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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

ý

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2003

 

Or

 

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

For the transition period from               to               

 

Commission file number 000-30135

 


 

VALUECLICK, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

77-0495335

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

4353 PARK TERRACE DRIVE
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA 91361

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) 

 

(818) 575-4500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes ý No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2): Yes ý No o

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of August 1, 2003 was 74,191,467.

 

 



 

VALUECLICK, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q FOR THE
QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2003

 

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2003 (unaudited) and December 31, 2002

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three-month Periods Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Six-month Periods Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six-month Periods Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (unaudited)

 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION AND SIGNATURES

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Item 5.

Other Information

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

Signature

 

 

 

Exhibits

 

2



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

VALUECLICK, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

June 30, 2003

 

December 31, 2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

30,503

 

$

27,066

 

Marketable securities

 

192,169

 

205,912

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

14,680

 

13,739

 

Income taxes receivable

 

453

 

578

 

Deferred tax assets

 

1,272

 

1,252

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

1,574

 

1,513

 

Total current assets

 

240,651

 

250,060

 

Property and equipment, net

 

9,365

 

9,237

 

Intangible assets, net

 

7,591

 

2,819

 

Other assets

 

1,542

 

1,734

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

259,149

 

$

263,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

13,932

 

$

13,654

 

Income taxes payable

 

508

 

218

 

Deferred revenue

 

957

 

739

 

Notes payable and capital lease obligation, current portion

 

882

 

1,220

 

Total current liabilities

 

16,279

 

15,831

 

Notes payable and capital lease obligation, less current portion

 

958

 

945

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

4,495

 

3,681

 

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary

 

11,470

 

11,412

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock (issued and outstanding 74,157,238 and 76,265,402 shares at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively)

 

74

 

76

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

300,962

 

309,578

 

Deferred stock compensation

 

(279

)

(473

)

Accumulated deficit

 

(71,736

)

(74,206

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(3,074

)

(2,994

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

225,947

 

231,981

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

259,149

 

$

263,850

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3



 

VALUECLICK, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three-month Period
Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

20,086

 

$

14,107

 

Cost of revenue

 

6,947

 

4,961

 

Gross profit

 

13,139

 

9,146

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing (excludes stock-based compensation of $31 and $140 for 2003 and 2002, respectively)

 

4,931

 

3,690

 

General and administrative (excludes stock-based compensation of $50 and $228 for 2003 and 2002, respectively)

 

4,634

 

4,417

 

Product development (excludes stock-based compensation of $16 and $76 for 2003 and 2002, respectively)

 

2,497

 

2,521

 

Stock-based compensation

 

97

 

444

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

342

 

49

 

Restructuring charge

 

 

2,320

 

Total operating expenses

 

12,501

 

13,441

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

638

 

(4,295

)

Interest income, net

 

934

 

1,501

 

Gain on sale of marketable securities

 

 

134

 

Foreign currency transaction loss

 

 

(17

)

Income (loss) before taxes and minority interests

 

1,572

 

(2,677

)

Provision for income taxes

 

233

 

118

 

Income (loss) before minority interest

 

1,339

 

(2,795

)

Minority share of income of consolidated subsidiary

 

(55

)

(44

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

1,284

 

$

(2,839

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per share

 

$

0.02

 

$

(0.04

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share

 

73,881

 

69,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share

 

$

0.02

 

$

(0.04

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share

 

77,226

 

69,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

1,284

 

$

(2,839

)

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

68

 

2,404

 

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax

 

389

 

115

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

1,741

 

$

(320

)

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



 

VALUECLICK, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Six-month Period
Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

39,549

 

$

26,463

 

Cost of revenue

 

13,448

 

9,532

 

Gross profit

 

26,101

 

16,931

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing (excludes stock-based compensation of $61 and $314 for 2003 and 2002, respectively)

 

9,909

 

7,561

 

General and administrative (excludes stock-based compensation of $100 and $511 for 2003 and 2002, respectively)

 

9,086

 

8,459

 

Product development (excludes stock-based compensation of $33 and $169 for 2003 and 2002, respectively)

 

5,069

 

4,433

 

Stock-based compensation

 

194

 

994

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

654

 

94

 

Restructuring charge

 

 

2,320

 

Merger-related costs

 

 

17

 

Total operating expenses

 

24,912

 

23,878

 

Income (loss) from operations

 

1,189

 

(6,947

)

Interest income, net

 

1,973

 

2,778

 

Gain on sale of marketable securities

 

 

134

 

Foreign currency transaction gain

 

 

42

 

Income (loss) before taxes, minority interests and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

3,162

 

(3,993

)

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

 

618

 

(19

)

Income (loss) before minority interest and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

2,544

 

(3,974

)

Minority share of (income) loss of consolidated subsidiary

 

(74

)

20

 

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

2,470

 

(3,954

)

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

 

(7,649

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,470

 

$

(11,603

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

$

0.03

 

$

(0.06

)

Per share effect of accounting change

 

 

(0.13

)

Basic net income (loss) per share

 

$

0.03

 

$

(0.19

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share

 

73,727

 

60,828

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 

$

0.03

 

$

(0.06

)

Per share effect of accounting change

 

 

(0.13

)

Diluted net income (loss) per share

 

$

0.03

 

$

(0.19

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share

 

76,520

 

60,828

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,470

 

$

(11,603

)

Other comprehensive income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(298

)

2,227

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax

 

218

 

(322

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

2,390

 

$

(9,698

)

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



 

VALUECLICK, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

Six-month Period
Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(Unaudited )

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,470

 

$

(11,603

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,493

 

2,152

 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

 

7,649

 

Non-cash restructuring charge

 

 

2,320

 

Provision for bad debts

 

599

 

723

 

Stock-based compensation

 

194

 

994

 

Minority share of income (loss) of consolidated subsidiary

 

74

 

(20

)

Provision for deferred income taxes

 

27

 

46

 

Gain on the issuance of subsidiary stock

 

 

10

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions

 

(281

)

(2,193

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

6,576

 

78

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of marketable securities

 

(2,028

)

(2,666

)

Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities

 

15,536

 

16,041

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(1,543

)

(392

)

Purchases of intangible assets

 

(811

)

(13

)

Net cash used in purchased business combinations

 

(4,613

)

(212

)

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

6,541

 

12,758

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(9,161

)

(14,331

)

Proceeds from the exercises of common stock options

 

543

 

2,092

 

Repayments of notes payable and capital leases, net

 

(764

)

(569

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(9,382

)

(12,808

)

Effect of currency translations

 

(298

)

2,226

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

3,437

 

2,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

27,066

 

26,891

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

30,503

 

$

29,145

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock for purchase business combination

 

$

 

$

127,297

 

Issuance of common stock for earnout provision of purchase business combination

 

$

 

$

633

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6



 

VALUECLICK, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

1.                                      THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods shown. The results of operations for such periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any future period. As required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes have been condensed and do not contain certain information that may be included in ValueClick, Inc.’s annual consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in ValueClick, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2003.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ValueClick, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “ValueClick” or the “Company”) from the dates of their respective acquisitions, acquisition of majority voting control or date of formation, for business combinations accounted for as pooling-of-interests.

 

ValueClick provides digital marketing solutions and advertising technology tools. ValueClick offers a broad range of media and technology products and services to its customers to allow them to address all aspects of the digital marketing process, from pre-campaign to execution, including measurement and campaign refinements.

 

The Company derives its revenue from two reportable business segments based on the types of products and services provided. These business segments are ValueClick Media and ValueClick Technology.

 

VALUECLICK MEDIA—The ValueClick Media segment provides digital marketing solutions for advertisers and Web publishers. Through a combination of digital advertising, digital marketing and digital retention marketing, the ValueClick Media segment provides marketers with custom media solutions to build brand value and attract targeted, high-quality customers. ValueClick provides online advertisers and publishers of Web sites with advertising models known as cost-per-click (“CPC”), cost-per-action (“CPA”) and cost-per-lead (“CPL”), in which an advertiser only pays ValueClick, and ValueClick in turn only pays a publisher of a Web site, when an Internet user clicks on an advertiser’s banner advertisement or performs a specific action, such as a software download, an online registration or other transactions. Additionally, ValueClick provides media on a cost-per-thousand-impressions (“CPM”) basis whereby the advertiser pays for the number of times an advertisement is viewed.

 

The ValueClick Media segment also operates a pay-per-click search engine product through its wholly-owned subsidiary Search123.com Inc. (“Search123”), acquired in May 2003.   Through the pay-per-click search engine product, online advertisers bid for priority placement on search result pages. The product leverages the most common online activity, searching, to create a direct marketing vehicle.  Search123’s search service is comprised of advertiser’s listings, which are screened for relevance and accessed by consumers and businesses through Search123’s affiliates, a network of Web properties that have integrated Search123’s search service into their sites or that direct user traffic to Search123’s own site. The search listings are ranked by the advertisers’ bid; the higher the bid, the higher the ranking. Advertisers pay Search123 the bid price for clicks on the advertisers’ search listing.

 

VALUECLICK TECHNOLOGY—The ValueClick Technology segment operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Be Free, Inc. (“Be Free”), Mediaplex, Inc. (“Mediaplex”) and AdWare Systems, Inc. (“AdWare”).

 

Be Free provides a marketing platform that enables online businesses to attract, convert and retain customers easily and cost effectively. Be Free’s marketing platform includes technology and services to manage, track and analyze a variety of online marketing programs. It is offered on a hosted basis to enable businesses to execute marketing programs without the expense of building and maintaining their own in-house technical infrastructure and resources. Be Free offers two types of services on this platform, partner marketing services and site personalization services.

 

Mediaplex serves the marketing communications industry with technology solutions for digital messaging, support services that enhance campaign return, and infrastructure tools to ensure effective program implementation. Mediaplex enables marketers to

 

7



 

manage, target and distribute integrated messaging across all digital media. Mediaplex’s proprietary MOJO® technology platform has the ability to automatically configure messages in response to real-time information from a marketer’s enterprise data system and to provide ongoing campaign optimization. Mediaplex’s revenue is primarily derived from software access and use charges paid by its customers. These fees vary based on the customers’ use of the technology.

 

AdWare is an applications service provider (“ASP”) delivering high-quality information management systems to advertising agencies, marketing communications companies, and public relations agencies. AdWare’s revenue is generated primarily from monthly service fees paid by customers over the service contract periods.

 

2.                                      CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE AND NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the accounting standards set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No. 142 changed the methodology for assessing goodwill impairments. In accordance with the transitional guidance of SFAS No. 142, the Company completed its impairment assessment in the second quarter of 2002 from the adoption of this standard and determined that goodwill of $7.6 million related to the Bach Systems and ValueClick Japan acquisitions was impaired at January 1, 2002 and reflected a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the goodwill impairment.

 

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Obligations Associated with the Retirement of Long-Lived Assets”, which establishes accounting standards for the recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation and its associated asset retirement cost. It also provides accounting guidance for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted SFAS No. 143 effective January 1, 2003 and the adoption of this new standard did not have a significant impact on its results of operations and financial position.

 

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. This Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” SFAS No. 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, though early adoption is encouraged. Management does not believe that the provisions of SFAS No. 146 will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosures Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosures required in financial statements concerning obligations under certain guarantees. It also clarifies the requirements related to the recognition of liabilities by a guarantor at the inception of certain guarantees. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements of this interpretation that were effective on December 31, 2002. The recognition provisions of the interpretation are effective for the Company in 2003 and are applicable only to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company does not believe that the adoption of FIN 45 will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In November 2002, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. EITF issue No. 00-21 provides guidance on how to account for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. The provisions of EITF Issue No. 00-21 will apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company is currently assessing the impact of EITF Issue No. 00-21 on the consolidated financial statements, however, management does not believe the impact will be material.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition Disclosure — an amendment of FAS 123”. SFAS No.148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The provisions of SFAS 148 are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002, and disclosure requirements shall be effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. The Company intends to continue to account for stock-based compensation to its employees and directors using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, and related interpretations. The adoption of SFAS No. 148 did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” clarifying accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, with some exceptions, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30,

 

8



 

2003. Management does not expect adoption of SFAS No. 149 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity. At June 30, 2003, the Company was not engaged in hedging activities nor did it hold any derivative instruments subject to SFAS No. 149 or SFAS No. 133, as amended.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatory redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities. Adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

3.                                      RECENT BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

On May 30, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of Search123.com Inc. Under the terms of the merger agreement, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company was merged with and into Search123, with Search123 surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ValueClick.

 

The Company accounted for the acquisition under the purchase method. Accordingly, the results of Search123’s operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The aggregate consideration, constituting the purchase price of approximately $4.9 million, includes a cash payment of $3.2 million, the assumption of a net working capital deficit of $1.5 million and transaction costs of approximately $200,000, which include legal fees, accounting fees, and fees for other related professional services. Identifiable intangible assets and goodwill of approximately $5.4 million has been recorded related to this acquisition.

 

On May 23, 2002, the Company completed its acquisition of Be Free, Inc. Under the terms of the merger agreement, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company was merged with and into Be Free, and Be Free survived as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Be Free is a provider of performance-based marketing technology and services.

 

The Company accounted for the acquisition under the purchase method. Accordingly, the results of Be Free’s operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The aggregate consideration, constituting the purchase price of approximately $129.3 million, includes the issuance of 43,361,717 shares of common stock valued at approximately $122.3 million (based on the average common stock price for the public announcement date and the day before, the day of and after that date), the assumption of options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,164,918 shares of common stock valued at $5.0 million using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and transaction costs of approximately $2.0 million, which include legal fees, accounting fees, and fees for other related professional services. The fair value of the tangible assets acquired aggregated $134.8 million at the acquisition date.

 

The historical operating results of Search123 and Be Free prior to the acquisition dates have not been included in the Company’s historical condensed consolidated operating results. Pro forma data (unaudited, in thousands) for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 as if the acquisitions had been effective as of January 1, 2002 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three-month
Period Ended
June 30
, 2003

 

Six-month
Period Ended
June 30
, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

20,869

 

$

41,486

 

Net income before cumulative effect of accounting principle

 

$

1,253

 

$

2,287

 

Net income

 

$

1,253

 

$

2,287

 

Basic and diluted net income per share before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.03

 

Basic and diluted net income per share

 

$

0.02

 

$

0.03

 

 

9



 

 

 

Three-month
Period Ended
June 30
, 2002

 

Six-month
Period Ended
June 30
, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

17,702

 

$

36,078

 

Net loss before cumulative effect of accounting principle

 

$

(3,469

)

$

(5,327

)

Net loss

 

$

(3,469

)

$

(12,976

)

Basic and diluted net loss per share before cumulative effect of accounting principle

 

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.06

)

Basic and diluted net loss per share

 

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.14

)

 

4.                                      STOCK COMPENSATION

 

The Company accounts for its employee stock option plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and the related interpretations of FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 44, “Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation.” Accordingly, compensation expense related to employee stock options is recorded only if, on the date of the grant, the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on stock-based compensation, net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation.

 

 

 

 

Three-month Period
Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders, as reported

 

$

1,284

 

$

(2,839

)

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based employee compensation included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

 

58

 

266

 

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

(348

)

(289

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders

 

$

994

 

$

(2,862

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic—as reported

 

$

0.02

 

$

(0.04

)

Diluted—as reported

 

$

0.02

 

$

(0.04

)

Basic—pro forma

 

$

0.01

 

$

(0.04

)

Diluted—pro forma

 

$

0.01

 

$

(0.04

)

 

10



 

 

 

Six-month Period
Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders, as reported

 

$

2,470

 

$

(11,603

)

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based employee compensation included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

 

116

 

596

 

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

(782

)

(638

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders

 

$

1,804

 

$

(11,645

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic—as reported

 

$

0.03

 

$

(0.19

)

Diluted—as reported

 

$

0.03

 

$

(0.19

)

Basic—pro forma

 

$

0.02

 

$

(0.19

)

Diluted—pro forma

 

$

0.02

 

$

(0.15

)

 

5.                                      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of  $1,325,000 and $1,892,000 at June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.

 

6.                                      PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2003

 

December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer equipment

 

$

19,068

 

$

17,282

 

Furniture and equipment

 

3,325

 

2,770

 

Vehicles

 

41

 

41

 

Leasehold improvements

 

519

 

445

 

 

 

22,953

 

20,538

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

(13,588

)

(11,301

)

 

 

$

9,365

 

$

9,237

 

 

7.                                      MARKETABLE SECURITIES

 

Marketable securities as of June 30, 2003 consist primarily of marketable debt securities in high-grade corporate and government securities with maturities of less than two years. All of the Company’s investments are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity within the accumulated other comprehensive loss balance.

 

Marketable securities at June 30, 2003 have an aggregate cost of $191.9 million and estimated fair value of $192.2 million. Marketable securities at December 31, 2002 had an aggregate cost and estimated fair value of $205.9 million.

 

11



 

8.                                      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Legal Action

 

Mediaplex and Be Free Class Action Litigation

 

Mediaplex, Inc., ValueClick’s wholly-owned subsidiary acquired on October 19, 2001, is involved in three putative class action lawsuits. In July and August 2001, these class action lawsuits were commenced on behalf of all persons who acquired Mediaplex securities between November 19, 1999 and December 6, 2000. The cases are entitled Levovitz v. Mediaplex, Inc. et al., Atlas v. Mediaplex, Inc. et al., and Mashayekh v. Mediaplex, Inc. et al. In addition to Mediaplex and each of its underwriters for its November 1999 initial public offering, Gregory Raifman, Sandra Abbott, Jon Edwards, Lawrence Lenihan, Peter Sealy, James Desorrento, and A. Brooke Seawell, all of whom are former officers and directors of Mediaplex, are named as individual defendants. The Company is defending and indemnifying these individual defendants as part of its obligation under its indemnification agreements. The cases are pending before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

Be Free, Inc., ValueClick’s wholly-owned subsidiary acquired on May 23, 2002, is involved in a putative class action litigation. This class action lawsuit, entitled Saul Kassin v. Be Free et al., was filed on November 30, 2001 with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of all persons who acquired Be Free securities between November 3, 1999 and December 6, 2000. This lawsuit names as defendants Be Free, its underwriters for its November 3, 1999 initial public offering and its March 28, 2000 public offering, and Gordon B. Hoffstein, Samuel Gerace, Jr., Thomas A. Gerace and Stephen M. Joseph, all of whom were either officers and/or directors of Be Free during the class period. Samuel Gerace, Jr. is a member of the Company’s board of directors. Mr. Gerace is also the Chief Technology Officer of Be Free. The Company is defending and indemnifying the individual defendants in this lawsuit as part of its obligation under its indemnification agreements.

 

These complaints allege that the defendants violated the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by issuing a prospectus that contained “materially false and misleading information and failed to disclose material information.” They allege that the prospectuses were false and misleading because they failed to disclose the underwriter defendants’ purported agreement with investors to provide them with unspecified amounts of Mediaplex and Be Free shares in their respective initial public offerings in exchange for undisclosed commissions; and the purported agreements between the underwriter defendants and certain of their customers whereby the underwriter defendants would allocate shares in Mediaplex’s and Be Free’s public offerings to those customers in exchange for the customers’ agreement to purchase Mediaplex and Be Free shares in the after-market at pre-determined prices.

 

ValueClick believes that the plaintiffs’ allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself. ValueClick has not recorded an accrual related to damages, if any, resulting from these cases, as an unfavorable outcome is, in management’s opinion, not probable and an amount of loss, if any, is not estimable.

 

Lorenc v. Be Free, Inc. et al.

 

On September 27, 2000, Joseph Lorenc, a former employee of Be Free, Inc. filed a lawsuit against Be Free and two officers of Be Free, Steven Joseph and Gordon Hoffstein, in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts. The complaint alleges, among other things, breach of contract. The case is now pending before the state court in Massachusetts. ValueClick believes that the plaintiffs’ allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself. ValueClick has not recorded an accrual related to damages, if any, resulting from this case, as an unfavorable outcome is, in management’s opinion, not probable and an amount of loss, if any, is not estimable.

 

Other than the matters discussed above, the Company is not a party to any other material legal proceedings, nor is it aware of any pending or threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on the business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition. From time to time, the Company may become subject to additional legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.

 

9.                                      STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

 

In September 2001, the Board of Directors authorized a $10 million Stock Repurchase Program to purchase outstanding shares of ValueClick common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices in the open market or through unsolicited negotiated transactions depending on market conditions. The amount authorized under the Stock Repurchase Program was increased by the board of directors to $30 million in February 2002, to $50 million in July 2002 and to $75 million in November 2002. Under the program, the purchases are funded from available working capital and the repurchased shares are in the process of being retired. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that will be repurchased by the Company and the Company may discontinue purchases at any time that management determines additional purchases are not warranted.  As of June 30, 2003, and since the initiation of the Stock Repurchase Program, the Company has repurchased approximately 26.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock for

 

12



 

approximately $71.4 million, $68 million of which was purchased pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Program.  As of June 30, 2003, up to an additional $7.0 million of the Company’s capital may be used to purchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock under the Stock Repurchase Program.

 

10.                               SEGMENTS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

 

The Company derives its revenues from two business segments based on the types of products and services provided. These business segments are ValueClick Media and ValueClick Technology. Media segment revenue includes sales of certain technology products made by Media operations outside the United States, amounting to $573,000 and $178,000 for the three months periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Revenue and gross profit by segment are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

Three-month Periods Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media

 

$

9,374

 

$

7,404

 

$

4,724

 

$

4,109

 

Technology

 

10,944

 

6,821

 

8,415

 

5,155

 

Intercompany eliminations

 

(232

)

(118

)

 

(118

)

Total

 

$

20,086

 

$

14,107

 

$

13,139

 

$

9,146

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

Six-month Periods Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media

 

$

18,712

 

$

14,577

 

$

9,874

 

$

7,918

 

Technology

 

21,309

 

12,200

 

16,227

 

9,245

 

Intercompany eliminations

 

(472

)

(314

)

 

(232

)

Total

 

$

39,549

 

$

26,463

 

$

26,101

 

$

16,931

 

 

The Company’s operations are domiciled in the United States with operations in Japan through our majority owned subsidiary, ValueClick Japan, and with operations in Europe through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, ValueClick Europe, ValueClick France and ValueClick Germany. The Company’s geographic information is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three-month Period
Ended
June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Income
(loss) from
Operations

 

Long-lived
Assets at
June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

15,540

 

$

811

 

$

15,630

 

Japan

 

2,025

 

125

 

1,141

 

Europe

 

2,753

 

(298

)

185

 

Intercompany eliminations

 

(232

)

 

 

Total

 

$

20,086

 

$

638

 

$

16,956

 

 

13



 

 

 

Three-month Period Ended
June 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Income (loss) from
Operations

 

Long-lived
Assets at
June 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

10,724

 

$

(4,140

)

$

10,260

 

Japan

 

1,942

 

25

 

1,022

 

Europe

 

1,559

 

(180

)

151

 

Intercompany eliminations

 

(118

)

 

 

Total

 

$

14,107

 

$

(4,295

)

$

11,433

 

 

 

 

Six-month Period
Ended
June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Income
(loss) from
Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

30,429

 

$

1,362

 

Japan

 

3,901

 

219

 

Europe

 

5,691

 

(392

)

Intercompany eliminations

 

(472

)

 

Total

 

$

39,549

 

$

1,189

 

 

 

 

Six-month Period Ended
June 30, 2002

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Loss from
Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

20,475

 

$

(6,122

)

Japan

 

3,585

 

(298

)

Europe

 

2,717

 

(527

)

Intercompany eliminations

 

(314

)

 

Total

 

$

26,463

 

$

(6,947

)

 

For the three-month period ended June 30, 2003, one customer comprised 11.6% of total revenue.  For the three-month period ended June 30, 2002, one customer comprised 16.1% of total revenue. At June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 no customer comprised more than 10% of accounts receivable.

 

14



 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

 

This Report contains forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. The section entitled “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and similar discussions in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, and in our other SEC filings, discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. You should carefully consider those risks, in addition to the other information in this Report, and in our other filings with the SEC, before deciding to invest in our company or to maintain or increase your investment. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. The information contained in this Form 10-Q is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock. We urge you to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this Report and in our other reports filed with the SEC that discuss our business in greater detail and advise interested parties of certain risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Overview

 

We provide digital marketing solutions including advertising technology tools. We offer a broad range of media and technology products and services to our customers to allow them to address all aspects of the digital marketing process, from pre-campaign to execution, including measurement and campaign refinements. Combining media and technological expertise, our products and services help our customers optimize their advertising and marketing campaigns on the Internet and through other media.

 

We derive our revenue from two business segments based on the types of products and services provided. These business segments are ValueClick Media and ValueClick Technology.

 

VALUECLICK MEDIA—Our Media segment provides digital marketing solutions for advertisers and Web publishers. Through a combination of digital advertising, digital marketing and digital retention marketing, our Media segment provides marketers with custom media solutions to both build brand value and attract targeted, high-quality customers. To accomplish this, we employ network quality control, advanced targeting capabilities and an integrated product line. For Web site publishers of all sizes, we offer the ability to create reliable new revenue opportunities from their advertising inventory. We offer marketers and advertisers a wide spectrum of custom media solutions. Specifically, we provide online advertisers and publishers of Web sites advertising models known as cost-per-click (“CPC”), cost-per-action (“CPA”) and cost-per-lead (“CPL”), in which an advertiser only pays us, and we in turn only pay a publisher of a Web site, when an Internet user clicks on an advertiser’s banner advertisement or performs a specific action, such as a software download, an online registration or other transactions. Additionally, we provide media on a cost-per-thousand-impressions (“CPM”) basis whereby the advertiser pays for the number of times an advertisement is viewed.

 

The ValueClick Media segment also operates a pay-per-click search engine product through its wholly-owned subsidiary Search123.com Inc. (“Search123”), acquired in May 2003.   Through the pay-per-click search engine product, online advertisers bid for priority placement on search result pages. The product leverages the most common online activity, searching, to create a direct marketing vehicle.  Search123’s search service is comprised of advertiser’s listings, which are screened for relevance and accessed by consumers and businesses through Search123’s affiliates, a network of Web properties that have integrated Search123’s search service into their sites or that direct user traffic to Search123’s own site. The search listings are ranked by the advertisers’ bid; the higher the bid, the higher the ranking. Advertisers pay Search123 the bid price for clicks on the advertisers’ search listing.

 

VALUECLICK TECHNOLOGY—Our Technology segment operates through our wholly-owned subsidiaries Be Free, Inc. (“Be Free”) acquired on May 23, 2002, and Mediaplex, Inc. (“Mediaplex”) and AdWare Systems, Inc. (“AdWare”), acquired on October 19, 2001.

 

Be Free provides a marketing platform that enables online businesses to attract, convert and retain customers easily and cost effectively. Be Free’s marketing platform includes technology and services to manage, track and analyze a variety of online marketing programs. It is offered on a hosted basis to enable businesses to execute marketing programs without the expense of building and maintaining their own in-house technical infrastructure and resources. Be Free offers two types of services on this platform, partner marketing services and site personalization services.

 

15



 

Mediaplex serves the marketing communications industry with technology solutions for digital messaging, support services that enhance campaign return, and infrastructure tools to ensure effective program implementation. Mediaplex enables marketers to manage, target and distribute integrated messaging across all digital media. Our proprietary MOJO® technology platform has the ability to automatically configure messages in response to real-time information from a marketer’s enterprise data system and to provide ongoing campaign optimization. Mediaplex’s revenue is primarily derived from software access and use charges paid by its customers. These fees vary based on the client’s use of the technology.

 

AdWare is an applications service provider (“ASP”) delivering high-quality information management systems to advertising agencies, marketing communications companies, and public relations agencies. AdWare’s revenue is generated primarily from monthly service fees paid by customers over the service periods.

 

The Company derives its revenues from two business segments based on the types of products and services provided. These business segments are ValueClick Media and ValueClick Technology. Media segment revenue includes sales of certain technology products made by Media operations outside the United States, amounting to $573,000 and $178,000 for the three months periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Revenue and gross profit by segment are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

Three-month Periods Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media

 

$

9,374

 

$

7,404

 

$

4,724

 

$

4,109

 

Technology

 

10,944

 

6,821

 

8,415

 

5,155

 

Intercompany eliminations

 

(232

)

(118

)

 

(118

)

Total

 

$

20,086

 

$

14,107

 

$

13,139

 

$

9,146

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Gross Profit

 

 

 

Six-month Periods Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media

 

$

18,712

 

$

14,623

 

$

9,874

 

$

7,918

 

Technology

 

20,837

 

12,200

 

16,227

 

9,245

 

Intercompany eliminations

 

(472

)

(314

)

 

(232

)

Total

 

$

39,549

 

$

26,463

 

$

26,101

 

$

16,931

 

 

The Company’s operations are domiciled in the United States with operations in Japan through our majority owned subsidiary, ValueClick Japan, and with operations in Europe through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, ValueClick Europe, ValueClick France and ValueClick Germany. The Company’s geographic information is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Three-month Period
Ended
June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Income
(loss) from
Operations

 

Long-lived
Assets at
June 30, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

15,540

 

$

811

 

$

15,630

 

Japan

 

2,025

 

125

 

1,141

 

Europe

 

2,753

 

(298

)

185

 

Intercompany eliminations

 

(232

)

 

 

Total

 

$

20,086

 

$

638

 

$

16,956

 

 

16



 

 

 

Three-month Period Ended
June 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Income (loss) from
Operations

 

Long-lived
Assets at
June 30, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

10,724

 

$

(4,140

)

$

10,260

 

Japan

 

1,942

 

25

 

1,022

 

Europe

 

1,559

 

(180

)

151

 

Intercompany eliminations

 

(118

)

 

 

Total

 

$

14,107

 

$

(4,295

)

$

11,433

 

 

 

 

Six-month Period
Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Income
(loss) from
Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

30,429

 

$

1,362

 

Japan

 

3,901

 

219

 

Europe

 

5,691

 

(392

)

Intercompany eliminations

 

(472

)

 

 

Total

 

$

39,549

 

$

1,189

 

 

 

 

Six-month Period Ended
June 30, 2002

 

Revenue

 

Loss from
Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

20,475

 

$

(6,122

)

Japan

 

3,585

 

(298

)

Europe

 

2,717

 

(527

)

Intercompany eliminations

 

(314

)

 

Total

 

$

26,463

 

$

(6,947

)

 

17



 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2003 COMPARED TO JUNE 30, 2002

 

The 2003 results include three full months of operations from our Technology segment, given that we acquired Be Free in late May of 2002.

 

Revenue.  Net revenue from our Media segment and our Technology segment were $9.4 million and $10.7 million, respectively, for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003, resulting in consolidated net revenue of $20.1 million compared to $14.1 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $6.0 million, or 42.4%. The increase in net revenue was primarily a result of the inclusion of a full quarter of Affiliate Marketing revenue from the Be Free acquisition in the 2003 period, the addition of Search123 results for June 2003 and increased core revenue in both our Media and Technology segments.

 

Cost of Revenue.  Cost of revenue for the Media segment consists primarily of amounts that we pay to Web site publishers on the ValueClick consolidated networks. We pay these publishers on either a CPC, CPA, CPL or CPM basis. Cost of revenue for both the Media and Technology segments also includes labor costs, depreciation on revenue generating assets and Internet access costs.  Cost of revenue was $6.9 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 compared to $5.0 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $1.9 million or 40.0%. Cost of revenue decreased as a percentage of revenue over the 2002 period. This decrease, as well as the corresponding increase in the gross profit margin to 65.4% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 from 64.8% for the same period in 2002, was primarily attributable to the addition of the higher margin technology business of Be Free for a full three months in the second quarter of 2003.

 

Sales and Marketing.  Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation, sales commissions, travel, advertising, trade show costs and costs of marketing materials. Sales and marketing expenses for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 were $4.9 million compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $1.2 million or 33.6%. The increase in sales and marketing expense was due primarily to the inclusion of three full months and one month of sales & marketing expense for Be Free and Search123, respectively, in the second quarter of 2003. Our sales and marketing costs as a percentage of revenue improved to 24.5% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 from 26.2% for the same period in 2002, due primarily to consolidation of our sales facilities.

 

General and Administrative.  General and administrative expenses consist primarily of facilities costs, executive and administrative compensation, depreciation and professional service fees. General and administrative expenses increased to $4.6 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $0.2 million or 4.9%. General and administrative expense increased due to the additional three full months and one month of expense for Be Free and Search123, respectively, in the second quarter of 2003. Our general and administrative costs as a percentage of revenue improved to 23.1% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 from 31.3% for the same period in 2002 due to cost reduction and consolidation activities.

 

Product Development.  Product development costs include expenses for the development of new technologies designed to enhance the performance of our service, including the salaries and related expenses for our software engineering department, as well as costs for contracted services and supplies. With the exception of certain internal use software qualifying for capitalization, all product development costs have been expensed as incurred. Product development expenses totaled $2.5 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002. The impact of three full months of expense for Be Free and one full month of expense for Search123 in the second quarter of 2003 was offset by continuing efforts to consolidate our technology teams. Our product development costs as a percentage of revenue improved to 12.4% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 from 17.9% for the same period in 2002.

 

Stock-Based Compensation.  Stock-based compensation included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations reflects the amortization of the difference between the deemed fair value of our common stock for financial accounting purposes and the exercise price of options on the date of the options were granted. Stock-based compensation expense for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 amounted to $97,000, which relates primarily to the amortization of existing deferred compensation recorded in prior periods for stock options and restricted shares. The decrease in stock-based compensation from $444,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2002 relates to our amortization method that charges to expense a higher portion of the deferred stock-based compensation in the earlier years of the option vesting period.

 

Amortization of Intangible Assets.  Amortization of intangible assets for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 was $342,000 compared to $49,000 in the second quarter of 2002. This represents principally the amortization of software acquired through business combinations and purchased intellectual property. The increase compared to the second quarter of 2002 is due to the amortization of technologies acquired in the Be Free and Search123 transactions and an intellectual property license acquired at the end of 2002.

 

Restructuring Expense.  We recorded a restructuring charge of $2.3 million in the three-month period ended June 30, 2002.

 

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This restructuring charge is the result of certain redundancies occurring as a result of our acquisition of Be Free, and primarily represents a provision for consolidating certain leased facilities, which will be paid out through 2010.  As of June 30, 2003, $271,000 of the charges had been paid.

 

Interest Income, Net.  Interest income, net, consists principally of interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents and marketable debt securities and is net of interest paid on debt obligations. Interest income was $0.9 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2002. The decrease is attributable to a lower cash balance over the period primarily due to the purchase of ValueClick common stock under the stock repurchase program, and the effects of decreasing average investment yields, partially offset by income on the additional cash and marketable securities acquired in the Be Free merger. Interest income in future periods may continue to decrease as a result of declines in the market rates available for our investments.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.  For the three-month period ended June 30, 2003, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $233,000. This reflects the Company’s anticipated effective tax rate based on the overall pretax profitability as well as the application of benefits relating to net operating loss carry-forwards available for federal income tax purposes.  Income taxes for interim periods are computed using the effective tax rate estimated to be applicable for the full fiscal year, which is subject to our ongoing review and evaluation. The effective income tax rate reflects certain non-deductible expenses, including the stock-based compensation charges.  The provision for income tax of $118,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2002 was primarily attributable to the operations of our Japan subsidiary.

 

Minority Share of Income/Loss of Consolidated Subsidiary.  Minority share of income of ValueClick Japan was $55,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 compared to $44,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. We account for our interest in ValueClick Japan on a consolidated basis for financial reporting purposes, resulting in a minority interest in the net income or losses incurred by ValueClick Japan.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2003 COMPARED TO JUNE 30, 2002

 

The 2003 results include six full months of operations from our Technology segment, given that we acquired Be Free in late May of 2002.

 

Revenue.  Net revenue from our Media segment and our Technology segment were $18.7 million and $20.8 million, respectively, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003, resulting in consolidated net revenue of $39.5 million compared to $26.5 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $13.0 million, or 49.5%. The increase in net revenue was a result of the inclusion of a full period of Affiliate Marketing revenue from the Be Free acquisition in the 2003 period, the addition of Search123 results for June 2003 and increased core revenues in both our Media and Technology segments.

 

Cost of Revenue.  Cost of revenue was $13.4 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 compared to $9.5 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $3.9 million or 41.1%. Cost of revenue decreased as a percentage of revenue over the 2002 period. This decrease, as well as the corresponding increase in the gross profit margin to 66.0% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 from 64.0% for the same period in 2002, was primarily attributable to the addition of the higher margin technology business of Be Free for a full six months.

 

Sales and Marketing.  Sales and marketing expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 were $9.9 million compared to $7.6 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $2.3 million or 31.1%. This increase was due to the inclusion of six full months of sales & marketing expense for Be Free in 2003. Our sales and marketing costs as a percentage of revenue improved to 25.1% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 from 28.6% for the same period in 2002, due primarily to consolidation of our sales facilities.

 

General and Administrative.  General and administrative expenses increased to $9.1 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 compared to $8.5 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $0.6 million or 7.4%. This increase was due to the additional six full months of expense for Be Free in 2003, which was partially offset by cost reduction activities. Our general and administrative costs as a percentage of revenue decreased to 23.0% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 from 32.0% for the same period in 2002 due to cost reduction activities.

 

Product Development.  Product development expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 were $5.1 million compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2002, an increase of $0.7 million or 14.3%. This increase was due primarily to the additional six full months of expense for Be Free in 2003, which was partially offset by cost reduction activities. Our product development costs as a percentage of revenue improved to 12.8% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 from 16.8% for the same period in 2002 due primarily to continuing efforts to reduce the number of our co-location facilities and consolidate our technology teams.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation.  Stock-based compensation expense for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 amounted to $0.2 million, which relates primarily to the amortization of existing deferred compensation recorded in prior periods for stock options and restricted shares. The decrease in stock-based compensation from $1.0 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2002 relates to our amortization method that charges to expense a higher portion of the deferred stock-based compensation in the earlier years of the option vesting period.

 

Amortization of Intangible Assets.  Amortization of intangible assets for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 was $654,000 compared to $94,000 for the same period in 2002. This represents principally the amortization of software acquired through business combinations and purchased intellectual property. The increase compared to the same period in 2002 is due to the amortization of technologies acquired in the Be Free and Search123 transactions and an intellectual property license acquired at the end of 2002.

 

On January 1, 2002, we adopted the accounting standards set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”). SFAS No. 142 changed the methodology for assessing goodwill impairments and ceased the continued amortization of goodwill. In accordance with the transitional guidance of SFAS No. 142, we completed our impairment assessment in the first quarter of 2002 from the adoption of this standard and determined that goodwill of $7.6 million related to the Bach Systems and ValueClick Japan acquisitions was impaired at January 1, 2002 and reflected a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the goodwill impairment.

 

Merger-Related Costs.  Merger-related costs for the six-month period ended June 30, 2002 was $17,000, which represented direct transaction costs incurred in connection with the mergers with ClickAgents and Z Media, accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.  We incurred no such costs in the first six months of 2003.

 

Restructuring Expense.  We recorded a restructuring charge of $2.3 million in the six-month period ended June 30, 2002.  This restructuring charge is the result of certain redundancies occurring as a result of our acquisition of Be Free, and primarily represents a provision for consolidating certain leased facilities, which will be paid out through 2010.  As of June 30, 2003, $271,000 of the charges had been paid.

 

Interest Income, Net.  Interest income was $2.0 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2002. The decrease is attributable to a lower cash balance over the period primarily due to the purchase of ValueClick common stock under the stock repurchase program, and the effects of decreasing average investment yields, partially offset by income on the additional cash and marketable securities acquired in the Be Free merger.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.  For the six-month period ended June 30, 2003, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $618,000 compared to a benefit of $19,000 for the same period in 2002. This reflects the Company’s anticipated effective tax rate based on the overall pretax profitability as well as the application of benefits relating to net operating loss carry-forwards available for federal income tax purposes.  Income taxes for interim periods are computed using the effective tax rate estimated to be applicable for the full fiscal year, which is subject to our ongoing review and evaluation. The effective income tax rate reflects certain non-deductible expenses, including the stock-based compensation charges.

 

Minority Share of Income/Loss of Consolidated Subsidiary.  Minority share of income of ValueClick Japan was $74,000 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 and minority share of loss of ValueClick Japan was $20,000 for the corresponding period in 2002. We account for our interest in ValueClick Japan on a consolidated basis for financial reporting purposes, resulting in a minority interest in the net income or losses incurred by ValueClick Japan.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Since our inception, we have financed our operations through working capital generated from operations and equity financings. As of June 30, 2003, we had combined cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities balance of $222.7 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 totaled $6.6 million compared to $78,000 for the same period in 2002. The increase in 2003 is primarily a result of increased net income from operations.

 

The net cash provided by investing activities for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 resulted from the sale of marketable debt securities offset by the use of funds for purchases of equipment and intangible assets, the purchases of investment grade corporate debt securities, and, in 2003, the use of $4.6 million for the acquisition of Search123.  The decrease in cash provided by investing activities to $6.5 million from $12.8 million in 2002 resulted from increased purchases of computer equipment, a final payment for the purchase of a technology patent license acquired in 2002, and the use of funds for the acquisition of Search123.

 

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Net cash used in financing activities for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003 was $9.4 million compared to $12.8 million for the same period in 2002.  Cash used in financing activities resulted primarily from the repurchase of $9.2 and $14.3 million of the company’s common stock in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

In September 2001, the Board of Directors authorized a $10 million Stock Repurchase Program to purchase outstanding shares of ValueClick common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices in the open market or through unsolicited negotiated transactions depending on market conditions. The amount authorized under the Stock Repurchase Program was increased by the board of directors to $30 million in February 2002, to $50 million in July 2002 and to $75 million in November 2002. Under the program, the purchases are funded from available working capital and the repurchased shares are in the process of being retired. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that will be repurchased by the Company and the Company may discontinue purchases at any time that management determines additional purchases are not warranted.  As of June 30, 2003, and since the initiation of the Stock Repurchase Program, the Company has repurchased approximately 26.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $71.4 million, $68 million of which was purchased pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Program.  As of June 30, 2003, up to an additional $7.0 million of the Company’s capital may be used to purchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock under the Stock Repurchase Program.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

As of June 30, 2003, we had no material commitments other than obligations under operating and capital leases for office space and office equipment, of which some commitments extend through 2010, and two notes payable to banks, which require monthly payments through 2003.

 

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and our marketable securities are sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. However, it is possible that we may need or elect to raise additional funds to fund our activities beyond the next year or to consummate acquisitions of other businesses, products or technologies. We could raise such funds by selling more stock to the public or to selected investors, or by borrowing money. In addition, even though we may not need additional funds, we may still elect to sell additional equity securities or obtain credit facilities for other reasons. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain additional funds on commercially favorable terms, or at all. If we raise additional funds by issuing additional equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership percentages of existing stockholders would be reduced. In addition, the equity or debt securities that we issue may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the holders of our common stock.

 

Although we believe we have sufficient capital to fund our activities for at least the next twelve months, our future capital requirements may vary materially from those now planned. The amount of capital that we will need in the future will depend on many factors, including:

 

                                          the market acceptance of our products and services;

                                          the levels of promotion and advertising that will be required to launch our new products and achieve and maintain a competitive position in the marketplace;

                                          our business, product, capital expenditure and research and development plans and product and technology roadmaps;

                                          capital improvements to new and existing facilities;

                                          technological advances;

                                          our competitors’ response to our products and services;

                                          our pursuit of strategic transactions;

                                          our relationships with customers; and

                                          our level of common stock repurchases.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Obligations Associated with the Retirement of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 143”)” which establishes accounting standards for the recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation and its associated asset retirement cost. It also provides accounting guidance for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002, with early adoption permitted. We adopted SFAS No. 143 effective January 1, 2003 and the adoption of this new standard did not have a significant impact on our results of operations and financial position.

 

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In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS No. 146”)”. SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” SFAS No. 146 is to be applied prospectively to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, though early adoption is encouraged. Management does not believe that the provisions of SFAS No. 146 will have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued FIN 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosures Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosures required in financial statements concerning obligations under certain guarantees. It also clarifies the requirements related to the recognition of liabilities by a guarantor at the inception of certain guarantees. We adopted the disclosure requirements of this interpretation that were effective on December 31, 2002. The recognition provisions of the interpretation are effective for the Company in 2003 and are applicable only to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company does not believe that the adoption of FIN 45 will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In November 2002, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. EITF issue No. 00-21 provides guidance on how to account for arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services and/or rights to use assets. The provisions of EITF Issue No. 00-21 will apply to revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. We are currently assessing the impact of EITF Issue No. 00-21 on the consolidated financial statements, however, management does not believe the impact will be material.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition Disclosure – an amendment of FAS 123” (“SFAS No. 148”). SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The provisions of SFAS 148 are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002, and disclosure requirements shall be effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. We intend to continue to account for stock-based compensation to our employees and directors using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, and related interpretations. The adoption of SFAS No. 148 did not impact our financial position or results of operations.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” clarifying accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, with some exceptions, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. Management does not expect adoption of SFAS No. 149 to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, results of operations or liquidity. At June 30, 2003, the Company was not engaged in hedging activities nor did it hold any derivative instruments subject to SFAS No. 149 or SFAS No. 133, as amended.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatory redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities. Adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation was not a material factor affecting either revenue or operating expenses during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

INTEREST RATE RISK

 

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve capital while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and changes in the market values of our investments. Our interest income is sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates. In this regard, changes in U.S. interest rates affect the interest earned on our cash equivalents and marketable debt securities. Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio. We invest a portion of our excess cash in debt instruments of high-quality corporate issuers and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. We protect and preserve our invested funds by limiting default, market and reinvestment risk. Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates fall. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates, or we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities, which have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates.

 

Marketable securities as of June 30, 2003 consist primarily of marketable debt securities in high-grade corporate and government securities with maturities of less than two years. As of June 30, 2003, our investment in marketable securities had a weighted-average time to maturity of approximately 312 days. We classify all of our investments as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. As of June 30, 2003, unrealized gains in our investments in marketable securities aggregated $273,000.

 

During the three-month period ended June 30, 2003, our investments in marketable securities yielded an effective interest rate of 1.96%. If interest rates were to decrease 1%, the result would be an annual decrease in our interest income related to our cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.9 million. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this analysis assumes no such action. Further, this analysis does not consider the effect of the change in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

 

We transact business in various foreign countries and are thus subject to exposure from adverse movements in other foreign currency exchange rates. This exposure is primarily related to revenue and operating expenses for ValueClick Japan and ValueClick Europe, which denominate their transactions in Japanese Yen and primarily in U.K. pounds, respectively. The effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations for the three-month period ended June 30, 2003 was not material.   If there were an adverse change of 10% in overall foreign currency exchange rates, the result would be a reduction of revenue of approximately $478,000 a quarter.  Historically, we have not hedged our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. Accordingly, we may experience economic loss and a negative impact on earnings, cash flows or equity as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.  We assess the need to utilize financial instruments to hedge currency exposures on an ongoing basis. As of June 30, 2003, we had $24.4 million in cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies.

 

Our 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. Accordingly, our future results could be materially and adversely affected by changes in these or other factors.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the following risks before you decide to buy shares of our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those risks set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” above, may also adversely impact and impair our business. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, results of operations or financial condition would likely suffer. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our stock.

 

This Report contains forward-looking statements based on the current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our industry and us. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, as more fully described in this section and elsewhere in this Report. We do not undertake to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

 

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INTEGRATING OUR ACQUIRED OPERATIONS MAY DIVERT MANAGEMENT’S ATTENTION AWAY FROM OUR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS.

 

We have grown in part because of business combinations with other companies.  Acquisitions generally involve significant risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of operations, services, technologies and corporate culture of the acquired companies, diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, overvaluation of the acquired companies, and the acceptance of the acquired companies’ products and services by our customers.  The integration of our acquired operations, products and personnel may place a significant burden on management and our internal resources.  The diversion of management attention and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could harm our business.  Moreover, we consummated the acquisition of Search123.com Inc. (“Search123”) on May 30, 2003.  Because of Search123’s low market share in the pay-per-click search sector, the differences in their customer base and the functionality of Search123’s and our products and other intellectual property challenges, the integration of Search123 may pose more difficult challenges than those we have faced in connection with our prior acquisitions and may delay or jeopardize the complete integration of certain businesses we had previously acquired.

 

If we finance future acquisitions by using equity securities, this would dilute our existing stockholders.  Any amortization of intangible assets, or other charges resulting from the costs of these acquisitions could have an adverse effect on the results of our operations.  In addition, we may pay more for an acquisition than the acquired products services, technology or business is ultimately worth.

 

IF WE FAIL TO MANAGE OUR GROWTH EFFECTIVELY, OUR EXPENSES COULD INCREASE AND OUR MANAGEMENT’S TIME AND ATTENTION COULD BE DIVERTED.

 

As we continue to increase the scope of our operations, we will need an effective planning and management process to implement our business plan successfully in the rapidly evolving Internet advertising market. Our business, results of operations and financial condition will be substantially harmed if we are unable to manage our expanding operations effectively. We plan to continue to expand our sales and marketing, customer support and research and development organizations. Past growth has placed, and any future growth will continue to place, a significant strain on our management systems and resources. We will likely need to continue to improve our financial and managerial controls and our reporting systems and procedures. In addition, we will need to expand, train and manage our work force. Our failure to manage our growth effectively could increase our expenses and divert management’s time and attention.

 

WE HAVE AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT AND COULD CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE LOSSES.

 

At June 30, 2003 we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $71.7 million. Though we achieved operational profitability for three consecutive quarters, events could arise that prevent achieving net income in future periods.

 

Because we have a relatively limited operating history, it may be difficult to evaluate our business and prospects. You should consider our prospects in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by early-stage companies in the rapidly-changing Internet market. These risks include our ability to:

 

                                          maintain and increase our inventory of advertising space on Web sites and with email list owners and newsletter publishers;

                                          maintain and increase the number of advertisers that use our products and services;

                                          continue to expand the number of products and services we offer and the capacity of our systems;

                                          adapt to changes in Web advertisers’ promotional needs and policies, and the technologies used to generate Web advertisements; and

                                          respond to challenges presented by the large number of competitors in the industry.

 

If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks and uncertainties, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

 

IF ADVERTISING ON THE INTERNET LOSES ITS APPEAL TO DIRECT MARKETING COMPANIES, OUR REVENUE COULD DECLINE.

 

Our Media segment accounted for 46.7% of our revenue for the three–month period ended June 30, 2003 by delivering advertisements that generate click-throughs and other actions to our advertisers’ Web sites. This business model may not continue to be effective in the future for a number of reasons, including the following: click rates have always been low and may decline as the number of banner advertisements on the Web increases; Internet users can install “filter” software programs which allow them to prevent banner advertisements from appearing on their screens; advertisements are, by their nature, limited in content relative to other media; direct marketing companies may be reluctant or slow to adopt online advertising that replaces, limits or competes with their existing direct marketing efforts; and direct marketing companies may prefer other forms of Internet advertising we do not offer, including search engine placements. If the number of direct marketing companies who purchase online advertising from us does not continue to grow, we may experience difficulty in attracting publishers, and our revenue could decline.

 

IF OUR BUSINESS MODEL IS NOT ACCEPTED BY INTERNET ADVERTISERS OR WEB PUBLISHERS, OUR REVENUE COULD DECLINE.

 

Traditionally, substantially all of our revenue has been derived from our Media segment. Although we intend to grow our Technology segment, we expect that our Media segment will continue to generate a substantial amount of our revenue in the future. For the three–month period ended June 30, 2003, our Media segment accounted for 46.7% of our revenue. In addition, most of our Media products and services are based on a cost-per-click (“CPC”), cost-per-action (“CPA”) or cost-per-lead (“CPL”) pricing model. These business models differ from the cost-per-thousand impressions (“CPM”) pricing model, which many other Internet advertising companies use. Our ability to generate significant revenue from advertisers will depend, in part, on our ability to demonstrate the effectiveness of our pricing models to advertisers, many of which may be more accustomed to the CPM pricing model, and to Web publishers; and on our ability to attract and retain advertisers and Web publishers by differentiating our technology and services from those of our competitors. One component of our strategy is to enhance advertisers’ ability to measure their return on investment and track the performance and effectiveness of their

 

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advertising campaigns. However, we have limited experience in implementing our strategy. To date, few advertisers have taken advantage of the most sophisticated tool we offer for tracking Internet users’ activities after they have reached advertisers’ Web sites. We will not be able to assure you that our strategy will succeed.

 

Intense competition among Web sites, pay-per-click search services and Internet advertising services has led to the proliferation of a number of alternative pricing models for Internet advertising. These alternatives, and the likelihood that additional pricing alternatives will be introduced, make it difficult for us to project the levels of advertising revenue or the margins that we, or the Internet advertising industry in general, will realize in the future. Moreover, an increase in the amount of advertising on the Web may result in a decline in click rates. Since we predominantly rely on a performance-based pricing model to generate revenue, any decline in click rates may make our pricing models less viable or less attractive solutions for Web publishers and advertisers.

 

OUR REVENUE COULD DECLINE IF WE FAIL TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE OUR EXISTING ADVERTISING SPACE AND OUR GROWTH COULD BE IMPEDED IF WE FAIL TO ACQUIRE NEW ADVERTISING SPACE.

 

Our success depends in part on our ability to effectively manage our existing advertising space. The Web sites that list their unsold advertising space with us are not bound by long-term contracts that ensure them a consistent supply of advertising space, which we refer to as inventory. In addition, Web sites can change the amount of inventory they make available to us at any time. If a Web site publisher decides not to make advertising space from its Web sites available to us, we may not be able to replace this advertising space with advertising space from other Web sites that have comparable traffic patterns and user demographics quickly enough to fulfill our advertisers’ requests. This would result in lost revenue. We expect that our customers’ requirements will become more sophisticated as the Web matures as an advertising medium. If we fail to manage our existing advertising space effectively to meet our customers’ changing requirements, our revenue could decline. Our growth depends on our ability to expand our advertising inventory. To attract new customers, we must maintain a consistent supply of attractive advertising space. We intend to expand our advertising inventory by selectively adding to our network new Web sites that offer attractive demographics, innovative and quality content and growing Web user traffic. Our ability to attract new Web sites to our network and to retain Web sites currently in our network will depend on various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include our ability to introduce new and innovative product lines and services, our ability to efficiently manage our existing advertising inventory, our pricing policies and the cost-efficiency to Web publishers of outsourcing their advertising sales. In addition, the number of competing intermediaries that purchase advertising inventory from Web sites continues to increase. We will not be able to assure you that the size of our inventory will increase or even remain constant in the future.

 

Our pay-per-click search service is dependant upon a limited number of sources to direct Internet users to our search service.  Our sources for users conducting searches are members of our affiliate network, including portals, browsers, or other affiliates and our own website.  Revenues are generated when users conducting searches are directed to advertisers through a paid search link in our search results.  The more traffic our sources direct to our advertisers through our search technology, the more revenue we will generate.  Unfavorable changes in our relationship with these sources or loss of these relationships would adversely affect our revenue and results of operations.

 

WE MAY FACE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ACTIONS THAT ARE COSTLY OR COULD HINDER OR PREVENT OUR ABILITY TO DELIVER OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

 

We may be subject to legal actions alleging intellectual property infringement (including patent infringement), unfair competition or similar claims against us. Companies may apply for or be awarded patents or have other intellectual property rights covering aspects of our technology or business. One of the primary competitors of our Search123 subsidiary, Overture Services, Inc., purports to be the owner of U.S. Patent No. 6,269,361, which was issued on July 31, 2001 and is entitled “System and method for influencing a position on a search result list generated by a computer network search engine.”  Overture has aggressively pursued its alleged patent rights by filing lawsuits against other pay-per-click search engine companies such as FindWhat.com and Google.  FindWhat.com and Google have asserted counter-claims against Overture including, but not limited to, invalidity, unenforceability and non-infringement.

 

IF THE TECHNOLOGY THAT WE CURRENTLY USE TO TARGET THE DELIVERY OF ONLINE ADVERTISEMENTS AND TO PREVENT FRAUD ON OUR NETWORK IS RESTRICTED OR BECOMES SUBJECT TO REGULATION, OUR EXPENSES COULD INCREASE AND WE COULD LOSE CUSTOMERS OR ADVERTISING INVENTORY.

 

Web sites typically place small files of information, commonly known as cookies, on an Internet user’s hard drive, generally without the user’s knowledge or consent. Cookie information is passed to the Web site through an Internet user’s browser software. We currently use cookies to track an Internet user’s movement through the advertiser’s Web site and to monitor and prevent potentially fraudulent activity on our network. Most currently available Internet browsers allow Internet users to modify their browser settings to prevent cookies from being stored on their hard drive, and some users currently do so. Internet users can also delete cookies from their hard drives at any time. Some Internet commentators and privacy advocates have suggested limiting or eliminating the use of cookies, and legislation has been introduced in some jurisdictions to regulate the use of cookie technology. The effectiveness of our technology could be limited by any reduction or limitation in the use of cookies. If the use or effectiveness of cookies were limited, we would have to switch to other technologies to gather demographic and behavioral information. While such technologies currently exist, they are substantially less effective than cookies. We would also have to develop or acquire other technology to prevent fraud. Replacement of cookies could require significant reengineering time and resources, might not be completed in time to avoid losing customers or advertising inventory, and might not be commercially feasible. Our use of cookie technology or any other technologies designed to collect Internet usage information may subject us to litigation or investigations in the future. Any litigation or government action against us could be costly and time-consuming, could require us to change our business practices and could divert management’s attention.

 

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WE COULD LOSE CUSTOMERS OR ADVERTISING INVENTORY IF WE FAIL TO MEASURE IMPRESSIONS, CLICKS AND ACTIONS ON ADVERTISEMENTS IN A MANNER THAT IS ACCEPTABLE TO OUR ADVERTISERS AND WEB PUBLISHERS.

 

We earn advertising revenue and make payments to Web publishers based on the number of impressions, clicks and actions from advertisements delivered on our network. Advertisers’ and Web publishers’ willingness to use our services and join our network will depend on the extent to which they perceive our measurements of clicks to be accurate and reliable. Advertisers and Web publishers often maintain their own technologies and methodologies for counting clicks, and from time to time we have had to resolve differences between our measurements and theirs. Any significant dispute over the proper measurement of clicks or other user responses to advertisements could cause us to lose customers or advertising inventory.

 

IF WE FAIL TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY AGAINST OTHER INTERNET ADVERTISING COMPANIES, WE COULD LOSE CUSTOMERS OR ADVERTISING INVENTORY AND OUR REVENUE COULD DECLINE.

 

The Internet advertising markets are characterized by rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry standards, frequent new product and service introductions and changing client demands. The introduction of new services embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards and practices could render our existing services obsolete and unmarketable or require unanticipated investments in research and development. Our failure to adapt successfully to these changes could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The market for Internet advertising and related services is intensely competitive. We expect this competition to continue to increase because there are no significant barriers to entry. Increased competition may result in price reductions for advertising space, reduced margins and loss of our market share. Our principal competitors include other companies that provide advertisers with performance-based Internet advertising solutions, such as CPC, CPL or CPA, and companies that offer pay-per-click search services. We directly compete with a number of competitors in the CPC market segment, such as Advertising.com. We compete in the performance-based marketing segment with CPL and CPA performance-based companies such as DirectLeads and CommissionJunction, and we compete with other Internet advertising networks that focus on the traditional CPM model, including 24/7 Real Media. We also compete with pay-per-click search companies such as Overture, Google, FindWhat and Ah-ha.  Large Web sites with brand recognition, such as Yahoo and MSN, have direct sales personnel and substantial proprietary inventory that provide significant competitive advantage compared to our networks and have significant impact on pricing for online advertising. These companies have longer operating histories, greater name recognition and have greater financial and marketing resources than we have.

 

Competition for advertising placements among current and future suppliers of Internet navigational and informational services, high-traffic Web sites and ISPs, as well as competition with other media for advertising placements, could result in significant price competition, declining margins and/or reductions in advertising revenue. In addition, as we continue to expand the scope of our Web services, we may compete with a greater number of Web publishers and other media companies across an increasing range of different Web services, including in vertical markets where competitors may have advantages in expertise, brand recognition and other areas. If existing or future competitors develop or offer services that provide significant performance, price, creative or other advantages over those offered by us, our business, result of operations and financial condition would be negatively affected. We will also compete with traditional advertising media, such as direct mail, television, radio, cable and print, for a share of advertisers’ total advertising budgets. Many current and potential competitors enjoy competitive advantages over us, such as longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger customer bases, greater access to advertising space on high-traffic Web sites, and significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources. As a result, we may not be able to compete successfully. If we fail to compete successfully, we could lose customers or advertising inventory and our revenue could decline.

 

OUR REVENUE GROWTH COULD BE NEGATIVELY IMPACTED IF INTERNET USAGE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE DO NOT CONTINUE TO GROW.

 

Our business and financial results will depend on continued growth in the use of the Internet. Internet usage may be inhibited for a number of reasons, such as: inadequate network infrastructure; security concerns; inconsistent quality of service; and unavailability of cost-effective, high-speed service. If Internet usage grows, our infrastructure may not be able to support the demands placed on it and our performance and reliability may decline. In addition, Web sites have experienced interruptions in their service as a result of outages and other delays occurring throughout the Internet network infrastructure, and as a result of sabotage, such as electronic attacks designed to interrupt service on many Web sites. The Internet could lose its viability as a commercial medium due to delays in the development or adoption of new technology required to accommodate increased levels of Internet activity. If use of the Internet does not continue to grow, or if the Internet infrastructure does not effectively support our growth, our revenue could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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OUR LONG-TERM SUCCESS MAY BE MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF THE MARKET FOR E-COMMERCE DOES NOT GROW OR GROWS SLOWER THAN EXPECTED.

 

Because many of our customers’ advertisements encourage online purchasing, our long-term success may depend in part on the growth and market acceptance of e-commerce. The growth and acceptance of e-commerce has developed more slowly than expected and our business will be adversely affected if the market for e-commerce does not grow or grows slower than now expected. A number of factors outside of our control could hinder the future growth of e-commerce, including the following:

 

                                          the network infrastructure necessary for substantial growth in Internet usage may not develop adequately or our performance and reliability may decline;

                                          insufficient availability of telecommunication services or changes in telecommunication services could result in inconsistent quality of service or slower response times on the Internet;

                                          negative publicity and consumer concern surrounding the security of e-commerce could impede our acceptance and growth; and

                                          financial instability of e-commerce customers.

 

In particular, any well-publicized compromise of security involving Web-based transactions could deter people from purchasing items on the Internet, clicking on advertisements, or using the Internet generally, any of which could cause us to lose customers and advertising inventory and could materially, adversely affect our revenue.

 

WE WILL DEPEND ON KEY PERSONNEL, THE LOSS OF WHOM COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS.

 

The successful integration of the companies we have acquired will depend in part on the retention of personnel critical to our combined business and operations due to, for example, unique technical skills or management expertise. We may be unable to retain existing management, technical, sales and customer support personnel that are critical to the success of the integrated company, resulting in disruption of operations, loss of key information, expertise or know-how and unanticipated additional recruitment and training costs and otherwise diminishing anticipated benefits of these acquisitions.

 

Our future success is substantially dependent on the continued service of our key senior management. Our employment agreements with our key personnel are short-term and on an at-will basis. We do not have key-person insurance on any of our employees. The loss of the services of any member of our management team, or of any other key employees, could divert management’s time and attention, increase our expenses and adversely affect our ability to conduct our business efficiently. Our future success also depends on our continuing ability to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled employees. We may be unable to retain our key employees or attract, assimilate or retain other highly qualified employees in the future. We have experienced difficulty from time to time in attracting the personnel necessary to support the growth of our business, and may experience similar difficulties in the future.

 

DELAWARE LAW AND OUR STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN CONTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS THAT COULD DETER TAKEOVER ATTEMPTS THAT COULD BE BENEFICIAL TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS.

 

Provisions of Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be beneficial to our stockholders. Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may make the acquisition of the Company and the removal of incumbent officers and directors more difficult by prohibiting stockholders holding 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock from acquiring the Company without the board of director’s consent for at least three years from the date they first hold 15% or more of the voting stock. In addition, our Stockholder Rights Plan has significant anti-takeover effects by causing substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire us on terms not approved by our board of directors.

 

SYSTEM FAILURES COULD SIGNIFICANTLY DISRUPT OUR OPERATIONS, WHICH COULD CAUSE US TO LOSE CUSTOMERS OR ADVERTISING INVENTORY.

 

Our success depends on the continuing and uninterrupted performance of our systems. Sustained or repeated system failures that interrupt our ability to provide services to customers, including failures affecting our ability to deliver advertisements quickly and accurately and to process users’ responses to advertisements, would reduce significantly the attractiveness of our solutions to advertisers and Web publishers. Our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected by any damage or failure that interrupts or delays our operations. Our computer systems will be vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications failures, power outages, malicious human acts

 

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and natural disasters. We lease server space in Los Angeles and Sunnyvale, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Tokyo, Japan. Therefore, any of the above factors affecting the Los Angeles, Sunnyvale, Louisville, Pittsburgh or Tokyo areas would substantially harm our business. Moreover, despite network security measures, our servers are potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses and similar disruptive problems in part because we cannot control the maintenance and operation of our third-party data centers. Despite the precautions taken, unanticipated problems affecting our systems could cause interruptions in the delivery of our solutions in the future. Our data storage centers incorporate redundant systems, consisting of additional servers, but our primary system does not switch over to our backup system automatically. Our insurance policies may not adequately compensate us for any losses that may occur due to any failures in our systems.

 

WE MAY EXPERIENCE CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS THAT COULD REDUCE OUR REVENUE.

 

Our future success depends in part on the efficient performance of our software and technology, as well as the efficient performance of the systems of third parties. As the numbers of Web pages and Internet users increase, our services and infrastructure may not be able to grow to meet the demand. A sudden and unexpected increase in the volume of advertising delivered through our servers or in click rates could strain the capacity of the software or hardware that we have deployed. Any capacity constraints we experience could lead to slower response times or system failures and adversely affect the availability of advertisements, the number of advertising views delivered and the level of user responses received, which would harm our revenue. To the extent that we do not effectively address capacity constraints or system failures, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed substantially. We also depend on the Internet service providers, or ISPs, that provide consumers with access to the Web sites on which our customers’ advertisements appear. Internet users have occasionally experienced difficulties connecting to the Web due to failures of their ISPs’ systems. Any disruption in Internet access provided by ISPs or failures by ISPs to handle the higher volumes of traffic expected in the future could materially and adversely affect our revenue.

 

IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO PREDICT OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BECAUSE OUR QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS MAY FLUCTUATE.

 

Our revenue and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. You should not rely on period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations as an indication of our future performance. Our results of operations may fall below the expectations of market analysts and investors in some future periods. If this happens, the market price of our common stock may fall. The factors that may affect our quarterly operating results include:

 

                                          fluctuations in demand for our advertising solutions;

                                          fluctuations in click, lead and action rates;

                                          fluctuations in the amount of available advertising space, or views, on our networks;

                                          the timing and amount of sales and marketing expenses incurred to attract new advertisers;

                                          fluctuations in sales of different types of advertising, for example, the amount of advertising sold at higher rates rather than lower rates;

                                          seasonal patterns in Internet advertisers’ spending;

                                          changes in our pricing policies, the pricing policies of our competitors or the pricing policies for advertising on the Internet generally;

                                          timing differences at the end of each quarter between our payments to Web publishers for a advertising space and our collection of advertising revenue for that space; and

                                          costs related to acquisitions of technology or businesses.

 

Expenditures by advertisers also tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions as well as budgeting and buying patterns. Any decline in the economic prospects of advertisers or the economy generally may alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities, or may increase the time it takes us to close sales with advertisers, and could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

IF WE DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP OUR INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY, OUR REVENUE AND CASH FLOWS AND THE GROWTH OF OUR BUSINESS COULD BE HARMED.

 

We initiated operations, through joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries or divisions, in Japan in 1998, in the United Kingdom in 1999, and France and Germany in 2000. Our foreign operations subject us to foreign currency exchange risks. We currently do not utilize hedging instruments to mitigate foreign exchange risks.

 

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Our international expansion will subject us to additional foreign currency exchange risks and will require management’s attention and resources. We expect to pursue expansion through a number of international alliances and to rely extensively on these business partners initially to conduct operations, establish local networks, register Web sites as affiliates and coordinate sales and marketing efforts. Our success in these markets will depend on the success of our business partners and their willingness to dedicate sufficient resources to the relationships. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in our efforts overseas. International operations are subject to other inherent risks, including:

 

                                          the impact of recessions in economies outside the United States;

                                          changes in and differences between regulatory requirements, domestic and foreign;

                                          export restrictions, including export controls relating to encryption technologies;

                                          reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;

                                          potentially adverse tax consequences;

                                          difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations;

                                          political and economic instability;

                                          tariffs and other trade barriers; and

                                          seasonal reductions in business activity.

 

Our failure to address these risks adequately could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

WE MAY BE LIABLE FOR CONTENT DISPLAYED ON OUR NETWORKS OF PUBLISHERS WHICH COULD INCREASE OUR EXPENSES.

 

We may be liable to third parties for content in the advertising we deliver if the artwork, text or other content involved violates copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights of third parties or if the content is defamatory. Any claims or counterclaims could be time-consuming, could result in costly litigation and could divert management’s attention.

 

REVENUE GENERATED BY OUR TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DEPEND UPON A LIMITED NUMBER OF CLIENTS, AND IF WE LOSE A MAJOR CLIENT FOR THESE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES, OUR REVENUE MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED.

 

For the three–month period ended June 30, 2003, revenue from our technology products and services accounted for 53.3% of our revenue. With our recent acquisitions of companies offering complimentary technology products and services, including our May 2002 acquisition of Be Free, Inc., and our 2001 acquisition of Mediaplex, Inc. and Adware, we expect that our Technology segment may account for a greater percentage of our revenue in the future. Revenue generated by our technology products and services have been derived from a limited number of advertisers and advertising agencies. Our results of operations would be materially adversely impacted by the loss of any of these clients. For the three–month period ended June 30, 2003, one individual company accounted for 11.6% of our overall revenue and 21.2% of revenue generated by our technology products and services.  No other customer accounted for more than 10.0% of our total revenue in the second quarter of 2003. We expect that this and other entities may continue to account for a significant percentage of our revenue generated by our technology products and services. Current advertisers may not continue to purchase advertising services from us or may significantly reduce their purchases or we may not be able to successfully attract additional advertisers, all of which would have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.  If sales of our technology products and services do not grow, we will be unable to grow our Technology segment.

 

IF WE FAIL TO ESTABLISH, MAINTAIN AND EXPAND OUR TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS AND MARKETING ALLIANCES AND PARTNERSHIPS, OUR ABILITY TO GROW COULD BE LIMITED, WE MAY NOT ACHIEVE DESIRED REVENUE AND OUR STOCK PRICE MAY DECLINE.

 

In order to grow our technology business, we must generate, retain and strengthen successful business and marketing alliances with advertising agencies.

 

We depend, and expect to continue to depend, on our business and marketing alliances, which are companies with which we have written or oral agreements to work together to provide services to our clients and to refer business from their clients and customers to us. If companies with which we have business and marketing alliances do not refer their clients and customers to us to perform their online campaign and message management, our revenue and results of operations would be severely harmed.

 

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WE WILL BE DEPENDENT UPON TECHNOLOGIES, INCLUDING OUR MOJO, ADWARE, SEARCH123 AND BE FREE TECHNOLOGIES, FOR OUR FUTURE REVENUE, AND IF THESE TECHNOLOGIES DO NOT GENERATE REVENUE, OUR BUSINESS MAY FAIL.

 

Our future revenue is likely to be dependent on the acceptance by clients of the use of technologies, which we believe to be the cornerstone of the technology business. If these technologies do not perform as anticipated or otherwise do not attract clients to use our services, our operations will suffer. In addition, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant expense developing our technologies. If our revenue generated from the use of our technologies does not cover these development costs, our financial condition would suffer.

 

IF OUR TECHNOLOGIES SUFFER FROM DESIGN DEFECTS, WE MAY NEED TO EXPEND SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES TO ADDRESS RESULTING PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS.

 

Our business will be harmed if our technologies suffer from design or performance defects and, as a result, we could become subject to significant product liability claims. Technology as complex as our technology may contain design and/or performance defects which are not detectable even after extensive internal testing. Such defects may become apparent only after widespread commercial use. Our contracts with our clients currently do not contain provisions to completely limit our exposure to liabilities resulting from product liability claims. Although we have not experienced any product liability claims to date, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future. A product liability claim brought against us, which is not adequately covered by our insurance, could materially harm our business.

 

TECHNOLOGY SALES AND IMPLEMENTATION CYCLES ARE LENGTHY, WHICH COULD DIVERT OUR FINANCIAL AND OTHER RESOURCES, AND ARE SUBJECT TO DELAYS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN DELAYED REVENUE.

 

If the sales and implementation cycle of our technology products and services are delayed, our revenue will likewise be delayed. Our sales and implementation cycles are lengthy, causing us to recognize revenue long after our initial contact with a client. During our sales effort, we spend significant time educating prospective clients on the use and benefit of our message management services. As a result, the sales cycle for our products and services is long, ranging from a few weeks to several months for our larger clients. The sales cycle for our message management services and media management applications is likely to be longer than the sales cycle for competitors because we believe that clients may require more extensive approval processes related to integrating internal business information with their advertising campaigns. In addition, in order for a client to implement our services, the client must commit a significant amount of resources over an extended period of time. Furthermore, even after a client purchases our services, the implementation cycle is subject to delays. These delays may be caused by factors within our control, such as possible technology defects, as well as those outside our control, such as clients’ budgetary constraints, internal acceptance reviews, functionality enhancements, lack of appropriate customer staff to implement our media management applications and the complexity of clients’ advertising needs. Also, failure to deliver service or application features consistent with delivery commitments could result in a delay or cancellation of a client agreement.

 

WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FROM UNAUTHORIZED USE, WHICH COULD DIMINISH THE VALUE OF OUR SERVICES, WEAKEN OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION AND REDUCE OUR REVENUE.

 

Our success depends in large part on our proprietary technology, including our eTrax™ tracking management software, BeFast, BeSelect and our MOJO platform. In addition, we believe that our trademarks are key to identifying and differentiating our services from those of our competitors. We may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and police our intellectual property rights. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, the value of our services could be diminished and our competitive position may suffer.

 

We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures and licensing arrangements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. Third-party software providers could copy or otherwise obtain and use our technology without authorization or develop similar technology independently which may infringe upon our proprietary rights. We may not be able to detect infringement and may lose competitive position in the market before we do so. In addition, competitors may design around our technology or develop competing technologies. Intellectual property protection may also be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries.

We generally enter into confidentiality or license agreements with our employees, consultants, vendor clients and corporate partners, and generally control access to and distribution of our technologies, documentation and other proprietary information. Despite these efforts, unauthorized parties may attempt to disclose, obtain or use our services or technologies. Our precautions may not prevent misappropriation of our services or technologies, particularly in foreign countries where

 

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laws or law enforcement practices may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States.

 

IF WE FAIL TO KEEP PACE WITH RAPIDLY CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES, WE COULD LOSE CUSTOMERS OR ADVERTISING INVENTORY.

 

The Internet advertising market is characterized by rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry standards, frequent new product and service introductions and changing customer demands. The introduction of new products and services embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards and practices can render existing products and services obsolete and unmarketable or require unanticipated investments in research and development. Our success will depend on our ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, to enhance existing solutions and to develop and introduce a variety of new solutions to address our customers’ changing demands. For example, advertisers are increasingly requiring Internet advertising networks to have the ability to deliver advertisements utilizing new formats that surpass stationary images and incorporate rich media, such as video and audio, interactivity, and more precise consumer targeting techniques. Our system does not support some types of advertising formats, such as certain video and audio formats, and many of the Web sites in our network have not implemented systems to allow rich media advertisements. In addition, an increase in the bandwidth of Internet access resulting in faster data delivery may provide new products and services that will take advantage of this expansion in delivery capability. If we fail to adapt successfully to such developments, we could lose customers or advertising inventory. We purchase most of the software used in our business from third parties. We intend to continue to acquire technology necessary for us to conduct our business from third parties. We cannot assure you that, in the future, these technologies will be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. We may also experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful design, development, introduction or marketing of new solutions. Any new solution or enhancement that we develop will need to meet the requirements of our current and prospective customers and may not achieve significant market acceptance. If we fail to keep pace with technological developments and the introduction of new industry and technology standards on a cost-effective basis, our expenses could increase, and we could lose customers or advertising inventory.

 

CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS COULD DECREASE DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES AND INCREASE OUR COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS.

 

Laws and regulations that apply to Internet communications, commerce and advertising are becoming more prevalent. These regulations could affect the costs of communicating on the Web and adversely affect the demand for our advertising solutions or otherwise harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. The United States Congress has enacted Internet legislation regarding children’s privacy, copyrights and taxation. Other laws and regulations may be adopted, and may address issues such as user privacy, pricing, intellectual property ownership and infringement, copyright, trademark, trade secret, export of encryption technology, acceptable content, taxation and quality of products and services. This legislation could hinder growth in the use of the Web generally and decrease the acceptance of the Web as a communications, commercial and advertising medium.

 

We have a consent-based email delivery business that we believe is in compliance with all current applicable law. However, it is possible that legislation will be passed that requires us to change our current practices, or subject us to increased possibility of legal liability for our practices.

 

Due to the global nature of the Web, it is possible that, although our transmissions originate in California, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Japan, the governments of other states or foreign countries might attempt to regulate our transmissions or levy sales or other taxes relating to our activities. In addition, the growth and development of the market for Internet commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection laws, both in the United States and abroad, that may impose additional burdens on companies conducting business over the Internet. The laws governing the Internet remain largely unsettled, even in areas where there has been some legislative action. It may take years to determine how existing laws, including those governing intellectual property, privacy, libel and taxation, apply to the Internet and Internet advertising. Our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected by the adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to the Internet, or the application of existing laws to the Internet or Internet-based advertising.

 

WE COULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR OUR OR OUR CLIENTS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL, STATE AND FOREIGN LAWS GOVERNING CONSUMER PRIVACY.

 

Recent growing public concern regarding privacy and the collection, distribution and use of information about Internet users has led to increased federal, state and foreign scrutiny and legislative and regulatory activity concerning data collection and use practices. Any failure by us to comply with applicable foreign, federal and state laws and regulatory requirements of

 

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regulatory authorities may result in, among other things, indemnification liability to our clients and the advertising agencies we work with, administrative enforcement actions and fines, class action lawsuits, cease and desist orders, and civil and criminal liability. Recently, class action lawsuits have been filed alleging violations of privacy laws by Internet service providers. The European Union’s directive addressing data privacy limits our ability to collect and use information regarding Internet users. These restrictions may limit our ability to target advertising in most European countries. Our failure to comply with these or other federal, state or foreign laws could result in liability and materially harm our business.

 

In addition to government activity, privacy advocacy groups and the high-technology and direct marketing industries are considering various new, additional or different self-regulatory standards. This focus, and any legislation, regulations or standards promulgated, may impact us adversely. Governments, trade associations and industry self-regulatory groups may enact more burdensome laws, regulations and guidelines, including consumer privacy laws, affecting our clients and us. Since many of the proposed laws or regulations are just being developed, and a consensus on privacy and data usage has not been reached, we cannot yet determine the impact these regulations may have on our business. However, if the gathering of profiling information were to be curtailed, Internet advertising would be less effective, which would reduce demand for Internet advertising and harm our business.

 

Our customers are also subject to various federal and state regulations concerning the collection and use of information regarding individuals. These laws include the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, the Federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act of 1994, the privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as well as other laws that govern the collection and use of consumer credit information. We cannot assure you that our clients are currently in compliance, or will remain in compliance, with these laws and their own privacy policies. We may be held liable if our clients use our technology in a manner that is not in compliance with these laws or their own stated privacy standards.

 

OUR STOCK PRICE IS LIKELY TO BE VOLATILE AND COULD DROP UNEXPECTEDLY.

 

Our common stock has been publicly traded only since March 30, 2000. The market price of our common stock has been subject to significant fluctuations since the date of our initial public offering. The stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices of securities, particularly securities of technology companies. As a result, the market price of our common stock may materially decline, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. We may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Litigation of this type is often expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources.

 

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ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)                                  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q.

 

(b)                                 Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

No changes in our internal control over financial reporting have come to management’s attention during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION AND SIGNATURES

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Reference is made to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2003 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 14, 2002, August 14, 2002 and May 13, 2002 under the heading “Legal Proceedings” for a discussion of litigation involving us relating to (i) the Mediaplex and Be Free Class Action Litigation, and (ii) the Lorenc v. Be Free litigation.

 

Mediaplex and Be Free Class Action Litigation

 

Mediaplex, Inc., ValueClick’s wholly-owned subsidiary acquired on October 19, 2001, is involved in three putative class action lawsuits. In July and August 2001, these class action lawsuits were commenced on behalf of all persons who acquired Mediaplex securities between November 19, 1999 and December 6, 2000. The cases are entitled Levovitz v. Mediaplex, Inc. et al., Atlas v. Mediaplex, Inc. et al., and Mashayekh v. Mediaplex, Inc. et al. In addition to Mediaplex and each of its underwriters for its November 1999 initial public offering, Gregory Raifman, Sandra Abbott, Jon Edwards, Lawrence Lenihan, Peter Sealy, James Desorrento, and A. Brooke Seawell, all of whom are former officers and directors of Mediaplex, are named as individual defendants. We are defending and indemnifying these individual defendants as part of our obligation under our indemnification agreements. The cases are pending before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

Be Free, Inc., ValueClick’s wholly-owned subsidiary acquired on May 23, 2002, is involved in a putative class action litigation. This class action lawsuit, entitled Saul Kassin v. Be Free et al., was filed on November 30, 2001 with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of all persons who acquired Be Free securities between November 3, 1999 and December 6, 2000. This lawsuit names as defendants Be Free, its underwriters for its November 3, 1999 initial public offering and its March 28, 2000 public offering, and Gordon B. Hoffstein, Samuel Gerace, Jr., Thomas A. Gerace and Stephen M. Joseph, all of whom were either officers and/or directors of Be Free during the class period. Samuel Gerace, Jr. is a member of our board of directors. Mr. Gerace is also the Chief Technology Officer of Be Free. We are defending and indemnifying the individual defendants in this lawsuit as part of our obligation under our indemnification agreements.

 

These complaints allege that the defendants violated the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by issuing a prospectus that contained “materially false and misleading information and failed to disclose material information.” They allege that the prospectuses were false and misleading because they failed to disclose the underwriter defendants’ purported agreement with investors to provide them with unspecified amounts of Mediaplex and Be Free shares in their respective initial public offerings in exchange for undisclosed commissions; and the purported agreements between the underwriter defendants and certain of their customers whereby the underwriter defendants would allocate shares in Mediaplex’s and Be Free’s public offerings to those customers in exchange for the customers’ agreement to purchase Mediaplex and Be Free shares in the after-market at pre-determined prices.

 

ValueClick believes that the plaintiffs’ allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend its subsidiaries. ValueClick has not recorded an accrual related to damages, if any, resulting from these cases, as an unfavorable outcome is, in management’s opinion, not probable and an amount of loss, if any, is not estimable.

 

Lorenc v. Be Free, Inc. et al.

 

On September 27, 2000, Joseph Lorenc, a former employee of Be Free, Inc. filed a lawsuit against Be Free and two officers of Be Free, Steven Joseph and Gordon Hoffstein, in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts. The complaint alleges, among other things, breach of contract stemming form Mr. Lorenc’s former compliant with Be Free. Defendants brought a motion for summary judgment as to all of plaintiff’s claims. In February of 2003, the Court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment with respect to plaintiff’s claim for violation by the Company of the American with Disabilities Act and remanded the remaining seven (non-federal) claims to be heard in the Massachusetts state court.  ValueClick believes that the plaintiff’s allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.

 

ValueClick has not recorded an accrual related to damages, if any, resulting from this case, as an unfavorable outcome is, in management’s opinion, not probable and an amount of loss, if any, is not estimable.

 

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Other than the matters discussed above, we are not a party to any other material legal proceedings, nor are we aware of any pending or threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition. From time to time, we may become subject to additional legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, we may receive letters alleging infringement of patent or other intellectual property rights.

 

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ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)                                  Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit
Description

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated August 14, 2003

 

(b)                                 Reports on Form 8-K

 

Current Report on Form 8-K was furnished by ValueClick to the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2003 to report under Item 9 (in lieu of Item 12) the issuance of a press release announcing the financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

 

Current Report on Form 8-K was filed by ValueClick with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2003 to report under Item 2 the consummation of the acquisition of Search123.com Inc.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

VALUECLICK, INC. (Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: August 14, 2003

 

/s/ SAMUEL J. PAISLEY

 

 

Samuel J. Paisley

 

By:

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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