purchase 3,019 shares of common stock have been exercised for an aggregate
consideration of $187,000.
(20) Since our incorporation, we have issued warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 17,832,140 shares of preferred and common stock with exercise
prices ranging from $0.00017 to $7.50 per share. Since our incorporation,
warrants to purchase 14,423,048 shares of preferred and common stock have
been exercised for an aggregate consideration of $2,522,000.
There were no underwriters employed in connection with any of the foregoing
transactions.
The issuances of securities described in (1), (4), (5), (7), (9), (12),
(15) and (18) were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities
Act in reliance on Section 4(2) and on Regulation S of the Securities Act as
26
transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering and the offer and
sale of securities to non-U.S. investors. The issuance of securities described
in (2), (3), (6), (10), (11), (13), (16) and (17) were deemed to be exempt
from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering.
The issuance of securities described in (14) and (15) were deemed to be exempt
from registration in reliance on Sections (2) and 4(6) of the Securities Act.
The issuances of securities described in (19) and (20) were deemed to be
exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(2)
or Rule 701 promulgated thereunder as transactions pursuant to compensatory
benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation. The recipients of
securities in each such transaction represented their intention to acquire the
securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in
connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed
to the share certificates and other instruments issued in such transactions.
All recipients either received adequate information about the Registrant or
had access, through employment or other relationships, to such information.
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to those
statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this report.
Period from
July 19, 1996 Year Ended
(Inception) to --------------------------------------
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
1996 1997 1998 1999
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
(in thousands except per share amounts)
Statements of Operations
Data:
Net revenues.......... $ 3 $ 949 $ 8,785 $ 48,865
Gross profit.......... (87) 519 7,199 41,947
Total operating
expenses............. 2,739 7,848 19,097 109,065
Net income (loss)..... (2,900) (7,514) (12,858) (64,663)
Net income (loss) per
share--basic and
diluted.............. $ (0.03) (0.08) $ (0.68) $ (1.42)
Shares used in per
share calculation--
basic and diluted.... 115,947 91,589 18,790 45,518
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
1996 1997 1998 1999
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital
(deficit)............... $ (429) $(1,125) $(6,507) $ 82,688
Total assets............. 2,825 2,275 14,090 161,519
Long-term debt and
capital lease
obligations, net of
current portion......... -- 1,500 1,500 1,423
Total stockholders'
equity (deficit)........ $2,091 $ (453) $(1,261) $119,552
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements which
appear elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The following discussion contains forward-
looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs, including
without limitation forward-looking statements regarding anticipated revenue
growth, trends in costs of revenues and operating expenses, international
expansion and introduction of additional services, the adequacy of our capital
reserves and our future need for additional capital. Our actual results could
differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are
not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this report,
particularly in "Business-- Risk Factors".
27
Overview
LookSmart was formed in July 1996 as a Delaware corporation under the name
of NetGet Ltd. to acquire the business and associated intellectual property of
HomeBase Directories Pty Ltd., an Australian company founded by Evan Thornley
and Tracey Ellery in October 1995. At that time, The Reader's Digest
Association purchased approximately 85% of our outstanding common stock, an
investment it held until October 1997 when it exchanged this stock for
warrants to purchase 9 million shares of our common stock and a $1.5 million
promissory note. We changed our name to LookSmart, Ltd. in October 1996. In
July 1997, we relocated our headquarters from Australia to San Francisco,
California.
Prior to July 1997, revenues from our business were incidental and we were
primarily focused on investing in editorial resources and building our
Internet directory. Until October 1997, our cash requirements were satisfied
primarily by funds provided by The Reader's Digest Association and, to a
lesser extent, from advertising revenues from sales made through outside sales
forces. Our advertising revenues continued to increase during the fourth
quarter of 1997 and the first quarter of 1998.
During 1998, we entered into several key operational relationships designed
to increase traffic to our website and to expand our directory. In May 1998,
we raised a total of approximately $8.3 million in our Series A and Series B
preferred stock financings, marking the beginning of our strategic
relationship with Cox Interactive Media to develop web directories for key
local United States markets. This infusion of capital allowed us to
significantly increase the resources devoted to editorial and product
development, establish our own advertising sales force and significantly
strengthen our management team.
In May 1998, we entered into a one-year traffic contract with Netscape,
which has been renewed through July 2000. Under this arrangement, Netscape
periodically directs user search traffic to LookSmart for a fixed cost per
thousand impressions.
In October 1998, we acquired BeSeen.com, Inc., a leading provider of tools
to webmasters, for 6 million shares of our Series 1 Junior preferred stock.
The primary purpose of this transaction was to generate traffic and website
relationships for LookSmart to increase advertising sales.
In December 1998, we entered into a five-year contract with Microsoft.
Under this agreement, we license our database to Microsoft, and we are
obligated to increase the number of unique URLs included in our database every
six months by pre-defined amounts. Microsoft has the right to determine the
criteria for a portion of these URLs. Microsoft paid us an initial non-
refundable license fee and committed to a fixed schedule of additional
payments for updates. A portion of each update payment is subject to refund if
we fail to provide the contractually required number of URLs. The difference
between any cash received under the contract and revenues recognized to date
is recorded as deferred revenues. At December 31, 1999, deferred revenue
associated with the Microsoft contract was $18.5 million. After June 5, 2000,
either party may terminate the agreement for any reason on six months' notice
The terms of our agreement with Microsoft could cause our quarterly
licensing revenues and operating results to fluctuate significantly. We
recognize quarterly revenues under this agreement based on the number of URLs
added to our database during the quarter relative to the total number of URLs
we are required to add to our database during the relevant six-month
contractual measurement period. As a result, to the extent that we satisfy our
database update obligations unevenly, the revenues we recognize may be skewed
on a quarter-to-quarter basis. Because the six-month contractual measurement
periods end on June 5 and December 5 of each year, our second and fourth
quarters may include revenues from more than one six-month contractual
measurement period. This may result in additional quarter-to-quarter
fluctuations in revenues.
In March 1999, we raised approximately $60.3 million in our Series C
preferred stock round of financing. The proceeds from this financing were used
to increase working capital, to fund operating losses and to enter into
strategic relationships and acquisitions.
28
In April 1999, we acquired certain lines of business and other rights from
Guthy-Renker Internet, LLC as part of a strategic alliance between our two
companies for $5.0 million in cash and 2.55 million shares of LookSmart common
stock. We also earn revenues from Guthy-Renker Corporation's "As Seen on TV"
products that are sold online and promoted through television infomercials. We
are entitled to place LookSmart advertising on Guthy-Renker Corporation
infomercials.
On June 9, 1999, we acquired substantially all of the assets of ITW
NewCorp, Inc., in exchange for $5.0 million in cash and warrants to purchase
420,000 shares of LookSmart common stock. Through this asset purchase, we
provide Internet bulletin board services which generate advertising revenue.
In June 1999, we entered into five agreements with three PBS-related
entities under which we agreed to sponsor five programs on PBS. The agreements
vary in duration from three to five years. At December 31, 1999, LookSmart was
committed to pay a total of $13.3 million for the remainder of the contract
periods if all five agreements remain effective throughout their terms. These
payments will be recorded as sales and marketing expense, and generally will
be spread equally over the terms of the contracts. The PBS-related entities,
in return, have agreed to promote LookSmart on their respective websites.
Specifically, the arrangement provides that LookSmart's website is provided a
direct link to the PBS website www.pbs.org. The agreements do not guarantee
LookSmart a minimum number of impressions.
In June 1999, we entered a three-year licensing agreement with Excite@Home.
Under this agreement, we license our database to Excite@Home.
On August 19, 1999, LookSmart completed its initial public offering of
8,855,000 shares of common stock, including 1,155,000 shares issued in
connection with the exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. All
shares were issued at an offering price of $12.00 per share. Net proceeds from
the offering after underwriting discounts and commissions and offering
expenses of $9.3 million were approximately $96.9 million.
In November 1999, we entered into an agreement with Inktomi Corp. to co-
bundle our search technologies for offerings to vertical portals. As of
December 31, 1999, we had not recognized any revenue related to this
agreement.
In December 1999, we acquired 14.5% of the outstanding voting stock of
Dstore Pty Ltd, an Australian privately held company, for $328,000. This
transaction was accounted for as an investment using the cost method of
accounting. Dstore is an online department store offering a variety of
products for sale over the Internet.
In December 1999, we acquired stock which controls 52% of the outstanding
voting rights of Futurecorp International Pty Ltd., an Australian privately
held company, for $1,840,000 cash and the committed issuance of 71,870 shares
of common stock. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase.
Futurecorp's results of operations subsequent to the transaction have been
consolidated as of December 31, 1999. Through the acquired business, we
provide web-based communication applications and community building solutions
focused primarily in Australia.
Revenues and Cost of Revenues
Advertising and Syndication. LookSmart provides a high quality environment
for advertisers to promote their products and services. We generally provide
advertisers with one to three month agreements to serve a minimum number of
banner impressions over the term of the agreement. In several cases, we have
entered into longer agreements. We offer advertisers the ability to specify
the category of traffic for their banner advertisements, and we are able to
charge premiums on some categories based on advertisers' perceptions of
economic value, including the placement of the advertisement on the page, the
demographics of the users who view the page, and the size of the audience
requesting the page.
We expect advertising revenues to continue to account for a significant
portion of our revenues for the foreseeable future. Our ability to maintain
current levels of advertising revenues will depend on our ability to re-
29
sign or replace existing advertisers as their contracts expire. We expect
downward pressure on advertising prices in the industry generally due to the
increasing amount of advertising inventory coming onto the Internet from other
sources. Therefore, we expect that any future increases in advertising
revenues will depend on our ability to effectively manage our advertising
inventory by leveraging our targeted category-based model to charge premium
rates, and on our ability to grow the inventory availability by increasing
traffic to Internet properties using our search solutions.
In our limited operating history, we have experienced seasonality in
advertising revenues with typically weaker demand from advertisers in the
first and third calendar quarters. We expect that advertising revenues will
continue to be subject to seasonality. In particular, the rate of growth, if
any, between the last quarter of one year and the first quarter of the next
year tends to be less than the rate of growth experienced between other
consecutive quarters. This is due in part to the fact that the fourth quarter
contains increased advertising spending in anticipation of the holiday season.
Because advertising revenues represent a significant portion of our
business, fluctuations in advertising revenues due to pricing pressures, the
timing or cancellation of contracts, inventory management, seasonality, site
down time or other factors can be expected to have a significant effect on our
overall operating advertising revenues. However, our costs are fixed, at least
in the short term, and cannot be expected to track fluctuations in advertising
revenues. To the extent that costs do not track changes in advertising
revenues, fluctuations from this revenues source will have a
disproportionately large impact on net income or loss.
We generate revenues from syndication agreements by sharing with our
syndication partners advertising sales revenue associated with traffic
referred between the partners and LookSmart. In some cases, our syndication
partner receives gross revenues from the advertiser and then makes a payment
to LookSmart for our share of those revenues. In other cases, we receive the
gross revenues from the advertiser, and then forward a portion of these
revenues to the syndication partner. We work with our ISP partners to "co-
brand", or create partner-specific home pages which have the "look and feel" a
partner desires and which provides the ISP subscriber fully-functional access
to the LookSmart database. In these cases, LookSmart derives the advertising
sales revenues from the traffic generated by the ISP partner and compensates
the partner, typically on a per impression or per referral basis, for this
traffic.
The principal components of cost of advertising and syndication revenues
are personnel costs of our in-house advertising operations employees,
equipment depreciation, other expenses relating to hosting advertising
operations and agency commissions paid to outside advertising sales
organizations.
Licensing. We license our database content to some of our partners,
including Microsoft and Excite@Home. We expect revenues from licensing to
fluctuate from period to period because these revenues are dependent upon the
particular terms of our licensing arrangements and the expiration, renewal and
addition of agreements with current and future partners. We do not anticipate
recurring cost of licensing revenues in connection with our licensing
activities; the cost of developing URL databases is included in product
development. Revenues associated with licensing contracts are recognized as
delivery occurs as specified under the contracts, and where no refund
obligations exist.
Ecommerce/Distribution. The scale and quality of our alliances provide an
effective distribution network to marketers of products and services. We
enable users searching for products and services in our database to find
ecommerce vendors seeking a channel to reach relevant business and consumers.
We offer ecommerce solutions to marketers of products and services, providing
them with significant opportunities to reach the highly targeted audience of
Internet users accessing our search solutions. These solutions may include
carriage or listing services, referral or lead generation services and product
distribution services.
The Company's ecommerce/distribution revenue is generated by the sale of
merchandise and the design, construction and hosting of commercial websites.
Revenue from the sale of merchandise is reported on a gross basis if the
Company acts as the principal in the transaction with associated product cost
reported as cost of
30
revenues. Revenue is recognized at the time goods are shipped. Revenue from
the design and construction of websites is recognized when the website is
delivered to the customer, or when the Company's obligation terminates.
Hosting revenues are recognized in the period in which hosting occurs.
The principal components of cost of ecommerce and distribution revenues are
product costs paid in connection with our "As Seen on TV" merchandise sales,
fulfillment costs and direct costs associated with site hosting. These costs
will fluctuate with the level of these activities.
Operating Expenses
We do not track operating expenses by reportable segment, but treat these
as shared overhead of our three reportable segments.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses include payments to
syndication partners who are portals, ISP partners and other traffic providers
for directing online users to the LookSmart database. Traffic payments can
exhibit significant fluctuations from period to period depending on the
contracts in effect, volume of traffic going to the partner sites and the
contracted rates. Further, traffic payments as a percentage of revenues can
vary significantly depending on the structure of the payment arrangements
between us and our affiliates. When a traffic arrangement is structured so
that we receive only the portion of the gross advertising revenues forwarded
to us then little or no sales and marketing expense is directly associated
with that revenue stream. On the other hand, when a traffic arrangement is
structured so that we collect the gross advertising revenues and forward a
portion to our affiliate, we record as revenues the entire amount of the gross
advertising revenues, and the portion forwarded to the partner is recorded as
sales and marketing expense. We expect payments to our affiliate and
distribution partners to increase as we expand our business.
From April 1999 through October 1999, our sales and marketing expenses
included the cost of website development seminars which focused on selling web
pages and offering related services. Sales and marketing expenses also include
the costs of advertising, trade shows and public relations activities. Due to
the one-time nature of these expenditures, sales and marketing expenses will
be subject to significant fluctuations from period to period. Sales and
marketing costs also include salaries and associated costs of employment
overhead and facilities. Sales and marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Product Development. Product development costs, including research and
development costs, have been expensed as incurred except to the extent that
costs for internal use software are required to be capitalized and amortized
under American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position
98-1 (SOP 98-1). During 1999 we capitalized $443,000 of internal use software
costs and we are amortizing these costs over two years. Amortization relating
to internal use software was $84,000 in 1999. Product development expenses
include the editorial development costs of building our content database and
engineering costs of maintaining and improving the development environment,
including our proprietary Editorial Support System software. These costs
include salaries and associated costs of employment, overhead and facilities.
Software licensing and computer equipment depreciation related to supporting
product development functions are also included in product development
expenses. These costs are relatively fixed in the short term.
We expect product development costs to continue to increase as we increase
the size and reach of our distribution network and offer new products and
services to our partners, both domestically and overseas.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses include
overhead costs such as executive management, human resources, finance, legal,
investor relations and facilities personnel. These costs include salaries and
associated costs of employment, overhead and facilities. General and
administrative expenses include consulting and professional service fees which
are subject to significant variability over time. We expect general and
administrative expenses to increase in the future due to the growth of our
business.
Unearned Compensation. In fiscal 1999 we recorded aggregate unearned
compensation of approximately $15.1 million. These amounts were recorded in
connection with the grant of stock options to employees and
31
directors and represent the difference between the deemed fair value for
accounting purposes of the common stock subject to the options at the dates of
grant and the exercise price of the options. The unearned compensation is
amortized over the vesting period of the applicable options, typically four
years. Amortization of unearned compensation was $9.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 1999. We expect to amortize additional unearned
compensation expenses of approximately $4.0 million in 2000, $2.0 million in
2001, $702,000 in 2002 and $58,000 in 2003.
Amortization of Goodwill and Intangibles. In connection with the October
1998, April 1999 and June 1999 acquisitions of, or asset purchases from,
BeSeen.com, Inc., Guthy-Renker Internet and ITW NewCorp, we recorded goodwill
and intangible assets of $3.9 million, $17.2 million and $9.3 million. These
amounts are being amortized over periods from one to five years. We began
amortizing the goodwill and other intangibles arising from the acquisition of
BeSeen.com, Inc. in the fourth quarter of 1998, and the Guthy-Renker Internet
and ITW NewCorp amounts in the second quarter of 1999. We recorded goodwill
and intangible assets of $3.8 million in December 1999 in connection with the
acquisition of Futurecorp. We amortized an aggregate of $5.4 million in 1999,
and we anticipate amortizing $7.8 million in 2000, $7.5 million in 2001, $6.7
million in 2002, $5.7 million in 2003, and $1.6 million in 2004 in connection
with these transactions. Part of our growth strategy is to make additional
acquisitions as we identify attractive opportunities. As a result, we expect
additional amortization of goodwill and intangibles to occur in future
periods.
Income Taxes. Although we are not yet profitable on a consolidated basis,
tax charges will be incurred in connection with our operations in foreign
jurisdictions. We expect that foreign taxes will become more significant with
continued overseas business growth and expansion.
32
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, line items from
LookSmart's consolidated statements of operations as percentages of revenues:
Year Ended
December 31,
------------------
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
Revenues:
Advertising and syndication.............................. 99% 63% 45%
Licensing................................................ 1 37 39
Ecommerce/distribution................................... -- -- 16
---- ---- ----
Total revenues......................................... 100 100 100
Cost of revenues:
Advertising and syndication.............................. 45 12 6
Licensing................................................ -- 6 --
Ecommerce/distribution................................... -- -- 8
---- ---- ----
Total cost of revenues................................. 45 18 14
---- ---- ----
Gross profit........................................... 55 82 86
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing...................................... 387 125 121
Product development...................................... 274 54 54
General and administrative............................... 123 30 17
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles................. 43 7 11
Amortization of unearned compensation.................... -- 1 20
---- ---- ----
Total operating expenses............................... 827 217 223
---- ---- ----
Loss from operations....................................... (772) (135) (137)
Non-operating income (expense), net........................ (2) (10) 6
---- ---- ----
Loss before income taxes................................... (774) (145) (131)
Income taxes............................................... (18) (1) (1)
---- ---- ----
Net loss................................................... (792)% (146)% (132)%
==== ==== ====
1999 Compared to 1998
Revenues
Our revenues increased 456% to $48.9 million in 1999 compared to
$8.8 million in 1998. Advertising and syndication revenues increased to $22.1
million in 1999, an increase of 297% over the $5.6 million recognized in 1998.
This increase is attributable to increased traffic, better inventory
management, higher yields and new syndication agreements. Licensing revenue
increased to $19.3 million in 1999, an increase of 497% over the $3.2 million
recognized in 1998. This increase reflects the inclusion of a full year of
licensing revenues from our agreement with Microsoft Corporation in 1999. This
agreement was signed in December 1998. In 1999 ecommerce/distribution revenues
were $7.5 million; in 1998 there were no comparable revenues.
Ecommerce/distribution revenues primarily represent sales of "Buy-It-On-The-
Web" products, a collection of consumer merchandise available for sale via the
Internet. The "Buy-It-On-The-Web" Internet distribution rights were acquired
as part of the Guthy-Renker Internet asset purchase transaction in April 1999.
As a percentage of total revenues, advertising and syndication decreased to
45% for 1999 compared to 63% of total revenues in 1998. Licensing revenues as
a percentage of total revenues increased slightly to 39% for 1999 compared to
37% of total revenues in 1998. In 1999, 16% of total revenues were generated
by ecommerce/distribution revenues, whereas there were no
ecommerce/distribution revenues in 1998.
33
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues increased 336% to $6.9 million in 1999 compared to
$1.6 million in 1998. Of this increase, $4.0 million was attributable to
product costs paid as a result of "Buy-It-On-The-Web" merchandise sales. The
distribution agreement came into effect in April 1999. There were no such
costs for the comparable period in 1998. Cost of advertising and syndication
revenue increased 164% to $2.9 million in 1999 from $1.1 million in 1998. This
increase was the result of increased depreciation on computer hardware and
software capital expenditures, as well as the increased salaries and benefits
costs for additional employees in advertising operations. Cost of licensing
revenues was $500,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998. This amount
represents a one-time finder's fee related to a licensing agreement. There was
no cost of licensing revenues for the comparable period in 1999.
As a percentage of revenues, cost of revenues decreased to 14% in 1999
compared to 18% in 1998. As a percentage of advertising and syndication
revenues, cost of advertising and syndication revenues decreased to 13% in
1999 compared to 20% in 1998. This decrease was primarily attributable to
economies of scale associated with higher traffic volume and higher yields on
saleable traffic. Cost of ecommerce/distribution revenues was 54% of revenues
in 1999 and was primarily attributable to sales of "Buy-It-On-The-Web"
merchandise. This business did not exist in the prior year.
Operating Expenses
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased 438% to $59.1
million in 1999 from $11.0 million in 1998. As a percentage of revenues, sales
and marketing expenses decreased to 121% in 1999 from 125% in 1998. The dollar
increase in sales and marketing expenses is primarily attributable to the
following: marketing expenses, including our branding campaign and our
corporate PBS sponsorships, represent approximately $17.0 million of the
increase; traffic costs increased approximately $14.0 million as the result of
the growth of our ISP partner program, the impact of renewing our traffic
agreement with Netscape and the cost associated with our traffic agreement
with NetZero. Sales expenses contributed approximately $4.3 million to the
increase in sales and marketing as a result of our addition of an internal
sales staff in the second half of 1998. Costs associated with the seminar
business acquired as part of the Guthy-Renker Internet, LLC asset acquisition
in April 1999, accounted for $6.5 million of the increase in sales and
marketing. The use of seminars as a marketing tool was discontinued in October
1999.
Product Development. Product development expenses increased 458% to $26.6
million in 1999 from $4.8 million in 1998. As a percentage of revenues,
product development expenses were 54% in both 1999 and 1998. The dollar
increase in product development expenses is primarily due to a significant
increase in editorial, engineering and product design personnel to support our
efforts to expand our database and services offered both in the United States
and overseas. During 1999 we launched editorial operations in Montreal,
Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased
209% to $8.1 million in 1999 from $2.6 million in 1998. As a percentage of
revenue, general and administrative expenses decreased to 17% in 1999 from 30%
in 1998. The dollar increase in general and administrative expenses is
primarily due to additional personnel in the finance, human resources and
legal functions as well as additional professional services costs incurred to
support the growth of the company.
Amortization of Goodwill and Intangibles. We are amortizing goodwill and
intangibles as a result of the purchase of intellectual property at our
inception in 1996, the BeSeen.com acquisition in October 1998, the Guthy-
Renker Internet asset purchase in April 1999 and the ITW NewCorp asset
purchase in June 1999. Amortization of these assets increased 800% to $5.4
million in 1999 from $605,000 in 1998. The dollar increase was due primarily
to the fact that 1999 included a full years impact of the BeSeen.com, Inc.
acquisition, as well as the Guthy-Renker Internet and ITW NewCorp asset
purchase transactions which occurred in 1999.
34
Amortization of Unearned Compensation. Amortization of unearned
compensation was $9.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1999 compared to
$133,000 for the same period in 1998. We began recording unearned compensation
in the second half of 1998.
Non-operating Income (Expense), Net. Net interest income (expense) includes
interest expense on our debt and capital lease obligations, net of interest
income from our cash and cash equivalents. We recorded net interest income of
$2.9 million 1999 compared to net interest expense of $675,000 in 1998. The
change from net interest expense to net interest income between the two
periods is primarily the result of having larger cash balances on hand in 1999
resulting from the sale of preferred stock in March and Initial Public
Offering proceeds in August.
Other Net Income (Expense). Other net income (expense) primarily includes
foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the change in the value of
foreign currencies, primarily the Australian dollar, relative to the United
States dollar. We recorded other net expenses of $8,000 in 1999 compared to
other net expenses of $139,000 in 1998.
Income Taxes
We recorded income tax expenses of $470,000 in 1999, primarily associated
with our Australian operations, compared to $146,000 in 1998.
1998 Compared to 1997
Revenues
Our revenues increased 826% to $8.8 million in 1998 from $949,000 in 1997.
The largest portion of the increase was due to an increase of $4.6 million, or
492%, in advertising and syndication revenues as compared to 1997. This
increase was the result of increased traffic, better advertising inventory
management and new syndication agreements. Also contributing significantly to
the increase were new revenues of $3.2 million from licensing in the last half
of 1998. Before the third quarter of 1998, database content licensing was not
significant.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues increased 269% to $1.6 million in 1998 from $430,000 in
1997. Cost of advertising and syndication revenues increased 153% to $1.1
million in 1998 from $430,000 in 1997. Agency commissions paid to outside
advertising sales organizations, costs associated with advertising operations
personnel and depreciation on related advertisement serving software and
hardware contributed to the absolute dollar increase in cost of advertising
and syndication revenues. As a percentage of advertising and syndication
revenues, cost of advertising and syndication revenues decreased to 20% in
1998 compared to 46% in 1997. This decrease can be attributed primarily to
economies of scale associated with higher traffic volume and higher yields on
saleable traffic.
Cost of licensing revenues was $500,000 in 1998. This amount represents a
one-time finder's fee related to a licensing agreement. There was no cost of
licensing revenues in 1997.
Operating Expenses
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased 199% to $11.0
million in 1998 from $3.7 million in 1997. As a percentage of revenues, sales
and marketing decreased to 125% in 1998 from 387% in 1997. The dollar increase
in sales and marketing expenses is primarily attributable to a $4.9 million
increase in traffic costs as a result of our agreements with Netscape and Alta
Vista, which became effective in the second quarter of 1998, and the overall
growth of our ISP partner program. Also contributing to this dollar increase
was our addition of an advertising sales staff in the second half of 1998.
35
Product Development. Product development expenses increased 83% to $4.8
million in 1998 from $2.6 million in 1997. As a percentage of revenues,
product development expenses decreased to 54% in 1998 from 274% in 1997. The
dollar increase in product development costs is primarily due to a significant
increase in editorial and engineering personnel to accelerate the addition of
URLs to our database and due to an increase in product design personnel to add
features to our website.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expense increased
125% to $2.6 million in 1998 from $1.2 million in 1997. As a percentage of
revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 30% in 1998 from
123% in 1997. The dollar increase in general and administrative expenses is
primarily due to additional personnel and professional services costs incurred
to support our growth.
Amortization of Goodwill and Intangibles. Amortization increased 48% to
$605,000 in 1998 from $410,000 in 1997. The dollar increase in amortization of
goodwill and intangibles is the result of the amortization expenses associated
with the October 1998 acquisition of BeSeen.com.
Amortization of Unearned Compensation. We began recording unearned
compensation in the second half of 1998. The charge to the income statement
for the year was $133,000.
Non-operating Income (Expense), Net. We recorded net interest expense of
$675,000 in 1998 compared to net interest expense of $16,000 in 1997. The
increase in net interest expense between the two periods is primarily the
result of interest expense related to the issuance of warrants with debt, and
interest accruals on larger debt balances outstanding in 1998 compared to
1997.
Income Taxes
We recorded income tax expense of $146,000 in 1998, primarily associated
with our Australian operations, compared to $166,000 in 1997.
36
Quarterly Results of Operations
The following tables set forth certain unaudited statements of operations
data for the eight quarters ended December 31, 1999. This data has been
derived from the unaudited interim financial statements prepared on the same
basis as the audited consolidated financial statements contained in this
annual report, and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for
a fair presentation of such information when read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
this annual report. The operating results for any quarter should not be
considered indicative of results of any future period.
Three Months Ended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mar. June Sept. Dec. Mar.
31, 30, 30, 31, 31, June 30, Sept. 30 Dec. 31
1998 1998 1998 1998 1999 1999 1999 1999
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
Revenues:
Advertising and
syndication............ $ 805 $ 1,015 $ 1,359 $ 2,380 $ 2,191 $ 3,433 $ 6,258 $ 10,194
Licensing............... -- 25 364 2,837 4,389 5,237 4,601 5,028
Ecommerce/distribution.. -- -- -- -- -- 1,820 2,422 3,292
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues........ 805 1,040 1,723 5,217 6,580 10,490 13,281 18,514
Cost of revenues:
Advertising............. 250 245 226 365 318 430 1,009 1,113
Licensing............... -- -- -- 500 -- -- -- --
Ecommerce/distribution.. -- -- -- -- -- 1,130 1,339 1,579
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total cost of
revenues............. 250 245 226 865 318 1,560 2,348 2,692
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit.......... 555 795 1,497 4,352 6,262 8,930 10,933 15,822
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing..... 1,124 2,088 3,317 4,446 6,422 10,736 17,489 24,435
Product development..... 529 615 1,186 2,435 3,884 5,683 8,655 8,371
General and
administrative......... 362 397 671 1,189 1,615 2,051 2,098 2,318
Amortization of goodwill
and intangibles........ 103 102 103 297 395 1,523 1,806 1,718
Amortization of unearned
compensation........... -- -- 19 114 789 2,005 5,830 1,242
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating
expenses............. 2,118 3,202 5,296 8,481 13,105 21,998 35,878 38,084
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Loss from operations...... (1,563) (2,407) (3,799) (4,129) (6,843) (13,068) (24,945) (22,262)
Non-operating income
(expense), net........... (64) (503) (2) (245) 19 570 936 1,400
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Loss before income taxes.. (1,627) (2,910) (3,801) (4,374) (6,824) (12,498) (24,009) (20,862)
Income taxes.............. 45 31 18 52 52 -- -- 418
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss.............. $(1,672) $(2,941) $(3,819) $(4,426) $(6,876) $(12,498) $(24,009) $(21,280)
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
Liquidity and Capital Resources
LookSmart has incurred losses and consumed cash each year since inception.
Operating activities used $37.0 million of cash in 1999 compared to $1.9
million in 1998. The consumption of cash in operating activities was primarily
driven by: a net loss of $64.7 million in 1999 compared to $12.9 million in
1998; an increase of
37
$6.1 million in accounts receivable, due to the increased level of revenues;
and increases in prepaid and other assets of $6.3 million due to higher
prepaid distribution marketing costs and higher security deposits. Cash was
provided by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $11.1
million and an increase in deferred revenue of $11.6 million compared to $9.3
million, primarily due to cash received in excess of revenues of $9.7 million
on the Microsoft contract.
In 1999 we used $11.5 million of cash to make strategic business
investments including the acquisitions of assets from Guthy-Renker and ITW
NewCorp, Inc.; the acquisition of a controlling interest in Futurecorp, an
Australian corporation; and the acquisition of a minority interest in Dstores;
an Australian corporation. In 1998 the comparable cash investment was $907,000
related to the acquisition of BeSeen, Inc.
In 1999 we purchased property and equipment of $11.6 million compared to
$1.6 million in 1998. The significantly higher level of expenditure in 1999
was driven by the need to obtain office space, office furnishings and computer
equipment to support the increase in headcount during 1999. In November 1999,
we signed a lease for our San Francisco premises which requires that we make
aggregate rent payments of approximately $44.0 million over the ten year term
of the lease; we have subleased part of the building not required for our
current occupancy. We obtained $2.6 million in equipment lease financing for
the purchase of property and equipment in 1999.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 1999 was $160.6 million
compared to $7.9 million in 1998. Major financing events in 1999 were the
raising of $60.3 million of net proceeds from the Series C preferred stock
financing and $96.9 million of net proceeds from the initial public offering.
As of December 31, 1999 LookSmart had $104.0 million of cash and short-term
investments.
Our capital requirements depend on numerous business facts including our
hiring and product development needs, the funding needs of strategic alliances
and distribution agreements and the pace at which we pursue overseas expansion
of our business. We have experienced a substantial increase in expenditures
since inception driven by growth in the size and nature of our operations. We
anticipate that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future. We will
continue to evaluate acquisitions and strategic investments in complementary
businesses both in the United States and internationally. These acquisitions
may require the use of cash and, to the extent that acquired interests have
not reached cash flow breakeven, we may need to fund the operations and
expansion of these acquired interests in addition to funding the growth of our
current business.
Management believes that our current cash balance is sufficient to meet our
operating requirements and funding commitments to the BT LookSmart joint
venture until at least the end of fiscal 2000. We expect that we will need to
seek additional financing to fund further expansion. We cannot assure you that
such financing will be available on reasonable terms. If we raise funds
through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, our existing
stockholders will experience dilution of their holdings.
Subsequent Events
In February 2000, LookSmart entered into a joint venture agreement with
British Telecommunications. LookSmart and BT will have an equal equity
interest in the joint venture, BT LookSmart, which will provide localized
directory services in Europe and Asia. We will account for our investment in
the joint venture using the equity method of accounting. Our share of the
joint ventures net income or loss will be reported as non-operating income or
expense.
The agreement establishing the joint venture requires that LookSmart commit
up to $108.0 million in cash through March 2003. Under the terms of the
agreement, BT extended a $50.0 million credit facility with interest at 20%
per annum. We drew down $50.0 million from the credit facility in February
2000. Draw downs on the credit facility are convertible into LookSmart common
stock at $35.00 per share at BT's discretion.
On February 25, 2000, we completed the listing of approximately 90 million
Chess Depository Interests, or CDIs, on the Australian Stock Exchange, or ASX,
under the trading symbol "LOK". We completed the listing in order to enable
investors that are required to invest only in ASX-listed companies to acquire
an equity interest
38
in LookSmart. All of the shares of LookSmart common stock exchangeable for the
CDIs were offered by selling stockholders. We did not issue any new securities
in connection with, or receive any proceeds from, the issuance of the CDIs.
Each CDI is exchangeable into 0.05 shares of LookSmart common stock at the
option of the holder.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 is effective for
transactions entered into after March 31, 2000 and requires that all
derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes
in the fair value are recorded in current earnings or other comprehensive
income. The Company has not held any derivative instruments or participated in
any hedging activities and anticipates the adoption of this standard will not
materially impact the Company's financial statements.
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements"
("SAB 101"). SAB 101 becomes effective for the second quarter of the year
ending December 31, 2000. The Company is in the process of determining the
impact that adoption of SAB 101 will have on the consolidated financial
statements.
In December 1999, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF No. 99-17,
"Accounting of Advertising Barter Transactions" (EITF 99-17). EITF 99-17 is
effective for years ended December 31, 2000. The Company believes that the
adoption of EITF 99-17 will not have a material effect on the consolidated
financial statements.
Year 2000 Risks
Even though we have not experienced any immediately adverse impact from the
transition to the Year 2000 on January 1, 2000, we cannot guarantee that we,
our suppliers and customers have not been or will not be affected in a manner
that is not yet apparent. In addition, certain computer programs that were
date sensitive to the Year 2000 may not process the Year 2000 as a leap year
and any consequential effects may remain unknown until later. Total costs
incurred in 1999 to complete our Year 2000 review and remediation amounted to
$247,000.
ITEM 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk. The Company's exposure to market risk for interest rate
changes relates primarily to its short-term investments. The Company had no
derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 1999 or 1998. The Company
invests its excess cash in debt instruments of high-quality corporate issuers
with original maturities greater than three months and current maturities less
than twelve months. The amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer and
type of instrument is limited.
Foreign Currency Risk. International revenues from the Company's foreign
subsidiaries were less than 10% of total revenues in 1999 and were derived
entirely from our Australian operations. The Company's international business
is subject to risks typical of an international business, including but not
limited to differing economic conditions, changes in political climate,
differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions and foreign
exchange rate volatility, partially the exchange rate between the Australian
dollar and the United States dollar. The effect of foreign exchange rate
fluctuations on the Company in 1997, 1998 and 1999 were not material.
39
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
Report of Independent Accountants........................................ 41
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1998 and 1999................ 42
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the
years ended
December 31, 1997, 1998, and 1999....................................... 43
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1998, 1999..................................... 44
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1998, and 1999.................................................... 45
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................... 46
40
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
LookSmart, Ltd. and Subsidiaries:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, of
stockholders' equity (deficit) and of cash flows present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of LookSmart, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
(the Company) at December 31, 1998 and 1999, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United
States which require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Francisco, California
January 26, 2000 except as
to Note 14, which is as of
February 25, 2000
41
LOOKSMART, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, except for per share data)
December 31,
------------------
1998 1999
-------- --------
ASSETS
------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................... $ 3,501 $ 75,971
Short term investments.................................. -- 28,038
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $127 and $610 at December 31, 1998 and
1999................................................... 2,895 8,039
Trade accounts receivable from related party............ -- 980
Prepaid distribution costs.............................. 546 1,435
Prepaid expenses........................................ 245 2,275
Other current assets.................................... 61 965
-------- --------
Total current assets.................................. 7,248 117,703
Property and equipment, net............................... 1,979 11,595
Goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated
amortization of $1,220 and $6,661 at December 31, 1998
and 1999................................................. 4,744 29,301
Other assets.............................................. 119 2,920
-------- --------
Total assets.......................................... $ 14,090 $161,519
======== ========
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
--------------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable.................................. $ 1,325 $ 4,002
Other accrued liabilities............................... 2,873 12,915
Deferred revenue........................................ 9,234 16,705
Income taxes payable.................................... 323 650
Capital lease obligations--current portion.............. -- 743
-------- --------
Total current liabilities............................. 13,755 35,015
Deferred revenue.......................................... 96 4,919
Capital lease obligations................................. -- 1,423
Note payable to stockholder............................... 1,500 --
Minority interest......................................... -- 610
-------- --------
Total liabilities..................................... 15,351 41,967
Commitments (Note 7)
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value; Authorized:
32,216 at December 31, 1998 and 5,000 at December 31,
1999; Issued and Outstanding: 26,681 at December 31, 1998
and none at December 31, 1999; liquidation preference of
$70,306 at December 31, 1998 and $0 at December 31, 1999
......................................................... 26 --
Common stock, $.001 par value; Authorized: 81,000 and
200,000 shares at December 31, 1998 and 1999,
respectively; Issued and Outstanding: 19,459 and 86,267
at December 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively.............. 19 86
Additional paid-in capital................................ 21,928 211,305
Other equity (deficit).................................... 38 (3,904)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (23,272) (87,935)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit).................. (1,261) 119,552
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit).. $ 14,090 $161,519
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
42
LOOKSMART, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------
1997 1998 1999
------- -------- --------
Revenues:
Advertising and syndication..................... $ 939 $ 5,559 $ 22,076
Licensing....................................... 10 3,226 19,255
Ecommerce/distribution.......................... -- -- 7,534
------- -------- --------
Total revenues................................ 949 8,785 48,865
Cost of revenues
Advertising and syndication..................... 430 1,086 2,870
Licensing....................................... -- 500 --
Ecommerce/distribution.......................... -- -- 4,048
------- -------- --------
Total cost of revenues........................ 430 1,586 6,918
------- -------- --------
Gross profit.................................. 519 7,199 41,947
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing (exclusive of amortization
of unearned compensation of 0, 40 and 2,781 in
1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively)............. 3,668 10,975 59,082
Product development (exclusive of amortization
of unearned compensation of 0, 86 and 4,837 in
1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively)............. 2,605 4,765 26,593
General and administrative (exclusive of
amortization of unearned compensation of 0, 7
and 2,248 in 1997, 1998 and 1999,
respectively).................................. 1,165 2,619 8,082
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles........ 410 605 5,442
Amortization of unearned compensation........... -- 133 9,866
------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses...................... 7,848 19,097 109,065
------- -------- --------
Loss from operations.............................. (7,329) (11,898) (67,118)
Non-operating income (expense):
Other income (expense), net..................... (3) (139) (8)
Interest income (expense), net.................. (16) (675) 2,933
------- -------- --------
Loss before income taxes.......................... (7,348) (12,712) (64,193)
Income taxes...................................... 166 146 470
------- -------- --------
Net loss.......................................... (7,514) (12,858) (64,663)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized loss on securities during
the period..................................... -- -- (77)
Change in translation adjustment................ (39) (16) 77
------- -------- --------
Comprehensive loss................................ $(7,553) $(12,874) $(64,663)
======= ======== ========
Basic and diluted loss per share.................. $ (0.08) $ (0.68) $ (1.42)
======= ======== ========
Weighted average shares outstanding used in per
share calculation................................ 91,589 18,790 45,518
======= ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
43
LOOKSMART, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In Thousands)
Convertible
Preferred
Stock Common Stock Additional Total
--------------- ---------------- Paid-In Other Accumulated Stockholder's
Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Equity Deficit Equity
------- ------ -------- ------ ---------- -------- ----------- -------------
Balance at January 1,
1997................... -- $ -- 90,000 $ 90 $ 4,900 $ -- $ (2,900) $ 2,090
Common stock issued for
cash................... -- -- 29,640 30 125 -- -- 155
Stockholder
contribution........... -- -- -- -- 4,855 -- -- 4,855
Common stock repurchased
and
exchanged for
warrants............... -- -- (101,640) (102) 17 85 -- --
Translation adjustment.. -- -- -- -- -- (39) -- (39)
Net loss................ -- -- -- -- -- -- (7,514) (7,514)
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at December 31,
1997................... -- -- 18,000 18 9,897 46 (10,414) (453)
Common stock issued upon
exercise of options.... -- -- 402 -- 5 -- -- 5
Common stock issued for
cash................... -- -- 1,057 1 8 -- -- 9
Preferred stock issued
for cash, conversion of
notes, and as part of
acquisitions, net of
costs of $688.......... 26,681 26 -- -- 11,340 -- -- 11,366
Issuance of warrants
with preferred stock... -- -- -- -- (770) 770 -- --
Issuance of warrants
with debt.............. -- -- -- -- -- 379 -- 379
Issuance of warrants for
services............... -- -- -- -- -- 31 -- 31
Issuance of warrants
with financing
agreements............. -- -- -- -- -- 143 -- 143
Unearned compensation... -- -- -- -- 1,448 (1,448) -- --
Amortization of unearned
compensation........... -- -- -- -- -- 133 -- 133
Translation adjustment.. -- -- -- -- -- (16) -- (16)
Net loss................ -- -- -- -- -- -- (12,858) (12,858)
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at December 31,
1998................... 26,681 $ 26 19,459 $ 19 $ 21,928 $ 38 $(23,272) $ (1,261)
Preferred stock Series A
issued for cash........ 1,500 2 -- -- 531 -- -- 533
Preferred stock Series C
issued for cash, net of
costs of $29........... 12,083 12 -- -- 60,332 -- -- 60,344
Unearned Compensation... -- -- -- -- 15,135 (15,135) -- --
Amortization of unearned
compensation........... -- -- -- -- -- 9,866 -- 9,866
Common stock issued as
part of Guthy Renker
acquisition............ -- -- 2,550 3 11,472 -- -- 11,475
Issuance of warrants as
part of ITW
acquisition............ -- -- -- -- -- 4,263 -- 4,263
Issuance of warrants
with Series C preferred
stock.................. -- -- -- -- (1,443) 1,443 -- --
Common stock issued upon
exercise of options.... -- -- 2,616 3 179 -- -- 182
Common stock issued as
part of IPO, net of
offering costs of
$9,342................. -- -- 8,855 9 96,900 -- -- 96,909
Preferred stock stock
repurchased............ (555) (1) 555 1 -- -- -- --
Conversion of preferred
stock to common stock.. (39,709) (39) 39,710 39 -- -- -- --
Common stock issued upon
exercise of warrants... -- -- 12,465 12 5,687 (4,379) -- 1,320
Common stock issued for
Employee Stock Purchase
Plan................... -- -- 57 -- 584 -- -- 584
Unrealized loss on
securities............. -- -- -- -- -- (77) -- (77)
Translation adjustment.. -- -- -- -- -- 77 -- 77
Net loss................ -- -- -- -- -- -- (64,663) (64,663)
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at December 31,
1999................... -- $ -- 86,267 $ 86 $211,305 $ (3,904) $(87,935) $119,552
======= ===== ======== ===== ======== ======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements
44
LOOKSMART, LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------
1997 1998 1999
------- -------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss......................................... $(7,514) $(12,858) $(64,663)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities
Depreciation and amortization.................. 679 956 7,552
Amortization of unearned compensation.......... -- 133 9,866
Write-off of in-process research and
development................................... -- 338 --
Warrants and other non-cash charges............ -- 557 --
Loss on disposition of equipment............... 12 12 259
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Trade accounts receivable.................... (37) (2,709) (6,124)
Prepaid expenses............................. 5 (781) (2,919)
Other assets................................. (8) (170) (3,375)
Trade accounts payable....................... 254 834 2,677
Other accrued liabilities and payables....... 236 2,431 8,411
Deferred revenues............................ -- 9,330 11,571
------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities...... (6,373) (1,927) (36,745)
------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions................................... -- (907) (11,489)
Purchase of short-term investments............. -- -- (28,038)
Purchases of property and equipment............ (336) (1,573) (11,885)
------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities...... (336) (2,480) (51,412)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from stockholder contribution......... 4,855 -- --
Proceeds from notes............................ 1,500 4,952 --
Repayment of notes............................. -- (2,327) (1,500)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock,
net........................................... -- 5,237 60,887
Proceeds from sale of equipment under sale
lease-back agreement.......................... -- -- 2,635
Repayments on equipment lease.................. -- -- (469)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock
warrants...................................... -- -- 1,321
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock..... 155 14 97,676
------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities.. 6,510 7,876 160,550
------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash.......... (39) (16) 77
------- -------- --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents..................................... (238) 3,453 72,470
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period... 286 48 3,501
------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period......... $ 48 $ 3,501 $ 75,971
======= ======== ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
(Note 12)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements
45
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Nature of Business and Principles of Consolidation
LookSmart offers its business partners and consumers comprehensive Internet
search infrastructure services. LookSmart distributes its proprietary
directory to a large number of Internet users through LookSmart owned web
properties, as well as our strategic partners, including portals, Internet
service providers and media companies.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries: LookSmart International Pty Ltd, Futurecorp
International Pty Ltd, BeSeen.com, Inc., LookSmart Netherlands B.V. and
LookSmart Holdings (Delaware), Ltd. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in 20% to 50%
owned partnerships and affiliates are accounted for on the equity method and
investments in less than 20% owned affiliates are accounted for on the cost
method.
Use of Estimates
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. This requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior years' balances have been reclassified to conform with the
current year's presentation.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents,
short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and capital
lease are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the relatively
short maturity of those instruments.
Stock Splits
On December 17, 1997, the Company authorized and implemented a one
thousand-for-one stock split. On March 23, 1999, the Company authorized and
implemented a four-for-one stock split. On July 23, 1999, the Company
authorized and implemented a three-for-two stock split. All share and per
share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of the
stock splits.
Foreign Currencies
The balance sheets of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated
into United States dollars at year end rates of exchange. Revenues and
expenses are translated at average rates for the year. The resulting
translation adjustments are shown as a separate component of stockholders'
equity and as a component of comprehensive loss.
Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a
foreign currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved are
included in other expense. Such exchange gains (losses) amounted to $9,000,
($119,000) and $0 for years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999,
respectively. The Company has not entered into foreign currency forward
exchange contracts or any other derivative instruments.
46
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost. The Company considers all
highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to
be cash equivalents.
Short-Term Investments
The Company accounts for short-term investments under Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities" (SFAS 115). SFAS 115 requires the classification
of investments in debt and equity securities with readily determined fair
values as "held-to-maturity," "available-for-sale," or "trading." The Company
invests its excess cash in debt instruments of high-quality corporate issuers.
All highly liquid instruments with original maturities greater than three
months and current maturities less than twelve months from the balance sheet
date are considered short-term investments. These securities are classified as
available-for-sale and carried at fair value, based on quoted market prices.
Net unrealized gains or losses, if material, on these investments are reported
as a component of comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity, net of
tax. There have been no realized gains or losses through December 1999.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Computer equipment............................................. 3 years
Furniture and fixtures......................................... 5 years
Software....................................................... 2 to 3 years
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 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 which substantially
increase an asset's useful life are capitalized.
Internal Use Software
The Company accounts for internal use software in accordance with Statement
of Position No. 98-1 ("SOP 98-1"), "Accounting for the Costs of Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." In accordance with the
capitalization criteria of SOP 98-1 the Company has capitalized 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 the
internal-use computer software project. The Company has capitalized software
costs of $0 and $443,000 with related accumulated amortization of $0 and
$84,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. Capitalized software is
accounted for in other assets and is amortized over two years.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the excess of purchase price paid
over the fair market value of identified intangible and tangible net assets of
acquired companies. Goodwill and intangible assets are amortized using the
straight-line method over one to five years depending on the period of
expected benefit. The majority
47
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
of goodwill and intangible assets are amortized over five years, the period of
expected benefit. Valuation of goodwill and intangible assets are reassessed
periodically to conform to changes in management's estimates of future
performance giving consideration to existing and anticipated competitive and
economic conditions. Cash flow forecasts used in evaluation of goodwill and
intangibles are based on trends of historical performance and management's
estimate of future performance.
Asset Impairment
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of"
(SFAS No. 121) requires recognition of impairment of long-lived assets in the
event the net book value of such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash
flows attributable to such assets. SFAS No. 121 has not had an impact on the
consolidated financial statements of the Company.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in
accordance with provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, (APB
No. 25) "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and complies with the
disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-based
Compensation." Under APB No. 25, compensation cost is recognized based on the
difference, if any, on the date of grant between the fair value of the
Company's stock and the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock.
Net Loss Per Share
SFAS No. 128 "Earnings per Share," establishes standards for computing and
presenting earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is calculated using
the average shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is
calculated using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common
equivalent shares outstanding during the period, using either the as if
converted method for convertible preferred stock or the treasury stock method
for options and warrants. Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98,
common stock and convertible preferred stock issued for nominal consideration,
prior to the anticipated effective date of an initial public offering, are
included in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share as if such
stock were outstanding for all periods presented.
Revenue Recognition
The Company generates revenues from advertising and syndication, licensing
and ecommerce/distribution activities. Advertising and syndication revenues
are derived from the sale of advertisements on the websites of the Company and
its syndication partners who display LookSmart content. Advertising revenues
are recognized ratably as impressions are delivered over the period in which
the advertisement is displayed, provided that no significant Company
obligations remain at the end of a period and collection of the resulting
receivable is probable. Company obligations typically include guarantees of a
minimum number of "impressions," or times that an advertisement appears in
pages viewed by users of the Company's or its partners' online properties. To
the extent minimum guaranteed impressions are not met, the Company defers
recognition of the corresponding revenues until the remaining guaranteed
impression levels are achieved.
Revenues also include barter transactions which are the exchange of
advertising space on the Company's websites for advertising space on other
websites. These transactions are recorded at the fair value of the
advertisements provided or received, whichever is more readily determinable.
For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 the Company recognized
$94,000, $478,000 and $257,000, respectively, in barter transactions.
48
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Revenues associated with licensing contracts are recognized as delivery
occurs as specified under the contracts, and where no refund obligations
exist. Payments from customers received in advance of delivery are recorded as
deferred revenues.
The Company's ecommerce/distribution revenue is generated by the sale of
merchandise and the design, construction and hosting of commercial websites.
Revenue from the sale of merchandise is reported on a gross basis if the
Company acts as the principal in the transaction with associated product cost
reported as cost of revenues. Revenue is recognized at the time goods are
shipped. Revenue from the design and construction of websites is recognized
when the website is delivered to the customer, or when the Company's
obligation terminates. Hosting revenues are recognized in the period in which
hosting occurs.
In November 1999 the Company entered into a three year distribution
agreement with Inktomi Corporation. Under this contract Inktomi may act as a
reseller of the Company's database content and would share a portion of these
revenues with the Company. The contract provides for an annual minimum of such
revenues from Inktomi and for a start up fee and per query fee from each third
party customer to whom Inktomi resells the database content. The start up fees
are recognized as revenue over the term of the third party customer
relationship. The per query fees are recognized as revenue at the time the
query results are served. As of December 31, 1999, there have been no resale
transactions consummated by Inktomi.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are charged to sales and marketing expenses as incurred
and amounted to $938,000, $256,000 and $13.0 million for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
Product Development Costs
Costs incurred in the classification and organization of listings within
the unique URL database and the development of new products and enhancements
to existing products are charged to expense as incurred. SFAS No. 86,
"Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise
Marketed," requires capitalization of certain software development costs
subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility. Based upon the
Company's product development process, technological feasibility is
established upon completion of a working model. Costs incurred by the Company
between completion of the working model and the point at which the product is
ready for general release have been insignificant.
Comprehensive Income
The Company has adopted the accounting treatment prescribed by SFAS No.
130, "Comprehensive Income." The components of the Company's "Comprehensive
income (loss)" includes no provision for United States income taxes.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Business Risk
The Company's short-term investments are managed by one institution.
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable. The
Company maintains a reserve for doubtful accounts receivable based upon
expected collectibility of accounts receivable. The Company has advertising
contracts with a number of early stage internet companies that may suffer cash
flow problems.
As of December 31, 1999, one receivable from a related party in our
ecommerce/distribution segment accounted for 11% of the total trade
receivables. As of December 31, 1998, one customer in our advertising and
syndication segment accounted for 13% of total accounts receivable.
49
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
One customer in our licensing segment individually accounted for
approximately 0%, 32%, and 39% of total revenues for the years ended December
31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
Two customers in our advertising and syndication segment individually
accounted for approximately 36% and 20% of total revenues for the year ended
December 31, 1997. The same two customers individually accounted for
approximately 22% and 0% of total revenues for the year ended December 31,
1998. We had no revenues from these same two customers for the year ended
December 31, 1999.
The Internet navigation market is highly competitive. The success of the
Company is dependent upon its ability to raise capital, generate traffic and
advertising revenues, and attract and retain key personnel.
Factors that may materially and adversely affect the Company's future
operating results include: demand for and market acceptance of the Company's
products and services; introduction of products and services or enhancements
by the Company; timely expansion of capacity constraints of software and
infrastructure; retention of key personnel; reliable continuity of operating
performance; identification and adoptions to rapidly changing Internet
technologies and evolving industry standards; conditions specific to the
Internet industry and other general economic factors; and new government
legislation and regulation.
Segment Information
The Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" in the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998. SFAS 131 establishes standards for reporting information regarding
operating segments in annual financial statements and requires selected
information for those segments to be presented in interim financial reports
issued to stockholders. SFAS 131 also establishes standards for related
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers.
The Company operates in three segments: advertising and syndication, licensing
and ecommerce/distribution. In the Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Loss, the Company reports revenue and cost of revenues along
these three segments based on the services currently provided by each. With
the exception of accounts receivable, information available to the chief
operating decision makers of the Company does not include allocations of
assets and liabilities or operating costs to the Company's segments. As of
December 31, 1998 and 1999, accounts receivable by segments are as follows (in
thousands):
December 31,
--------------
1998 1999
------ ------
Advertising and syndication.................................. $3,022 $8,368
Licensing.................................................... -- 269
Ecommerce/distribution....................................... -- 992
------ ------
Total........................................................ 3,022 9,629
Allowance for doubtful accounts.............................. (127) (610)
------ ------
Accounts receivable, net..................................... $2,895 $9,019
====== ======
As of December 31, 1998 and 1999, deferred revenue by segments are as
follows (in thousands):
December 31,
--------------
1998 1999
------ -------
Advertising and syndication.................................. $ 508 $ 239
Licensing.................................................... 8,822 18,597
Ecommerce/distribution....................................... -- 2,788
------ -------
Total........................................................ $9,330 $21,624
====== =======
50
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 is effective for
transactions entered into after March 31, 2000 and requires that all
derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes
in the fair value are recorded in current earnings or other comprehensive
income. The Company has not held any derivative instruments or participated in
any hedging activities and anticipates the adoption of this standard will not
materially impact the Company's financial statements.
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements"
(SAB 101). SAB 101 becomes effective for the second quarter of the year ending
December 31, 2000. The Company is in the process of determining the impact
that adoption of SAB 101 will have on the consolidated financial statements.
In December 1999, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued EITF No. 99-17,
"Accounting for Advertising Barter Transactions" (EITF 99-17). EITF 99-17 is
effective for years ended December 31, 2000. The Company believes that the
adoption of EITF 99-17 will not have a material effect on its consolidated
financial statements.
2. Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
--------------
1998 1999
------ -------
Computer equipment........................................... $2,240 $ 9,332
Furniture and fixtures....................................... 207 1,382
Software..................................................... 130 2,751
Leasehold improvements....................................... 77 865
------ -------
2,654 14,330
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization............... 675 2,735
------ -------
Property and equipment, net.................................. $1,979 $11,595
====== =======
Cost and accumulated depreciation related to assets under capital lease
obligations at December 31, 1999 were $2.6 million and $272,000, respectively.
No assets were subject to capital lease prior to 1999. Depreciation expense
was $269,000, $351,000, and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
3. Other Accrued Liabilities
December 31,
--------------
1998 1999
------ -------
(in thousands)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Accrued compensation and related expenses................... $ 302 $ 1,485
Accrued content, connect, and other costs................... 538 1,664
Accrued sales and marketing related expenses................ 181 3,167
Accrued professional service expenses....................... 1,123 1,366
Commitment to former shareholders of Futurecorp............. -- 1,958
Other....................................................... 729 3,275
------ -------
$2,873 $12,915
====== =======
51
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
4. Notes Payable:
In September 1997, the Company issued a note payable for $1.5 million to a
stockholder. Interest was charged at the rate of 10% per annum and was payable
quarterly starting September 30, 1998. The Company repaid the note in June
1999.
From January to April 1998, the Company issued convertible promissory notes
in the principal amount of $2.9 million to investors of the Company. All notes
bore interest at 10% per annum and included an issuance of 2,510,412 Series A
preferred stock warrants (Note 6). In May 1998, in accordance with the terms
of these notes, outstanding principal of $2.1 million was converted into
Series A preferred stock; outstanding principal and interest of $505,000 was
converted into Series B preferred stock and outstanding principal of $250,000
was repaid to a note holder.
In September 1998, the Company entered into a financing agreement with
Microsoft to borrow up to $11.9 million at an interest rate of 8% per annum.
In December 1998, pursuant to a licensing agreement with Microsoft, this note
was applied as an offset against the payments due under that license agreement
and was recorded as deferred revenue of $11.4 million on the Company's balance
sheet. Warrants to purchase 480,000 shares of common stock at an exercise
price of $0.6275 per share were issued in conjunction with the financing
agreement. These warrants expire in September 2003. The fair value of these
warrants was recorded as interest expense over the term the financing
agreement was effective.
5. Income Taxes:
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No.
109). Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined
based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases 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 provision for income taxes of $166,000, $146,000, and $470,000
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998, and 1999 applies to the Company's
foreign subsidiaries.
The primary components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows (in
thousands):
December 31,
-----------------
1998 1999
------- --------
Deferred tax asset:
Net operating losses...................................... $ 4,699 $ 26,950
Deferred revenue.......................................... 3,637 --
Depreciation and amortization............................. 391 975
Accrual and reserves...................................... 110 624
Compensation.............................................. -- 517
------- --------
Total deferred tax assets................................. 8,837 29,066
Deferred tax liability.................................... (3) --
------- --------
Net deferred tax asset.................................... 8,834 29,066
Less: valuation allowance................................. (8,834) (29,066)
------- --------
$ -- $ --
======= ========
As of December 31, 1999, the Company has net operating loss (NOL)
carryforwards of approximately of $70.0 million and $65.0 million for federal
and state tax purposes, respectively. Pursuant to the provisions of
52
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, utilization of the NOLs are subject
to annual limitations through 2011 due to a greater than 50% change in the
ownership of the Company which occurred during fiscal years 1997 and 1998.
These loss carryforwards expire from 2004 to 2019.
6. Commitments:
Operating Leases and Advertising and Marketing Commitments
The Company leases office space under non-cancelable operating leases which
expire at various dates through the year 2009. The Company has also entered
into non-cancelable advertising and marketing programs with contracts which
expire at various dates through the year 2004. In June 1999, the Company
entered into several advertising and marketing agreements.
Future minimum payments under all operating leases and advertising and
marketing programs at December 31, 1999 are as follows (in thousands):
Year ending December
31:
---------------------
Advertising
And
Operating Marketing
Leases Commitments
--------- -----------
2000................................................... $ 5,047 $ 4,372
2001................................................... 4,910 4,507
2002................................................... 4,699 2,800
2003................................................... 4,446 1,450
2004................................................... 4,405 1,215
Thereafter............................................. 22,508 --
------- -------
Total.................................................. $46,015 $14,344
======= =======
Rent expense under all operating leases for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999 amounted to $215,000, $508,000 and $1.9 million,
respectively. Under the terms of the primary office lease agreement, the
Company has two consecutive options to extend the term, each for a five year
period.
Capital Leases
In February 1999, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale and
leaseback of certain of its computer equipment with a total commitment of $2.0
million which is accounted for as a capital lease. The Company has pledged as
collateral certain computer equipment. At December 31, 1999 total credit
remaining available to the Company under the agreement was $300,000.
In December 1999, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale and
leaseback of certain of its computer equipment. The Company has pledged as
collateral certain computer equipment. At December 31, 1999 the Company had
drawn down the entire $898,000 credit available under the terms of the
agreement.
No gain or loss was recognized on these transactions. Depreciation on
properties sold and leased back has been reflected in accordance with the
Company's normal accounting practices.
53
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Future minimum lease payments under capital leases at December 31, 1999 are
as follows (in thousands):
Year ending December 31,
2000.............................................................. $ 1,015
2001.............................................................. 1,015
2002.............................................................. 605
-------
Total minimum lease payments........................................ 2,635
Less: Interest...................................................... (469)
-------
Present value of net minimum lease payments......................... 2,166
Less current portion................................................ (743)
-------
Capital lease obligation--long-term................................. $ 1,423
=======
7. Stockholders' Equity:
Financings
Through April of 1999, the Company issued Series A, B, C, and 1 Junior
convertible preferred stock. Total cash proceeds from the issuance of
convertible preferred stock, net of $717,000 issuance costs, amounted to
$66.1 million. The Series 1 Junior convertible preferred stock was issued as
part of the consideration for the acquisition of BeSeen.com, Inc. On August
19, 1999, LookSmart completed its initial public offering of 8,855,000 shares
of common stock, including 1,155,000 shares issued in connection with the
exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. All shares were issued at
an offering price of $12.00 per share. Upon closing of the initial public
offering, 39,708,978 shares of outstanding convertible preferred stock were
converted into common stock. Net proceeds from the offering after underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses of $9.3 million were
approximately $96.9 million.
Convertible Preferred Stock
Convertible preferred stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Company's initial public offering was as follows:
Designated Outstanding
---------- -----------
(in thousands)
Series A.............................................. 11,888 7,853
Series B.............................................. 14,328 14,328
Series C.............................................. 12,590 12,083
Series 1 Junior....................................... 6,000 5,445
------
Total convertible preferred........................... 39,709
======
The Company's charter authorizes the board of directors to issue up to
5,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock. At December 31, 1999, no
shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding.
Treasury Stock
In August 1999, the Company repurchased 554,913 shares of Series 1 Junior
preferred stock which have been recorded as treasury stock.
54
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Warrants
From 1997 through 1999, the Company issued warrants to purchase 14,384,923
shares of common and preferred shares at exercise prices ranging from $0.00017
to 5.00 per share. All of these warrants were exercised in 1999. These
warrants were issued in connection with preferred stock issuances and
acquisitions. The fair values of these warrants are recorded as issuance costs
or as part of the related acquisition purchase price.
In 1998, the Company issued warrants to purchase 2,510,412 shares of Series
A preferred stock at $0.35625 per share in connection with the issuance of
convertible notes payable (Note 4). During 1998, 1,500,000 of these warrants
were exercised. The remaining warrants are exercisable until their expiration
March 2005. The fair value of the warrants was recorded as interest expense
over the period the notes were outstanding.
In 1998, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 1,500,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share as part of a strategic
alliance. The warrant is currently outstanding and expires in May 2003. The
exercise price exceeded the deemed fair value of the underlying stock at the
date of grant resulting in no impact on earnings.
In 1998, the Company issued a warrant to purchase up to 480,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $0.41833 per share in connection with a
financing agreement. This warrant was exercised in Feburary 2000.
In 1999, the Company granted warrants to purchase 120,000 shares of common
stock at $1.25 per share to two individuals in connection with their
employment. As of December 31, 1999, 38,125 of these warrants had been
exercised. Of the remaining 81,875 warrants, 18,125 are vested. The warrants
vest at a rate of 3,750 shares per month provided the individuals continue to
be employees of the Company. These warrants expire in June 2004. The Company
recorded deferred compensation of $1,218,000 for the difference between
exercise price and the fair market value of the underlying common stock at the
date of grant under APB No. 25.
As of December 31, 1999, 3,008,537 warrants outstanding are exercisable.
The following table sets forth warrants outstanding as of December 31, 1999
(in thousands, except for per share data):
Number of Exercise price
Date of grant warrants per share Expires
------------- --------- -------------- --------------
March 1998........................... 1,010 $0.36 March 2005
May 1998............................. 1,500 $2.50 May 2003
September 1998....................... 480 $0.42 September 2003
June 1999............................ 82 $1.25 June 2004
Stock Option Plan
In December 1997, in connection with a stock split, the Company canceled
the 1996 Stock Option Plan and all options granted thereunder. In December
1997, the Company approved the 1998 Stock Option Plan (the Plan). The Company
has reserved 9,750,000 and 20,850,000 shares of common stock for issuance
under the Plan at December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1999, respectively.
Options generally become exercisable over a four year period from the grant
date and have a term of ten years. Under the Plan, the Company may grant
incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options and stock purchase rights
to employees, directors and consultants.
As of December 31, 1999, 11,485,703 options were issued and 6,338,449
shares remained available for grant under the Company's plan.
55
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Stock option activity under the plans during the periods indicated is as
follows (in thousands, except for per share data):
Weighted
Average
Outstanding Exercise
Options Price
Number of Per
Shares Share
----------- --------
Balance at December 31, 1996 --
Granted............................................... 13,401 $0.0047
Canceled.............................................. (8,964) $0.0002
------
Balance at December 31, 1997............................ 4,437 $0.0095
Granted............................................... 5,514 $0.1620
Canceled.............................................. (618) $0.0246
Exercised............................................. (402) $0.0095
------
Balance at December 31, 1998............................ 8,931 $0.1026
Granted............................................... 6,790 $8.5255
Canceled.............................................. (1,611) $1.1740
Exercised............................................. (2,624) $0.0696
------
Balance at December 31, 1999............................ 11,486 $4.9394
======
The Company accounts for employee stock options under APB No. 25 and
related Interpretations. For the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, the
Company recorded deferred compensation of $1.5 million and $15.1 million
respectively, for stock option grants where the deemed fair value of the
option at grant date was in excess of the exercise price.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1999:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------------------------- --------------------
Number Weighted Number Weighted
Outstanding Weighted Average Average Exercisable Average
as of Remaining Exercise as of Exercise
Range of Exercise Prices 12/31/99 Contractual Life Price 12/31/99 Price
- ------------------------ ----------- ---------------- -------- ----------- --------
$0.0095-0.5000.......... 5,545,128 8.57 $ 0.1417 1,773,427 $ 0.0957
1.2500-5.0000.......... 3,699,125 9.21 2.0610 36,375 1.2500
7.3333-12.0000......... 1,148,250 9.50 9.6127 29,749 7.9636
27.4375-34.6250........ 1,093,200 9.92 34.1062 1,241 34.0000
---------- ---------
$0.0095-34.6250......... 11,485,703 9.00 $ 4.9394 1,840,792 $ 0.2686
As of December 31, 1997 and 1998, there were 999 and 1,771,311 options
exercisable, respectively.
The following information concerning the Company's stock options plan is
provided in accordance with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation".
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-
average assumptions:
1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ----
Expected volatility........................................ 0% 0% 104%
Risk-free interest rate.................................... 5.72% 5.18% 5.05%
Expected lives (years)..................................... 5 5 5
Expected dividend yield.................................... -- -- --
56
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The weighted average fair value for options granted was $.00273, $.30013
and $7.819 for 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The fair value of options
granted to independent contractors has been determined using the Black-Scholes
model with the same assumptions as options granted to employees and with a
volatility of 104%. The fair value of options granted to consultants is
recorded as consulting expense as services are provided.
The pro forma net loss for the Company for 1997, 1998 and 1999 is as
follows (in thousands, except per share data):
1997 1998 1999
------- -------- --------
Net Loss
As reported.................................. $(7,514) $(12,858) $(64,663)
Pro forma.................................... $(7,515) $(12,933) $(70,588)
Basic and Diluted net loss per share
As reported.................................. $ (0.08) $ (0.68) $ (1.42)
Pro forma.................................... $ (0.08) $ (0.69) $ (1.55)
These pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of results which may
be expected in the future as additional grants are made each year and options
vest over several years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In 1999, the shareholders approved the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. A
total of 750,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under
the Plan, plus annual increases on January 1 of each year, beginning in 2000.
As of December 31, 1999, 57,331 shares have been issued under the 1999
Purchase Plan.
8. Other Equity Items:
Other equity items consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
----------------
1998 1999
------- -------
Warrants.................................................. $ 1,408 $ 2,735
Unearned Compensation..................................... (1,315) (6,584)
Unrealized loss on securities............................. -- (77)
Translation adjustments................................... (55) 22
------- -------
$ 38 $(3,904)
======= =======
9. Microsoft Contract:
The Company entered into a five year, fixed-fee contract with Microsoft
Corporation. Under the terms of this contract, the Company has licensed its
proprietary database and is obligated to add a certain number of URLs ratably
over the contract term. Microsoft may specify the content for approximately
half the required URL delivery. Through December 31, 1999, the Company has met
all URL delivery requirements under the contract to date. The Company
recognizes revenues under this contract ratably as access to URLs is delivered
and no further obligation for performance or refund exists. Under the terms of
the contract, beginning in June 2000 either party may terminate the agreement
for any reason on six months' notice.
Under the contract, the Company received an up-front, nonrefundable fee of
$30.0 million and receives quarterly payments throughout the contract term.
Payments received in advance of performance under the contract are recorded as
deferred revenues. As of December 31, 1999, deferred revenue relating to the
Microsoft contract was $18.5 million.
57
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
10. Net Loss Per Share:
In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 128, a reconciliation of
the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted loss per share is provided
as follows (in thousands, except share amounts):
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------
1997 1998 1999
------- -------- --------
Numerator-Basic and diluted:
Net loss..................................... $(7,514) $(12,858) $(64,663)
Denominator-Basic and diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding... 91,589 18,790 45,518
Basic and diluted loss per share............... $ (0.08) $ (0.68) $ (1.42)
In September 1997, the Company reorganized its capital structure by
repurchasing 101,640,000 shares of its common stock. Options and warrants to
purchase common and preferred shares are not included in the diluted loss per
share calculations as their effect is antidilutive for all periods. The
dilutive securities included weighted average common stock equivalents
relating to preferred stock, stock options and warrants to purchase common and
preferred shares and are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December
31,
--------------------
1997 1998 1999
------ ------ ------
Preferred stock......................................... -- 26,681 --
Options................................................. 4,437 8,931 11,486
Warrants................................................ 9,000 16,515 3,072
------ ------ ------
Total dilutive shares................................... 13,437 52,127 14,558
====== ====== ======
11. Acquisitions:
All of the transactions below were recorded using the purchase method of
accounting and the operating results of these acquisitions have been included
in the Company's results of operations since the date they were acquired. The
purchase prices have been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed
based on the fair values on the acquisition dates.
On October 23, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of
BeSeen.com, Inc. (BeSeen), a privately held company, for $907,000 cash,
including acquisition costs of $157,000, and the issuance of 6,000,000 shares
of Series 1 Junior preferred stock. At the acquisition date, the Series 1
Junior preferred stock was valued at $0.583 per share. The total purchase
price was $4.4 million, of which $3.9 million was allocated to goodwill and
intangible assets.
On April 9, 1999, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of
Guthy-Renker Internet, LLC in exchange for $5.0 million cash and 2,550,000
shares of the Company's common stock. At the date of acquisition, the common
shares were valued at $4.50 each. The total purchase price of this transaction
was $17.3 million including direct costs and expenses related to the
acquisition, of which $17.2 million were allocated to goodwill and intangible
assets.
On June 9, 1999, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and
liabilities of ITW NewCorp, Inc. in exchange for $5 million cash and warrants
to purchase 420,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $1.25. At the date
of acquisition, the common shares were valued at $11.40 each. The total
purchase price of this transaction was $9.3 million, including direct costs
and expenses related to the acquisition, all of which were recorded as
goodwill.
58
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
On December 22, 1999, the Company acquired 14.5% of the outstanding voting
stock of Dstore Pty Ltd, (Dstore) a privately held company, for $328,000. This
transaction was accounted for as an investment using the cost method of
accounting. The investment is stated at cost as of December 31, 1999.
On December 30, 1999, the Company acquired stock which controls 52% of the
outstanding voting rights of Futurecorp International Pty Ltd (Futurecorp), a
privately held company, for $1,840,000 cash and the committed issuance of
71,870 shares of common stock. The Company is entitled to appoint two of the
four Futurecorp directors, and through its appointed directors controls four
of the total six board votes. At the acquisition date, the Company's common
stock was valued at $27.25 per share. This transaction was accounted for as a
purchase, and its results have been consolidated as of December 31, 1999. The
total purchase price of $3.8 million was allocated to goodwill and intangible
assets.
Pro Forma Disclosure of Significant Acquisitions (Unaudited)
The following summary, prepared on a pro forma basis, combines the
consolidated results of operations of the Company as if BeSeen.com, GRI and
ITW had been purchased by the Company as of January 1, 1998, after including
the impact of certain adjustments, such as increased amortization expense due
to recording of intangible assets:
Year Ended
December 31,
------------------
1998 1999
-------- --------
(in thousands,
except per share
data)
Revenues................................................. $ 24,184 $ 52,592
Net income............................................... (15,601) (66,514)
Basic and diluted net income per share................... (0.73) (1.44)
The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of what actually would
have occurred if the acquisition had been in effect for the entire period
presented and are not intended to be a projection of future results.
12. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
1997 1998 1999
------- ------- -------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest........................................... $ 24 $ 274 $ 168
======= ======= =======
Income taxes....................................... -- -- $ 174
======= ======= =======
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Conversion of notes payable to stock................. -- $ 2,630 --
======= ======= =======
Note payable converted to deferred revenue under
license agreement................................... -- $11,385 --
======= ======= =======
Issuance of stock for acquisitions................... -- $ 3,663 $15,738
======= ======= =======
13. Related Party Transactions:
The Company receives licensing revenues from Cox Interactive Media, Inc., a
stockholder of the Company, for the design and licensing of LookSmart database
content used on Cox Interactive websites. Revenues from Cox Interactive Media,
Inc. amounted to $0, $538,000 and $55,000 for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
59
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
The Company has a distribution agreement with Guthy Renker Corporation
(GRC), one of the Company's stockholders. At December 31, 1999, the Company
had a receivable of $980,000 from GRC resulting from the distribution
agreement. Additionally, during 1999, the Company paid GRC $131,000 for rent
and administration support.
The Company had an agreement with Shim & Sons Enterprises, Inc., which is
owned by an individual who is one of the Company's stockholders and an
employee. During 1999, the Company paid $108,000 to Shim & Sons Enterprises,
Inc.
14. Subsequent Events:
In February 2000, the Company signed an equally-owned joint venture
agreement with British Telecommunications (BT). The joint venture will develop
and operate Internet portals in Europe and Asia. The Company is obligated to
fund 50% of the joint venture's operating cash flow requirements, and will
reflect its share of the joint venture's income or loss as a non-operating
item using the equity method of accounting. Under the terms of the agreement,
BT has extended, and the Company has borrowed the full amount of, a
$50.0 million credit facility with interest at 20% per annum. Draw downs on
the credit facility are convertible into common stock of the Company at $35.00
per share at BT's discretion.
In January 2000, the Company entered into two agreements to sublease
certain office space under lease. Both sublease agreements expire in 2000. The
Company's total rent receipts under these two agreements will be $1.6 million
in 2000.
On February 25, 2000, we completed the listing of approximately 90 million
Chess Depository Interests, or CDIs, on the Australian Stock Exchange, or ASX,
under the trading symbol "LOK". We completed the listing in order to enable
investors that are required to invest only in ASX-listed companies to acquire
an equity interest in LookSmart. All of the shares of LookSmart common stock
exchangeable for the CDIs were offered by selling stockholders. We did not
issue any new securities in connection with, or receive any proceeds from, the
issuance of the CDIs. Each CDI is exchangeable into 0.05 shares of LookSmart
common stock at the option of the holder.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
60
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference
to the Company's definitive proxy statement relating to the 2000 annual
meeting of stockholders (the "1999 Proxy Statement"), which the Company
intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of
the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required under this item may be found in the 1999 Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required under this item may be found in the 1999 Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required under this Item may be found in the 1999 Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
61
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
(1) Index to Financial Statements.
Page
----
Report of Independent Accountants................................... 41
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1998 and 1999........... 42
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the
years ended
December 31, 1997, 1998, and 1999.................................. 43
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1998, 1999.......................... 44
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December
31, 1997, 1998, and 1999........................................... 45
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......................... 46
Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts...................... 65
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable,
not required, or because the information required to be set forth therein
is included in the consolidated financial statements or in notes thereto.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the three months
ended December 31, 1999.
(c) Exhibits.
3.1* Restated Certificate of Incorporation
3.2* Bylaws
4.1** Form of Specimen Stock Certificate
4.2* Second Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement dated March
24, 1999
10.1* Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the
Registrant and each of its directors and officers
10.2* Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Plan
10.3* 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
10.4+* License and Update Agreement with Microsoft Corporation
10.5+* Asset Purchase Agreement with Guthy-Renker Internet LLC
10.6+* Development Agreement with Cox Interactive Media, Inc.
10.7+* Premier Positions on US Search Pages with Netscape Communications
Corporation
10.8+** 1999-2000 U.S. Net Search Premier Provider Agreement with Netscape
Communications Corporation
10.9+* PBS Group Sponsorship Agreements
10.10* Lease Agreement with 487 Bryant Street, LLC for property located at
487 Bryant Street, San Francisco, California, dated May 4, 1998
10.11* Sublease Agreement with Jaran, Inc. for property located at 275
Brannan Street, San Francisco, California, dated April 30, 1999
62
10.12* Lease Agreement with Rosenberg SOMA Investments III, LLC for
property located at 625 Second Street, San Francisco, California,
dated May 5, 1999
10.13* Consent to Sublease Agreement with Ninety Park Property LLC, and
First Manhattan Consulting Group Inc. for property located at 90
Park Avenue, New York, New York, dated October 22, 1998
10.14* Lease Agreement with Euro Asia Properties Pty Ltd for property
located at Level 5, 388 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia,
dated September 1, 1998
10.15* Lease Agreement with Tonicalon Pty Limited for property located at
Level 3, 68 Alfred Street, Milsons Point, Sydney, Australia, dated
June 1, 1999
10.16* Summary Plan Description of 401(k) Plan
10.17++ Joint Venture Agreement between the Registrant, Transceptgate Ltd.,
BT LookSmart Ltd., LookSmart (Barbados), Inc. and British
Telecommunications Plc dated February 15, 2000
10.18++ Joint Venture Know How Technology and Database License Agreement
between the Registrant, BT LookSmart Ltd., and LookSmart
(Barbados), Inc. dated February 15, 2000
10.19 Loan Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Transceptgate Ltd.
dated February 15, 2000
21.1* List of Subsidiaries
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
24.1 Power of Attorney (contained in the signature page to this Annual
Report)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
- --------
(*) Filed in connection with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 333-80581) filed with the SEC on June 14, 1999.
(**) Filed in connection with the Company's Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-80581) filed with the
SEC on July 27, 1999.
(***) Filed in connection with the Company's Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-80581) filed with the
SEC on August 10, 1999.
(+) Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to portions of the
exhibit.
(++) Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to portions of the
exhibit.
63
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of LookSmart, Ltd. and Subsidiaries:
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our
report dated January 26, 2000, except as to Note 14, which is as of February
25, 2000, appearing in the 1999 Annual Report to Stockholders of LookSmart,
Ltd. and Subsidiaries in this Annual Report on Form 10-K also included an
audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 14(a)(2) of this
Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly,
in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Francisco, California
January 26, 2000
64
SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In Thousands)
LOOKSMART, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Balance Charged Balance
at to Costs at End
Beginning and of
Description of Period Expenses Deductions Period
- ----------- --------- -------- ---------- -------
Year ended December 31, 1997:
Deferred tax valuation allowance......... $ 986 $ 3,191 $ -- $ 4,177
------ ------- ----- -------
Total................................... $ 986 $ 3,191 $ -- $ 4,177
====== ======= ===== =======
Year ended December 31, 1998:
Allowance for doubtful accounts.......... $ -- $ 127 $ -- $ 127
Deferred tax valuation allowance......... 4,177 4,657 -- 8,834
------ ------- ----- -------
Total................................... $4,177 $ 4,784 $ -- $ 8,961
====== ======= ===== =======
Year ended December 31, 1999:
Allowance for doubtful accounts.......... $ 127 1,203 $ 787 $ 543
Deferred tax evaluation allowance........ 8,834 20,232 -- 29,066
------ ------- ----- -------
Total................................... $8,961 $21,435 $ 787 $29,609
====== ======= ===== =======
65
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in San Francisco, California, on
March 29, 2000:
LOOKSMART, LTD.
/s/ Ned Brody
By: _________________________________
Ned Brody, Chief Financial
Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Martin Roberts and Evan Thornley,
jointly and severally, 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 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/ Evan Thornley Chairman of the Board, March 29, 2000
____________________________________ Chief Executive Officer
Evan Thornley (Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/ Ned Brody Chief Financial Officer March 29, 2000
____________________________________ (Principal Financial and
Ned Brody Accounting Officer)
/s/ Tracey Ellery President and Director March 29, 2000
____________________________________
Tracey Ellery
/s/ Anthony Castagna Director March 29, 2000
____________________________________
Anthony Castagna
/s/ Mariann Byerwalter Director March 29, 2000
____________________________________
Mariann Byerwalter
/s/ Robert Ryan Director March 29, 2000
____________________________________
Robert Ryan
/s/ Scott Whiteside Director March 29, 2000
____________________________________
Scott Whiteside
66
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description of Document
------- -----------------------
3.1* Restated Certificate of Incorporation
3.2* Bylaws
4.1** Form of Specimen Stock Certificate
4.2* Second Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement dated March 24,
1999
10.1* Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Registrant
and each of its directors and officers
10.2* Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Plan
10.3* 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
10.4+* License and Update Agreement with Microsoft Corporation
10.5+* Asset Purchase Agreement with Guthy-Renker Internet LLC
10.6+* Development Agreement with Cox Interactive Media, Inc.
10.7+* Premier Positions on US Search Pages with Netscape Communications
Corporation
10.8+** 1999-2000 U.S. Net Search Premier Provider Agreement with Netscape
Communications Corporation
10.9+* PBS Group Sponsorship Agreements
10.10* Lease Agreement with 487 Bryant Street, LLC for property located at
487 Bryant Street, San Francisco, California, dated May 4, 1998
10.11* Sublease Agreement with Jaran, Inc. for property located at 275
Brannan Street, San Francisco, California, dated April 30, 1999
10.12* Lease Agreement with Rosenberg SOMA Investments III, LLC for property
located at 625 Second Street, San Francisco, California, dated May 5,
1999
10.13* Consent to Sublease Agreement with Ninety Park Property LLC, and First
Manhattan Consulting Group Inc. for property located at 90 Park
Avenue, New York, New York, dated October 22, 1998
10.14* Lease Agreement with Euro Asia Properties Pty Ltd for property located
at Level 5, 388 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia, dated
September 1, 1998
10.15* Lease Agreement with Tonicalon Pty Limited for property located at
Level 3, 68 Alfred Street, Milsons Point, Sydney, Australia, dated
June 1, 1999
10.16* Summary Plan Description of 401(k) Plan
10.17++ Joint Venture Agreement between the Registrant, Transceptgate Ltd., BT
LookSmart Ltd., LookSmart (Barbados), Inc. and British
Telecommunications Plc dated February 15, 2000
10.18++ Joint Venture Know How Technology and Database License Agreement
between the Registrant, BT LookSmart Ltd., and LookSmart (Barbados),
Inc. dated February 15, 2000
10.19 Loan Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Transceptgate Ltd.
dated February 15, 2000
21.1* List of Subsidiaries
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
24.1 Power of Attorney (contained in the signature page to this Annual
Report)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
- --------
(*) Filed in connection with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 333-80581) filed with the SEC on June 14, 1999.
67
(**) Filed in connection with the Company's Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-80581) filed with the
SEC on July 27, 1999.
(***) Filed in connection with the Company's Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-80581) filed with the
SEC on August 10, 1999.
(+) Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to portions of the
exhibit.
(++) Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to portions of the
exhibit.
68