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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

x    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

¨    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 000-29723

 


 

DIGITAS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   04-3494311

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

The Prudential Tower   02199

800 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts

(Address of principal executive offices)

  (Zip Code)

 

(617) 867-1000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of The Act: None

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of The Act:

 

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value Per Share

(Title of Each Class)

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based upon the closing sale price of $5.01 on the Nasdaq National Market on June 30, 2003 was $125,979,686.

 

As of February 27, 2004, 63,521,394 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock were issued and outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the definitive proxy statement relating to the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2004 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report to the extent described therein.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

        Page

    PART I    
ITEM 1.   BUSINESS   3
ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES   6
ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS   7
    PART II    
ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS   7
ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS   7
ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA   8
ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   9
ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK   26
ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA   26
ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE   27
ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES   27
    PART III    
ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT   28
ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION   28
ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT   28
ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS   28
ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES   28
    PART IV    
ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K   28

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED. YOU CAN IDENTIFY THESE STATEMENTS BY FORWARD-LOOKING WORDS SUCH AS “MAY,” “WILL,” “EXPECT,” “ANTICIPATE,” “BELIEVE,” “ESTIMATE,” AND “CONTINUE” OR SIMILAR WORDS. YOU SHOULD READ STATEMENTS THAT CONTAIN THESE WORDS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY DISCUSS OUR FUTURE EXPECTATIONS, CONTAIN PROJECTIONS OF OUR FUTURE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OR OF OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR STATE OTHER “FORWARD LOOKING” INFORMATION. WE BELIEVE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO COMMUNICATE OUR FUTURE EXPECTATIONS TO OUR INVESTORS. HOWEVER, THERE MAY BE EVENTS IN THE FUTURE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCURATELY PREDICT OR CONTROL AND THAT MAY CAUSE OUR ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE EXPECTATIONS WE DESCRIBE IN OUR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. INVESTORS ARE CAUTIONED THAT ALL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, AND ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DISCUSSED AS A RESULT OF VARIOUS FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE FACTORS DESCRIBED IN “RISK FACTORS AND IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 20. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON OUR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, AND DIGITAS ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

Overview

 

Digitas Inc., a Delaware corporation organized in 1999 (“Digitas”), is a relationship marketing services provider offering strategy and technology enablement and marketing agency services. Serving many of the world’s leading companies, Digitas helps clients attract, retain and grow the most profitable customer relationships in their industries. Digitas clients include American Express, AOL, AT&T, Delta Air Lines, and General Motors. Headquartered in Boston, Digitas employs more than 1,100 people and has offices in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and London.

 

Digitas maintains a website on the World Wide Web at www.digitas.com. Digitas makes available, free of charge, through its website its annual report on the Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, including exhibits thereto, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Digitas’ reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC are also available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of any of Digitas’ reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC, free of charge, at the SEC’s public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549.

 

The Digitas Approach

 

Digitas provides marketing and enablement services that help its clients to maximize the value of their customer bases. We believe in the power of personalized and contextual marketing to create long-term and valuable customer relationships. Digitas builds multi-channel programs for clients that drive market share gains through quantitative and qualitative improvements in their customer relationships. Our skill in performance measurement and use of that information allow us to continue to evolve and improve our programs and achieve measurable results for our clients.

 

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We take an aggressive approach in reviewing our clients’ businesses thoroughly to solve their challenges. We consider our clients’ competitive positions, their existing assets and brand strengths, as well as their broad organizations and cultures before recommending solutions. We partner with our clients to create long-standing marketing, acquisition, loyalty and retention engines.

 

Digitas’ approach is highly disciplined, results-oriented, and combines enablement and execution to support our clients’ efforts to manage their customer relationships more effectively. Within enablement, our approach includes designing customer relationship strategies to optimize marketing investments, and building new technology infrastructure to improve the productivity of our marketing programs. Within agency services, we provide services for designing and executing communications programs across all channels.

 

Enablement: We analyze a client’s customer base to find unrealized value and then design targeted customer experiences across multiple marketing channels to recognize that value. Through testing and measurement we synthesize recommendations for the best possible marketing investment and channel communication mix. It is the combination of top-down analysis of the economic opportunities and bottom-up customer and data insights that makes it possible for us to propose initiatives, which improve in-market performance while also supporting long-term strategies to increase the profitability of our clients’ customer relationships.

 

Recent technology advances have revolutionized the way companies and their customers interact. There are many new channels through which communication and customer transaction is possible. Customers expect companies to know and understand their behavior across these multiple channels. We help our clients by determining which technology solutions will have the greatest impact on their marketing programs. Enabling technology platforms that drive multi-channel communication and relationship data management, we build e-commerce platforms to bring retailers online; build applications to enable communication over wireless devices; and, build call center platforms to enable one-to-one voice communication. Digitas helps clients build the marketing engines required to manage customer relationships over these multiple channels.

 

Agency Services: We build integrated marketing campaigns and communication programs focused on acquiring, retaining, and growing customer relationships. Creating consistent customer experiences—regardless of the communication channel—and combining customer data sets in new ways, we get a better understanding of customer needs, attitudes and behaviors. This, along with primary research, helps us determine which marketing channels customers should use to fulfill their needs, and what decisions they should make as they buy. Using these insights, we design marketing programs that are delivered to the right customers at the right time in the right place. We work across all channels including Internet, wireless, direct mail, print, direct TV, call centers and live events.

 

Clients, Marketing and Sales

 

Digitas relationship managers are primarily responsible for marketing and sales efforts. These members of our senior management team are directly involved and embedded in client engagements and marketing efforts. Additionally, Digitas relies on its strong reputation, quality client base and proven results to grow existing clients and develop new client relationships.

 

Digitas develops long-term strategic relationships primarily with blue-chip companies whose principal assets include leadership brands and customer bases. Digitas seeks to work with companies operating in industries in which the economics of customer loyalty are most compelling, thereby providing us with the greatest opportunity to impact market share and return on customer base investments. These industries include financial services, media and entertainment, travel-related services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, business products and services, consumer services, technology and telecommunications and consumer products.

 

Our results of operations and our business depend on our relationships with a limited number of large clients. For 2003, our three largest clients, General Motors, American Express and AT&T, collectively accounted

 

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for approximately 55% of our fee revenue, and our largest client, General Motors, accounted for approximately 23% of our fee revenue. Our top ten clients accounted for approximately 80% of our 2003 fee revenue.

 

Competition

 

We compete with companies that offer strategic consulting, web design, advertising and direct marketing, information technology and e-commerce services, as well as the in-house development efforts of many companies. Our current competitors include the following:

 

  strategic consulting firms such as Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Braun Consulting and McKinsey & Company;

 

  advertising and direct marketing agencies such as Ogilvy One, Modem Media, and Wunderman;

 

  customer relationship management units of systems integrators such as Accenture, Cap Gemini, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sapient, and IBM Global Services;

 

  internal information technology departments of current and potential clients; and

 

  e-commerce and technology service providers.

 

Because relatively low barriers to entry characterize our industry, we also expect other companies to enter our market.

 

We believe that the principal competitive factors in our industry are:

 

  quality of services;

 

  technical and strategic expertise;

 

  ability to provide end-to-end solutions;

 

  speed of development and implementation of integrated solutions;

 

  value of the services provided compared to the price of these services;

 

  reputation and experience of professionals delivering the service;

 

  project management capabilities;

 

  brand recognition and size of the firm;

 

  effectiveness of sales and marketing efforts; and

 

  financial stability.

 

We believe that we compete favorably with respect to most of these factors. In particular, we believe that we offer an integrated set of skills and expertise that many existing service providers are not well suited to provide.

 

People and Culture

 

Our culture reflects the core values of our people. Our people are our single greatest asset and the key to reaching our company-wide goal to be the undisputed industry leader. Our employees are often characterized as being “one with the client,” “experts inspiring experts” and “the best getting better.” In furtherance of this mission, our employees collaborate to apply their creativity in the conception, design, and implementation of innovative client solutions. Our formal training program emphasizes improvement of individual skills as well as optimization of team performance. Our knowledge management infrastructure and processes are designed to ensure that best practices and thinking are shared and leveraged globally to the extent permitted. We have a competency-based performance management process that encourages frequent, actionable feedback and ensures

 

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that all employees have specific, measurable goals and are supported in developing skills and knowledge. The end result is a dynamic and rewarding work environment for our people.

 

To preserve this culture and uphold the high standard of quality work that we have set, we must continue to attract and retain qualified individuals with superior strategic, creative, technological and management skills to meet the ongoing demands for our services. To this end, we have a dedicated recruiting team that utilizes various methods, including an internal referral bonus program, to attract the most talented and promising professionals.

 

We provide our employees with a competitive base salary, performance driven incentive programs, stock-based incentives and comprehensive benefits packages. Employees are rewarded for team performance, as well as individual contribution to client success, people development, intellectual capital, and corporate citizenship. For many of our employees, however, a significant attraction is being part of a winning team that applies industry-leading expertise to help transform businesses to be the best in their industries.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003, we had approximately 1,120 employees, approximately 1,085 of whom were located in the United States. As of December 31, 2003, we had approximately 930 billable employees and 190 corporate and administrative non-billable employees. Our employees are not represented by any union and, except for senior management and certain other employees, are retained on an at-will basis.

 

Intellectual Property Rights

 

We seek to protect our intellectual property through a combination of license agreements and trademark, service mark, copyright, patent and trade secret laws. We enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, vendors and clients and use our best efforts to limit access to and distribution of proprietary information licensed from third parties. We pursue the protection of our trademarks in the United States and internationally. Our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights could be inadequate to deter misappropriation of proprietary information. For example, we may not detect unauthorized use of our intellectual property.

 

U.S. and Foreign Government Regulation

 

Regulation of various aspects of the Internet and emerging technologies, including on-line content, advertising methods, copyright infringement, user privacy, taxation, access charges, liability for third-party activities and jurisdiction, has increased. In addition, federal, state, local and foreign governmental organizations also are considering, and may consider in the future, other legislative and regulatory proposals that would regulate the Internet and emerging technologies. Areas of potential regulation include libel, pricing, quality of products and services and intellectual property ownership.

 

The European Union and European Commission have adopted directives to address the regulation of privacy, e-commerce, security, commercial piracy, consumer protection, taxation of transactions completed over the Internet and the spread of illegal and socially harmful materials over the Internet.

 

It is not known how courts will interpret both existing and new laws. Therefore, we are uncertain as to how new laws or the application of existing laws will affect our business. In addition, our business may be indirectly affected by our clients who may be subject to such legislation.

 

Item 2. Properties

 

Our headquarters and principal administrative and finance operations are located in leased facilities in Boston, Massachusetts consisting of approximately 325,000 square feet of office space. The leases for the Boston

 

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office space expire in November and December 2005. We lease approximately 132,000 square feet of office space in New York City. The New York City lease expires in March 2011. We also lease office space totaling approximately 143,000 square feet, primarily in San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and London. Of the approximately 600,000 total square feet that we lease, we determined we had approximately 300,000 square feet as excess space. Approximately 70,000 square feet identified as excess space remains available for sublease. We are actively pursuing and evaluating our alternatives with respect to our excess office space. A discussion of our restructuring activities with respect to excess space is included in Item 7 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We believe we are not currently a party to any such claims or proceedings, which, if decided adversely to us, would either individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Company is a party to stockholder class action law suits filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Between June 26, 2001 and August 16, 2001, several stockholder class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, several of its officers and directors, and five underwriters of its initial public offering (the “Offering”). The purported class actions are all brought on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s common stock since March 13, 2000, the date of the Offering. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that the Company’s prospectus, incorporated in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, was materially false and misleading because it failed to disclose that the underwriters had engaged in conduct designed to result in undisclosed and excessive underwriters’ compensation in the form of increased brokerage commissions and also that this alleged conduct of the underwriters artificially inflated the Company’s stock price in the period after the Offering. The plaintiffs claim violations of Sections 11, 12 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission and seek, among other things, damages, statutory compensation and costs of litigation. Effective October 9, 2002, the claims against the Company’s officers and directors were dismissed without prejudice. Effective February 19, 2003, the Section 10(b) claim against the Company was dismissed. The terms of a settlement have been tentatively reached between the plaintiffs in the suits and most of the defendants, including the Company, with respect to the remaining claims. If completed and if then approved by the court, the settlement would dismiss those claims against the Company and is expected to result in no material liability to it. The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit and, if they are not dismissed as part of a settlement, intends to defend them vigorously. Management currently believes that resolving these matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or its results of operations, however, litigation is inherently uncertain and there can be no assurances as to the ultimate outcome or effect of these actions.

 

PART II

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Market information. Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “DTAS”. As of February 27, 2004, there were 144 stockholders of record. The following table sets forth high and

 

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low reported sales prices for the common stock for each fiscal quarter from January 1, 2002 through March 12, 2004.

 

     High

   Low

2002

             

1st Quarter

   $ 6.10    $ 3.54

2nd Quarter

   $ 5.60    $ 2.86

3rd Quarter

   $ 4.98    $ 2.00

4th Quarter

   $ 4.19    $ 2.19

2003

             

1st Quarter

   $ 4.30    $ 2.99

2nd Quarter

   $ 5.75    $ 3.16

3rd Quarter

   $ 7.99    $ 5.01

4th Quarter

   $ 10.78    $ 7.05

2004

             

1st Quarter (through March 12, 2004)

   $ 13.24    $ 8.97

 

Dividend policy. We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will depend upon capital requirements and limitations imposed by our credit agreements, if any, and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider.

 

Equity compensation plan information. The following table sets forth information regarding securities authorized for issuance under Digitas’ equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2003, including the Company’s 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Plan”), 1999 Stock Option Plan (the “1999 Plan”) and 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”), and the Company’s 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”).

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information


Plan category


   Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights


  Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights


   Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))


     (a)   (b)    (c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   25,722,2941   3.82    16,284,0992

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —     —      —  
    
 
  

Total

   25,722,294   3.82    16,284,099
    
 
  

1 Includes options outstanding under the 1998 Plan, the 1999 Plan and the 2000 Plan.
2 Includes shares available for future issuance under the 1998 Plan, the 1999 Plan, the 2000 Plan and the ESPP.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

The following table sets forth selected financial data and other operating information of Digitas. The selected statement of operations and balance sheet data for 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 as set forth below is derived from the audited financial statements of Digitas. The information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with Digitas’ audited financial statements and related notes and other financial information included herein and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

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     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

                                        

Revenue:

                                        

Fee revenue

   $ 209,470     $ 203,931     $ 235,514     $ 288,154     $ 187,007  

Pass-through revenue

     102,343       117,093       99,781       126,590       101,480  
    


 


 


 


 


Total revenue

     311,813       321,024       335,295       414,744       288,487  

Operating expenses:

                                        

Professional services costs

     122,752       120,430       157,694       158,607       102,247  

Pass-through expenses

     102,343       117,093       99,781       126,590       101,480  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     65,755       67,748       95,545       99,366       67,048  

Stock-based compensation

     7,451       8,447       10,147       14,796       10,743  

Amortization of intangible assets

     706       706       25,238       36,687       36,688  

Restructuring expenses (income), net

     (4,109 )     47,114       41,888       —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total operating expenses

     294,898       361,538       430,293       436,046       318,206  
    


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from operations

     16,915       (40,514 )     (94,998 )     (21,302 )     (29,719 )

Other income (expense), net

     161       414       1,058       (308 )     (7,281 )

Provision for income taxes

     (217 )     (200 )     (148 )     (1,616 )     (567 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 16,859     $ (40,300 )   $ (94,088 )   $ (23,226 )   $ (37,567 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss) per share—basic

   $ 0.28     $ (0.65 )   $ (1.58 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.74 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss) per share—diluted

   $ 0.24     $ (0.65 )   $ (1.58 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.74 )
    


 


 


 


 


Weighted average common shares outstanding

                                        

Basic

     60,754       62,354       59,514       56,230       50,703  

Diluted

     69,234       62,354       59,514       56,230       50,703  
     As of December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
     (in thousands)  

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 73,643     $ 68,827     $ 46,473     $ 49,857     $ 441  

Total assets

     240,521       259,249       251,580       331,755       252,889  

Total long-term debt, less current portion

     282       563       1,096       1,947       62,878  

Total liabilities

     86,104       119,165       81,694       82,298       133,053  

Shareholders’ equity

     154,417       140,084       169,886       249,457       119,836  

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Except for statements of historical facts, this section contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 involving risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words including “believes,” “considers,” “intends,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “forecast,” or “anticipates,” or the negative equivalents of those words or comparable terminology, and by discussions of strategies that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance or results, and our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors.” This section should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related footnotes.

 

 

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Overview

 

Digitas is a relationship marketing services provider offering strategy and technology enablement and marketing agency services. Serving many of the world’s leading companies, Digitas helps clients attract, retain and grow the most profitable customer relationships in their industries.

 

We derive substantially all of our fee revenues from the performance of professional services. We recognize revenue earned under time and materials contracts as services are provided based upon hours worked and agreed-upon hourly rates. We recognize revenue earned under fixed-price contracts, such as consulting arrangements, using the proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred to estimates of total expected project costs in order to determine the amount of revenue earned to date.

 

With the commencement of the economic recovery in the second half of 2003, demand for our services improved resulting in a 3% increase in 2003 fee revenues as compared to 2002. The improvement in fee revenues combined with continued control of our cost structure resulted in our first profitable year since our initial public offering in 2000, as we reported net income of $16.9 million, or $0.24 per share, on a diluted basis. As part of our 2003 net income, we recorded restructuring income of $4.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, related to the reversal of restructuring expenses for the consolidation of facilities and abandonment of leasehold improvements previously recorded in 2001 and 2002. With an expectation of a continued economic recovery in 2004, we believe our fee revenues will grow by approximately 7% to 17% generating earnings in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of $0.32 to $0.42 per diluted share.

 

We fund our operations primarily through cash generated from operations and proceeds from the exercise of common stock options. In 2003, operations generated cash totaling $19.2 million and net proceeds from the issuance of common stock and the exercise of stock options generated $15.9 million. These amounts were offset primarily by $4.0 million of capital expenditures and the repurchase of 6.4 million shares of common stock at a price per share of $3.89; totaling $25.9 million, including $0.9 million of transaction costs. Our credit facility allows us to borrow up to $20 million less any amounts committed under outstanding standby letters of credit. We were in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants as of December 31, 2003. The credit facility expires in February 2006. At December 31, 2003, we had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility and approximately $11.9 million outstanding under standby letters of credit, leaving approximately $8.1 million available for future borrowings.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of our operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We review and update these estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, stock-based compensation and restructuring, on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience, and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Among other things, these estimates form the basis for judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We derive substantially all of our fee revenues from the performance of professional services. Individual projects generally last up to six months, however some of our projects may last longer in duration. While we

 

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generally enter into written agreements with our clients, these contracts are typically terminable upon 30 to 90 days notice. Under these termination provisions, we would earn revenue based upon time and materials incurred. We recognize revenue earned under time and materials contracts as services are provided based upon hours worked and agreed-upon hourly rates. We recognize revenue earned under fixed-price contracts, such as consulting arrangements, using the proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred to estimates of total expected project costs in order to determine the amount of revenue earned to date. Project costs are based on the direct salary and associated fringe benefits of the consultants on the engagement plus all direct expenses incurred to complete the engagement that are not reimbursed by the client. We use the proportional performance method since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. These estimates are based on historical experience and deliverables identified in the contract and are indicative of the level of benefit provided to our clients. Our financial management maintains contact with project managers to monitor the status of the projects and, for fixed-price engagements, financial management is updated on the budgeted costs and required resources to complete the project. These budgets are then used to calculate revenue recognition and to estimate the income or loss on the project. Favorable changes in estimates result in additional revenue and profit recognition, and unfavorable changes in estimates result in a reduction of recognized revenue and profit. If a contract was anticipated to result in a loss, provisions for the estimated loss on the contract would be made in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Some of our contracts contain provisions for performance incentives. Such contingent revenue is recognized in the period in which the contingency is resolved. We recognize revenue for services only in those situations where collection from the client is reasonably assured. Our normal payment terms are 30 days from invoice date. Our client relationship managers and finance personnel monitor timely payments from our clients and assess collection issues, if any. Unbilled accounts receivable on contracts is comprised of costs incurred plus estimated earnings from revenue earned in advance of billings under the contract. We record advance payments as billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts until the services are provided. Included in accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable are reimbursable costs.

 

We incur significant reimbursable costs on behalf of our clients. These include payments to vendors for media and production services and postage and travel-related expenses. In accordance with our client agreements, we do not charge a markup on reimbursable costs and we require the client’s approval prior to us incurring them. Although we actively mitigate our credit risk related to these pass-through expenses and our customers participate in the management of vendor relationships, we are often the sole party that contracts with these vendors.

 

Effective January 1, 2002, upon adoption of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 01-14, “Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for Out of Pocket Expenses Incurred,” we reported reimbursements received for pass-through costs incurred as a component of revenue in the statement of operations. Reimbursements for periods prior to 2002 were reclassified to comply with the guidance in Issue 01-14.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

We maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of clients to make required payments. We continually assess the collectibility of outstanding customer invoices. In estimating the allowance, we consider factors that include historical collections, a client’s current credit-worthiness, age of the receivable balance both individually and in the aggregate, and general economic conditions that may affect a client’s ability to pay. Actual collections could differ from our estimates, requiring additional adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Goodwill

 

Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” and ceased amortizing goodwill as of that date. SFAS No. 142 requires us to test goodwill for impairment on an annual

 

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basis, and between annual tests in certain circumstances, and to write down goodwill when impaired. These events or circumstances generally would include the occurrence of operating losses or a significant decline in earnings associated with the asset. We evaluate goodwill for impairment using the two-step process as prescribed in SFAS No. 142. The first step is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a second step must be followed to calculate impairment. Otherwise, if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, the goodwill is not considered to be impaired as of the measurement date. We performed the initial step by comparing our fair market value as determined by our publicly traded stock to our carrying amount. We also considered future discounted cash flows as compared to the carrying amount to assess the recoverability of the goodwill asset. Based upon these tests, we determined that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount resulting in no impairment. If impairment had occurred, any excess of carrying value over fair value would have been recorded as a loss.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

We apply the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APBO) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations, in accounting for our employee stock-based compensation plans. We provide pro forma disclosures of compensation expense under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure.” See our discussion of stock-based compensation in Note 1 to the financial statements for the pro forma effect on our net income and income per share had stock-based compensation been determined using the fair value method, as well as for the assumptions we used in calculating the fair value of options.

 

Restructuring

 

As part of our restructuring costs, we provide for the estimated costs of the net lease expense for office space that is no longer being utilized. The provision is equal to the future minimum lease payments under our contractual obligations offset by estimated future sublease income. In determining these estimates, we evaluated the timing and our potential to sublease our excess space and our ability to renegotiate various leases at more favorable terms. These sublease estimates, that were made in consultation with our real estate advisers, were based on current and projected conditions at that time in the real estate and economic markets in which we have excess office space. If actual market conditions are more or less favorable than those we project, we may be required to record or reverse restructuring expenses associated with our excess office space.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth selected items included in our statements of operations as a percentage of fee revenue for the periods indicated. Pass-through revenue and pass-through expenses have been excluded from the table to better reflect our operating results.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Fee revenue

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Operating expenses:

                  

Professional services costs

   58.6     59.1     66.9  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   31.4     33.2     40.6  

Stock-based compensation

   3.6     4.1     4.3  

Amortization of intangible assets

   0.3     0.3     10.7  

Restructuring expenses (income)

   (2.0 )   23.1     17.8  
    

 

 

Total operating expenses

   91.9     119.8     140.3  
    

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

   8.1 %   (19.8 )%   (40.3 )%
    

 

 

 

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Fee revenue. Historically, we have offered our services to clients primarily on a time and materials basis. As our client relationships have grown, we have increasingly entered into broad contracts under which we deliver our services based on mutually agreed upon scopes of work. These contracts generally include estimates on total fees that clients will be charged for the year. Additionally, some of our contracts include a discretionary bonus provision whereby we earn additional compensation based on our performance as evaluated by our clients. We are typically informed of bonus revenue in the first and second quarters of the fiscal year. Most of our contracts allow us to invoice our clients on a percentage of work completed basis for our services. We attempt to limit our credit risk by securing clients with significant assets or liquidity. While we generally enter into written agreements with our clients, these contracts are typically terminable upon 30 to 90 days notice. In 2003, our top three clients, General Motors, American Express and AT&T accounted for approximately 55% of our total fee revenue. We believe a loss or any significant reduction in the use of our services by any one of these significant clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our top ten clients accounted for approximately 80% of our 2003 fee revenue.

 

Pass-through revenue / Pass through expense. We incur significant reimbursable costs on behalf of our clients, such as payments to vendors for media and production services and postage and travel-related expenses. In accordance with the client agreements, there is no markup on reimbursable costs and the client’s approval is required prior to us incurring them. Although we actively mitigate our credit risk related to these pass-through expenses and our customers participate in the management of vendor relationships, we are often the sole party that contracts with these vendors.

 

Effective January 1, 2002, upon adoption of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 01-14, “Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for Out of Pocket Expenses Incurred,” we reported reimbursements received for pass-through costs incurred as a component of revenue in the statement of operations. Periods prior to 2002 were reclassified to comply with the guidance in Issue 01-14.

 

Professional services costs. Professional services costs consist of professional salaries, payroll taxes and benefits for our professional staff plus other non-reimbursable costs directly attributable to servicing our clients. In addition to the compensation of employees engaged in the delivery of professional services, professional salaries include compensation for selling and management by our senior account managers and some of our executives.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of administrative and executive compensation, professional fees, non-client related travel expenses, rent and office expenses.

 

Stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation consists primarily of non-cash compensation arising from stock options granted to employees at exercise prices below the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock. We have not granted or repurchased any options nor issued common stock at a price below the estimated fair value subsequent to the initial public offering in March 2000.

 

Goodwill. In connection with the recapitalization in January 1999, we recorded $198.9 million of goodwill and other intangible assets. This amount, which represented the excess of purchase price over net assets acquired, consisted of goodwill, favorable lease and assembled workforce. Assembled workforce was fully amortized as of December 31, 2000; accordingly, the cost and related accumulated amortization were written off. The favorable lease is being amortized over six years. Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The provisions of SFAS No. 142 were applied to all goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in the financial statements at that date.

 

Restructuring expenses (income), net. Restructuring expenses represent charges taken to better align our cost structure with changing market conditions and decreased demand for our services and to better approximate remaining real estate obligations related to our prior restructuring estimates. Restructuring expenses include

 

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severance related to workforce reductions and related expenses and the costs for consolidation of facilities. Costs for the consolidation of facilities are comprised of future obligations under the terms of the leases for identified excess space and asset impairment charges for fixed assets related to these spaces, less anticipated income from subleasing activities. Estimates and assumptions are evaluated on a quarterly basis to reflect new developments and prevailing economic conditions. If actual conditions are more or less favorable than those we project, we may be required to record or reverse restructuring expenses associated with our excess office space.

 

Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended December 31, 2002

 

Summary. As noted above, we began to see an increase in demand for our services in 2003 as fee revenue increased from $203.9 million in 2002 to $209.5 million in 2003. An improving economic outlook combined with the completion of the war in Iraq resulted in our clients elevating their levels of spending with us over the last six months of the year. Professional services cost and selling, general and administrative expense remained relatively consistent with 2002 levels as we maintained tight control over hiring and discretionary spending. Our cost control measures combined with marginal revenue growth resulted in our first year of profitability since our initial public offering in 2000, as we reported net income of $16.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, compared to a net loss for 2002 of $40.3 million, or $0.65 per share. Additionally, we recorded restructuring income of $4.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, related to the reversal of restructuring expense for the consolidation of facilities and abandonment of leasehold improvements previously recorded in 2001 and 2002.

 

Revenue. Total revenue for 2003 decreased by $9.2 million, or 2.9%, to $311.8 million from $321.0 million in 2002. Fee revenue for 2003 increased by $5.6 million, or 2.7%, to $209.5 million from $203.9 million in 2002. The increase in fee revenue is due to an increase in demand for our services and higher bonus revenue. The decrease in total revenue is due to a decrease in pass-through revenue partially offset by the increase in fee revenue. Pass-through revenue for 2003 decreased by $14.8 million, or 12.6%, to $102.3 million from $117.1 million in 2002 due to the timing of client marketing campaigns and some clients assuming responsibility for directly paying third party vendors for marketing campaign expenses.

 

Professional services costs. Professional services costs for 2003 increased by $2.4 million, or 2.0%, to $122.8 million from $120.4 million in 2002. Professional services costs represented 59% of fee revenue for both 2003 and 2002. The increase in cost was the result of adding headcount to meet the increased demand for our services in the second half of 2003. We added the equivalent of approximately 80 full-time employees, representing approximately an 8% increase in total headcount, in the second half of 2003 to meet client demand in the second half of 2003. We expect that professional service costs will increase in 2004 as we increase our hiring to meet expected levels of demand. However, professional service costs as a percent of fee revenue should remain consistent with the prior year, at 59% of fee revenue, or improve slightly as we achieve higher levels of utilization from our existing resources.

 

Pass-through expenses. Pass-through expenses are reimbursable costs incurred by Digitas on behalf of our clients. Pass-through expenses include payments to vendors for media and production services and postage and travel-related expenses. Pass-through expenses decreased by $14.8 million, or 12.6%, to $102.3 million from $117.1 million in 2002 due to the timing of marketing campaigns and some clients assuming responsibility for directly paying third party vendors for marketing campaign expenses. Pass-through expenses are offset by pass-through revenues.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2003 decreased by $1.9 million, or 2.8%, to $65.8 million from $67.7 million for 2002. As a percentage of fee revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 31% in 2003 from 33% in 2002. The dollar decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily the result of a decrease in depreciation expense of $3.0 million resulting from older assets becoming fully depreciated and the write-off of abandoned leasehold improvements related to 2002 restructuring activities. The reduction in depreciation expense was primarily offset by increased recruiting placement and relocation costs of $0.8 million, incurred in the second half of 2003, from

 

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the hiring of additional headcount to meet expected levels of demand in 2004. The percentage decrease is a result of a decrease in total selling, general and administrative expense combined with the increase in fee revenue. We believe that selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of fee revenue will continue to decrease in 2004 as a result of controlled levels of discretionary spending combined with expectations for increased fee revenues.

 

Stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation, consisting of non-cash compensation, was $7.5 million for 2003 compared to $8.4 million for 2002. The decrease is due to the cancellation of stock options prior to their vesting dates in connection with attrition. We have not granted or repurchased any options or issued common stock at a price below the estimated fair market value subsequent to the initial public offering in March 2000. We expect that all remaining deferred compensation will be fully expensed during 2004.

 

Restructuring expenses (income), net. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we recorded restructuring income of $4.1 million as we reversed restructuring expenses related to the consolidation of facilities and abandonment of leasehold improvements that we previously recorded in 2001 and 2002. In 2002, we recorded restructuring expenses totaling $47.1 million.

 

During 2002, we recorded restructuring expenses totaling $47.1 million, consisting of $3.3 million for workforce reduction and related costs and $43.8 million for the consolidation of facilities and abandonment of related leasehold improvements. We recorded these charges to further align our cost structure with changing market conditions and to update estimates originally made in 2001 to reflect current information. We determined that we would be unable to dispose of our excess office space in Boston, New York and San Francisco within our original assumptions. As a result, we recorded restructuring expenses of $39.2 million to reflect the revised estimate of our expected future obligations under the terms of those leases, less anticipated income from subleasing activities. The change in estimate was related to changes in estimated future sublease rates and terms. These sublease estimates, which were made in consultation with our real estate advisers, were based on current and projected conditions at the time in the real estate and economic markets in which we determined we had excess office space. In addition, we recorded restructuring expenses of $4.6 million for costs related to the closure of our Miami and Salt Lake City facilities.

 

During 2003, we made significant progress towards eliminating our excess real estate resulting in the recognition of $4.1 million of restructuring income related to the reversal of restructuring expense initially recorded in 2001 and 2002. The restructuring expense was reversed because of savings of $7.2 million as compared to our original estimates. These savings were the result of subleasing our excess space at terms more favorable than estimates and assumptions made in 2002, for savings of $2.3 million, negotiating a termination of the Salt Lake City lease for less than our estimates, for savings of $0.3 million and returning one floor initially restructured in San Francisco to operations, which represented savings of $4.6 million. The $7.2 million in savings was offset by revisions in estimates of future sublease rates and terms for remaining leases resulting in an increase in expected future obligations of $3.1 million. We continue to evaluate alternatives and monitor our restructuring accrual on a quarterly basis to reflect new developments and prevailing economic conditions in the real estate markets in which we lease office space. These sublease estimates, which were made in consultation with our real estate advisers, were based on current and projected conditions at the time in the real estate and economic markets in which we determined we had excess office space. At December 31, 2003, approximately 70,000 square feet of the approximately 300,000 square feet initially identified as excess remained available for sublease.

 

The floor returned to operations in San Francisco was restructured in the third quarter of 2002 because we had committed to a plan to redeploy, reorganize and streamline the workforce in San Francisco and relocate in 2003 to a more efficient and cost effective office location. At the time of the restructuring charge, the floor was being used in operations. All costs associated with this floor including rent expense, operating expenses and depreciation expense on leasehold improvements continued to be included as part of selling, general and administrative expenses in our statements of operations, with an expectation that all costs would continue to be

 

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included as part of selling, general and administrative expenses until the plan to vacate the space was implemented. The initial plan communicated to the workforce was scheduled to be implemented in January 2003, but was subsequently postponed due to some incremental projects won in December 2002 and January 2003. Many of the changes in workforce were implemented over the first two quarters of 2003 as the skill sets of those identified were not required to serve the new projects. Although the initial plan to vacate the facility was postponed, we continued to expect that in 2003 the floor would be vacated and the employees in the region would be relocated to more efficient and cost effective space. Although we allowed in our restructuring plan for a significant vacancy period due to the poor real estate market in San Francisco, we actively marketed the floor throughout 2003 with the intent of securing a subtenant to minimize the cash flow drain to us for paying rent on the new location while the old location remained vacant. However, in the fourth quarter of 2003 it became apparent that the original plan to vacate the floor was not likely to be carried out, as originally developed by us and approved by the Board of Directors, and that the floor should continue to be used in operations. This decision was made because certain client relationships expanded at a pace exceeding our initial budget estimates and expectations, improved business expectations with additional clients previously thought to be declining relationships, the hiring in December of a new President for the San Francisco office and continued poor market conditions for real estate in San Francisco, which would likely result in the floor remaining vacant for a lengthy period of time.

 

At December 31, 2003, our restructuring accrual totaled $29.3 million. Approximately $0.4 million of that amount is workforce related for final payments of severance and will be fully utilized in 2004. The remaining $28.9 million is related to remaining real estate obligations net of sublease income. We believe the restructuring accrual of $28.9 million is appropriate and adequate to cover these remaining obligations.

 

The following is a summary of restructuring activity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001: (dollars in thousands)

 

     Workforce
Reduction and
Related Costs


    Consolidation
of Facilities


    Total

 

Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2000

   $ —       $ —       $ —    

Restructuring expenses 2001

     16,689       25,199       41,888  

Utilization 2001

     (12,982 )     (9,346 )     (22,328 )
    


 


 


Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2001

     3,707       15,853       19,560  

Restructuring expenses 2002

     3,311       43,803       47,114  

Utilization 2002

     (5,530 )     (10,756 )     (16,286 )
    


 


 


Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2002

     1,488       48,900       50,388  

Restructuring expenses 2003

     —         3,077       3,077  

Restructuring income 2003

     —         (7,186 )     (7,186 )

Utilization 2003

     (1,076 )     (15,895 )     (16,971 )
    


 


 


Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2003

   $ 412     $ 28,896     $ 29,308  
    


 


 


 

As a result of all restructuring activity, which commenced in the second quarter of 2001, we have reduced our workforce by approximately 700 employees across all business functions and regions.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, cash expenditures related to restructuring activities were $12.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively, and we disposed of $8.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of leasehold improvements related to excess office space. As of December 31, 2003, total remaining cash expenditures related to restructuring activities were $29.3 million. We expect approximately $8.9 million in cash expenditures in fiscal 2004. We expect to make the remaining cash expenditures of approximately $20.4 million related to real estate rental obligations primarily over the following eleven years.

 

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Other income, net. Other income in 2003, net of expenses, decreased by $0.2 million, or 50%, to $0.2 million from $0.4 million in 2002. Other income consists primarily of interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents offset by interest expense related to notes payable for tenant allowances, interest expense on capitalized leases, and bank charges related to our revolving credit facility and standby letters of credit. The decrease in other income was due primarily to the decrease in the rate of interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents.

 

Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to year ended December 31, 2001

 

Summary. Despite continued uncertainty in the global economy and the continued threat of terrorist attacks, Digitas’ results improved in 2002 as demand for our marketing and technology services stabilized at rates consistent with the third and fourth quarters of 2001. However, we determined in 2002 that an additional restructuring charge would be required primarily to reflect our revised expectations of remaining real estate obligations related to excess space initially restructured in 2001. Total restructuring charges for 2002 and 2001 were $47.1 million and $41.9 million, respectively. We reported a net loss for 2002 of $40.3 million, or $0.65 per share, as compared to a net loss of $94.1 million, or $1.58 per share, for 2001, which includes amortization of goodwill of $24.5 million that is not included in the 2002 figures.

 

Revenue. Total revenue for 2002 decreased by $14.3 million, or 4.3%, to $321.0 million from $335.3 million in 2001. Fee revenue for 2002 decreased by $31.6 million, or 13.4%, to $203.9 million from $235.5 million in 2001. The decrease in revenue is attributable to the decline in demand, as compared to the first six months of 2001, for marketing and technology services. Pass-through revenue for 2002 increased by $17.3 million, or 17.3%, to $117.1 million from $99.8 million in 2001. The increase in pass-through revenue is attributable to increased media programs and production costs for our clients.

 

Professional services costs. Professional services costs for 2002 decreased by $37.3 million, or 23.6%, to $120.4 million from $157.7 million in 2001. Professional services costs represented 59% of fee revenue for 2002 as compared to 67% of fee revenue for 2001. The decrease in professional services costs, both in dollars and as a percentage of fee revenue, reflects cost savings resulting from restructuring activity and other cost cutting initiatives implemented in 2001. Pass-through expenses for 2002 increased by $17.3 million, or 17.3%, to $117.1 million from $99.8 million in 2001. The increase in pass-through revenue is attributable to increased media programs and production costs for our clients.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2002 decreased by $27.8 million, or 29.1%, to $67.7 million from $95.5 million for 2001. As a percentage of fee revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 33% in 2002 from 41% in 2001. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, both in dollars and as a percentage of fee revenue, reflects cost savings resulting from restructuring activity and other cost cutting initiatives implemented in 2001.

 

Stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation, consisting of non-cash compensation, was $8.4 million for 2002 compared to $10.1 million for 2001. The decrease is due to the cancellation of stock options prior to their vesting dates in connection with restructuring activity and normal attrition. We have not granted or repurchased any options nor issued common stock at a price below the estimated fair market value subsequent to the initial public offering in March 2000.

 

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization of intangible assets for 2002 decreased by $24.5 million, or 97.2%, to $0.7 million from $25.2 million for 2001. Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The provisions of SFAS No. 142 were applied to all goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in the financial statements at that date. This resulted in an expense reduction of approximately $24.5 million in 2002 over 2001, as goodwill is no longer amortized, but instead is subject to

 

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testing for impairment. We did not incur any impairment to existing intangible assets or goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2002, upon application of SFAS No. 142. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” goodwill policy for a quantification of the effect of SFAS No. 142 on our 2001 net income.

 

Restructuring expenses (income), net. Restructuring expenses for 2002 increased by $5.2 million, or 12.4%, to $47.1 million from $41.9 million in 2001.

 

During 2002, we recorded restructuring expenses totaling $47.1 million, consisting of $3.3 million for workforce reduction and related costs and $43.8 million for the consolidation of facilities and abandonment of related leasehold improvements. These charges were taken to further align our cost structure with changing market conditions and to update estimates originally made in 2001 for current information. We determined that we would be unable to dispose of our excess office space in Boston, New York and San Francisco within our original assumptions. As a result, we recorded an expense of $39.2 million to reflect the revised estimate of our expected future obligations under the terms of these leases less anticipated income from subleasing activities. The change in estimate is related to changes in estimated future sublease rates and terms. These sublease estimates, which were made in consultation with our real estate advisers, were based on current and projected conditions at the time in the real estate and economic markets in which we had excess office space. In addition, we recorded restructuring expenses of $4.6 million for costs related to the closure of our Miami and Salt Lake City facilities.

 

During 2001, we recorded restructuring expenses totaling $41.9 million, consisting of $16.7 million for workforce reduction and related costs and $25.2 million for the consolidation of facilities and abandonment of related leasehold improvements. These restructuring charges were taken to align our cost structure with changing market conditions and decreased demand for our services. The $25.2 million in real estate related charges represented our estimate of future obligations under the terms of the leases for identified excess space less anticipated income from subleasing activities. In determining this estimate, we evaluated our potential to sublease our excess space and our ability to renegotiate various leases at more favorable terms and in some instances obtain relief through relocation of office space.

 

The following is a summary of restructuring activity for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001: (dollars in thousands)

 

     Workforce
Reduction and
Related Costs


    Consolidation
of Facilities


    Total

 

Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2000

   $ —       $ —       $ —    

Restructuring expenses 2001

     16,689       25,199       41,888  

Utilization 2001

     (12,982 )     (9,346 )     (22,328 )
    


 


 


Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2001

     3,707       15,853       19,560  

Restructuring expenses 2002

     3,311       43,803       47,114  

Utilization 2002

     (5,530 )     (10,756 )     (16,286 )
    


 


 


Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2002

   $ 1,488     $ 48,900     $ 50,388  
    


 


 


 

As a result of restructuring activity, which commenced in the second quarter of 2001, the Company reduced its workforce by approximately 700 employees across all business functions and regions.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, cash expenditures related to restructuring activities were $15.3 million and $18.9 million, respectively.

 

 

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Other income, net. In 2002, other income, net of expenses, decreased by $0.6 million, or 60%, to $0.4 million from $1.0 million in 2001. Other income consists primarily of interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents offset by interest expense related to notes payable for tenant allowances, interest expense on capitalized leases, and bank charges related to the company’s revolving credit facility and standby letters of credit. The decrease in other income was due primarily to the decrease in the rate of interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We fund our operations primarily through cash generated from operations and proceeds from the exercise of common stock options.

 

Cash and cash equivalents and working capital

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased from $68.8 million at December 31, 2002 to $73.6 million at December 31, 2003. Cash provided by operations for 2003 was $19.2 million. Cash provided by operations was primarily the result of cash collections from customers offset by payments for restructuring activities, vendor invoices and executive bonuses. Cash used in investing activities for 2003 was $4.0 million, consisting of capital expenditures relating primarily to computer equipment purchases. Cash used in financing activities for 2003 was $10.5 million. Pursuant to a self-tender offer, in March 2003 we purchased 6,426,735 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $3.89 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million. Transaction costs related to the purchase were $0.9 million. During 2003, we issued 6.7 million shares of our stock through either issuance of common stock or the exercise of stock options resulting in $15.9 million of net proceeds.

 

In August 2003, a group of stockholders completed a sale of 21,357,142 shares of our common stock at a price of $5.25 per share in an underwritten public offering. The public offering did not impact the number of common shares outstanding and did not result in any cash proceeds to us.

 

Credit facility

 

Our existing credit facility originally dated July 25, 2000, and subsequently amended, allows us to borrow up to $20 million less any amounts committed under outstanding standby letters of credit. Effective February 2003, we executed a fourth amendment to our credit facility. This amendment extended the expiration date of the credit facility from July 2003 to February 2006. It also changed some of the restrictive financial covenants contained in the credit facility. Effective September 2003, we executed a fifth amendment. This amendment also changed some of the restrictive financial covenants contained in the credit facility. A sixth amendment was executed in December 2003. This amendment added a subsidiary of the Company as a guarantor for the credit facility.

 

As of December 31, 2003, amounts that we may borrow under the revolving credit facility would bear interest at either the Prime Rate or at a Eurocurrency Rate plus a margin of 3.00%. Additionally, we are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused amount of the revolving credit and a letter of credit fee of 3.0% of the face amount of letters of credit. Our restrictive financial covenants include a minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) level, a minimum net income level, a maximum ratio of total funded indebtedness to EBITDA, a minimum liquidity level, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and a maximum annual capital expenditure level.

 

As of December 31, 2003, we were in compliance with all of our covenants. Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. At December 31, 2003, we had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility and approximately $11.9 million outstanding under standby letters of credit, leaving approximately $8.1 million available for future borrowings.

 

 

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Other debt and commitments

 

The following table summarizes other cash obligations. (Note: Interest expense is included in payments due by period where applicable and minimum sublease income of $20.2 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases is excluded.)

 

     Payments Due by Period (in millions)

     Total

   2004

  

2005-

2006


  

2007-

2008


  

2009 and

thereafter


Notes payable, tenant allowances

   $ 0.6    $ 0.3    $ 0.3    $ —      $ —  

Operating leases

     102.8      22.4      32.9      20.2      27.3
    

  

  

  

  

Total obligations

   $ 103.4    $ 22.7    $ 33.2    $ 20.2    $ 27.3
    

  

  

  

  

 

Notes payable, tenant allowances. Since 1995, we have received tenant allowances, which are required to be reimbursed to the landlord through 2005.

 

Operating leases. We lease office facilities and some of our office equipment under cancelable and noncancelable operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through July 2015. Rent expense, including amounts for facilities and equipment, net of any contractual sublease income, amounted to approximately $10,941,000, $10,362,000, and $14,936,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. These amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our statements of operations. Rent payments due in the future for both operating and restructured office space are reflected in the cash obligations table above.

 

We expect that at current revenue projections, we will continue to generate cash from operations. We believe that cash from operations combined with current cash and cash equivalents and funds available under the credit facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve months.

 

Risks Factors and Important Factors that may Affect Future Results

 

Set forth below are certain risk factors that could harm our business prospects, results of operations and financial condition. You should carefully read the following risk factors, together with the financial statements, related notes and other information contained in this Form 10-K. This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that contain risks and uncertainties. Please refer to the discussion of “Forward-Looking Statements” on page three in connection with your consideration of the risk factors and other important factors that may affect future results described below.

 

Risks Related to our Business

 

The loss of even one significant client or any significant reduction in the use of our services could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations

 

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from large-scale engagements with a limited number of clients. Most of these relationships, including those with our three largest clients, are terminable by the client without penalty on 30 to 90 days prior written notice. For 2003, our three largest clients, General Motors, American Express and AT&T, collectively accounted for approximately 55% of our fee revenue, and our largest client, General Motors, accounted for approximately 23% of fee revenue. The loss of any major client or any significant reduction in the use of our services by a major client could materially reduce our revenue and have a negative impact on our operating results, financial condition and reputation in our market. Our top ten clients accounted for approximately 80% of our 2003 fee revenue.

 

 

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Our failure to meet our clients’ expectations could result in losses or negative publicity and could subject us to liability for the services we provide

 

As clients have dedicated more money and resources to our engagements with them, their expectations have also increased. As our client engagements become larger and more complex and are required to be completed in a shorter time frame, we face increased management challenges and greater risk of mistakes. Any failure on our part to deliver our services in accordance with our clients’ expectations could result in:

 

  additional expenditures to correct the problem;

 

  delayed or lost client revenues;

 

  adverse client reactions and negative publicity; and

 

  claims against us.

 

Although our client agreements often limit our liability to damages arising from our rendering of services, we cannot assure that these provisions will be enforceable in all instances or would otherwise protect us from liability. While we carry general liability insurance coverage, our insurance may not cover all potential claims to which we are exposed or may not be adequate to indemnify us for all liability that may be imposed.

 

Failure to manage our growth may impact our operating results

 

If we succeed in expanding our business, that expansion may place increased demands on our management, operating systems, internal controls and financial and physical resources. If not managed effectively, these increased demands may adversely affect the services we provide to our existing clients. In addition, our personnel, systems, procedures and controls may be inadequate to support our future operations. Consequently, in order to manage growth effectively, we may be required to increase expenditures to expand, train and manage our employee base, improve our management, financial and information systems and controls, or make other capital expenditures. Our results of operations and financial condition could be harmed if we encounter difficulties in effectively managing the budgeting, forecasting and other process control issues presented by our growth.

 

Acts of war or terrorism, or related effects could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition

 

An act of war or terrorism could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. The related effects of an act of war or terrorism, such as disruptions in air transportation, enhanced security measures and political instability in certain foreign countries may interrupt our business and that of our clients. An act of war or terrorism may result in a significant reduction in client spending or contribute to an economic downturn and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

An economic recession or downturn in the United States or abroad may result in a reduction in our revenues and operating results

 

Our ability to succeed depends on the continued investment of our current and future clients in the services we offer. Our business has been adversely impacted during the last three years by a decline in demand for our services, primarily related to the economic down turn experienced during the first two and a half years of that period. An economic recession or downturn in the United States and abroad may cause some of our current and future clients to reduce or eliminate their budgets for our services. Furthermore, the reduction in client budgets may intensify competition and further increase pressure for us to reduce the fees we charge our clients. A lasting economic recession or downturn in the United States or abroad may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Actual and perceived conflicts of interest may restrict us in obtaining new clients

 

Actual and perceived conflicts of interest are inherent in our industry. We sometimes decline to accept potential clients because of actual or perceived conflicts of interest with our existing clients or because a client insists, for whatever reason, that we not work with its competitors. In addition, potential clients may choose not to retain us for reasons of actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Many of our clients compete in industries where only a limited number of companies gain meaningful market share. As a result, if we decide not to perform services for a particular client’s competitors, or if potential clients choose not to retain us because of actual or perceived conflicts and our client fails to capture a significant portion of its market, we may receive reduced or no future revenue in that particular industry.

 

Fluctuations in our quarterly revenues and operating results may lead to reduced prices for our stock

 

Our quarterly revenues and operating results can be volatile. We believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful. These comparisons cannot be relied upon as indicators of future performance. However, if our operating results in any future period fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, the market price of our securities would likely decline.

 

Factors that may cause our quarterly results to fluctuate in the future include the following:

 

  variability in market demand for our services;

 

  length of the sales cycle associated with our service offerings;

 

  unanticipated variations in the size, budget, number or progress toward completion of our engagements;

 

  unanticipated termination of a major engagement, a client’s decision not to proceed with an engagement we anticipated or the completion or delay during a quarter of several major client engagements;

 

  our ability to manage our operating costs, a large portion of which are fixed in advance of any particular quarter;

 

  changes in pricing policies by us or our competitors;

 

  our ability to manage future growth;

 

  timing and amount of client bonus payments; and

 

  costs of attracting and training skilled personnel.

 

Some of these factors are within our control while others are outside of our control.

 

If we are not successful in expanding our ability to service our clients on a worldwide basis, we may jeopardize our relationships with existing clients and limit our ability to attract new clients

 

Failure to meet client demands that their relationship marketing service providers be able to handle assignments on a worldwide basis may jeopardize our existing client relationships and limit our ability to attract new clients. Currently, we serve European markets from our office in London and can serve markets in other regions from offices in the United States. To succeed we may also need to deepen and broaden our expertise in dealing with worldwide assignments by expanding our presence outside of the United States or by hiring more senior executives with multi-national technology, marketing and customer relationship management expertise; and there is no assurance that we can attract those people or establish on a profitable basis offices outside of the United States.

 

We have limited experience in marketing, selling and supporting our services outside of North America and the United Kingdom, and development of such skills may be more difficult or take longer than we anticipate. Operations outside the United States may be unprofitable or less profitable than operations in the United States,

 

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especially due to language barriers, cultural differences, economic and political conditions in countries outside the United States, currency exchange risks, differences in terms of payment and collectibility of receivables, reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries, the burden and expense of complying with foreign laws and regulations and the fact that the Internet infrastructure in foreign countries may be less advanced than in the United States.

 

We must maintain our reputation and expand our name recognition to remain competitive

 

We believe that establishing and maintaining name recognition and a good reputation is critical to attracting and expanding our targeted client base as well as attracting and retaining qualified employees. If our reputation is damaged or if we are unable to establish name recognition, we may become less competitive or lose our market share. In addition, our name could be associated with any business difficulties of our clients. As a result, the difficulties or failure of one of our clients could damage our reputation and name and make it difficult for us to compete for new business.

 

Our business will be negatively affected if we do not keep up with rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards and changing client requirements

 

Our industry is characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards and changing client needs. Accordingly, our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to meet these challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner. Among the most important challenges facing us is the need to:

 

  effectively use leading technologies;

 

  continue to develop our strategic and technical expertise;

 

  influence and respond to emerging industry standards and other technological changes;

 

  enhance our current service offerings; and

 

  develop new services that meet changing customer needs.

 

Our industry is highly competitive and has low barriers to entry; if we cannot effectively compete, our revenue may decline

 

Our industry is relatively new and intensely competitive. We expect competition to intensify even further as our industry evolves. Some of our current competitors have more clients, greater brand or name recognition and greater financial, technical, marketing and public relations resources than we do. Furthermore, there are relatively low barriers to entry into our industry. As a result, new and unknown market entrants pose a threat to our business.

 

Current or future competitors may also develop or offer services that are comparable or superior to ours at a lower price, which could affect our ability to retain existing clients and attract new clients. In addition, current and potential competitors have established or may establish corporate relationships among themselves or other third parties to increase their ability to address customer needs. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to compete successfully with our existing competitors or any new competitors.

 

Potential future acquisitions could be difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, adversely affect our operating results and dilute shareholder value

 

We may acquire other businesses in the future, which may complicate our management tasks. We may need to integrate widely dispersed operations with distinct corporate cultures. Our failure to do so could result in our inability to retain the management, key personnel, employees and clients of the acquired business. Such integration efforts also may distract our management from servicing existing clients. Our failure to manage future

 

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acquisitions successfully could seriously harm our operating results. Also, acquisition costs could cause our quarterly operating results to vary significantly. Furthermore, our shareholders could be diluted if we finance the acquisitions by issuing equity securities.

 

We may need to raise additional capital, which may not be available to us, and which may dilute the ownership interests of current investors

 

We may need to raise additional funds to meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs and to otherwise support our business and implement our strategy. We cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms or at all. If we need additional capital and cannot raise it on acceptable terms, we may not be able to:

 

  create additional market-specific business units;

 

  enhance our infrastructure;

 

  hire, train and retain employees;

 

  keep up with technological advances; or

 

  respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated requirements.

 

Our failure to do any of these things could restrict our growth, hinder our ability to compete and seriously harm our financial condition. Additionally, if we are able to raise additional funds through equity financings, the ownership interest of our stockholders will be diluted.

 

Increased government regulation of various direct marketing channels could adversely affect our business

 

State and federal government regulation of various direct marketing channels, such as the Internet and telephone, is increasing. New laws and regulations, or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, could impact us directly or indirectly by preventing our clients from using certain direct marketing methods. New laws and regulations could create limitations on our clients’ ability to market to targeted customers which in turn could decrease the demand for our services and have a material adverse effect on our future operating performance.

 

Risks Related to the Securities Markets

 

Our stock price has been and is likely to continue to be volatile and may result in substantial losses for investors

 

The market price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be highly volatile. Since we completed our initial public offering in March 2000, the market price for our common stock has been as high as $40.00 per share and as low as $0.88 per share. Additionally, the stock market in general, and the market for technology-related stocks in particular, has been highly volatile and was characterized by significant decreases in market prices during 2000, 2001 and 2002. This volatility often has been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies.

 

In addition, the trading price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to:

 

  our perceived prospects;

 

  variations in our operating results and our achievement of key business targets;

 

  changes in securities analysts’ recommendations or earnings estimates;

 

  differences between our reported results and those expected by investors and securities analysts;

 

  announcements of new contracts or service offerings by us or our competitors;

 

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  market reaction to any acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic investments announced by us or our competitors; and

 

  general economic or stock market conditions unrelated to our operating performance.

 

In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management attention and resources.

 

Risks Related to Legal Uncertainty

 

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights

 

We cannot guarantee that the steps we have taken to protect our proprietary rights will be adequate to deter misappropriation of our intellectual property. In addition, we may not be able to detect unauthorized use of our intellectual property and take appropriate steps to enforce our rights. If third parties infringe or misappropriate our trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks or other proprietary information, our business could be seriously harmed. In addition, although we believe that our proprietary rights do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, other parties may assert infringement claims against us or claim that we have violated their intellectual property rights. Such claims, even if not true, could result in significant legal and other costs and may be a distraction to management. If any party asserts a claim against us relating to proprietary technology or information, we may need to obtain licenses to the disputed intellectual property. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to obtain any licenses at all. In addition, protection of intellectual property in many foreign countries is weaker and less reliable than in the United States so, as our business expands into foreign countries, risks associated with protecting our intellectual property will increase.

 

Changes in government regulation of the Internet and other emerging technologies could adversely affect our business

 

To date, government regulations have not materially restricted the use of the Internet and other emerging technologies by our clients in their markets. However, the legal and regulatory environment that pertains to such technologies may change. New state, federal and foreign laws and regulations, or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, especially those relating to privacy, could impact us directly or indirectly by preventing our clients from delivering products or services over technology-based distribution channels. Failure to comply with applicable government regulations could result in a liability. Any new legislation could inhibit the increased use of the Internet and emerging technologies as commercial mediums which in turn would decrease the demand for our services and have a material adverse effect on our future operating performance.

 

We may become subject to claims regarding foreign laws and regulations that could subject us to increased expenses

 

Because we plan to expand our international operations and because many of our current clients have international operations, we may be subject to the laws of foreign jurisdictions. These laws may change, or new, more restrictive laws may be enacted in the future. Failure to comply with applicable foreign laws and regulations could result in a liability. International litigation is often expensive and time-consuming and could distract our management’s attention away from the operation of our business.

 

Provisions of Delaware law and of our charter and by-laws may make a takeover more difficult

 

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and in the Delaware corporate law may make it difficult and expensive for a third party to pursue a tender offer, change-in-control or takeover attempt that is opposed by our management and Board of Directors. Public shareholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have an opportunity to do so. In our certificate of incorporation we also have a staggered Board of Directors, which makes it difficult for shareholders to change the composition of the Board of Directors

 

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Table of Contents

in any one year. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change-in-control or to change our management and Board of Directors.

 

Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

We do not believe that there is any material risk exposure with respect to derivative or other financial instruments that would require disclosure under this item.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

The financial statements and related notes are contained on the pages indicated on the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report.

 

The following table sets forth a summary of unaudited quarterly operating results for each of the eight quarters ended December 31, 2003. This information has been derived from our unaudited interim financial statements which, in our opinion, have been prepared on substantially the same basis as the audited financial statements contained elsewhere in this filing and include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information for the periods presented. The results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly results of operations, and we believe that period-to-period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of performance that may be expected for any future period.

 

    

Three Months Ended:

(in thousands, except per share data)


 
    

Dec. 31,

2003


   

Sept. 30,

2003


   

June 30,

2003


   

March 31,

2003


   

Dec. 31,

2002


   

Sept. 30,

2002


   

June 30,

2002


   

March 31,

2002


 

Revenue:

                                                                

Fee revenue

   $ 53,428     $ 52,218     $ 51,564     $ 52,260     $ 51,407     $ 52,721     $ 50,245     $ 49,558  

Pass-through revenue

     28,742       25,709       20,994       26,898       40,854       32,798       24,010       19,431  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total revenue

     82,170       77,927       72,558       79,158       92,261       85,519       74,255       68,989  

Operating expenses:

                                                                

Professional services costs

     31,229       30,548       30,387       30,588       30,780       30,959       29,281       29,410  

Pass-through expenses

     28,742       25,709       20,994       26,898       40,854       32,798       24,010       19,431  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     16,296       16,335       16,176       16,948       16,649       16,878       16,958       17,263  

Stock-based compensation

     1,716       1,980       1,930       1,825       2,220       2,066       2,084       2,077  

Amortization of intangible assets

     177       176       177       176       177       176       177       176  

Restructuring expenses (income)

     (4,109 )     —         —         —         —         47,114       —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total operating expenses

     74,051       74,748       69,664       76,435       90,680       129,991       72,510       68,357  

Income (loss) from operations

     8,119       3,179       2,894       2,723       1,581       (44,472 )     1,745       632  

Other income (expense):

                                                                

Interest income

     155       152       155       230       257       266       215       220  

Interest expense

     (131 )     (140 )     (144 )     (134 )     (142 )     (137 )     (144 )     (139 )

Other miscellaneous income (expense)

     2       6       8       2       —         —         20       (2 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


       26       18       19       98       115       129       91       79  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     8,145       3,197       2,913       2,821       1,696       (44,343 )     1,836       711  

Provision for income taxes

     (28 )     —         —         (189 )     —         (200 )     —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 8,117     $ 3,197     $ 2,913     $ 2,632     $ 1,696     $ (44,543 )   $ 1,836     $ 711  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss) per share—basic

   $ 0.13     $ 0.05     $ 0.05     $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ (0.71 )   $ 0.03     $ 0.01  

Net income (loss) per share—diluted

   $ 0.11     $ 0.05     $ 0.05     $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ (0.71 )   $ 0.03     $ 0.01  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

                                                                

Basic

     62,102       59,712       58,061       63,166       62,650       62,833       62,505       61,411  

Diluted

     71,940       69,012       64,665       69,157       67,202       62,833       70,360       70,456  

 

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

On March 27, 2002, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors informed Arthur Andersen LLP (“Arthur Andersen”), our independent public accountants for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, of its decision to no longer engage Arthur Andersen as our independent public accountants. On April 1, 2002, we engaged Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our independent public accountants for the full year ending December 31, 2002. On April 3, 2002, we filed a Form 8-K announcing this change in independent public accountants.

 

Arthur Andersen’s reports on our consolidated financial statements for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, there were no disagreements with Arthur Andersen on any matter of accounting principle or practice, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to Arthur Andersen’s satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter in connection with their report on our consolidated financial statements for such years; and there were no reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

We provided Arthur Andersen with a copy of the foregoing disclosures. Attached, as Exhibit 16.1 is a copy of Arthur Andersen’s letter, dated March 28, 2002, stating its agreement with such statements.

 

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 and through March 27, 2002, we did not consult Ernst & Young LLP with respect to the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements, or any other matters or reportable events as set forth in Items 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.

 

Item 9a. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

 

As required by new Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we and our management recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that they believe that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were reasonably effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. In connection with the new rules, we will continue to review and document our disclosure controls and procedures, including our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting, on an ongoing basis, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that our systems evolve with our business.

 

(b) Changes in internal controls.

 

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant

 

(a) Directors

 

Incorporated herein by reference is the information appearing under the captions “Information Concerning Directors” and “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” in the Digitas definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

(b) Executive Officers

 

Incorporated herein by reference is the information appearing under the caption “Executive Officers” in the Digitas definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

(c) Code of Ethics

 

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions. Our code of ethics is filed as Exhibit 14.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Digitas intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K, regarding an amendment to or waiver from our code of ethics, by posting the required information on our Internet website at www.digitas.com.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

Incorporated herein by reference is the information appearing under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Digitas definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

Incorporated herein by reference is the information appearing under the caption “Security Ownership of Executive Officers and Directors” in the Digitas definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. See Part I Item 5 for information regarding stockholder approved and non-stockholder approved equity compensation plans.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

None.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Incorporated herein by reference is the information appearing under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the Digitas definitive Proxy Statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

 

15(a)(1) Financial Statements

 

The financial statements and notes are listed in the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report.

 

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15(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

 

The following are contained in this annual report on Form 10-K immediately following the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

  Report of Independent Auditors

 

  Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

Schedules not listed above are omitted because they are not required or because the required information is given in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

15(a)(3) Exhibits

 

Exhibits are as set forth in the “Index to Exhibits” which follows the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

15(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

Current Report on Form 8-K, filed October 29, 2003, furnishing the Digitas Inc. press release dated October 29, 2003.

 

Current Report on Form 8-K, filed November 21, 2003, announcing that the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to $20 million worth of its common stock in the open market or in private transactions between December 13, 2003 and June 30, 2005.

 

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DIGITAS

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Report of Independent Auditors

   F-2

Report of Independent Public Accountants

   F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2003

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2003

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2003

   F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-8

 

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Digitas Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Digitas Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the two years then ended. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits. The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Digitas Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2001 were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and whose report dated January 23, 2002 expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements and schedule before the adjustments described in Note 1.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the 2003 and 2002 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Digitas Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the two years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (Statement) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue Number 01-14: Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for “Out-of-Pocket” Expenses Incurred (EITF 01-14). As discussed above, the consolidated financial statements of Digitas Inc. as of December 31, 2001 and for the year then ended, were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. As described in Note 1, these consolidated financial statements have been revised to include the transitional disclosures required by Statement No. 142 and the addition of pass-through revenue and expenses for EITF 01-14, which were both adopted as of January 1, 2002. With respect to the adoption of Statement No. 142, we have audited the disclosures in Note 1. With respect to the adoption of EITF 01-14, we have audited the adjustments to the statement of operations. With respect to these adjustments and disclosures, our procedures were limited to (a) agreeing the previously reported revenues, operating expenses and net loss to the previously issued financial statements, (b) agreeing the adjustments to the underlying records obtained from management, and (c) testing the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliation of adjusted revenue and operating expenses and the revised financial statements. In our opinion such disclosures and adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the consolidated financial statements of Digitas Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2001, other than with respect to such disclosures and adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001, and for the year then ended, taken as a whole.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

January 23, 2004

 

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

To the Board of Directors of Digitas Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Digitas Inc. (a Delaware corporation) as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the related statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Digitas Inc. as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

January 23, 2002

 

NOTE:

This is a copy of the audit report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with Digitas Inc.’s filing on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. This audit report has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with this filing on Form 10-K. See Exhibit 23.2 for further discussion.

 

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Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

 

ASSETS

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 73,643     $ 68,827  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $962 and $944 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively

     32,860       34,920  

Accounts receivable, unbilled

     6,851       17,986  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     6,763       5,029  
    


 


Total current assets

     120,117       126,762  

Fixed assets, net

     17,990       30,892  

Goodwill, net

     98,130       98,130  

Other intangible assets, net

     705       1,411  

Other assets

     3,579       2,054  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 240,521     $ 259,249  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 8,698     $ 17,092  

Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     20,564       24,685  

Accrued expenses

     7,386       7,842  

Accrued compensation

     19,410       17,749  

Accrued restructuring

     9,056       11,117  

Current portion of long-term debt

     281       255  

Capital lease obligations

     —         276  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     65,395       79,016  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     282       563  

Accrued restructuring, long-term

     20,252       39,271  

Other long-term liabilities

     175       315  
    


 


Total liabilities

     86,104       119,165  

Shareholders’ equity:

                

Preferred shares, $.01 par value per share; 25,000,000 shares authorized and none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002

     —         —    

Common shares, $.01 par value per share, 175,000,000 shares authorized; 62,809,518 and 62,510,919 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively

     628       625  

Additional paid-in capital

     336,294       346,898  

Accumulated deficit

     (180,783 )     (197,642 )

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

     (28 )     (62 )

Deferred compensation

     (1,694 )     (9,735 )
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     154,417       140,084  
    


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 240,521     $ 259,249  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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DIGITAS

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Revenue:

                        

Fee revenue

   $ 209,470     $ 203,931     $ 235,514  

Pass-through revenue

     102,343       117,093       99,781  
    


 


 


Total revenue

     311,813       321,024       335,295  
    


 


 


Operating expenses:

                        

Professional services costs

     122,752       120,430       157,694  

Pass-through expenses

     102,343       117,093       99,781  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     65,755       67,748       95,545  

Stock-based compensation

     7,451       8,447       10,147  

Amortization of intangible assets

     706       706       25,238  

Restructuring expenses (income), net

     (4,109 )     47,114       41,888  
    


 


 


Total operating expenses

     294,898       361,538       430,293  
    


 


 


Income (loss) from operations

     16,915       (40,514 )     (94,998 )

Other income (expense):

                        

Interest income

     692       958       1,443  

Interest expense

     (549 )     (562 )     (487 )

Other miscellaneous income, net

     18       18       102  
    


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     17,076       (40,100 )     (93,940 )

Provision for income taxes

     (217 )     (200 )     (148 )
    


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 16,859     $ (40,300 )   $ (94,088 )
    


 


 


Net income (loss) per share

                        

Basic

   $ 0.28     $ (0.65 )   $ (1.58 )

Diluted

   $ 0.24     $ (0.65 )   $ (1.58 )

Weighted average common shares outstanding

                        

Basic

     60,754       62,354       59,514  
    


 


 


Diluted

     69,234       62,354       59,514  
    


 


 


 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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DIGITAS

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     Common Stock

    Additional
Paid-in
Capital


    Accumulated
Deficit


   

Cumulative
Foreign
Currency

Translation

Adjustment


    Deferred
Compensation


    Total
Shareholders’
Equity


 
     Shares

    Amount

           

Balance at December 31, 2000

   58,077,801     $ 581     $ 360,175     $ (63,254 )   $ —       $ (48,045 )   $ 249,457  

Net loss

                           (94,088 )                     (94,088 )

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

                                   (396 )             (396 )
                                                  


Total comprehensive loss

                                                   (94,484 )

Exercise of stock options

   2,268,397       22       2,973                               2,995  

Stock-based compensation

                                           10,147       10,147  

Cancellation of stock options

                   (19,005 )                     19,005       —    

Issuance of common stock

   510,885       5       1,766                               1,771  
    

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2001

   60,857,083       608       345,909       (157,342 )     (396 )     (18,893 )     169,886  

Net loss

                           (40,300 )                     (40,300 )

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

                                   334               334  
                                                  


Total comprehensive loss

                                                   (39,966 )

Exercise of stock options

   2,060,985       21       3,000                               3,021  

Stock-based compensation

                                           8,447       8,447  

Cancellation of stock options

                   (711 )                     711       —    

Issuance of common stock

   258,851       3       721                               724  

Repurchase of common stock

   (666,000 )     (7 )     (2,021 )                             (2,028 )
    

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

   62,510,919       625       346,898       (197,642 )     (62 )     (9,735 )     140,084  

Net income

                           16,859                       16,859  

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

                                   34               34  
                                                  


Total comprehensive income

                                                   16,893  

Exercise of stock options

   6,535,632       65       15,295                               15,360  

Stock-based compensation

                                           7,451       7,451  

Cancellation of stock options

                   (590 )                     590       —    

Issuance of common stock

   189,702       2       560                               562  

Repurchase of common stock

   (6,426,735 )     (64 )     (25,869 )                             (25,933 )
    

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

   62,809,518     $ 628     $ 336,294     $ (180,783 )   $ (28 )   $ (1,694 )   $ 154,417  
    

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 16,859     $ (40,300 )   $ (94,088 )

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

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     9,673       12,743       39,541  

Gain on disposal of fixed assets

     —         —         (49 )

Stock-based compensation

     7,451       8,447       10,147  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     47       —         2,556  

Noncash restructuring expenses

     (4,109 )     43,809       23,014  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                        

Accounts receivable

     2,111       880       28,224  

Accounts receivable, unbilled

     11,186       508       17,532  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (1,684 )     2,923       (672 )

Other assets

     (1,627 )     150       662  

Accounts payable

     (8,422 )     2,680       1,977  

Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts

     (4,142 )     (604 )     (7,090 )

Accrued expenses

     (785 )     (1,820 )     (8,717 )

Accrued compensation

     1,660       6,448       (5,550 )

Accrued restructuring

     (8,831 )     (11,523 )     —    

Other long-term liabilities

     (140 )     58       (31 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     19,247       24,399       7,456  
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Purchase of fixed assets

     (3,956 )     (3,057 )     (14,635 )
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,956 )     (3,057 )     (14,635 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Principal payments under capital lease obligations

     (276 )     (665 )     (633 )

Payment of notes payable, tenant allowances

     (255 )     (231 )     (208 )

Repurchase of common stock, net of transaction costs

     (25,933 )     (2,028 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs

     15,923       3,745       4,766  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (10,541 )     821       3,925  
    


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     66       191       (130 )
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     4,816       22,354       (3,384 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     68,827       46,473       49,857  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 73,643     $ 68,827     $ 46,473  
    


 


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                        

Cash paid for taxes

   $ 97     $ 637     $ 8,097  

Cash paid for interest

     447       552       398  

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:

                        

Assets acquired under capital lease obligations

   $ —       $ —       $ 58  

Income tax refund receivable

     —         —         5,600  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc. was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1980 as a Subchapter S corporation. Strategic Interactive Group, Inc. was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1995 as a Subchapter S corporation. Through December 31, 1998, certain shareholders of Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc. (“BSH”) owned a majority of the outstanding shares of Strategic Interactive Group, Inc. (“SIG”).

 

On November 5, 1998, BSH and SIG completed transactions in which each company was reorganized into a Massachusetts business trust (each a “Trust” and together the “Trusts”) with a wholly owned limited liability company (“LLC”) subsidiary. After formation of the Trusts and LLCs, the two companies were merged with and into Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, LLC and Strategic Interactive Group, LLC, respectively, with each shareholder of the original S corporations receiving as consideration an equivalent number of beneficial common shares in the Trusts as the shareholders held in the S corporations prior to the mergers. The reorganization of the companies into Trusts and subsidiary LLCs has been accounted for at historical cost as a combination of entities under common control.

 

Effective January 1, 1999, BSH and SIG completed a transaction with a private equity investor and the existing shareholders (the “Recapitalization”). Under the terms of the Recapitalization, the private equity investor acquired a certain number of shares directly from the existing shareholders for $102.0 million. In addition the Company borrowed $70.6 million from a bank. On the date following the close of the Recapitalization, SIG effectively merged into Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co. Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co. served as the ultimate parent of Digitas LLC, the Delaware limited liability company through which the business was operated through December 31, 2001. Substantially all of the stock options and stock appreciation rights of BSH and SIG were replaced with stock options in Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co. with equivalent in-the-money value, which existed at the date of Recapitalization. The Recapitalization was accounted for as a purchase. On December 22, 1999, Digitas Inc., a Delaware corporation, was formed to ultimately hold the ownership interests of Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co. and Digitas LLC after completing a reorganization to become the sole shareholder of the Trust. Effective December 31, 2001, Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co. was merged into a newly formed Massachusetts corporation Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc. The terms “Company” and “Digitas” refer to Digitas LLC prior to the reorganization and Digitas Inc. thereafter.

 

Operations

 

Digitas is a relationship marketing services provider offering strategy and technology enablement and marketing agency services. Serving many of the world’s leading companies, Digitas helps clients attract, retain and grow the most profitable customer relationships in their industries.

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The collectibility of outstanding customer invoices is continuously assessed. In estimating the

 

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DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

allowance, the Company considers factors such as historical collections, a customer’s current credit-worthiness, age of the receivable balance both individually and in the aggregate, and general economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. Actual customer collections could differ from estimates, requiring additional adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Fixed Assets

 

Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Expenditures for renewals and improvements are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Equipment held under capital leases is stated at the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease and amortized using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are recorded net of construction allowances provided by the landlord. Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are as follows:

 

Furniture and fixtures

  5-7 years

Computer equipment and software

  3-5 years

Capital leases

  Lesser of lease term or useful life

Leasehold improvements

  Lesser of lease term or useful life

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Through December 31, 2001, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated life of seven years. Effective January 1, 2002, with the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company ceased amortizing goodwill. SFAS No. 142 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment on an annual basis, and between annual tests in certain circumstances, and written down when impaired. Impairment exists if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment using the two-step process as prescribed in SFAS No. 142. The first step is an initial evaluation for potential impairment, while the second step is a measurement of the amount of the impairment. The Company performed the initial step by considering our fair market value as determined by our publicly traded stock to our carrying amount. We also considered future discounted cash flows as compared to the carrying amount to assess the recoverability of the goodwill asset. The use of discounted cash flow requires us to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding industry economic factors and future profitability. Based upon these tests, the Company determined that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount resulting in no impairment to existing intangible assets or goodwill in 2003 or 2002. The effect of discontinuing the amortization of goodwill on net income and earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2001 is presented below. (dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2001


 

Net loss as reported

   $ (94,088 )

Plus: amortization of goodwill

     24,532  
    


Pro forma net loss

   $ (69,556 )
    


Basic and diluted net loss per share, as reported

   $ (1.58 )

Plus: amortization of goodwill

     0.41  
    


Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share

   $ (1.17 )
    


 

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Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, other intangible assets consist of favorable leases, which represent the difference between the fair market value of the new leases signed on the purchase date in conjunction with the recapitalization and the actual leases in existence. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated lives. The estimated life of the favorable leases is six years.

 

Internal Use Software

 

The Company capitalizes external costs related to software and implementation services in connection with its internal use software systems.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of its long-lived assets based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from each of such assets compared to the original estimates used in measuring the assets. To the extent impairment is identified, the Company reduces the carrying value of such impaired assets to fair value based on estimated discounted future cash flows.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is based on the current rates offered to the Company for debt instruments of similar risks and maturities and approximates its carrying value.

 

Fee Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue pursuant to time and materials contracts is recognized as services are provided. Individual projects generally last up to six months, however some of the Company’s projects may last longer in duration. While the Company generally enters into written agreements with its clients, these contracts are typically terminable upon 30 to 90 days notice. Under these termination provisions, revenue is earned based upon time and materials incurred. The Company recognizes revenue earned under time and materials contracts as services are provided based upon hours worked and contractually agreed-upon hourly rates. The Company recognizes revenue from fixed-price contracts, such as consulting arrangements, using the proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred to estimates of total expected project costs in order to determine the amount of revenue earned to date. Project costs are based on the direct salary and associated fringe benefits of the consultants on the engagement plus all direct expenses incurred to complete the engagement that are not reimbursed by the client. The proportional performance method is used since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. These estimates are based on historical experience and deliverables identified in the contract and are indicative of the level of benefit provided to the Company’s clients. The Company’s financial management maintains contact with project managers to monitor the status of the projects and, for fixed-price engagements, financial management is updated on the budgeted costs and required resources to complete the project. These budgets are then used to calculate revenue recognition and to estimate the income or loss on the project. Favorable changes in estimates result in additional revenue and profit recognition, and unfavorable changes in estimates result in a reduction of recognized revenue and profit. If a contract was anticipated to result in a loss, provisions for the estimated loss on the contract would be made in the

 

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DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Some contracts contain provisions for performance incentives. Such contingent revenue is recognized in the period in which the contingency is resolved. The Company recognizes revenue for services only in those situations where collection from the client is reasonably assured. The Company’s normal payment terms are 30 days from invoice date. Client relationship managers and finance personnel monitor timely payments from clients and assess collection issues, if any. Unbilled accounts receivable on contracts is comprised of costs incurred plus estimated earnings from revenue earned in advance of billings under the contract. Advance payments are recorded as billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts until the services are provided. Included in accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable are reimbursable costs.

 

Pass-through Revenue and Expenses

 

The Company incurs significant reimbursable costs, such as payments to vendors for media and production services and postage and travel-related expenses, on behalf of clients. In accordance with the client agreements, there is no markup on reimbursable costs and the client’s approval is required prior to the Company incurring them. Although the Company actively mitigates its credit risk related to these pass-through costs and its customers participate in the management of such vendor relationships, Digitas is often the sole party that contracts with these vendors. Effective January 1, 2002, upon adoption of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 01-14, “Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for Out of Pocket Expenses Incurred,” the Company reported pass-through costs incurred as a component of revenue and as a component of operating expenses in the statements of operations. Prior periods presented were reclassified to comply with the guidance in Issue No. 01-14. The effect of the accounting change was to increase revenue for the year ended December 31, 2001 by $100 million, with an equivalent increase in expenses for the period. This accounting change had no effect on net income, earnings per share or cash from operations. Included in accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable are reimbursable costs.

 

Professional Services Costs

 

Professional services costs consist primarily of compensation and benefits of the Company’s employees engaged in the delivery of professional services plus other non-reimbursable service costs.

 

Research and Development Costs

 

Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. To date, substantially all research and development activities have been pursuant to customer contracts and have been expensed as professional services costs.

 

Net Income Per Share

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share”. SFAS No. 128 requires both basic earnings per share, which is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, and diluted earnings per share, which is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all dilutive potential common equivalent shares outstanding. The dilutive effect of options is determined under the treasury stock method using the average market price for the period. Common equivalent shares are included in the per share calculations where the effect of their inclusion would be dilutive.

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   60,754,371    62,354,183    59,513,657

Dilutive effect of options and warrants

   8,480,624    —      —  
    
  
  

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

   69,234,995    62,354,183    59,513,657
    
  
  

 

F-11


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the two years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company incurred net losses; as a result, options and warrants totaling 31,901,420, and 33,382,534, respectively, were not included in the computations of diluted net loss per share, as their effects would have been antidilutive.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases for operating profit and tax liability carryforward. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets or liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the tax change occurs.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

The Company applies the intrinsic method of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APBO”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations, in accounting for its employee stock option plans. The Company provides pro forma disclosures of compensation expense under the fair value method of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure.”

 

Had compensation cost for the 1998, 1999 and 2000 stock option plans (excluding exchanged shares) been determined using the fair value method at the grant dates, the effect on the Company’s net income (loss) and earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 would have been as follows: (dollars in thousands)

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net income (loss), as reported

   $ 16,859     $ (40,300 )   $ (94,088 )

Plus: Stock-based compensation included in reported net income (loss), net of tax

     7,451       8,447       10,147  

Less: Stock-based compensation expense under fair value method, net of tax

     (19,727 )     (22,400 )     (18,531 )
    


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 4,583     $ (54,253 )   $ (102,472 )
    


 


 


Basic net income (loss) per share, as reported

   $ 0.28     $ (0.65 )   $ (1.58 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share, as reported

   $ 0.24     $ (0.65 )   $ (1.58 )

Pro forma basic net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.08     $ (0.87 )   $ (1.72 )

Pro forma diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.07     $ (0.87 )   $ (1.72 )

 

The Company calculated the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants during 2003, 2002 and 2001: volatility of 65%, no expected dividend yield; risk-free interest rates of 2.79%, 3.41%, and 4.91% in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively; and expected lives of five years.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign branch are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at period-end and nonmonetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at historic exchange

 

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Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

rates. Income and expenses are remeasured at the average exchange rate for the period. Transaction gains and losses are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations. Transaction gains were approximately $205,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002. Transaction losses were approximately $73,000 and $19,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2001, respectively.

 

Management’s Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. These include estimates related to revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, stock-based compensation and restructuring. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The Company accounts for comprehensive income under SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income.” All components of comprehensive income are reported in the financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. The Company’s comprehensive income is comprised of net income and foreign currency translation adjustment.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“Interpretation 46”) to clarify the conditions under which assets, liabilities and activities of another entity should be consolidated into the financial statements of a company. Interpretation 46 requires the consolidation of a variable interest entity (including a special purpose entity such as that utilized in an accounts receivable securitization transaction) by a company that bears the majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities, is entitled to receive a majority of the variable interest entity’s residual returns or both. We adopted this Interpretation in fiscal 2003. The adoption of this Interpretation had no impact on the Company’s overall financial position and results of operations.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. This Statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The provisions of this Statement are effective for the Company for all derivatives and hedging activity entered into after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this Statement had no impact on the Company’s overall financial position and results of operations.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement 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. The provisions of

 

F-13


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

this Statement are effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The adoption of this Statement had no impact on the Company’s overall financial position and results of operations.

 

2. RESTRUCTURING EXPENSES

 

During 2001, the Company recorded restructuring expenses totaling $41.9 million, consisting of $16.7 million for workforce reduction and related costs and $25.2 million for the consolidation of facilities and abandonment of related leasehold improvements. The facility charge represented an estimate of future obligations under the terms of the leases for identified excess space less anticipated income from subleasing activities. In determining this estimate, management evaluated its potential to sublease its excess space and its ability to renegotiate various leases at more favorable terms and in some instances obtain relief through relocation of office space.

 

During 2002, the Company recorded restructuring expenses totaling $47.1 million, consisting of $3.3 million for workforce reduction and related costs and $43.8 million for the consolidation of facilities and abandonment of related leasehold improvements. These charges were recorded to further align the cost structure with changing market conditions and to update estimates originally made in 2001 for current information. Management determined that it would be unable to dispose of its excess office space in Boston, New York and San Francisco within its original assumptions. As a result, the Company recorded restructuring expenses of $39.2 million to reflect the revised estimate of its expected future obligations under the terms of these leases less anticipated income from subleasing activities. The change in estimate was related to changes in estimated future sublease rates and terms. These sublease estimates, which were made in connection with the Company’s real estate advisers, were based on current and projected conditions at the time in the real estate and economic markets in which the Company determined it had excess office space. In addition, the Company recorded restructuring expenses of $4.6 million for costs related to the closure of its Miami and Salt Lake City facilities.

 

During 2003, the Company made significant progress towards eliminating its excess real estate resulting in the recognition of $4.1 million of restructuring income related to the reversal of restructuring expense initially recorded in 2001 and 2002. The restructuring expense was reversed because of savings of $7.2 million as compared to the Company’s original estimates. These savings were the result of the Company subleasing its excess space at terms more favorable than estimates and assumptions made in 2002 for savings of $2.3 million, negotiating a termination of the Salt Lake City lease for less than the Company’s estimates for savings of $0.3 million and returning one floor initially restructured in San Francisco to operations, which represented savings of $4.6 million. The $7.2 million in savings was offset by revisions in estimates of future sublease rates and terms for remaining leases resulting in an increase in expected future obligations of $3.1 million. The Company continues to evaluate alternatives and monitor its restructuring accrual on a quarterly basis to reflect new developments and prevailing economic conditions in the real estate markets in which the Company leases office space. These sublease estimates, which were made in consultation with the Company’s real estate advisers, were based on current and projected conditions at the time in the real estate and economic markets in which the Company determined it had excess office space. At December 31, 2003, approximately 70,000 square feet of the approximately 300,000 square feet initially identified as excess remained available for sublease.

 

The floor returned to operations in San Francisco was restructured in the third quarter of 2002 because management had committed to a plan to redeploy, reorganize and streamline the workforce in San Francisco and relocate in 2003 to a more efficient and cost effective office location. At the time of the restructuring charge, the floor was being used in operations. All costs associated with this floor including rent expense, operating expenses and depreciation expense on leasehold improvements continued to be included as part of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s statements of operations, with an expectation that all costs would

 

F-14


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

continue to be included as part of selling, general and administrative expenses until the plan to vacate was implemented. The initial plan communicated to the workforce was scheduled to be implemented in January 2003, but was subsequently postponed due to some incremental projects won in December 2002 and January 2003. Many of the changes in workforce were implemented over the first two quarters of 2003 as the skill sets of those identified were not required to serve the new projects. Although the initial plan to vacate the facility was postponed, management continued to expect that in 2003 the floor would be vacated and the employees in the region would be relocated to more efficient and cost effective space. Although the Company allowed in our restructuring plan for a significant vacancy period due to the poor real estate market in San Francisco, the Company actively marketed the floor throughout 2003 with the intent of securing a subtenant to minimize the cash flow drain to the Company for paying rent on the new location while the old location remained vacant. However, in the fourth quarter of 2003 it became apparent that the original plan to vacate the floor was not likely to be carried out, as originally developed by management and approved by the Board of Directors, and that the floor should continue to be used in operations. This decision was made because certain client relationships expanded at a pace exceeding our initial budget estimates and expectations, improved business expectations with additional clients previously thought to be declining relationships, the hiring in December of a new President for the San Francisco office and continued poor market conditions for real estate in San Francisco, which would likely result in the floor remaining vacant for a lengthy period of time.

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company’s restructuring accrual totaled $29.3 million. Approximately $0.4 million of this balance is workforce related for final payments of severance and will be fully utilized in 2004. The remaining $28.9 million is related to remaining real estate obligations net of sublease income. The Company believes, the restructuring accrual of $28.9 million is appropriate and adequate to cover these remaining obligations.

 

The following is a summary of restructuring activity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001: (dollars in thousands)

 

     Workforce
Reduction and
Related Costs


    Consolidation
of Facilities


    Total

 

Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2000

   $ —       $ —       $ —    

Restructuring expenses 2001

     16,689       25,199       41,888  

Utilization 2001

     (12,982 )     (9,346 )     (22,328 )
    


 


 


Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2001

     3,707       15,853       19,560  

Restructuring expenses 2002

     3,311       43,803       47,114  

Utilization 2002

     (5,530 )     (10,756 )     (16,286 )
    


 


 


Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2002

     1,488       48,900       50,388  

Restructuring expenses 2003

     —         3,077       3,077  

Restructuring income 2003

     —         (7,186 )     (7,186 )

Utilization 2003

     (1,076 )     (15,895 )     (16,971 )
    


 


 


Accrued restructuring at December 31, 2003

   $ 412     $ 28,896     $ 29,308  
    


 


 


 

As a result of all restructuring activity, which commenced in the second quarter of 2001, the Company has reduced its workforce by approximately 700 employees across all business functions and regions.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, cash expenditures related to restructuring activities were $12.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively, and we disposed of $8.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of leasehold improvements related to excess office space. As of December 31, 2003, total remaining cash expenditures related to restructuring activities were $29.3 million. Approximately $8.9 million in cash

 

F-15


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

expenditures are expected in fiscal 2004, and the remaining cash expenditures of approximately $20.4 million, related to real estate rental obligations primarily over the following eleven years.

 

3. FIXED ASSETS

 

Fixed assets consist of the following: (dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

 

Furniture and fixtures

   $ 14,210     $ 16,429  

Computer equipment and software

     41,286       37,458  

Leasehold improvements

     17,172       22,860  

Capital leases

     —         2,668  
    


 


       72,668       79,415  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (54,678 )     (48,523 )
    


 


     $ 17,990     $ 30,892  
    


 


 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 was approximately $8,887,000, $11,974,000 and $14,242,000, respectively.

 

4. GOODWILL

 

Goodwill consists of the following: (dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

 

Goodwill

   $ 171,726     $ 171,726  

Less accumulated amortization

     (73,596 )     (73,596 )
    


 


     $ 98,130     $ 98,130  
    


 


 

Amortization of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2001 was approximately $24,532,000. Effective January 1, 2002, with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company no longer amortized goodwill.

 

5. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Other intangible assets consist of the following: (dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

 

Favorable leases

   $ 4,234     $ 4,234  

Less accumulated amortization

     (3,529 )     (2,823 )
    


 


     $ 705     $ 1,411  
    


 


 

Amortization of other intangible assets was approximately $706,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 is expected to be $705,000.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

6. ACCRUED COMPENSATION

 

Accrued compensation consists of the following: (dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

Accrued bonus

   $ 10,647    $ 11,500

Other accrued compensation

     8,763      6,249
    

  

     $ 19,410    $ 17,749
    

  

 

7. DEBT

 

Credit Agreements

 

The existing credit facility originally dated July 25, 2000, as amended, allows the Company to borrow up to $20 million less any amounts committed under outstanding standby letters of credit. Effective February 2003, the Company executed a fourth amendment to its credit facility. This amendment extended the expiration date of the credit facility from July 2003 to February 2006. This amendment also changed certain restrictive financial covenants. Effective September 2003, the Company executed a fifth amendment. This amendment changed further certain restrictive financial covenants. A sixth amendment was executed in December 2003. This amendment added a subsidiary of the Company as a guarantor for the credit facility.

 

As of December 31, 2003, amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility bear interest at either the Prime Rate or at a Eurocurrency Rate plus applicable margin of 3.0%. Additionally, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused amount of the revolving credit and a letter of credit fee of 3.0% of the face amount of letters of credit. The restrictive financial covenants include a minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) level, a minimum net income level, a maximum ratio of total funded indebtedness to EBITDA, a minimum liquidity level, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and a maximum annual capital expenditure level.

 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants. Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. At December 31, 2003, the Company had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility and approximately $11.9 million outstanding under standby letters of credit, leaving approximately $8.1 million available for future borrowings.

 

Notes Payable, Tenant Allowances

 

Since 1995, the Company has received tenant allowances, which are required to be reimbursed to the landlord through November 2005. Interest expense recognized in relation to these notes amounted to $70,000, $94,000 and $116,000, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

8. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Stock Repurchase Programs

 

In June 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $20 million of common stock under a common stock repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company did not repurchase any shares under this program. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company repurchased 666,000 shares of common stock at an average price of approximately $3.04 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,028,000. The program expired December 12, 2003.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In November 2003, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $20 million of common stock between December 13, 2003 and June 30, 2005 under a common stock repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company did not repurchase any shares under this program.

 

Self-Tender Offer

 

In March 2003, the Company completed a self-tender offer to purchase 6,426,735 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $3.89 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million. All shares repurchased were immediately retired. Transaction costs related to the repurchase were $0.9 million.

 

Secondary Public Offering

 

In August 2003, a group of stockholders completed a sale of 21,357,142 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $5.25 per share in an underwritten public offering. The public offering did not impact the number of common shares outstanding and did not result in any cash proceeds to the Company.

 

9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Common Stock Options

 

Effective January 1, 1999, the date of the recapitalization, the Board of Directors adopted the 1998 option plan (the “1998 Plan”). The 1998 Plan authorized the grant of (i) 17,126,644.8 rollover options, which were granted in exchange for the cancellation of stock appreciation rights and stock options held by officers, directors and employees under stock plans in place prior to the recapitalization, and (ii) an additional 11,744,700 options that were not rollover options. In September 1999, the Board of Directors amended the plan to decrease the number of non-rollover options that could be granted under the plan to 10,152,000 shares. All shares of common stock underlying non-rollover options granted under the 1998 Plan that are forfeited or cancelled are added to the shares of common stock available for issuance under the Digitas Inc. 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.

 

All options granted under the 1998 Plan were non-qualified stock options. Grants under the 1998 Plan were made to employees and non-employee directors, consultants and independent contractors. A committee of the Board of Directors administers the 1998 plan, which includes determining the participants in the plan and the number of shares of common stock to be covered by each option, amending the terms of any option, subject to certain limitations, and interpreting the terms of the plan.

 

Each rollover option was immediately exercisable as of the date of grant and has an exercise price equal to the base value of the stock appreciation rights or the exercise price of the stock options, as applicable, from which the options were converted. All other options granted under the 1998 Plan are generally subject to a five-year vesting schedule pursuant to which the options vest in equal annual installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. In addition, all options other than rollover options must have a per share exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date, as determined by the Board of Directors or a committee of such Board. All options granted under the 1998 Plan terminate on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. Vested options may be exercised for specified periods after the termination of the optionee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or its affiliates.

 

In September 1999, the Board of Directors adopted the 1999 Option Plan (the “1999 Plan”), which initially allowed for the grant of up to 13,592,700 shares of common stock. All common stock shares underlying options granted under the 1999 Plan that are forfeited or cancelled are added to the shares of common stock available for issuance under the Digitas Inc. 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Grants under the 1999 Plan may be made to employees and non-employee directors, consultants and independent contractors who contribute to the management, growth and profitability of the Company’s business or its affiliates. A committee of the Board of Directors administers the 1999 Plan, which includes determining the participants in the plan and the number of shares of common stock to be covered by each option, amending the terms of any option, subject to certain limitations, and interpreting the terms of the plan.

 

Non-qualified stock options granted under the 1999 Plan may be granted at prices which are less than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date granted. Under the 1999 Plan, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options are generally subject to a four-year vesting schedule pursuant to which the options vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and an additional 6.25% on each consecutive three-month period thereafter. The options generally terminate on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. In addition, vested options may be exercised for specified periods after the termination of the optionee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or its affiliates.

 

Effective December 1999, the Board of Directors adopted the Digitas Inc. 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”). The 2000 Plan initially allowed for the grant of up to 7,718,200 shares of common stock. In May 2001, the Company’s shareholders and Board of Directors approved an additional 15,000,000 shares of common stock for grant under the 2000 Plan. In addition, all common stock shares underlying non-rollover options granted under the 1998 Plan and options granted under the 1999 Plan that are cancelled or forfeited are added to the shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2000 Plan.

 

Grants under the 2000 Plan may be made to employees and non-employee directors, consultants and independent contractors who contribute to the management, growth and profitability of the Company’s business or its affiliates. A committee of the Board of Directors administers the 2000 Plan, which includes determining the participants in the plan and the number of shares of common stock to be covered by each option, amending the terms of any option, subject to certain limitations, and interpreting the terms of the plan.

 

Non-qualified stock options granted under the plan may be granted at prices which are less than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date granted. Under the 2000 Plan, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options are generally subject to a four-year vesting schedule pursuant to which the options vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and an additional 6.25% on each consecutive three-month period thereafter. The options generally terminate on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. In addition, vested options may be exercised for specified periods after the termination of the optionee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or its affiliates.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 16,284,099 shares of common stock were available for future grant and 41,226,393 shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance under the Company’s option plans.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity under the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Plans:

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     Shares

    Weighted-
average
exercise
price


   Shares

    Weighted-
average
exercise
price


   Shares

    Weighted-
average
exercise
price


Options outstanding at beginning of period

   31,121,420     $ 3.55    32,602,534     $ 3.56    30,291,626     $ 3.79

Options granted

   1,730,846       4.84    2,439,310       4.16    9,325,490       4.24

Options exercised

   (6,535,632 )     2.35    (2,060,985 )     1.47    (2,268,397 )     1.32

Options canceled

   (1,374,340 )     5.10    (1,859,439 )     6.71    (4,746,185 )     6.13
    

 

  

 

  

 

Options outstanding at end of period

   24,942,294     $ 3.86    31,121,420     $ 3.55    32,602,534     $ 3.56
    

 

  

 

  

 

Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year at fair market value

         $ 2.76          $ 2.38          $ 2.62

 

     Options Outstanding

   Options Exercisable

Range of exercise price


   Number
outstanding at
December 31, 2003


   Weighted-average
remaining
contractual life
(in years)


   Weighted-average
exercise price


   Number
exercisable at
December 31, 2003


   Weighted-average
exercise price


$  0.94–$  2.19

   6,130,251    5.1    $ 1.09    6,075,276    $ 1.08

$  2.20–$  3.10

   9,245,230    6.1      2.71    6,193,352      2.71

$  3.11–$  4.95

   4,365,316    8.1      4.21    2,744,169      4.34

$  4.96–$  8.74

   1,253,410    7.7      5.66    988,966      5.58

$  8.75–$12.49

   3,366,106    5.8      8.78    3,026,493      8.76

$12.50–$16.88

   361,331    6.5      15.26    284,919      15.22

$16.89–$24.00

   220,650    6.5      18.46    179,280      18.47

  
  
  

  
  

$  0.94–$24.00

   24,942,294    6.2    $ 3.86    19,492,455    $ 3.84

  
  
  

  
  

 

In addition to the recapitalization, during 2000 and 1999, the Company issued stock options to employees at exercise prices ranging from $2.52 to $8.75, which at the time of the grant were below the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. As a result of these option grants, the Company recorded deferred compensation expense, which represents the aggregate difference between the option exercise price and the deemed fair market value of the common stock determined for financial reporting purposes for grants to employees. These amounts are recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the underlying stock options. The Company recorded compensation expense of $7.5 million, $8.4 million and $10.1 million, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, related to these options.

 

Common Stock Warrants

 

During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company issued warrants to purchase 900,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.52 per share. Subsequently, during the same year, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase warrants to purchase 120,000 of these shares. The remaining warrants are fully exercisable and expire in January 2009.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

10. INCOME TAXES

 

The components of loss before income taxes and the provision for income taxes are as follows: (dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 17,076     $ (40,100 )   $ (93,940 )

Benefit from (provision for) income taxes

                        

Federal

                        

Current

     0       0       0  

Deferred

     0       0       0  
    


 


 


Total federal

     0       0       0  

State

                        

Current

     (217 )     (200 )     (148 )

Deferred

     0       0       0  
    


 


 


Total state

     (217 )     (200 )     (148 )
    


 


 


Provision for income taxes

   $ (217 )   $ (200 )   $ (148 )
    


 


 


 

The reconciliation of income tax computed at statutory rates to the effective rate is as follows:

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

United States statutory rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State taxes, net of federal benefit

   6.3     4.5     4.8  

Goodwill and other permanent differences

   (0.1 )   (0.3 )   7.0  

Change in valuation allowance

   (39.9 )   (39.7 )   (47.0 )
    

 

 

Effective tax rate

   1.3 %   (0.5 )%   (0.2 )%
    

 

 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to a significant portion of the deferred income tax assets (liabilities), net, are as follows: (dollars in thousands)

     December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Amortization of intangibles

   $ 16,489     $ 20,962  

Accrued expenses

     8,893       7,636  

Stock-based compensation

     18,767       15,772  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     352       380  

Depreciation

     1,066       999  

Restructuring charge

     9,772       19,251  

Net operating loss carryforward

     21,280       18,419  
    


 


Total deferred tax assets

     76,619       83,419  
    


 


Net deferred tax asset

     76,619       83,419  

Valuation allowance

     (76,619 )     (83,419 )
    


 


Total

   $ 0     $ 0  
    


 


 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax

 

F-21


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company has available federal and various state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $52.9 million beginning to expire in 2020. At December 31, 2003, a full valuation allowance has been recorded.

 

The December 31, 2002 deferred tax assets have been grossed up to recognize the tax consequences associated with the increase to the net operating loss carryforward of approximately $8.4 million ($3.4 million tax effect). These amounts are fully reserved and accordingly have no impact on the financial statements.

 

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Effective December 1999, the Board of Directors and shareholders adopted the 2000 Employee Savings Plan (the “2000 Savings Plan”). This plan provides for a discretionary Company match of employee contributions, up to 4%, subject to certain IRS restrictions. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company incurred approximately $1.1 million, $0.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively, representing matching contributions and administrative expenses related to the 2000 Savings Plan. In addition, the Company has an employee stock purchase plan, under which a total of up to 2,200,000 shares of common stock are authorized to be sold to participating employees. Participating employees may purchase shares of common stock at 85% of the stock’s fair market value at the beginning or end of an offering period, whichever is lower, through payroll deductions in an amount not to exceed 10% of an employee’s base compensation.

 

12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company provided approximately $52,000 in services to a client whose chairman and founder is a current director of Digitas and who at the time was a shareholder of greater than ten percent of the Company’s outstanding common stock. All services were provided to this company at arms-length business terms.

 

13. SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

 

The Company manages its business as one segment. Accordingly, the financial information disclosed in these financial statements represents the material financial information related to the Company’s single operating segment.

 

The Company attempts to limit its concentration of credit risk by securing clients with significant assets or liquidity. While the Company enters into written agreements with its clients, such contracts are typically terminable between 30 and 90 days notice. Management believes a loss of any one of its significant clients or any significant reduction in the use of its services by a major client could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company’s top ten clients represent 80%, 78% and 74%, respectively, of the Company’s total fee revenue. The table below summarizes customers that individually comprise greater than 10% of the Company’s fee revenue.

 

     Customer

 
     A

    B

    C

 

2003

   13 %   19 %   23 %

2002

   12 %   18 %   23 %

2001

   *     19 %   20 %

 

  * Less than 10% in year presented

 

F-22


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

14. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

The changes in the components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001: (dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2003

   2002

    2001

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 16,859    $ (40,300 )   $ (94,088 )

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

     34      334       (396 )
    

  


 


Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 16,893    $ (39,966 )   $ (94,484 )
    

  


 


 

15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Capitalized Leases

 

The Company had certain noncancelable leases to finance telephone equipment, copier equipment and software. The total capitalized cost of these assets subject to capital leases was approximately $2,668,000 with accumulated amortization of approximately $2,273,000 at December 31, 2002. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the leases expired. Accordingly, the assets, which were fully amortized upon lease termination, and related accumulated amortization were written off.

 

Other Lease Obligations

 

The Company leases office facilities and certain office equipment under cancelable and noncancelable operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through July 2015. Certain of the facility leases contain renewal options and escalation clauses.

 

The Company leases office space under noncancelable operating leases. Rent expense, including amounts described above, consisting of minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases, net of any contractual sublease income, amounted to approximately $10,941,000, $10,362,000, and $14,936,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Portions of the Company’s space are sublet to other tenants under leases expiring during the next one to nine years. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company’s rent expense was partially offset by tenant income of approximately $700,000, $1,900,000, and $800,000, respectively. The future minimum rental payments required under operating leases as of December 31, 2003 are as follows: (dollars in thousands)

 

    

Operating

Leases


2004

   $ 22,357

2005

     22,131

2006

     10,777

2007

     10,121

2008

     10,052

Thereafter

     27,336
    

Total minimum rental payments required

   $ 102,774
    

 

F-23


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease income of $20,199,000 due in the future under noncancelable subleases as follows: (dollars in thousands)

 

     Sublease
Income


2004

   $ 3,906

2005

     3,968

2006

     2,232

2007

     2,284

2008

     2,103

Thereafter

     5,706
    

Total sublease income due

   $ 20,199
    

 

As of December 31, 2003, all minimum sublease income due in the future under noncancelable subleases is related to restructured facilities.

 

16. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes it is not currently a party to any such claims or proceedings, which, if decided adversely to it, would either individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Company is a party to stockholder class action law suits filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Between June 26, 2001 and August 16, 2001, several stockholder class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, several of its officers and directors, and five underwriters of its initial public offering (the “Offering”). The purported class actions are all brought on behalf of purchasers of the Company’s common stock since March 13, 2000, the date of the Offering. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that the Company’s prospectus, incorporated in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, was materially false and misleading because it failed to disclose that the underwriters had engaged in conduct designed to result in undisclosed and excessive underwriters’ compensation in the form of increased brokerage commissions and also that this alleged conduct of the underwriters artificially inflated the Company’s stock price in the period after the Offering. The plaintiffs claim violations of Sections 11, 12 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission and seek, among other things, damages, statutory compensation and costs of litigation. Effective October 9, 2002, the claims against the Company’s officers and directors were dismissed without prejudice. Effective February 19, 2003, the Section 10(b) claims against the Company were dismissed. The terms of a settlement have been tentatively reached between the plaintiffs in the suits and most of the defendants, including the Company, with respect to the remaining claims. If completed and if then approved by the court, the settlement would dismiss those claims against the Company and is expected to result in no material liability to it. The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit and, if they are not dismissed as part of a settlement, intends to defend them vigorously. Management currently believes that resolving these matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or its results of operations; however, litigation is inherently uncertain and there can be no assurances as to the ultimate outcome or effect of these actions.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on March 15, 2004.

 

DIGITAS INC.

 

Name


  

Capacity


 

Date


*


David W. Kenny

  

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (principal executive officer)

  March 15, 2004

*


Jeffrey J. Cote

  

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (principal financial officer)

  March 15, 2004

*


Brian K. Roberts

  

Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (principal accounting officer)

  March 15, 2004

*


Gregory S. Bailar

  

Director

  March 15, 2004

*


Michael E. Bronner

  

Director

  March 15, 2004

*


Robert Glatz

  

Director

  March 15, 2004

*


Philip U. Hammarskjold

  

Director

  March 15, 2004

*


Arthur Kern

  

Director

  March 15, 2004

*


Gail J. McGovern

  

Director

  March 15, 2004

/s/    JEFFREY J. COTE        


Jeffrey J. Cote

Attorney-in-Fact

       March 15, 2004

 


Table of Contents

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Jeffrey J. Cote and Thomas M. Lemberg such person’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in such person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that any said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute or substitutes of any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name


  

Capacity


 

Date


/s/    DAVID W. KENNY        


David W. Kenny

  

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (principal executive officer)

  March 12, 2004

/s/    JEFFREY J. COTE        


Jeffrey J. Cote

  

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (principal financial officer)

  March 12, 2004

/s/    BRIAN K. ROBERTS        


Brian K. Roberts

  

Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (principal accounting officer)

  March 9, 2004

/s/    GREGOR S. BAILAR        


Gregor S. Bailar

  

Director

  March 9, 2004

/s/    MICHAEL E. BRONNER        


Michael E. Bronner

  

Director

  March 9, 2004

/s/    ROBERT GLATZ        


Robert Glatz

  

Director

  March 9, 2004

/s/    PHILIP U. HAMMARSKJOLD        


Philip U. Hammarskjold

  

Director

  March 9, 2004

/s/    ARTHUR KERN        


Arthur Kern

  

Director

  March 9, 2004

/s/    GAIL J. MCGOVERN        


Gail J. McGovern

  

Director

  March 9, 2004

 


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

To Digitas Inc.:

 

We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated financial statements of Digitas Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated January 23, 2002.

 

Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. Schedule II is the responsibility of the Company’s management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial statements. The schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

 

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

January 23, 2002

 

NOTE:

This is a copy of the audit report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with Digitas Inc.’s filing on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001. This audit report has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with this filing on Form 10-K. See Exhibit 23.2 for further discussion.


Table of Contents

DIGITAS

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(in thousands)

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts


   Balance at
Beginning of Period


   Charged to
Expense


   Write-offs

   Balance at
End of Period


Year ended December 31, 2001

   $ 1,419    $ 2,557    $ 1,767    $ 2,209

Year ended December 31, 2002

   $ 2,209    $ —      $ 1,265    $ 944

Year ended December 31, 2003

   $ 944    $ 47    $ 29    $ 962


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
No.


  

Exhibit Index Title


  

Method of Filing


2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger between Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co. and BSH Inc. dated December 19, 2001    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Digitas Inc.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
3.2    By-laws of Digitas Inc.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
4.1    Specimen certificate for shares of common stock, $.01 par value, of Digitas Inc.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.1    The Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co. 1998 Option Plan    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.2    The Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co. 1999 Option Plan    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.3    Form of 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.4    Form of 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.5    Lease Agreement, dated as of May 31, 1995, by and between The Prudential Insurance Company of America and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc. (including amendment numbers 1-6, each dated as of May 31, 1995)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.6    Seventh Amendment to Lease, dated as of March 29, 1999, by and between BP Prucenter Acquisition, LLC and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.7    Eight Amendment to Lease, dated as of July 30, 1999, by and between BP Prucenter Acquisition, LLC and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission


Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.


  

Exhibit Index Title


  

Method of Filing


10.8    Sublease, dated as of December 22, 1997, by and between EMI Entertainment World, Inc., and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.9    Sublease, dated as of March 22, 1999, by and between EMI Music, Inc. and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.10    Agreement of Sublease, dated as of April 29, 1999, by and between Warner Music Group Inc. and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.11    Agreement of Sublease, dated as of November 15, 1999, by and between Bill Communications, Inc. and Bronnercom, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.12    Sub-Sublease Agreement, dated as of June 5, 1998, by and between Strategic Interactive Group, Inc. and Allegiance Telecom, Inc. (including the termination of the Sub-Sublease Agreement, dated as of December 7, 1999)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.13    Sublease Agreement, dated as of August 21, 1997, by and among Tesseract Corporation; Strategic Interactive Group, Inc.; and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc. (including the First Amendment, dated as of June 15, 1999)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.14    Lease Agreement, dated as of July 24, 2000, by and between M&S Balanced Property Fund, L.P. and Digitas Inc.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000
10.15    Master Security Agreement, dated September 27, 2000, by and among Digitas LLC and Fleet Capital Corporation    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000
10.16    Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2003, by and between Digitas Inc. and Highbridge International LLC    Filed herewith
10.17    First Amendment to 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (SEC File No. 000-29723), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2001.
10.18    Employment Agreement, dated as of January 6, 1999, by and between David W. Kenny and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission


Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.


  

Exhibit Index Title


  

Method of Filing


10.19    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2004, by and between Thomas M. Lemberg, Digitas Inc. and Digitas LLC    Filed herewith
10.20    Advertising Agreement, dated as of January 19, 1999, by and between AT&T Corp. and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.21    General Agreement, dated as of April 12, 1999, by and between AT&T Corp. and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.22    Advertising Agreement, dated as of April 12, 1999, by and between AT&T Corp. and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey (including the Agreement Amendment, dated as of May 12, 1999)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.23    Advertising/Marketing Agreement, dated as of October 11, 1995, by and between AT&T Communications, Inc.-Business Communications Services and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc. (including the Agreement Amendment dated as of November 27, 1995)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.24    Direct Marketing Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1997, by and between Cellular Telephone Company (d/b/a AT&T Wireless Services, Northeast Region) and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.25    Letter of Engagement, dated as of July 1, 1999, by and among AT&T Interactive Group, AT&T Corporation, and Strategic Interactive Group    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.26    Marketing & Advertising Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2000, by and between Bronnercom, LLC and General Motors Corporation    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.27    Agreement 2000 Compensation, dated as of January 5, 2000, by and between General Motors Corporation, Oldsmobile Division and Bronnercom, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.28    Advertising/Marketing Promotion Agency Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1997, by and between American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. and Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
10.29    Form of Indemnification Agreement    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-93585), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission


Table of Contents
Exhibit
No.


  

Exhibit Index Title


  

Method of Filing


10.30    Ninth Amendment to Lease, dated as of February 24, 2000, by and between BP Prucenter Acquisition, LLC and Digitas LLC, formerly known as Bronnercom, LLC, formerly known as Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2000
10.31    Tenth Amendment to Lease, dated as of April 20, 2000, by and between BP Prucenter Acquisition, LLC and Digitas LLC, formerly known as Bronnercom, LLC, formerly known as Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2000
10.32    First Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of April 27, 2000, by and between Mosten Management Company, Inc. and Digitas LLC, formerly known as Bronnercom, LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2000
10.33    Copley Place Office Lease, dated as of March 3, 2000, by and between Copley Place Associates, LLC and Digitas LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000
10.34    First Amendment to Copley Place Office Lease, dated as of June 15, 2000, by and between Copley Place Associates, LLC and Digitas LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000
10.35    Second Amendment to Copley Place Office Lease, dated as of October 6, 2000, by and between Copley Place Associates, LLC and Digitas LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000
10.36    London Office Lease, dated as of July 27, 2000, by and between the Mayor and Commonality and Citizens of the City of London and Digitas (Europe) Inc. and Digitas Inc.    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000
10.37    Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2000, by and among Digitas LLC (as borrower); The Lenders listed therein (as Lenders); Fleet National Bank (as agent); and Digitas, Inc., Vesuvio, Inc., Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co., and BSH Holding LLC (as guarantors)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2000
10.38    Amendment to Digitas LLC Employee Savings Plan effective January 1, 2002    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001
10.39    Amendment to Digitas LLC Employee Savings Plan effective May 1, 2001    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001
10.40    Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated November 26, 2001, by And among Digitas LLC (as borrower); the Lenders listed therein (as Lenders); Fleet National Bank (as agent); and Digitas Inc., Vesuvio, Inc., Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Co., and BSH Holding LLC (as guarantors)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001


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10.41    Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated September 30, 2002, by And among Digitas LLC (as borrower); the Lenders listed therein (as Lenders); Fleet National Bank (as agent); and Digitas Inc., Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc., and BSH Holding LLC (as guarantors)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2002
10.42    Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 24, 2003, by And among Digitas LLC (as borrower); the Lenders listed therein (as Lenders); Fleet National Bank (as agent); and Digitas Inc., Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc., and BSH Holding LLC (as guarantors)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
10.43    Form of Executive Employment Agreement    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
10.44    Consulting Agreement, dated January 9, 2003, by and between Michael Ward and Digitas LLC    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
10.45    The Digitas LLC Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of January 1, 2003    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002
10.46    Fifth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2003, by and among Digitas LLC (the “Borrower”) and Digitas Inc., Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc., and BSH Holding LLC (as Guarantors) and Fleet National Bank and the other lending institutions listed there in (collectively, the “Banks”) and Fleet National Bank (the “Agent”)    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 2003
10.47    Sixth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2003, by and among Digitas LLC (the “Borrower”) and Digitas Inc., Bronner Slosberg Humphrey Inc., BSH Holding LLC and Digitas Security Corp. (as Guarantors) and Fleet National Bank and the other lending institutions listed there in (collectively, the “Banks”) and Fleet National Bank (the “Agent”)    Filed herewith
14.1    Code of Conduct    Filed herewith
16.1    Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated March 28, 2002    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-29723), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2002


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21.1    Subsidiaries of Digitas Inc.    Filed herewith
23.1    Consent of Independent Auditors    Filed herewith
23.2    Information Regarding Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP    Filed herewith
24.1    Powers of Attorney    Included on signature page hereto
31.1    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Filed herewith
31.2    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Filed herewith
32.1    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Filed herewith
99.1    Letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission Pursuant to Temporary Note 3T    Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001