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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

OR

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 0-25965
 

j2 GLOBAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
47-1053457
(State or other jurisdiction
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, California 90028
(Address of principal executive offices)

(323) 860-9200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes ý    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  o   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ý
Accelerated filer o
Non-Accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o        No ý

As of November 4, 2014, the registrant had 47,806,494 shares of common stock outstanding.

 




j2 GLOBAL, INC.
 
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.  
Financial Statements
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.  
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.  
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.  
Risk Factors
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.  
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.  
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.  
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.  
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.  
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature
 
 
 
 

-2-



PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)

September 30,
2014

December 31,
2013
ASSETS
 

 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
514,997


$
207,801

Short-term investments
107,418


90,789

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,582 and $4,105, respectively
75,016


67,245

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
24,817


20,064

Deferred income taxes
7,451


3,126

Total current assets
729,699


389,025

Long-term investments
61,415


47,351

Property and equipment, net
38,787


31,200

Trade names, net
84,193


83,108

Patent and patent licenses, net
26,892


28,530

Customer relationships, net
144,398


100,980

Goodwill
533,403


457,422

Other purchased intangibles, net
8,021


10,915

Deferred income taxes


1,845

Other assets
13,196


3,413

Total assets
$
1,640,004


$
1,153,789

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 


 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
70,781


$
69,570

Income taxes payable
1,187


1,569

Deferred revenue, current
57,399


36,326

Liability for uncertain tax positions


5,535

Deferred income taxes
591


1,892

Other current liabilities
540

 

Total current liabilities
130,498


114,892

Long-term debt
591,464


245,670

Liability for uncertain tax positions
35,793


38,329

Deferred income taxes
61,710


35,833

Deferred revenue, non-current
10,945


11,189

Other long-term liabilities
6,033


1,458

Total liabilities
836,443


447,371

Commitments and contingencies



Preferred stock - Series A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 6,000; total issued and outstanding 5,064



Preferred stock - Series B, $0.01 par value. Authorized 20,000; total issued and outstanding 4,155



Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 95,000,000; total issued and outstanding 46,892,811 and 46,105,076 shares, respectively
469


461

Additional paid-in capital
270,857


216,872

Retained earnings
535,567


484,850

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(3,332
)

4,235

Total stockholders’ equity
803,561


706,418

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,640,004


$
1,153,789

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

-3-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
153,018

 
$
127,788

 
$
431,886

 
$
382,766

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues (including share-based compensation of $82 and $263 for the three and nine months of 2014, respectively, and $162 and $581 for the three and nine months of 2013, respectively)
28,044

 
21,801

 
76,991

 
64,715

Gross profit
124,974

 
105,987

 
354,895

 
318,051

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales and marketing (including share-based compensation of $443 and $1,360 for the three and nine months of 2014, respectively, and $465 and $1,315 for the three and nine months of 2013, respectively)
37,047

 
34,787

 
105,335

 
99,638

Research, development and engineering (including share-based compensation of $175 and $537 for the three and nine months of 2014, respectively, and $103 and $311 for the three and nine months of 2013, respectively)
7,637

 
6,000

 
22,451

 
19,134

General and administrative (including share-based compensation of $1,491 and $4,378 for the three and nine months of 2014, respectively, and $1,695 and $4,901 for the three and nine months of 2013, respectively)
33,812

 
25,892

 
94,209

 
74,377

Total operating expenses
78,496

 
66,679

 
221,995

 
193,149

Income from operations
46,478

 
39,308

 
132,900

 
124,902

Interest expense (income), net
10,123

 
4,972

 
20,753

 
14,709

Other expense (income), net
251

 
(396
)
 
(254
)
 
(600
)
Income before income taxes
36,104

 
34,732

 
112,401

 
110,793

Income tax expense
7,345

 
7,105

 
19,828

 
24,428

Net income
$
28,759

 
$
27,627

 
$
92,573

 
$
86,365

Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 
(179
)
 

 
(403
)
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
28,759

 
$
27,806

 
$
92,573

 
$
86,768

Net income per common share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.60

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.94

 
$
1.88

Diluted
$
0.60

 
$
0.59

 
$
1.93

 
$
1.85

Weighted average shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
46,845,477

 
45,729,171

 
46,653,836

 
45,441,265

Diluted
47,163,912

 
46,291,631

 
46,988,427

 
46,066,604

Cash dividends paid per common share
$
0.2775

 
$
0.2475

 
$
0.8100

 
$
0.7200

 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

-4-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
28,759

 
$
27,627

 
$
92,573

 
$
86,365

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($2,456) and ($1,757) for three and nine months of 2014, respectively, and $759 and ($219) for the three and nine months of 2013, respectively
(6,977
)
 
1,590

 
(4,806
)
 
(526
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($1,440) and ($1,295) for the three and nine months of 2014, respectively, and $2,465 and $5,380 for the three and nine months of and 2013, respectively
(3,006
)
 
4,259

 
(2,761
)
 
9,260

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(9,983
)
 
5,849

 
(7,567
)
 
8,734

Comprehensive income
18,776

 
33,476

 
85,006

 
95,099

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 
(179
)
 

 
(403
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax expense (benefit) of $0 for the three and nine months of 2014, respectively, and ($3) and ($20) for the three and nine months of 2013, respectively

 
(13
)
 

 
(35
)
Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$
18,776

 
$
33,668

 
$
85,006

 
$
95,537


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


-5-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
  (Unaudited, in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
92,573

 
$
86,365

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
43,307

 
28,424

Amortization of discount or premium on investments
983

 
1,323

Amortization of financing costs and discounts
2,828

 
456

Share-based compensation
6,538

 
7,108

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
(6,728
)
 
(3,171
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
3,278

 
2,565

Deferred income taxes
(2,954
)
 
472

(Gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale investments
(69
)
 
103

Decrease (increase) in:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
1,267

 
(7,495
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(4,124
)
 
945

Other assets
(128
)
 
182

(Decrease) increase in:
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(2,949
)
 
4,035

Income taxes payable
7,565

 
(3,286
)
Deferred revenue
(815
)
 
13,049

Liability for uncertain tax positions
(8,071
)
 
3,867

Other
(380
)
 
(62
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
132,121

 
134,880

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Maturity of certificates of deposit
14,520

 
42,615

Purchase of certificates of deposit

 
(22,071
)
Sales of available-for-sale investments
60,456

 
82,889

Purchase of available-for-sale investments
(112,983
)
 
(139,955
)
Purchases of property and equipment
(7,755
)
 
(11,116
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
608

 
1

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received
(118,238
)
 
(81,566
)
Purchases of intangible assets
(4,806
)
 
(2,784
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(168,198
)
 
(131,987
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Issuance of long-term debt
402,500

 

Debt issuance costs
(11,527
)
 
(47
)
Repurchases of common stock and restricted stock
(5,473
)
 
(4,513
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
199

 
161

Exercise of stock options
6,441

 
13,515

Dividends paid
(38,547
)
 
(33,267
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
6,728

 
3,171

Deferred payments for acquisitions
(14,316
)
 

Other
(765
)
 
(171
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
345,240

 
(21,151
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1,967
)
 
(1,241
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
307,196

 
(19,499
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
207,801

 
218,680

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
514,997

 
$
199,181

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

-6-



NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
(UNAUDITED)
1.
Basis of Presentation

j2 Global, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“j2 Global” or the "Company"), is a leading provider of Internet services. Through its Business Cloud Services Division, the Company provides cloud services to businesses of all sizes, from individuals to enterprises, and licenses its intellectual property ("IP") to third parties. The Digital Media Division operates a portfolio of web properties providing technology, gaming and lifestyle content and an innovative data-driven platform connecting advertisers with visitors to those properties and to visitors of third party websites that are part of the Digital Media Division's advertising network.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of j2 Global and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements although the Company believes that that disclosures made are adequate to make that information not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these interim financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014. Accordingly, significant accounting policies and other disclosures normally provided have been omitted since such items are disclosed therein.
 
The results of operations for this interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year or for any future period.

Holding Company Reorganization
On June 10, 2014, j2 Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation, completed a corporate reorganization (the “Holding Company Reorganization”) pursuant to which j2 Global, Inc. (the “Predecessor”), merged with j2 Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Predecessor, and changed its name to “j2 Cloud Services, Inc.” The Predecessor surviving the merger became a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of a new public holding company, j2 Global Holdings, Inc. (the “Holding Company”), which in connection with the merger changed its name to j2 Global, Inc.
At the effective time of the merger and in connection with the Holding Company Reorganization, all outstanding shares of common stock and preferred stock of the Predecessor were automatically converted into identical shares of common stock or preferred stock, as applicable, of the Holding Company on a one-for-one basis, and the Predecessor’s existing stockholders and other equity holders became stockholders and equity holders, as applicable, of the Holding Company in the same amounts and percentages as they were in the Predecessor prior to the Holding Company Reorganization.
Further information related to the merger and the Holding Company Reorganization is contained in the Agreement and Plan of Merger set forth as an exhibit to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 10, 2014.
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, including judgments about investment classifications, and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates based on historical experience and on various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

j2 Global reserves for receivables it may not be able to collect. The reserves for the Company's Business Cloud Services segment are typically driven by the historical volume of credit card declines, an evaluation of current market conditions and past due invoices based on historical experience. The reserves for the Company's Digital Media segment are typically driven by past due invoices based on historical experience. Management evaluates the adequacy of these reserves on an ongoing basis.

-7-




Revenue Recognition

Business Cloud Services

The Company's Business Cloud Services revenues substantially consist of monthly recurring subscription and usage-based fees, which are primarily paid in advance by credit card. In accordance with GAAP, the Company defers the portions of monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually recurring subscription and usage-based fees collected in advance and recognizes them in the period earned. Additionally, the Company defers and recognizes subscriber activation fees and related direct incremental costs over a subscriber's estimated useful life.

j2 Global's Business Cloud Services also include patent license revenues generated under license agreements that provide for the payment of contractually determined fully paid-up or royalty-bearing license fees to j2 Global in exchange for the grant of non-exclusive, retroactive and future licenses to our intellectual property, including patented technology. Patent revenues may also consist of revenues generated from the sale of patents. Patent license revenues are recognized when earned over the term of the license agreements. With regard to fully paid-up license arrangements, the Company recognizes as revenue in the period the license agreement is executed the portion of the payment attributable to past use of the intellectual property and amortizes the remaining portion of such payments on a straight-line basis over the life of the licensed patent(s). With regard to royalty-bearing license arrangements, the Company recognizes revenues of license fees earned during the applicable period. With regard to patent sales, the Company recognizes as revenue in the period of the sale the amount of the purchase price over the carrying value of the patent(s) sold.

The Business Cloud Services business also generates revenues by licensing certain technology to third parties. These licensing revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement. Generally, revenue is recognized as the third party uses the licensed technology over the period.

Digital Media

The Company's Digital Media revenues primarily consist of revenues generated from the sale of advertising campaigns that are targeted to the Company's proprietary websites and to those websites operated by third parties that are part of the Digital Media business's advertising network. Revenues for these advertising campaigns are recognized as earned either when an ad is placed for viewing by a visitor to the appropriate web page or when the visitor "clicks through" on the ad, depending upon the terms with the individual advertiser.

Revenues for Digital Media business-to-business operations consist of lead-generation campaigns for IT vendors and are recognized as earned when the Company delivers the qualified leads to the customer.

j2 Global also generates Digital Media revenues through the license of certain assets to clients, for the clients' use in their own promotional materials or otherwise. Such assets may include logos, editorial reviews, or other copyrighted material. Revenues under such license agreements are recognized when the assets are delivered to the client. The Digital Media business also generates other types of revenues, including business listing fees, subscriptions to online publications, and from other sources. Such other revenues are recognized as earned.

Fair Value Measurements

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, interest receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, interest payable, customer deposits and long-term debt are reflected in the financial statements at cost. With the exception of long-term debt, cost approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The fair value of the Company's senior unsecured notes was determined using the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms and maturities. As of the same dates, the carrying value of other long-term liabilities approximated fair value as the related interest rates approximate rates currently available to j2 Global.


-8-



Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discount

j2 Global capitalizes costs incurred with borrowing and issuance of debt securities and records debt discounts as a reduction to the debt amount. j2 Global capitalized third-party costs incurred in connection with its sale of debt within long-term other assets and recorded the amounts paid to the lender as original purchase discount as a reduction to such notes (See Note 7 - Long Term Debt). These costs and discounts are amortized and included in interest expense over the life of the borrowing or term of the credit facility using the interest method.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk

All of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are invested primarily at major financial institutions within the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland, with cash and cash equivalents also held at financial institutions within several other countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Poland. These institutions are required to invest the Company’s cash in accordance with the Company’s investment policy with the principal objectives being preservation of capital, fulfillment of liquidity needs and above market returns commensurate with preservation of capital. The Company’s investment policy also requires that investments in marketable securities be in only highly rated instruments, with limitations on investing in securities of any single issuer. However, these investments are not insured against the possibility of a total or near complete loss of earnings or principal and are inherently subject to the credit risk related to the continued credit worthiness of the underlying issuer and general credit market risks.

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were maintained in accounts that are insured up to the limit determined by the applicable governmental agency. The Company's deposits held in qualifying financial institutions in Ireland are fully insured through March 28, 2018 to the extent on deposit prior to March 28, 2013. With respect to the Company's deposits with financial institutions in other jurisdictions, the insured amount is immaterial in comparison to the total amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by these institutions which is not insured.

Income Taxes

The Company must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the following areas, among others: (i) calculation of tax credits, benefits and deductions; (ii) calculation of tax assets and liabilities arising from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes; and (iii) interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to the Company’s tax provision in the current or a subsequent period.

The Company must assess the likelihood that it will be able to recover its deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the Company must increase its provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that the Company estimates will not ultimately be recoverable. The Company believes that it will ultimately recover a substantial majority of the deferred tax assets recorded on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. However, should there be a change in the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company’s tax provision would increase in the period in which j2 Global determined that the recovery was not likely.

The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. j2 Global recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If the Company determines that a tax position will more likely than not be sustained on audit, then the second step requires j2 Global to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as j2 Global has to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. j2 Global reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings per common share ("EPS") is calculated pursuant to the two-class method as defined in ASC Topic No. 260, Earnings per Share (“ASC 260”), which specifies that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and should be included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method.

-9-




Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders, excluding participating securities and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The Company's participating securities consist of its unvested share-based awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents.

Diluted EPS includes the determinants of basic EPS and, in addition, reflects the impact of other potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period.  The dilutive effect of participating securities is calculated under the more dilutive of either the treasury method or the two-class method. In connection with the Company's issuance of convertible notes (See Note 7 - Long Term Debt) during the second quarter of 2014, the Company currently intends to satisfy the conversion obligation by paying and delivering a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, where cash will be used to settle each $1,000 of principal and the remainder, if any, will be settled via the Company's common shares. As a result, the potential common shares to satisfy the excess conversion value will be included in the presentation of diluted EPS only to the extent that the conversion features are in-the-money and the effect is dilutive.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2014 presentation.

2.
    Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. This new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606.  The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized.  The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and shall be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption.  The Company is evaluating the effect and methodology of adopting this new accounting guidance upon the Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The new standard provides guidance around management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

3.
    Business Acquisitions

The Company completed the following acquisitions during the first nine months of fiscal 2014, paying the purchase price in cash in each transaction: (a) share purchase of City Numbers®, a UK-based provider of inbound DIDs in over 80 countries; (b) share and asset purchase of Securstore®, an Iceland-based provider of cloud backup and recovery services; (c) share purchase of Livedrive®, a UK-based provider of online backup with added file synchronization features; (d) asset purchase of Faxmate, an Australia-based provider of Internet fax services; (e) share purchase of Critical Software Ltd., a UK-based email security and management company operating under the brand name iCriticalTM; (f) share and asset purchase of Online Backup Company Norway AS and a subsidiary, a Nordic-based provider of online backup services; (g) share and asset purchase of emedia Communications LLC, a US and UK-based provider of research to information technology (IT) buyers and leads to IT vendors; (h) asset purchase of Contactology, Inc., a North Carolina-based provider of email marketing services; (i) asset purchase of Back Up My Info!, a NY-based provider of online backup services; (j) asset purchase of Web24, an Australia-based provider of domain name, web hosting, dedicated or shared servers and related services; (k) equity purchase of Excel Micro, LLC, a Philadelphia-based provider of cloud email security and archiving solutions; and (l) other smaller share and asset acquisitions in the Business Cloud Services segment.

-10-




The condensed consolidated statement of income, since the date of each acquisition, and balance sheet, as of September 30, 2014, reflect the results of operations of all 2014 acquisitions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, these acquisitions contributed $32 million to the Company's revenues. Net income contributed by these acquisitions was not separately identifiable due to the Company's integration activities. Total consideration for these transactions was $176.3 million, net of cash acquired and including $34.9 million of assumed liabilities consisting primarily of deferred revenues, trade accounts payable, and other accrued liabilities.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase consideration for these acquisitions (in thousands):
 Asset
Valuation
Accounts Receivable
$
11,291

Property and Equipment
8,686

Other Assets
3,339

Deferred Tax Asset
1,877

Software
2,474

Trade Names
2,387

Customer Relationships
65,153

Other Intangibles
1,477

Goodwill
79,600

 Total
$
176,284


The initial accounting for these acquisitions is incomplete and subject to change, which may be significant. j2 Global has recorded provisional amounts which may be based upon past acquisitions with similar attributes for certain intangible assets (including trade names, software and customer relationships), preliminary working capital and related tax items. Actual amounts recorded upon finalization of the purchase accounting may differ materially from the information presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and represents intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. Goodwill recognized associated with these acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is $79.6 million, of which $20.9 million is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Pro Forma Financial Information for 2014 Acquisitions

The following unaudited pro forma supplemental information is based on estimates and assumptions, which j2 Global believes are reasonable. However, this information is not necessarily indicative of the Company's consolidated financial position or results of income in future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had j2 Global and the acquired businesses been combined companies during the periods presented. These pro forma results exclude any savings or synergies that would have resulted from these business acquisitions had they occurred on January 1, 2013 and do not take into consideration the exiting of any acquired lines of business. This unaudited pro forma supplemental information includes incremental intangible asset amortization and other charges as a result of the acquisitions, net of the related tax effects.

The supplemental information on an unaudited pro forma financial basis presents the combined results of j2 Global and its 2014 acquisitions as if each acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Revenues
$
474,749

 
$
440,030

Net Income
$
96,031

 
$
89,043

EPS - Basic
$
2.01

 
$
1.93

EPS - Diluted
$
2.00

 
$
1.90



-11-



4.
    Investments

Short-term investments consist generally of corporate and governmental debt securities and certificates of deposits, which are stated at fair market value. Realized gains and losses of short and long-term investments are recorded using the specific identification method.

The following table summarizes j2 Global’s debt securities designated as available-for-sale, classified by the contractual maturity date of the security (in thousands):
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31, 2013
Due within 1 year
$
81,410

 
$
46,339

Due within more than 1 year but less than 5 years
58,955

 
44,865

Due within more than 5 years but less than 10 years

 

Due 10 years or after
2,459

 
2,486

Total
$
142,824

 
$
93,690


The following table summarizes the Company’s investments designated as available-for-sale (in thousands):
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31, 2013
Available-for-sale
$
168,833

 
$
123,737

Total
$
168,833

 
$
123,737

 
The following table summarizes the gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for the Company's available-for-sale investments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 aggregated by major security type (in thousands):
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt Securities
$
142,730

 
$
188

 
$
(94
)
 
$
142,824

Equity Securities
20,610

 
5,631

 
(232
)
 
26,009

Total
$
163,340

 
$
5,819

 
$
(326
)
 
$
168,833

December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Debt Securities
$
93,569

 
$
158

 
$
(37
)
 
$
93,690

Equity Securities
20,610

 
9,558

 
(121
)
 
30,047

Total
$
114,179

 
$
9,716

 
$
(158
)
 
$
123,737


At September 30, 2014, corporate and governmental debt securities, which have a fixed interest rate, were recorded as available-for-sale. There have been no significant changes in the maturity dates and average interest rates for the Company’s investment portfolio and debt obligations subsequent to September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, equity securities were recorded as available-for-sale and represent a strategic equity investment. At September 30, 2014, the Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders’ equity.
 
Investments in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, but in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months had a fair value of $78.8 million and $37.3 million, respectively. Investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months and longer as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 had a fair value of $0.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of which loss positions are determined to be temporary in nature.

Recognition and Measurement of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

j2 Global regularly reviews and evaluates each investment that has an unrealized loss. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses that are determined to be temporary in nature are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income for available-for-sale securities.

-12-




Regardless of the classification of the securities, the Company has assessed each position for impairment.

Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include:

the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost;
the severity of the impairment;
the cause of the impairment and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;
activity in the market of the issuer which may indicate adverse credit conditions; and
the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.

j2 Global’s review for impairment generally entails:

identification and evaluation of investments that have indications of possible impairment;
analysis of individual investments that have fair values less than amortized cost, including consideration of the length of time the investment has been in an unrealized loss position and the expected recovery period;
discussion of evidential matter, including an evaluation of factors or triggers that could cause individual investments to qualify as having an other-than-temporary impairment and those that would not support an other-than-temporary impairment;
documentation of the results of these analyses, as required under business policies; and
information provided by third-party valuation experts.

For these securities, a critical component of the evaluation for other-than-temporary impairments is the identification of credit impairment, where management does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Credit impairment is assessed using a combination of a discounted cash flow model that estimates the cash flows on the underlying securities and a market comparables method, where the security is valued based upon indications from the secondary market of what discounts buyers demand when purchasing similar securities. The cash flow model incorporates actual cash flows from the securities through the current period and then projects the remaining cash flows using relevant interest rate curves over the remaining term. These cash flows are discounted using a number of assumptions, some of which include prevailing implied credit risk premiums, incremental credit spreads and illiquidity risk premiums, among others.
 
Securities that have been identified as other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to their current fair value. For debt securities that are intended to be sold or that management believes it more-likely-than-not that will be required to sell prior to recovery, the full impairment is recognized immediately in earnings.
 
For available-for-sale securities that management has no intent to sell and believes that it more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the rest of the fair value impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security.

5.
Fair Value Measurements

j2 Global complies with the accounting guidance which defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value and expands the disclosures required for fair value measurements of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Company uses a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:

-13-



 
l
Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
 
 
 
 
l
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
 
 
 
l
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The Company's money market funds and its marketable equity securities are classified within Level 1. The Company values these Level 1 investments using quoted market prices. The Company's debt investments, time deposits and commercial paper, all of which have counterparties with high credit ratings, are classified within Level 2. The Company values these Level 2 investments based on quoted market prices or model-driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

The fair value of the Senior Notes and Convertible Notes (See Note 7 - Long-Term Debt) are determined using recent quoted market prices or dealer quotes for such securities, if available, which are Level 1 inputs. If such information is unavailable, the fair value of these securities are determined using quoted market prices or dealer quotes for instruments with similar maturities and other terms and credit ratings, which are Level 2 inputs. If none of the above information is available, the fair value of these securities is determined using cash-flow models of the scheduled payments and, for the Convertible Notes, discounted at market interest rates for comparable debt without the conversion feature, which are also Level 2 inputs. The total carrying value of long-term debt was $591.5 million and $245.7 million, and the corresponding fair value was approximately $678.3 million and $283.3 million, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
 

-14-



The following tables present the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
September 30, 2014
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Money market and other funds
$
328,786

 
$

 
$

 
$
328,786

   Time deposits

 
52,057

 

 
52,057

   Corporate commercial papers

 
12,004

 

 
12,004

Equity securities
26,009

 

 

 
26,009

Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies

 
42,387

 

 
42,387

Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states

 
2,119

 

 
2,119

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

 
2,033

 

 
2,033

Corporate debt securities

 
96,285

 

 
96,285

Total
$
354,795

 
$
206,885

 
$

 
$
561,680

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Money market and other funds
$
101,232

 
$

 
$

 
$
101,232

   Time deposits
22,773

 

 

 
22,773

Certificates of deposit
14,402

 

 

 
14,402

Equity securities
30,047

 

 

 
30,047

Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
23,702

 

 

 
23,702

Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states
3,296

 

 

 
3,296

Corporate debt securities
66,692

 

 

 
66,692

Total
$
262,144

 
$

 
$

 
$
262,144


Management reevaluated the inputs used in determining the level of fair value as of September 30, 2014 and transferred $206.9 million of financial instruments from Level 1 to Level 2. The Company determined the fair value of such transfer as of the end of the reporting period.

Losses associated with other-than-temporary impairments are recorded as a component of other income (expenses). Gains and losses not associated with other-than-temporary impairments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. 

6.
    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Intangible assets resulting from the acquisitions of entities accounted for using the purchase method of accounting are recorded at the estimated fair value of the assets acquired. Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of purchased customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, developed technologies and other intangible assets. The fair values of these identified intangible assets are based upon expected future cash flows or income, which take into consideration certain assumptions such as customer turnover, trade names and patent lives. These determinations are primarily based upon the Company’s historical experience and expected benefit of each intangible asset. If it is determined that such assumptions are not accurate, then the resulting change will impact the fair value of the intangible asset. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized over the period of estimated economic benefit, which ranges from one to 20 years.


-15-



The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
Balance as of January 1, 2014
$
457,422

Goodwill acquired (Note 3)
79,600

Purchase accounting adjustments
(975
)
Foreign exchange translation
(2,644
)
Balance as of September 30, 2014
$
533,403


The Company's goodwill balance was $533.4 million as of September 30, 2014, of which $385.3 million and $148.1 million were recorded in the Business Cloud Services and Digital Media segments, respectively. Purchase accounting adjustments relate to adjustments to goodwill in connection with prior year business acquisitions.

Intangible assets are summarized as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as follows (in thousands):

Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives:
 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Trade name
$
27,379

 
$
27,379

Other
5,432

 
5,432

Total
$
32,811

 
$
32,811


Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization:

As of September 30, 2014, intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to the following (in thousands):
 
 
Weighted-Average
  Amortization
Period
 
Historical
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Tradenames
16.6 years
 
$
69,067

 
$
(12,253
)
 
$
56,814

Patent and patent licenses
7.8 years
 
62,836

 
(35,944
)
 
26,892

Customer relationships
8.5 years
 
201,827

 
(57,429
)
 
144,398

Other purchased intangibles
5.1 years
 
20,183

 
(17,594
)
 
2,589

Total
 
 
$
353,913

 
$
(123,220
)
 
$
230,693


As of December 31, 2013, intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to the following (in thousands):
 
Weighted-Average
  Amortization
Period
 
Historical
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Tradenames
17.0 years
 
$
66,911

 
$
(11,182
)
 
$
55,729

Patent and patent licenses
8.1 years
 
58,446

 
(29,916
)
 
28,530

Customer relationships
8.1 years
 
139,362

 
(38,382
)
 
100,980

Other purchased intangibles
5.0 years
 
18,149

 
(12,666
)
 
5,483

Total
 
 
$
282,868

 
$
(92,146
)
 
$
190,722


Amortization expense, included in general and administrative expense, approximated $10.7 million and $7.5 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $32.2 million and $21.6 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Amortization expense is estimated to approximate $44.3 million, $45.6 million, $40.0 million, $33.1 million and $23.8 million for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 respectively, and $76.1 million thereafter through the duration of the amortization period.


-16-



7.
Long-Term Debt

8.0% Senior Notes

On July 26, 2012, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. (formerly j2 Global, Inc.), a subsidiary of j2 Global, Inc., issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% senior unsecured notes (the "Senior Notes") due August 1, 2020. j2 Cloud Services, Inc. received proceeds of $245 million in cash, net of initial purchaser's discounts and commissions of $5 million. As of September 30, 2014, the unamortized discount on the Senior Notes was approximately $3.9 million. Other fees were incurred in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes and have an unamortized balance of $1.1 million as of September 30, 2014, which is recorded within long-term other assets. The net proceeds were available for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year beginning on February 1, 2013. j2 Cloud Services, Inc. has the option to call the Senior Notes in whole or in part after August 1, 2016, subject to certain premiums as defined in the indenture governing the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time before August 1, 2016, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a "make-whole" redemption price specified in the indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the redemption date. Also, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes using proceeds from certain public offerings of our equity securities at a price equal to 108% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, prior to August 1, 2015. Upon a change in control, the holders may put the Senior Notes at 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date. The Senior Notes are not guaranteed by any of j2 Cloud Services, Inc.'s subsidiaries as of September 30, 2014, because, as of such date, all of j2 Cloud Services, Inc.'s existing domestic restricted subsidiaries are deemed insignificant subsidiaries (as that term is defined in the indenture) or are designated as unrestricted subsidiaries.  If j2 Cloud Services, Inc. or any of its restricted subsidiaries acquires or creates a domestic restricted subsidiary, other than an insignificant subsidiary, after the issue date, or any insignificant restricted subsidiary ceases to fit within the definition of insignificant subsidiary, such restricted subsidiary is required to unconditionally guarantee, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis, j2 Cloud Services, Inc.'s obligations under the Senior Notes. In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes (defined below), j2 Global, Inc. unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, the obligations of j2 Cloud Services, Inc. under the Senior Notes,

The indenture to the Senior Notes contains restrictive and other covenants applicable to j2 Cloud Services, Inc. and subsidiaries designated as restricted subsidiaries, including but not limited to limitations on debt and disqualified or preferred stock, restricted payments, liens, sale and leaseback transactions, dividends and other payment restrictions, asset sales and transactions with affiliates. As of September 30, 2014, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. was in compliance with all such covenants. Violation of these covenants could result in a default which could result in the acceleration of outstanding amounts if such default is not cured or waived within the time periods outlined in the indenture agreement.

As of September 30, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Senior Notes was approximately $273.3 million and was based on the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms, credit rating and maturities of the Senior Notes as of September 30, 2014.

3.25% Convertible Notes

On June 10, 2014, j2 Global issued $402.5 million (including the subsequent exercise of the underwriters option) aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2029 (the “Convertible Notes”). j2 Global received proceeds of $391.4 million in cash, net of initial purchaser's discounts and commissions. The net proceeds were available for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, acquisitions, retirement of debt and other business opportunities. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.25% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2014. Beginning with the six-month interest period commencing on June 15, 2021, the Company must pay contingent interest on the Convertible Notes during any six-month interest period if the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for each of the five trading days immediately preceding the first day of such interest period equals or exceeds $1,300. Any contingent interest payable on the Convertible Notes will be in addition to the regular interest payable on the Convertible Notes.

Holders may surrender their Convertible Notes for conversion at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date only if one or more of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the closing sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the calendar quarter immediately preceding the calendar quarter in which the conversion occurs is more than 130% of the applicable conversion price of the Convertible Notes on each such trading day; (ii) during the five consecutive business day period

-17-



following any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price for the Convertible Notes for each such trading day was less than 98% of the product of (a) the closing sale price of our common stock on each such trading day and (b) the applicable conversion rate on each such trading day; (iii) if j2 Global calls any or all of the Convertible Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the redemption date; (iv) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events; or (v) during either the period beginning on, and including, March 15, 2021 and ending on, but excluding, June 20, 2021 or the period beginning on, and including, March 15, 2029 and ending on, but excluding, the maturity date. j2 Global will settle conversions of Convertible Notes by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof at our election. The Company currently intends to satisfy our conversion obligation by paying and delivering a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, where cash will be used to settle each $1,000 of principal and the remainder, if any, will be settled via the Company's common shares.

The initial conversion rate is 14.4159 shares of our common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $69.37 per share of our common stock based on the Company's closing stock price at issuance. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for certain events as set forth in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes and described in the Prospectus Supplement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 13, 2014 ("Prospectus Supplement") in connection with the offer and sale of the Convertible Notes, but will not be adjusted for accrued interest. In addition, following certain corporate events that occur on or prior to June 20, 2021, j2 Global will increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such a corporate event.

j2 Global may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to June 20, 2021. On or after June 20, 2021, j2 Global may redeem for cash all or part of the Convertible Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. No sinking fund is provided for the Convertible Notes.

Holders have the right to require j2 Global to repurchase for cash all or part of their Convertible Notes on each of June 15, 2021 and June 15, 2024 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the relevant repurchase date. In addition, if a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes, occurs prior to the maturity date, holders may require j2 Global to repurchase for cash all or part of their Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The Convertible Notes will be the Company's general senior unsecured obligations and will rank: (i) senior in right of payment to any of the Company's future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes; (ii) equal in right of payment to the Company's existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated, including in respect of our guarantee of the obligations of our subsidiary, j2 Cloud Services, Inc., with respect to its outstanding Senior Notes; (iii) effectively junior in right of payment to any of the Company's secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by the Company's subsidiaries.

Accounting for the Convertible Notes

In accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, convertible debt that can be settled for cash is required to be separated into the liability and equity component at issuance, with each component assigned a value. The value assigned to the liability component is the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of similar debt without the conversion feature. The difference between the cash proceeds and estimated fair value of the liability component, representing the value of the conversion premium assigned to the equity component, is recorded as a debt discount on the issuance date. This debt discount is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the period from the issuance date through the first stated repurchase date on June 15, 2021.

j2 Global estimated the borrowing rates of similar debt without the conversion feature at origination to be 5.79% for the Convertible Notes and determined the debt discount to be $59.0 million. As a result, a conversion premium after tax of $37.7 million was recorded in additional paid-in capital. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying value of the Convertible Notes was $345.4 million, which consisted of $402.5 million outstanding principal amount net of $57.1 million unamortized debt discount. The aggregate debt discount is amortized as interest expense over the period from the issuance date through the first stated repurchase date on June 15, 2021 which management believes is the expected life of the Convertible Notes using an interest rate of 5.81%. As of September 30, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 6.8 years.

In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company incurred $11.7 million of deferred issuance

-18-



costs, which primarily consisted of the initial purchasers' discount and legal and other professional service fees. Of the total deferred issuance costs incurred, $10.0 million of such deferred issuance costs were attributable to the liability component and are recorded within other assets and are being amortized to interest expense through June 15, 2021. The unamortized balance as of September 30, 2014 was $9.7 million. The remaining $1.7 million ($1.1 million net of tax) of such deferred issuance costs were netted with the equity component in additional paid-in capital at the issuance date.

For the third quarter ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized interest expense of $5.3 million related to the Convertible Notes, comprised of $3.3 million for the contractual coupon interest, $1.7 million related to the amortization of debt discount and $0.3 million related to the amortization of deferred debt issuance costs.

The Convertible Notes are carried at face value less any unamortized debt discount. The fair value of the Convertible Notes at each balance sheet date is determined based on recent quoted market prices or dealer quotes for the Convertible Notes, if available. If such information is not available, the fair value is determined using cash-flow models of the scheduled payments discounted at market interest rates for comparable debt without the conversion feature. As of September 30, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes was approximately $405.0 million.

Cash paid for interest on debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $20.0 million.

Long-term debt as of September 30, 2014 consists of the following (in thousands):
 
Notes
$
246,055

Convertible Notes
345,409

Total long-term debt
591,464

Less: current portion

Total long-term debt, less current portion
$
591,464


8.
    Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

From time-to-time, j2 Global and its affiliates are involved in litigation and other disputes or regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business. Any claims or regulatory actions against j2 Global and its affiliates, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming and costly, and could divert significant operational resources. Many of these matters directly or indirectly concern patent actions filed by j2 Global and its affiliates against others. As part of the Company’s continuing effort to prevent the unauthorized use of its intellectual property, j2 Global and its affiliates have brought claims against several companies for infringing patents relating to online fax, voice, and other messaging technologies, including, among others, Integrated Global Concepts, Inc. (“IGC”) and RPost Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “RPost”).
On September 15, 2006, a j2 Global affiliate filed a patent infringement suit against IGC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (“Northern District of Georgia”) (No. 1:06-cv-02119). In response, IGC filed counterclaims alleging antitrust violations and breach of contract, in addition to patent-related counterclaims.  On September 2, 2011, the Northern District of Georgia dismissed IGC’s breach of contract counterclaim and one of its antitrust counterclaims. On July 27, 2012, the Northern District of Georgia granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to dismiss the patent-related claims and counterclaims. On March 12, 2014, the j2 Global affiliate moved for summary judgment on IGC’s remaining antitrust claims, which remains pending.
On January 7, 2011, the Department of Revenue for the State of Washington (“Washington Department of Revenue”) issued assessments to a j2 Global affiliate for business and occupation tax and retail sales tax for the period of January 1, 2004 through September 30, 2010. On November 16, 2012, the Washington Department of Revenue denied the j2 Global affiliate’s petition for correction. The j2 Global affiliate paid the assessments and on June 21, 2013 filed a complaint against the Washington Department of Revenue in the Superior Court of Washington for Thurston County (No. 13-2-01338-7). In that suit, the j2 Global affiliate is seeking a refund of the entire amount paid and a declaration that the State improperly imposed the taxes. Discovery is ongoing.
On February 17, 2011, Emmanuel Pantelakis (“Pantelakis”) filed suit against j2 Global Canada, Inc. (“j2 Canada,” carrying on business as Protus IP Solutions) in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (No. 11-50673), alleging that j2 Canada breached a contract relating to his use of j2 Canada’s Campaigner® product. j2 Canada filed a responsive pleading on March 23,

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2011 and its responses to undertakings on July 16, 2012. On November 6, 2012, Pantelakis filed a second amended statement of claim reframing his lawsuit as a negligence action. j2 Canada filed an amended statement of defense on April 8, 2013. Discovery is ongoing.
On July 2, 2012, IGC filed suit against two j2 Global affiliates in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (“Northern District of California”) (No. 5:12-cv-03434), alleging that the j2 Global affiliates breached a contract not to sue IGC. The j2 Global affiliates asserted counterclaims for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,350,066 (“the ’066 Patent”), 6,208,638 (“the ’638 Patent”), 6,597,688 (“the ’688 Patent”), and 7,020,132 (“the ’132 Patent”), and IGC asserted counterclaims for, among other things, invalidity, unenforceability, non-infringement, and implied license. On June 27, 2013, one of the j2 Global affiliates filed an additional suit against IGC in the Northern District of California (No. 5:13-cv-02971), alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,020,980 (“the ’980 Patent”). In response, IGC filed counterclaims for, among other things, invalidity, non-infringement, implied license, and breach of the same alleged covenant not to sue. The Northern District of California ordered that the two pending suits were related for the contract issues and on March 21, 2014 granted summary judgment dismissing IGC’s breach of contract claims in both actions. On June 27, 2014, the Northern District of California transferred the cases to the Central District of California (Nos. 14-cv-5128 and 14-cv-5139). The Central District of California has not yet issued a scheduling order.
On January 17, 2013, the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (“Commissioner”) issued a notice of assessment to a j2 Global affiliate for sales and use tax for the period of July 1, 2003 through December 31, 2011. On or around July 22, 2014, the Commissioner denied the j2 Global affiliate’s application for abatement. On September 18, 2014, the j2 Global affiliate petitioned the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board for abatement of the tax asserted in the notice of assessment (No. C325426). The Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board has not yet issued a scheduling order.
On January 18, 2013, Paldo Sign and Display Co. (“Paldo”) filed an amended complaint adding two j2 Global affiliates and a former j2 Canada employee as additional defendants in an existing purported class action pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (“Northern District of Illinois”) (No. 1:13-cv-01896). The amended complaint alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”), the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (“ICFA”), and common law conversion, arising from an indirect customer’s alleged use of the j2 Global affiliates’ systems to send unsolicited facsimile transmissions. On August 23, 2013, a second plaintiff, Sabon, Inc. (“Sabon”), was added. The j2 Global affiliates filed a motion to dismiss the ICFA and conversion claims, which was granted. The Northern District of Illinois also dismissed the j2 Canada employee for lack of personal jurisdiction. Discovery is ongoing.
On August 28, 2013, Phyllis A. Huster (“Huster”) filed suit in the Northern District of Illinois (No. 1:13-cv-06143) against two j2 Global affiliates and three other parties for correction of inventorship for the ’066 Patent, as well as U.S. Patent Nos. 6,857,074 (“the ’074 Patent”), 7,836,141 (“the ’141 Patent”), 7,895,306 (“the ’306 Patent”), 7,895,313 (“the ’313 Patent”), 7,934,148 (“the ’148 Patent”), 5,675,507, 5,870,549, and 6,564,321. Huster seeks, among other things, a declaration that she was an inventor of the patents-in-suit, an order directing the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office to substitute or add her as an inventor, and payment of at least half of defendants’ earnings from patent licensing and sales of rights. On September 19, 2014, the Northern District of Illinois granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss for improper venue and transferred the case to the Northern District of Georgia (No. 1:14-cv-03304). The Northern District of Georgia has not yet issued a scheduling order.
On October 16, 2013, one of j2 Global’s affiliates entered its appearance as a plaintiff in a multi-district litigation pending in the Northern District of Illinois (No. 1:12-cv-06286). In this litigation, Unified Messaging Solutions, LLC (“UMS”), a company with rights to assert certain patents owned by the j2 Global affiliate, has asserted the ’074, ’141, ’306, ’313, and ’148 Patents against a number of defendants. While claims against some defendants have been settled, other defendants have filed counterclaims for, among other things, non-infringement, unenforceability, and invalidity of the patents-in-suit. On December 20, 2013, the Northern District of Illinois issued a claim construction opinion and, on June 13, 2014, entered a final judgment of non-infringement for the remaining defendants based on that claim construction. UMS and the j2 Global affiliate filed a notice of appeal to the Federal Circuit on June 27, 2014. Briefing on the appeal was stayed on September 26, 2014, pending the Northern District of Illinois’s resolution of the defendants’ motion to declare the case exceptional.
On December 16, 2013, Anthony Jenkins filed a purported class action against a j2 Global affiliate in the Central District of California (No. 2:13-cv-09226).  An amended complaint was filed on March 18, 2014 adding two additional named plaintiffs. The amended complaint includes causes of action for breach of contract, several California statutory violations, and conversion.  The claims arose from the alleged difficulties some users encountered in canceling their eFax® accounts.  The potential class representatives sought, among other things, damages and injunctive relief on behalf of themselves and a purported nationwide class of allegedly similarly situated persons.  On May 23, 2014, the Central District of California dismissed the plaintiffs’ breach of contract and conversion claims, as well as certain statutory claims. On September 15, 2014, this case was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.

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On February 19, 2014, two j2 Global affiliates filed suit in the Central District of California (No. 2:14-cv-01283) against RPost, alleging infringement of the ’980 and ’148 Patents and seeking a declaration of non-infringement and invalidity of nine RPost patents that had been asserted against the j2 Global affiliates in a patent assertion letter from RPost. An amended complaint was filed on June 20, 2014 adding j2 Canada as a plaintiff. RPost filed an answer to the complaint on July 14, 2014, asserting counterclaims of infringement for the nine RPost patents against j2 Canada’s Campaigner® product. Discovery is ongoing.
On June 23, 2014, Andre Free-Vychine (“Free-Vychine”) filed a purported class action against a j2 Global affiliate in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Los Angeles (“Los Angeles Superior Court”). The complaint alleges two California statutory violations relating to late fees levied in certain eVoice® accounts. Free-Vychine is seeking, among other things, damages and injunctive relief on behalf of himself and a purported nationwide class of allegedly similarly situated persons. On August 26, 2014, Law Enforcement Officers, Inc. and IV Pit Stop, Inc. (collectively, “LEO”) filed a purported class action against the same j2 Global affiliate in Los Angeles Superior Court. The complaint alleges three California statutory violations, negligence, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and various other common law claims relating to late fees levied in certain Onebox® accounts. LEO is seeking, among other things, damages and injunctive relief on behalf of itself and a purported nationwide class of allegedly similarly situated persons. On September 29, 2014, the Los Angeles Superior Court ordered both cases related. Discovery is ongoing.
j2 Global does not believe, based on current knowledge, that the foregoing legal proceedings or claims, including those where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible, after giving effect to existing reserves, are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect j2 Global’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in a particular period. The Company has not accrued for a loss contingency relating to these legal proceedings because unfavorable outcomes are not considered by management to be probable.

Non-Income Related Taxes

As a provider of cloud services for business, the Company does not provide telecommunications services. Thus, it believes that its business and its users (by using our services) are not subject to various telecommunication taxes. Moreover, the Company does not believe that its business and its users (by using our services) are subject to other indirect taxes, such as sales and use tax, value added tax (“VAT”), goods and services tax, business tax and gross receipt tax. However, several state and municipal taxing authorities have challenged these beliefs and have and may continue to audit and assess our business and operations with respect to telecommunications and other indirect taxes.

The current U.S. federal government moratorium on states and other local authorities imposing access or discriminatory taxes on the Internet, which is set to expire November 2014 (extended to December 2014), does not prohibit federal, state or local authorities from collecting taxes on our income or from collecting taxes that are due under existing tax rules.

The Company is currently under audit for indirect taxes in several states and municipalities. The Company currently has no material reserves established for these matters, as the Company has determined that the liability is not probable and estimable. However, it is reasonably possible that such a liability could be incurred, which would result in additional expense, which could materially impact our financial results.

9.
    Income Taxes

The Company’s tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of the Company’s annual effective tax rate. Each quarter the Company updates its estimated annual effective tax rate and, if the estimate changes, makes a cumulative adjustment. j2 Global’s annual effective tax rate is normally lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate and applicable apportioned state tax rates primarily due to anticipated earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries outside of the U.S. in jurisdictions where the Company’s effective tax rate is lower than in the U.S. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the effective tax rate was 20.3%.  j2 Global does not provide for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations because the Company intends to reinvest such earnings in foreign jurisdictions.  Income before income taxes included income from domestic operations of $70.5 million and $56.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and income from foreign operations of $41.9 million and $54.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $35.8 million and $43.9 million, respectively, in liabilities for uncertain income tax positions. The decrease in liabilities for uncertain income tax positions resulted from j2 Global effectively settling its California Franchise Tax Board ("FTB") 2004 through 2008 income tax audits, as well as transfer

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pricing changes made for 2013 and 2014. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of income.

Cash paid for income taxes net of refunds received was $23.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Certain taxes are prepaid during the year and included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s prepaid taxes were $9.8 million and $11.3 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Income Tax Audits:

The Company is under income tax audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for tax years 2009 and 2011. The Company has appealed the IRS tax examiner's decision regarding transfer pricing for tax years 2009 and 2010 to the IRS appeals office, and that process remains on-going.

j2 Global is currently under income tax audit by the FTB for tax years 2009 through 2011, by the Illinois Department of Revenue for tax years 2008 and 2009, by the New York City Department of Finance for tax years 2009 through 2011 and by the Canada Revenue Agency for tax years 2010 through 2011.

It is reasonably possible that these audits may conclude in the next 12 months and that the uncertain tax positions the Company has recorded in relation to these tax years may change compared to the liabilities recorded for these periods. If the recorded uncertain tax positions are inadequate to cover the associated tax liabilities, the Company would be required to record additional tax expense in the relevant period, which could be material. If the recorded uncertain tax positions are adequate to cover the associated tax liabilities, the Company would be required to record any excess as reduction in tax expense in the relevant period, which could be material. However, it is not currently possible to estimate the amount, if any, of such change.

10.
    Stockholders’ Equity

Non-Controlling Interest

Non-controlling interests represent equity interests in consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to j2 Global (i.e., minority interests). Non-controlling interests include the minority equity holders' proportionate share of the equity of Ziff Davis, LLC (formerly Ziff Davis, Inc.) and its subsidiaries ("Ziff Davis").

Ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the Company are presented as non-controlling interests within stockholders' equity, separately from the equity held by the Company. Revenues, expenses, net income and other comprehensive income are reported in the consolidated financial statements at the consolidated amounts, which includes amounts attributable to both the Company's interest and the non-controlling interests in Ziff Davis. Net income and other comprehensive income is then attributed to the Company's interest and the non-controlling interests. Net income (loss) to non-controlling interests is deducted from net income in the condensed consolidated statements of income to determine net income (loss) attributable to the Company's common stockholders.
Common Stock Repurchase Program

In February 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of our common stock through February 20, 2013 (the "2012 Program") and on February 11, 2014 extended the 2012 Program through February 20, 2015.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, no shares were repurchased under this program.

Periodically, participants in j2 Global’s stock plans surrender to the Company shares of j2 Global stock to pay the exercise price or to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted stock. During the three month period ended September 30, 2014, the Company purchased 13,349 shares from plan participants for this purpose.


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Dividends
 
The following is a summary of each dividend declared during fiscal year 2014:
Declaration Date
Dividend per Common Share
Record Date
Payment Date
February 11, 2014
$
0.2625

February 24, 2014
March 10, 2014
May 7, 2014
$
0.2700

May 19, 2014
June 3, 2014
August 5, 2014
$
0.2775

August 18, 2014
September 2, 2014
October 30, 2014
$
0.285

November 17, 2014
December 4, 2014

Future dividends are subject to Board approval.

11.
    Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan

j2 Global’s share-based compensation plans include the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”), 2007 Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”) and 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). Each plan is described below.

The 1997 Plan terminated in 2007. A total of 12,000,000 shares of common stock were authorized to be used for 1997 Plan purposes. An additional 840,000 shares were authorized for issuance upon exercise of options granted outside the 1997 Plan. As of September 30, 2014, 224,708 shares underlying options and zero shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 1997 Plan, all of which continue to be governed by the 1997 Plan.

The 2007 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other share-based awards. 4,500,000 shares of common stock are authorized to be used for 2007 Plan purposes. Options under the 2007 Plan may be granted at exercise prices determined by the Board of Directors, provided that the exercise prices shall not be less than the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the date of grant for incentive stock options and not less than 85% of the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the date of grant for non-statutory stock options. As of September 30, 2014, 606,447 shares underlying options and 95,204 shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 2007 Plan.

All stock option grants are approved by “outside directors” within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).
 
Stock Options
 
The following table represents stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
1,175,657

 
$
21.21

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(424,706
)
 
15.59

 
 
 
 
Canceled
(15,000
)
 
31.07

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2014
735,951

 
24.25

 
4.1
 
$
18,476,543

Exercisable at September 30, 2014
623,739

 
23.72

 
3.7
 
$
15,991,979

Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014
721,497

 
$
24.19

 
4.1
 
$
18,163,534


The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $14.5 million and $11.6 million, respectively.
 

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As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, unrecognized stock compensation related to non-vested stock options granted under the 1997 Plan and the 2007 Plan approximated $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Unrecognized stock compensation expense related to non-vested stock options granted under these plans is expected to be recognized ratably over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years (i.e., the remaining requisite service period).

Fair Value Disclosure
 
j2 Global uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of each option grant. The expected volatility for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The Company estimates the expected term based upon the historical exercise behavior of our employees. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a term equal to the expected term of the option assumed at the date of grant. The Company uses an annualized dividend yield based upon the per share dividends declared by its Board of Directors. Estimated forfeiture rates were 12.22% and 15.72% as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 Restricted Stock
 
j2 Global has awarded restricted stock and restricted stock units to its Board of Directors and senior staff pursuant to the 1997 Plan and the 2007 Plan. Compensation expense resulting from restricted stock and restricted unit grants is measured at fair value on the date of grant and is recognized as share-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting period. Beginning in fiscal year 2012, vesting periods are approximately one year for awards to members of the Company's Board of Directors and five years for senior staff. The Company recognized $1.9 million and $1.8 million of compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to restricted stock and restricted stock units, and $5.5 million and $5.0 million of compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had unrecognized share-based compensation cost of approximately $22.6 million and $20.2 million, respectively, associated with these awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years for awards and 3.3 years for units.
 
Restricted stock award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is set forth below:
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2014
1,178,371

 
$
18.17

Granted
176,864

 
44.65

Vested
(452,010
)
 
17.66

Canceled
(45,070
)
 
35.55

Nonvested at September 30, 2014
858,155

 
$
22.98

  
Restricted stock unit award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is set forth below:

 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
109,725

 
 
 
 
Granted
16,737

 
 
 
 
Vested
(16,258
)
 
 
 
 
Canceled
(15,000
)
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2014
95,204

 
2.0
 
$
4,699,269

Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014
74,330

 
1.8
 
$
3,668,909



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Share-Based Compensation Expense
 
The following table represents share-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Cost of revenues
$
82

 
$
162

 
$
263

 
$
581

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Sales and marketing
443

 
465

 
1,360

 
1,315

Research, development and engineering
175

 
103

 
537

 
311

General and administrative
1,491

 
1,695

 
4,378

 
4,901

Total
$
2,191

 
$
2,425

 
$
6,538

 
$
7,108


Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
The Purchase Plan provides for the issuance of a maximum of two million shares of the Company's common stock. Under the Purchase Plan, eligible employees can have up to 15% of their earnings withheld, up to certain maximums, to be used to purchase shares of j2 Global’s common stock at certain plan-defined dates. The price of the common stock purchased under the Purchase Plan for the offering periods is equal to 95% of the fair market value of the common stock at the end of the offering period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 4,463 and 4,416 shares were purchased under the plan, respectively. Cash received upon the issuance of common stock under the Purchase Plan was $199,000 and $161,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As of September 30, 2014, 1,635,736 shares were available under the Purchase Plan for future issuance.


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12.
    Earnings Per Share
 
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per common share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
28,759

 
$
27,806

 
$
92,573

 
$
86,768

Net income available to participating securities (a)
(538
)
 
(416
)
 
(1,964
)
 
(1,455
)
Net income available to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
28,221

 
$
27,390

 
$
90,609

 
$
85,313

Denominator:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock
46,845,477

 
45,729,171

 
46,653,836

 
45,441,265

Dilutive effect of:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans
318,435

 
562,460

 
334,591

 
625,339

Common stock and common stock equivalents
47,163,912

 
46,291,631

 
46,988,427

 
46,066,604

Net income per share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.60

 
$
0.60

 
$
1.94

 
$
1.88

Diluted
$
0.60

 
$
0.59

 
$
1.93

 
$
1.85


(a)
Represents unvested restricted stock awards that contain certain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid).

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, zero options were outstanding with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the common shares so none were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for such periods.

13.Segment Information

The Company's business segments are based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. j2 Global's reportable business segments are: (i) Business Cloud Services and (ii) Digital Media. Segment accounting policies are the same as described in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation.

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Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to consolidated income from operations is presented below (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues by segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
$
109,855

 
$
94,391

 
$
317,208

 
$
293,898

Digital Media
43,218

 
33,522

 
114,860

 
89,207

Elimination of inter-segment revenues
(55
)
 
(125
)
 
(182
)
 
(339
)
Total revenues
153,018

 
127,788

 
431,886

 
382,766

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct costs by segment(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
60,841

 
48,504

 
176,609

  
143,075

Digital Media
35,872

 
32,652

 
97,305

  
92,845

Direct costs by segment(1):
96,713

 
81,156

 
273,914

 
235,920

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services operating income
49,014

 
45,886

 
140,599

 
150,823

Digital Media operating income (loss)
7,346

 
871

 
17,555

 
(3,638
)
Segment operating income
56,360

 
46,757

 
158,154

 
147,185

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global operating costs(2)
9,882

 
7,449

 
25,254

 
22,283

Income from operations
$
46,478

 
$
39,308

 
$
132,900

 
$
124,902

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Direct costs for each segment include cost of revenues and other operating expenses that are directly attributable to the segment, such as employee compensation expense, local sales and marketing expenses, engineering and network operations expense, depreciation and amortization and other administrative expenses.
 
 
 
 
(2) Global operating costs include general and administrative and other corporate expenses that are managed on a global basis and that are not directly attributable to any particular segment.
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Assets:
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
$
853,843

 
$
818,722

Digital Media
352,547

 
333,286

Total assets from reportable segments
1,206,390

 
1,152,008

Corporate
433,614

 
1,781

Total assets
$
1,640,004

 
$
1,153,789

 
 
 

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
$
4,366

 
$
5,573

Digital Media
3,066

 
5,067

Total from reportable segments
7,432

 
10,640

Corporate
323

 
476

Total capital expenditures
$
7,755

 
$
11,116


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Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
$
9,413

 
$
6,248

 
$
27,471

 
$
17,609

Digital Media
5,250

 
3,767

 
15,273

 
10,335

Total from reportable segments
14,663

 
10,015

 
42,744

 
27,944

Corporate
188

 
168

 
563

 
480

Total depreciation and amortization
$
14,851

 
$
10,183

 
$
43,307

 
$
28,424


j2 Global maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Japan and other countries. Geographic information about the U.S. and all other countries for the reporting periods is presented below. Such information attributes revenues based on jurisdictions where revenues are reported (in thousands).
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
United States
$
101,381

 
$
90,447

 
$
289,656

 
$
270,444

Canada
17,698

 
17,992

 
52,642

 
55,137

Ireland
10,846

 
10,417

 
32,118

 
30,822

All other countries
23,093

 
8,932

 
57,470

 
26,363

 
$
153,018

 
$
127,788

 
$
431,886

 
$
382,766


 
September 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Long-lived assets:
 

 
 

United States
$
176,216

 
$
170,247

All other countries
93,264

 
51,675

Total
$
269,480

 
$
221,922


14.
Unrestricted Subsidiaries

As of September 30, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors had designated the following entities as “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” under the indenture governing j2 Cloud Services' Senior Notes:

Ziff Davis, LLC and subsidiaries
Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries

The financial position and results of operations of these Unrestricted Subsidiaries are included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

-28-




As required by the indenture governing j2 Cloud Services' Senior Notes, information sufficient to ascertain the financial condition and results of operations excluding the Unrestricted Subsidiaries must be presented. Accordingly, the Company is presenting the following tables.

The financial position of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2014
ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
28,093

Accounts receivable
47,081

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,570

Deferred income taxes
9,289

Total current assets
88,033

Property and equipment, net
12,737

Trade names, net
50,156

Patent and patent licenses, net
25,904

Customer relationships, net
49,885

Goodwill
148,080

Other purchased intangibles, net
802

Deferred income taxes
1,280

Other assets
1,707

Total assets
$
378,584

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
36,700

Income taxes payable
249

Deferred revenue, current
4,044

Deferred income taxes

Total current liabilities
40,993

Deferred income taxes
25,238

Other long-term liabilities
1,541

Total liabilities
67,772

Additional paid-in capital
316,124

Accumulated deficit
(5,306
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(6
)
Total stockholders’ equity
310,812

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
378,584


-29-



The results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014 (1)
 
2013
 
2014 (1)

2013
Revenues
$
43,618

 
$
33,522

 
$
115,801

 
$
89,207

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues
5,299

 
4,398

 
13,596

 
12,682

Gross profit
38,319

 
29,124

 
102,205

 
76,525

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing
18,163

 
18,085

 
49,552

 
49,049

Research, development and engineering
1,565

 
943

 
3,792

 
4,401

General and administrative
13,527

 
9,225

 
35,320

 
26,713

Total operating expenses
33,255

 
28,253

 
88,664

 
80,163

Income (loss) from operations
5,064

 
871

 
13,541

 
(3,638
)
Interest expense (income), net
(3
)
 
2,633

 
(5
)
 
6,350

Other expense (income), net
518

 
278

 
100

 
85

Income (loss) before income taxes
4,549

 
(2,040
)
 
13,446

 
(10,073
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
4,015

 
1,624

 
8,250

 
(1,836
)
Net income (loss)
$
534

 
$
(3,664
)
 
$
5,196

 
$
(8,237
)

(1) Effective in the second quarter of 2014, Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries were classified as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. As a result, the prior period may not be comparable to the current period presentation.

15.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
6,301

 
$
350

 
$
6,651

     Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
(3,008
)
 
(6,977
)
 
(9,985
)
     Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
2

 

 
2

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
(3,006
)
 
(6,977
)
 
(9,983
)
Ending balance
$
3,295

 
$
(6,627
)
 
$
(3,332
)


-30-



The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
6,056

 
$
(1,821
)
 
$
4,235

     Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
(2,746
)
 
(4,806
)
 
(7,552
)
     Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
(2,761
)
 
(4,806
)
 
(7,567
)
Ending balance
$
3,295

 
$
(6,627
)
 
$
(3,332
)

The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments
 
1

 
(25
)
 
Other expense (income), net
 
 
1

 
(25
)
 
Total, before income taxes
 
 
1

 
10

 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
2

 
(15
)
 
Total, net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
2

 
$
(15
)
 
Total, net of tax

16.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

In connection with the June 2014 Convertible Note issuance, j2 Global, Inc. entered into a supplemental indenture related to the Senior Notes, pursuant to which it fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, the full and punctual payment of the 8.0% senior unsecured notes due 2020 that were issued by its wholly owned subsidiary, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. j2 Cloud Services, Inc. is subject to restrictions on dividends in its existing indenture with respect to the Senior Notes and the credit facility with Union Bank. While substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than the net cash proceeds from the issuance of the Convertible Notes) are owned directly or indirectly by j2 Cloud Services, Inc., those contractual provisions did not, as of June 30, 2014, meaningfully restrict j2 Cloud Services, Inc.’s ability to pay dividends to j2 Global, Inc.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present, in separate columns, financial information for (i) j2 Global, Inc. (the “Parent”) on a parent-only basis, (ii) j2 Cloud Services, Inc., (iii) the non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, (iv) the eliminations and reclassifications necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis, and (v) the Company on a consolidated basis. The condensed consolidating financial statements are presented in accordance with the equity method. Under this method, the investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the Company’s share of subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions, distributions and other equity changes. Intercompany charges (income) between the Parent and subsidiaries are recognized in the condensed consolidating financial statements during the period incurred and the settlement of intercompany balances is reflected in the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows based on the nature of the underlying transactions. Consolidating adjustments include consolidating and eliminating entries for investments in subsidiaries, intercompany activity and balances.




-31-




j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
As of
September 30, 2014
BALANCE SHEET
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
313,667

 
$
14,799

 
$
186,531

 
$

 
$
514,997

Short-term investments
62,647

 
39,767

 
5,004

 

 
107,418

Accounts receivable, net

 
11,213

 
63,803

 

 
75,016

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1,075

 
16,237

 
7,505

 

 
24,817

Deferred income taxes

 

 
9,081

 
(1,630
)
 
7,451

Intercompany receivable

 
81,095

 

 
(81,095
)
 

Total current assets
377,389

 
163,111

 
271,924

 
(82,725
)
 
729,699

Long-term investments
54,353

 
7,061

 
1

 

 
61,415

Property and equipment, net

 
8,349

 
30,438

 

 
38,787

Trade names, net

 
10,273

 
73,920

 

 
84,193

Patent and patent licenses, net

 
921

 
25,971

 

 
26,892

Customer relationships, net

 
1,049

 
143,349

 

 
144,398

Goodwill

 
50,803

 
482,600

 

 
533,403

Other purchased intangibles, net

 
4,308

 
3,713

 

 
8,021

Investment in subsidiaries
231,027

 
442,726

 
8,716

 
(682,469
)
 

Deferred income taxes

 
6,309

 
3,178

 
(9,487
)
 

Other assets
9,684

 
1,488

 
2,024

 

 
13,196

Total assets
$
672,453

 
$
696,398

 
$
1,045,834

 
$
(774,681
)
 
$
1,640,004

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
7,486

 
$
23,100

 
$
40,195

 
$

 
$
70,781

Income taxes payable

 
398

 
789

 

 
1,187

Deferred revenue - short term

 
23,312

 
34,087

 

 
57,399

Deferred income taxes
856

 
1,365

 

 
(1,630
)
 
591


-32-



Other current liabilities

 

 
540

 

 
540

Intercompany payable
42,256

 

 
38,839

 
(81,095
)
 

Total current liabilities
50,598

 
48,175

 
114,450

 
(82,725
)
 
130,498

Long term debt
345,409

 
246,055

 

 

 
591,464

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
35,793

 

 

 
35,793

Deferred income taxes
24,332

 

 
46,865

 
(9,487
)
 
61,710

Deferred revenue - long term

 
8,870

 
2,075

 

 
10,945

Other long-term liabilities

 
881

 
5,152

 

 
6,033

Total liabilities
420,339

 
339,774

 
168,542

 
(92,212
)
 
836,443

Common stock, $0.01 par value.
469

 

 

 

 
469

Additional paid-in capital - common
270,857

 
231,027

 
421,401

 
(652,428
)
 
270,857

Retained earnings
(19,276
)
 
120,214

 
464,670

 
(30,041
)
 
535,567

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
64

 
5,383

 
(8,779
)
 

 
(3,332
)
Total j2 Global Inc., stockholders’ equity
252,114

 
356,624

 
877,292

 
(682,469
)
 
803,561

Total stockholders’ equity
252,114

 
356,624

 
877,292

 
(682,469
)
 
803,561

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
672,453

 
$
696,398

 
$
1,045,834

 
$
(774,681
)
 
$
1,640,004


-33-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$

 
$
52,960

 
$
90,854

 
$
9,204

 
$
153,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues

 
(3,275
)
 
22,060

 
9,259

 
28,044

Gross profit

 
56,235

 
68,794

 
(55
)
 
124,974

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sales and marketing

 
9,168

 
27,934

 
(55
)
 
37,047

Research, development and engineering

 
3,320

 
4,317

 

 
7,637

General and administrative
3,063

 
6,789

 
23,960

 

 
33,812

Total operating expenses
3,063

 
19,277

 
56,211

 
(55
)
 
78,496

Operating income
(3,063
)
 
36,958

 
12,583

 

 
46,478

Interest expense (income), net
5,136

 
5,116

 
(129
)
 

 
10,123

Other expense (income), net
(2
)
 
78

 
175

 

 
251

Income before income taxes
(8,197
)
 
31,764

 
12,537

 

 
36,104

Income tax expense
(3,158
)
 
3,458

 
7,045

 

 
7,345

Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
(5,039
)
 
$
28,306

 
$
5,492

 
$

 
$
28,759


-34-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$

 
$
169,467

 
$
293,530

 
$
(31,111
)
 
$
431,886

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues

 
35,729

 
72,191

 
(30,929
)
 
76,991

Gross profit

 
133,738

 
221,339

 
(182
)
 
354,895

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing

 
27,148

 
78,369

 
(182
)
 
105,335

Research, development and engineering

 
10,411

 
12,040

 

 
22,451

General and administrative
3,463

 
24,004

 
66,742

 

 
94,209

Total operating expenses
3,463

 
61,563

 
157,151

 
(182
)
 
221,995

Operating income
(3,463
)
 
72,175

 
64,188

 

 
132,900

Interest expense (income), net
5,786

 
15,314

 
(347
)
 

 
20,753

Other expense (income), net
(2
)
 
6

 
(258
)
 

 
(254
)
Income before income taxes
(9,247
)
 
56,855

 
64,793

 

 
112,401

Income tax expense
(3,537
)
 
4,783

 
18,582

 

 
19,828

Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
(5,710
)
 
$
52,072

 
$
46,211

 
$

 
$
92,573


-35-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
(5,039
)
 
$
28,306

 
$
5,492

 
$

 
$
28,759

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
2,300

 
(9,277
)
 

 
(6,977
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)
64

 
(3,068
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(3,006
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
64

 
(768
)
 
(9,279
)
 

 
(9,983
)
Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$
(4,975
)
 
$
27,538

 
$
(3,787
)
 
$

 
$
18,776


-36-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
(5,710
)
 
$
52,072

 
$
46,211

 
$

 
$
92,573

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
1,644

 
(6,450
)
 

 
(4,806
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)
64

 
(2,834
)
 
9

 

 
(2,761
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
64

 
(1,190
)
 
(6,441
)
 

 
(7,567
)
Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$
(5,646
)
 
$
50,882

 
$
39,770

 
$

 
$
85,006


-37-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
(5,710
)
 
$
52,072

 
$
46,211

 
$

 
$
92,573

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Depreciation and amortization

 
4,950

 
38,357

 

 
43,307

Amortization of discount or premium of investments
142

 
677

 
164

 

 
983

Amortization of financing costs and discounts
2,266

 
562

 

 

 
2,828

Share-based compensation
2,191

 
4,514

 
(167
)
 

 
6,538

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
(1,925
)
 
(4,802
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(6,728
)
Provision for doubtful accounts

 
1,395

 
1,883

 

 
3,278

Deferred income taxes
4,614

 
(2,657
)
 
(4,911
)
 

 
(2,954
)
(Gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale investments
(2
)
 
(18
)
 
(49
)
 

 
(69
)
Decrease (increase) in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Accounts receivable

 
(1,894
)
 
3,161

 

 
1,267

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(1,075
)
 
(2,197
)
 
(852
)
 

 
(4,124
)
Other assets
(896
)
 
(83
)
 
851

 

 
(128
)
(Decrease) increase in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Accounts payable and accrued expenses
9,915

 
(4,119
)
 
(8,745
)
 

 
(2,949
)
Income taxes payable
1,734

 
2,822

 
3,009

 

 
7,565

Deferred revenue

 
(942
)
 
127

 

 
(815
)
Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
(8,069
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(8,071
)
Other

 
(108
)
 
(272
)
 

 
(380
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
11,254

 
42,103

 
78,764

 

 
132,121

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity of certificates of deposit

 
8,210

 
6,310

 

 
14,520

Purchase of certificates of deposit

 

 

 

 

Sales of available-for-sale investments
2,005

 
46,863

 
11,588

 

 
60,456


-38-



Purchase of available-for-sale investments
(58,591
)
 
(54,393
)
 
1

 

 
(112,983
)
Purchases of property and equipment

 
(925
)
 
(6,830
)
 

 
(7,755
)
Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 
608

 

 
608

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received

 

 
(118,238
)
 

 
(118,238
)
Purchases of intangible assets

 
(2,871
)
 
(1,935
)
 

 
(4,806
)
Investment in subsidiaries

 
(23,822
)
 

 
23,822

 

Net cash used in investing activities
(56,586
)
 
(26,938
)
 
(108,496
)
 
23,822

 
(168,198
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of long-term debt
402,500

 

 

 

 
402,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt issuance costs
(12,069
)
 

 
542

 

 
(11,527
)
Repurchases of common stock and restricted stock
(739
)
 
(4,733
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(5,473
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
76

 
123

 

 

 
199

Exercise of stock options
1,193

 
5,248

 

 

 
6,441

Dividends paid
(13,267
)
 
(25,302
)
 
22

 

 
(38,547
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
1,925

 
4,803

 

 

 
6,728

Deferred payments for acquisitions

 

 
(14,316
)
 

 
(14,316
)
Other

 
(54
)
 
(711
)
 

 
(765
)
Intercompany
(20,620
)
 
(14,861
)
 
59,303

 
(23,822
)
 

Net cash provided by financing activities
358,999

 
(34,776
)
 
44,839

 
(23,822
)
 
345,240

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 
4

 
(1,971
)
 

 
(1,967
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
313,667

 
(19,607
)
 
13,136

 

 
307,196

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 
34,406

 
173,395

 

 
207,801

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
313,667

 
$
14,799

 
$
186,531

 
$

 
$
514,997


-39-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
As of
December 31, 2013
BALANCE SHEET
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$
34,406

 
$
173,395

 
$

 
$
207,801

Short-term investments

 
67,848

 
22,941

 

 
90,789

Accounts receivable, net

 
11,541

 
55,704

 

 
67,245

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 
16,662

 
3,402

 

 
20,064

Deferred income taxes

 

 
3,126

 

 
3,126

Intercompany receivable

 
4,433

 

 
(4,433
)
 

Total current assets

 
134,890

 
258,568

 
(4,433
)
 
389,025

Long-term investments

 
47,351

 

 

 
47,351

Property and equipment, net

 
11,232

 
19,968

 

 
31,200

Trade names, net

 
12,119

 
70,989

 

 
83,108

Patent and patent licenses, net

 
15,107

 
13,423

 

 
28,530

Customer relationships, net

 
6,125

 
94,855

 

 
100,980

Goodwill

 
86,025

 
371,397

 

 
457,422

Other purchased intangibles, net

 
5,306

 
5,609

 

 
10,915

Investment in subsidiaries

 
357,057

 

 
(357,057
)
 

Deferred income taxes

 
202

 
1,643

 

 
1,845

Other assets

 
1,576

 
1,837

 

 
3,413

Total assets
$

 
$
676,990

 
$
838,289

 
$
(361,490
)
 
$
1,153,789

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$

 
$
29,419

 
$
40,151

 
$

 
$
69,570

Income taxes payable

 

 
1,569

 

 
1,569

Deferred revenue - short term

 
23,762

 
12,564

 

 
36,326

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
5,532

 
3

 

 
5,535

Deferred income taxes

 
906

 
986

 

 
1,892

Intercompany payable

 

 
4,433

 
(4,433
)
 

Total current liabilities

 
59,619

 
59,706

 
(4,433
)
 
114,892

Long term debt

 
245,670

 

 

 
245,670


-40-



Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
38,329

 

 

 
38,329

Deferred income taxes

 

 
35,833

 

 
35,833

Deferred revenue - long term

 
10,753

 
436

 

 
11,189

Other long-term liabilities

 
989

 
469

 

 
1,458

Total liabilities

 
355,360

 
96,444

 
(4,433
)
 
447,371

Common stock, $0.01 par value

 
461

 
34

 
(34
)
 
461

Additional paid-in capital - common

 
216,871

 
326,984

 
(326,983
)
 
216,872

Retained earnings

 
97,754

 
417,136

 
(30,040
)
 
484,850

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 
6,544

 
(2,309
)
 

 
4,235

Total j2 Global Inc., stockholders’ equity

 
321,630

 
741,845

 
(357,057
)
 
706,418

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 
321,630

 
741,845

 
(357,057
)
 
706,418

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$

 
$
676,990

 
$
838,289

 
$
(361,490
)
 
$
1,153,789


-41-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$

 
$
70,126

 
$
71,865

 
$
(14,203
)
 
$
127,788

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues

 
21,378

 
14,501

 
(14,078
)
 
21,801

Gross profit

 
48,748

 
57,364

 
(125
)
 
105,987

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sales and marketing

 
10,577

 
24,335

 
(125
)
 
34,787

Research, development and engineering

 
3,323

 
2,677

 

 
6,000

General and administrative

 
9,238

 
16,654

 

 
25,892

Total operating expenses

 
23,138

 
43,666

 
(125
)
 
66,679

Operating income

 
25,610

 
13,698

 

 
39,308

Interest expense (income), net

 
2,263

 
2,709

 

 
4,972

Other expense (income), net

 
(67
)
 
(329
)
 

 
(396
)
Income before income taxes

 
23,414

 
11,318

 

 
34,732

Income tax expense

 
3,101

 
4,004

 

 
7,105

Net income
$

 
$
20,313

 
$
7,314

 
$

 
$
27,627

Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(179
)
 
(179
)
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$

 
$
20,313

 
$
7,314

 
$
179

 
$
27,806


-42-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$

 
$
199,696

 
$
228,681

 
$
(45,611
)
 
$
382,766

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues

 
63,286

 
46,701

 
(45,272
)
 
64,715

Gross profit

 
136,410

 
181,980

 
(339
)
 
318,051

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing

 
31,849

 
68,128

 
(339
)
 
99,638

Research, development and engineering

 
9,375

 
9,759

 

 
19,134

General and administrative

 
27,693

 
46,684

 

 
74,377

Total operating expenses

 
68,917

 
124,571

 
(339
)
 
193,149

Operating income

 
67,493

 
57,409

 

 
124,902

Interest expense (income), net

 
7,496

 
7,213

 

 
14,709

Other expense (income), net

 
(166
)
 
(434
)
 

 
(600
)
Income before income taxes

 
60,163

 
50,630

 

 
110,793

Income tax expense

 
17,478

 
6,950

 

 
24,428

Net income
$

 
$
42,685

 
$
43,680

 
$

 
$
86,365

Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(403
)
 
(403
)
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$

 
$
42,685

 
$
43,680

 
$
403

 
$
86,768


-43-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$

 
$
20,313

 
$
7,314

 
$

 
$
27,627

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
(586
)
 
2,176

 

 
1,590

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
4,247

 
12

 

 
4,259

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 
3,661

 
2,188

 

 
5,849

Comprehensive income

 
23,974

 
9,502

 

 
33,476

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(179
)
 
(179
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax expense (benefit)

 

 
(13
)
 

 
(13
)
Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$

 
$
23,974

 
$
9,515

 
$
179

 
$
33,668


-44-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$

 
$
42,685

 
$
43,680

 
$

 
$
86,365

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
(159
)
 
(367
)
 

 
(526
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
5,767

 
3,493

 

 
9,260

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 
5,608

 
3,126

 

 
8,734

Comprehensive income

 
48,293

 
46,806

 

 
95,099

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(403
)
 
(403
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax expense (benefit)

 

 
(35
)
 

 
(35
)
Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$

 
$
48,293

 
$
46,841

 
$
403

 
$
95,537


-45-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$

 
$
42,685

 
$
43,680

 
$

 
$
86,365

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization

 
6,659

 
21,765

 

 
28,424

Amortization of discount or premium of investments

 
948

 
375

 

 
1,323

Amortization of financing costs and discounts

 
456

 

 

 
456

Share-based compensation

 
7,108

 

 

 
7,108

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 
(3,171
)
 

 

 
(3,171
)
Provision for doubtful accounts

 
1,016

 
1,549

 

 
2,565

Deferred income taxes

 
451

 
21

 

 
472

Loss on sale of available-for-sale investment

 

 
103

 

 
103

Decrease (increase) in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable

 
(1,514
)
 
(5,981
)
 

 
(7,495
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 
1,227

 
(282
)
 

 
945

Other assets

 
(7
)
 
189

 

 
182

(Decrease) increase in:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 
(9,583
)
 
13,618

 

 
4,035

Income taxes payable

 
(1,235
)
 
(2,051
)
 

 
(3,286
)
Deferred revenue

 
14,331

 
(1,282
)
 

 
13,049

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
3,865

 
2

 

 
3,867

Other

 
(44
)
 
(18
)
 

 
(62
)
Net cash provided by operating activities

 
63,192

 
71,688

 

 
134,880

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity of certificates of deposit

 
30,270

 
12,345

 

 
42,615

Purchase of certificates of deposit

 
(16,375
)
 
(5,696
)
 

 
(22,071
)
Sales of available-for-sale investments

 
72,384

 
10,505

 

 
82,889


-46-



Purchase of available-for-sale investments

 
(119,049
)
 
(20,906
)
 

 
(139,955
)
Purchases of property and equipment

 
(4,134
)
 
(6,982
)
 

 
(11,116
)
Proceeds from sale of assets

 
1

 

 

 
1

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received

 
(2,305
)
 
(79,261
)
 

 
(81,566
)
Purchases of intangible assets

 
(1,828
)
 
(956
)
 

 
(2,784
)
Investment in subsidiaries

 
(12,498
)
 

 
12,498

 

Other

 
3,281

 
(3,281
)
 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 
(50,253
)
 
(94,232
)
 
12,498

 
(131,987
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt issuance costs

 
(47
)
 

 

 
(47
)
Repurchases of common stock and restricted stock

 
(4,514
)
 
1

 

 
(4,513
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 
161

 

 

 
161

Exercise of stock options

 
13,515

 

 

 
13,515

Dividends paid

 
(33,267
)
 

 

 
(33,267
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 
3,171

 

 

 
3,171

Other

 

 
(171
)
 

 
(171
)
Intercompany

 
(18,120
)
 
30,618

 
(12,498
)
 

Net cash used in financing activities

 
(39,101
)
 
30,448

 
(12,498
)
 
(21,151
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 
(23
)
 
(1,218
)
 

 
(1,241
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 
(26,185
)
 
6,686

 

 
(19,499
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 
76,712

 
141,968

 

 
218,680

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$

 
$
50,527

 
$
148,654

 
$

 
$
199,181



-47-



17.
    Subsequent Events
 
On October 30, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2850 per share of common stock payable on December 4, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 17, 2014.


-48-



Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Information

In addition to historical information, the foregoing Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not limited to those discussed below, the risk factors discussed in Part II, Item 1A - “Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (if any) and in Part I, Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (together, the “Risk Factors”), and the factors discussed in the section in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q entitled “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the Risk Factors and the risk factors set forth in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC.
 
Some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability and intention to:

Sustain growth or profitability, particularly in light of an uncertain U.S. or worldwide economy and the related impact on customer acquisition and retention rates, customer usage levels and credit and debit card payment declines;
Maintain and increase our cloud services customer base and average revenue per user;
Generate sufficient cash flow to make interest and debt payments and reinvest in our business, and pursue desired activities and businesses plans while satisfying restrictive covenants relating to debt obligations;
Acquire businesses on acceptable terms and successfully integrate and realize anticipated synergies from such acquisitions;
Continue to expand our businesses and operations internationally in the wake of numerous risks, including adverse currency fluctuations, difficulty in staffing and managing international operations, higher operating costs as a percentage of  revenues or the implementation of adverse regulations;
Maintain our financial position, operating results and cash flows in the event that we incur new or unanticipated costs or tax liabilities, including those relating to federal and state income tax and indirect taxes, such as sales, value-added and telecommunication taxes;
Accurately estimate the assumptions underlying our effective worldwide tax rate;
Continue to pay a comparable cash dividend on a quarterly basis;
Maintain favorable relationships with critical third-party vendors whose financial condition will not negatively impact the services they provide;
Create compelling digital media content causing increased traffic and advertising levels; additional advertisers or an increase in advertising spend; and effectively target digital media advertisements to desired audiences;
Manage certain risks inherent to our business, such as costs associated with fraudulent activity, system failure or network security breach; effectively maintaining and managing our billing systems; time and resources required to manage our legal proceedings; or adhering to our internal controls and procedures;
Compete with other similar providers with regard to price, service and functionality;
Cost-effectively procure, retain and deploy large quantities of telephone numbers in desired locations in the United States and abroad;
Achieve business and financial objectives in light of burdensome domestic and international telecommunications, Internet or other regulations including data privacy, security and retention;
Successfully manage our growth, including but not limited to our operational and personnel-related resources, and integration of newly acquired businesses;
Successfully adapt to technological changes and diversify services and related revenues at acceptable levels of financial return;

-49-



Successfully develop and protect our intellectual property, both domestically and internationally, including our brands, patents, trademarks and domain names, and avoid infringing upon the proprietary rights of others; and
Recruit and retain key personnel.

In addition, our financial results could be materially impacted by risks associated with new accounting pronouncements.

Overview

j2 Global, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“j2 Global”, the "Company", “our”, “us” or “we”), is a leading provider of Internet services. Through our Business Cloud Services Division, we provide cloud services to businesses of all sizes, from individuals to enterprises, and license our intellectual property ("IP") to third parties. Our Digital Media Division operates a portfolio of web properties providing technology, gaming and lifestyle content, and an innovative data-driven platform connecting advertisers with visitors to those properties and to visitors of third party websites that are part of the Digital Media Division's advertising network.

Our Business Cloud Services Division generates revenues primarily from customer subscription and usage fees and from IP licensing fees. Our Digital Media Division generates revenues primarily from advertising and IP licensing fees.
In addition to growing our businesses organically, on a regular basis we acquire businesses to grow our customer bases, expand and diversify our service offerings, enhance our technologies and acquire skilled personnel. For additional information on our acquisitions, see Note 3 - Business Acquisitions - in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our consolidated revenues are currently generated from three basic business models, each with different financial profiles and variability. Our Business Cloud Services Division is driven primarily by subscription revenues that are relatively higher margin and stable and predictable from quarter-to-quarter with some seasonal weakness in the fourth quarter. The Business Cloud Services Division also includes the results of our IP licensing business, which can vary dramatically in both revenues and profitability from period-to-period. Our Digital Media Division is driven primarily by advertising revenues, has relatively higher sales and marketing expense and has seasonal strength in the fourth quarter. We continue to pursue additional acquisitions, which may include companies operating under business models that differ from those we operate under today. Such acquisitions could impact our consolidated profit margins and the variability of our revenues.
j2 Global was founded in 1995 and is a Delaware corporation. We manage our operations through two business segments: Business Cloud Services and Digital Media. Information regarding revenue and operating income attributable to each of our reportable segments is included within Note 13 - Segment Information - of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference. IP licensing activities are included within the Business Cloud Services segment.
Our Business Cloud Services revenues are impacted by the number of effective business days in a given period. We traditionally experience lower than average Business Cloud Services usage and customer sign-ups in the fourth quarter. Revenues associated with our Digital Media operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations, becoming most active during the fourth quarter holiday period due to increased online retail activity.

-50-



Business Cloud Services Segment Performance Metrics

The following table sets forth certain key operating metrics for our Business Cloud Services segment as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except for percentages):

  
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Subscriber revenues:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed
$
89,322

 
$
74,540

 
$
255,308

 
$
220,370

Variable
19,113

 
18,753

 
57,119

 
56,177

Total subscriber revenues
$
108,435

 
$
93,293

 
$
312,427

 
$
276,547

Other license revenues
1,420

 
1,098

 
4,781

 
17,351

Total revenues
$
109,855

 
$
94,391

 
$
317,208

 
$
293,898

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage of total subscriber revenues:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed
82.4
%
 
79.9
%
 
81.7
%
 
79.7
%
Variable
17.6
%
 
20.1
%
 
18.3
%
 
20.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

DID-based
$
87,540

 
$
85,797

 
$
261,007

 
$
254,977

Non-DID-based
22,315

 
8,594

 
56,201

 
38,921

Total revenues
$
109,855

 
$
94,391

 
$
317,208

 
$
293,898

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average monthly revenue per Cloud Business Customer (1)(2)
$
13.90

 
$
13.81

 
 
 
 
Cancel Rate(3)
2.2
%
 
2.2
%
 
 
 
 
(1)
Quarterly ARPU is calculated using our standard convention of applying the average of the quarter's beginning and ending base to the total revenue for the quarter. We believe ARPU provides investors an understanding of the average monthly revenues we recognize associated with each Cloud Business Customer. As ARPU varies based on fixed subscription fee and variable usage components, we believe it can serve as a measure by which investors can evaluate trends in the types of services, levels of services and the usage levels of those services across our Cloud Business Customer base.
(2)
Cloud Business Customers is defined as paying direct inward dialing numbers ("DIDs") for fax and voice services, and direct and resellers’ accounts for other services.
(3)
Cancel Rate is defined as cancels of small and medium business and individual Cloud Business Customers with greater than four months of continuous service (continuous service includes Cloud Business Customers administratively canceled and reactivated within the same calendar month), and enterprise Cloud Business Customers beginning with their first day of service. Calculated monthly and expressed as an average over the three months of the quarter.

Digital Media Segment Performance Metrics

The following table sets forth certain key operating metrics for our Digital Media segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Visits
602

 
601

 
1,803

 
1,536

Page views
1,888

 
2,002

 
5,873

 
5,148

Sources: Omniture; Google Analytics


-51-



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In the ordinary course of business, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of our financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Our critical accounting policies are described in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014, as amended by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, there were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates.

Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Business Cloud Services Segment
Assuming a stable or improving economic environment, subject to our risk factors, we expect the revenue and profits as included in the results of operations below in our Business Cloud Services segment to continue for the foreseeable future (excluding the impact of acquisitions). The main focus of our Business Cloud Services offerings is to reduce or eliminate costs, increase sales and enhance productivity, mobility, business continuity and security of our customers as the technologies and devices they use evolve over time. As a result, we expect to continue to take steps to enhance our existing offerings and offer new services to continue to satisfy the evolving needs of our customers. Through our IP licensing operations, which are included in the Business Cloud Services segment, we seek to make our IP available for license to third parties, and we expect to continue to attempt to obtain additional IP through a combination of acquisitions and internal development in an effort to increase available licensing opportunities and related revenues.
We expect acquisitions to remain an important component of our strategy and use of capital; however, we cannot predict whether our current pace of acquisitions will remain the same within this segment. In a given period, we may close greater or fewer acquisitions than in prior periods. Moreover, future acquisitions of businesses within this segment but with different business models may impact the segment's overall profit margins. Also, as IP licensing often involves litigation, the timing of licensing transactions is unpredictable and can and does vary significantly from period-to-period. This variability can cause the overall segment's financial results to materially vary from period-to-period.
Digital Media Segment
Assuming a stable or improving economic environment, subject to our risk factors, we expect the revenue and profits in our Digital Media segment to improve over the next several quarters as we integrate our recent acquisitions and over the longer term as advertising transactions continue to shift from offline to online. The main focus of our advertising programs is to provide relevant and useful advertising to visitors to our websites and those included within our advertising networks, reflecting our commitment to constantly improve their overall web experience. As a result, we expect to continue to take steps to improve the relevance of the ads displayed on our websites and those included within our advertising networks.
The operating margin we realize on revenues generated from ads placed on our websites is significantly higher than the operating margin we realize from revenues generated from those placed on third-party websites. Growth in advertising revenues from our websites has generally exceeded that from third-party websites. This trend has had a positive impact on our operating margins, and we expect that this will continue for the foreseeable future. However, the trend in advertising spend is shifting to mobile devices and other newer advertising formats which generally experience lower margins than those from desktop computers and tablets. We expect this trend to continue to pressure our margins.
We expect acquisitions to remain an important component of our strategy and use of capital; however, we cannot predict whether our current pace of acquisitions will remain the same within this segment. In a given period, we may close greater or fewer acquisitions than in prior periods. Moreover, future acquisitions of businesses within this segment but with different business models may impact the segment's overall profit margins.
j2 Global Consolidated
We anticipate that the stable revenue trend in our Business Cloud Services segment combined with the improving revenue and profits in our Digital Media segment will result in overall improved revenue and profits for j2 Global on a consolidated basis, excluding the impact of any future acquisitions and revenues associated with licensing our IP which can vary dramatically from period-to-period.
We expect operating profit as a percentage of revenues to generally decline in the future as we expect our less profitable Digital Media segment and the expected increasing pressure on margins as described above to grow at a faster rate than our more profitable Businesses Cloud Services segment, excluding the impact of any future acquisitions and partially offset by improved

-52-



Digital Media segment margins due to economies of scale.

Revenues

 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Revenues
$153,018
 
$127,788
 
20%
 
$431,886
 
$382,766
 
13%

Our revenues consist of revenues from our Business Cloud Services segment and from our Digital Media segment. Business Cloud Services revenues primarily consist of revenues from “fixed” customer subscription revenues and “variable” revenues generated from actual usage of our services. We also generate Business Cloud Services revenues from IP licensing. Digital Media revenues primarily consist of advertising revenues, fees paid for generating business leads, and licensing and sale of editorial content and trademarks.

Our revenues have increased over the comparable three and nine month period of 2013 primarily due to the following factors:

Organic growth within our Digital Media properties, plus acquisitions in that segment; and

Acquisitions within our Business Cloud Services segment, plus organic growth in that segment.

Cost of Revenues

(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Cost of revenue
$28,044
 
$21,801
 
29%
 
$76,991
 
$64,715
 
19%
As a percent of revenue
18%
 
17%
 
1%
 
18%
 
17%
 
1%

Cost of revenues is primarily comprised of costs associated with data and voice transmission, DIDs, network operations, customer service, editorial and production costs, online processing fees and equipment depreciation. The increase in cost of revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in costs associated with acquisitions within the Business Cloud Services and Digital Media segments.

Operating Expenses

Sales and Marketing.
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Sales and Marketing
$37,047
 
$34,787
 
6%
 
$105,335
 
$99,638
 
6%
As a percent of revenue
24%
 
27%
 
(3)%
 
24%
 
26%
 
(2)%
 
Our sales and marketing costs consist primarily of Internet-based advertising, sales and marketing, personnel costs and other business development-related expenses. Our Internet-based advertising relationships consist primarily of fixed cost and performance-based (cost-per-impression, cost-per-click and cost-per-acquisition) advertising relationships with an array of online service providers. Advertising cost for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $15.4 million and $13.9 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $46.0 million and $42.5 million, respectively. The increase in sales and marketing expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable period was primarily due to increased advertising and personnel costs associated with acquisitions within the Business Cloud Services and Digital Media segments.


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Research, Development and Engineering.
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Research, Development and Engineering
$7,637
 
$6,000
 
27%
 
$22,451
 
$19,134
 
17%
As a percent of revenue
5%
 
5%
 
—%
 
5%
 
5%
 
—%

Our research, development and engineering costs consist primarily of personnel-related expenses. The increase in research, development and engineering costs for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable period was primarily due to additional personnel costs associated with acquisitions within the Business Cloud Services and Digital Media segments.

General and Administrative.
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
General and Administrative
$33,812
 
$25,892
 
31%
 
$94,209
 
$74,377
 
27%
As a percent of revenue
22%
 
20%
 
2%
 
22%
 
19%
 
3%

Our general and administrative costs consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, bad debt expense, professional fees and insurance costs. The increase in general and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable periods was primarily due to additional amortization of intangible assets, personnel costs associated with acquisitions within the Business Cloud Services segment, bad debt expense and professional fees. The increase in general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable periods was primarily due to additional amortization of intangible assets, personnel costs associated with acquisitions within the Business Cloud Services segment, professional fees, certain taxes and bad debt expense.
 
Share-Based Compensation

The following table represents share-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Cost of revenues
$
82

 
$
162

 
$
263

 
$
581

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales and marketing
443

 
465

 
1,360

 
1,315

Research, development and engineering
175

 
103

 
537

 
311

General and administrative
1,491

 
1,695

 
4,378

 
4,901

Total
$
2,191

 
$
2,425

 
$
6,538

 
$
7,108


Non-Operating Income and Expenses

Interest expense (income), net. Our interest expense (income), net is generated primarily from interest expense due to outstanding debt and interest earned on cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments. Interest expense (income), net was $10.1 million and $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $20.8 million and $14.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the three and nine month period was primarily due to additional interest expense following the June 2014 issuance of the Convertible Notes.


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Other expense (income), net. Our other expense (income), net is generated primarily from miscellaneous items and gain or losses on currency exchange and sale of investments. Other expense (income), net was $0.3 million and $(0.4) million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(0.3) million and $(0.6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The variance between the three and nine month 2014 and 2013 periods was primarily due to miscellaneous income associated with business acquisitions recognized in the prior period that did not recur and gain or losses on currency exchange.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate is based on pre-tax income, statutory tax rates, tax regulations (including those related to transfer pricing) and different tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The tax bases of our assets and liabilities reflect our best estimate of the tax benefits and costs we expect to realize. When necessary, we establish valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized. 

Provision for income taxes amounted to $7.3 million and $7.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $19.8 million and $24.4 million, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 20.3% and 20.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 17.6% and 22.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The decrease in our effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to the following:

1.
a reversal of uncertain income tax positions;
2.
an increase in U.S. federal research and development credit, the U.S. federal foreign tax credit and the U.S. federal domestic production activities deduction; partially offset by:
3.
a decrease in the portion of our income being taxed in foreign jurisdiction and subject to lower tax rates than in the U.S.; and
4.
an increase in the U.S. state income tax rate.

The decrease in our effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to the following:

1.
a reversal of uncertain income tax positions;
2.
an increase in U.S. federal research and development credit, the U.S. federal foreign tax credit and the U.S. federal domestic production activities deduction; and
3.
the recognition of a net operating loss; partially offset by:
4.
a decrease in the portion of our income being taxed in foreign jurisdictions and subject to lower tax rates than in the U.S.; and
5.
an increase in Subpart F income.

Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes and in evaluating our tax positions on a worldwide basis. We believe our tax positions, including intercompany transfer pricing policies, are consistent with the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business. Certain of these tax positions have in the past been, and are currently being, challenged, and this may have a significant impact on our effective tax rate if our tax reserves are insufficient.

Segment Results
Our business segments are based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. Our reportable business segments are: (i) Business Cloud Services; and (ii) Digital Media.
We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on segment revenues, including both external and inter-segment net sales, and segment operating income. We account for inter-segment sales and transfers based primarily on standard costs with reasonable mark-ups established between the segments. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the

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respective reportable segment's operations. Corporate assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes and certain other assets. All significant inter-segment amounts are eliminated to arrive at our consolidated financial results.
Business Cloud Services
The following segment results are presented for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
External net sales
$
109,855

 
$
94,391

 
$
15,464

 
16.4
%
 
$
317,208

 
$
293,898

  
$
23,310

  
7.9
 %
Inter-segment net sales

 

 

 
%
 

  

  

  
 %
Segment net sales
109,855

 
94,391

 
15,464

 
16.4
%
 
317,208

  
293,898

  
23,310

  
7.9
 %
Cost of revenues
22,745

 
17,403

 
5,342

 
30.7
%
 
63,395

 
52,033

  
11,362

  
21.8
 %
Gross profit
87,110

 
76,988

 
10,122

 
13.1
%
 
253,813

  
241,865

  
11,948

  
4.9
 %
Operating expenses
38,096

 
31,102

 
6,994

 
22.5
%
 
113,214

 
91,042

  
22,172

  
24.4
 %
Segment operating income
$
49,014

 
$
45,886

 
$
3,128

 
6.8
%
 
$
140,599

  
$
150,823

  
$
(10,224
)
  
(6.8
)%
Segment net sales of $109.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $15.5 million, or 16.4%, from the prior comparable period primarily due to business acquisitions. Segment net sales of $317.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $23.3 million, or 7.9%, from the prior comparable period primarily due to business acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease in IP licensing revenues due to a $27 million patent license payment we received in the second quarter of 2013, approximately $12.6 million of which was recorded as revenue during that quarter (the "Q2 2013 License").
Segment gross profit of $87.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $10.1 million from the prior comparable period primarily due to business acquisitions. Segment gross profit of $253.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $11.9 million from the prior comparable period primarily due to business acquisitions; partially offset by a decrease in IP licensing revenues (which has no related cost of revenues) due to the Q2 2013 License. Excluding the impact of the Q2 2013 License, gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was consistent with the prior comparable period.
Segment operating expenses of $38.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $7.0 million from 2013 primarily due to (a) additional amortization of intangible assets and salary costs associated with businesses acquired in and subsequent to the prior comparable period; (b) an increase in sales and marketing costs; (c) an increase in bad debt expense; and (d) an increase in professional fees.
As a result of these factors, segment operating income of $49.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $3.1 million, or 6.8%, from the prior comparable period, and segment operating income of $140.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased $(10.2) million, or (6.8)%, from the prior comparable period.

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Digital Media
 The following segment results are presented for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
External net sales
$
43,163

 
$
33,397

 
$
9,766

 
29.2
 %
 
$
114,678

 
$
88,868

 
$
25,810

 
29.0
 %
Intersegment net sales
55

 
125

 
(70
)
 
(56.0
)%
 
182

 
339

 
(157
)
 
(46.3
)%
Segment net sales
43,218

 
33,522

 
9,696

 
28.9
 %
 
114,860

 
89,207

 
25,653

 
28.8
 %
Cost of revenues
5,299

 
4,398

 
901

 
20.5
 %
 
13,596

 
12,682

 
914

 
7.2
 %
Gross profit
37,919

 
29,124

 
8,795

 
30.2
 %
 
101,264

 
76,525

 
24,739

 
32.3
 %
Operating expenses
30,573

 
28,253

 
2,320

 
8.2
 %
 
83,709

 
80,163

 
3,546

 
4.4
 %
Segment operating income (loss)
$
7,346

 
$
871

 
$
6,475

 
743.4
 %
 
$
17,555

 
$
(3,638
)
 
$
21,193

 
(582.5
)%
Segment net sales of $43.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $9.7 million, or 28.9%, from the prior comparable period, and segment net sales of $114.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $25.7 million, or 28.8%, from the prior comparable period, in each case primarily due to business acquisitions subsequent to the prior comparable period.
Segment gross profit of $37.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $8.8 million from the prior comparable period, and segment gross profit of $101.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $24.7 million from the prior comparable period, in each case primarily due to an increase in net sales between the periods.
Segment operating expenses of $30.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $2.3 million from the prior comparable period, and segment operating expenses of $83.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, increased $3.5 million from the prior comparable period, in each case primarily due to business acquisitions subsequent to the prior comparable period.
As a result of these factors, segment operating income of $7.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $6.5 million from the prior comparable period, and segment operating income of $17.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased $21.2 million from the prior comparable period.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

At September 30, 2014, we had cash and investments of $683.8 million compared to $345.9 million at December 31, 2013. The increase resulted primarily from the proceeds from our June 2014 issuance of $402.5 million the Convertible Notes, cash provided by operations and the exercise of stock options, partially offset by business acquisitions, dividends paid and the repurchase of stock. At September 30, 2014, cash and investments consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $515.0 million, short-term investments of $107.4 million and long-term investments of $61.4 million. Our investments are comprised primarily of readily marketable corporate and governmental debt securities, money-market accounts and time deposits. For financial statement presentation, we classify our investments primarily as available-for-sale; thus, they are reported as short- and long-term based upon their maturity dates. Short-term investments mature within one year of the date of the financial statements and long-term investments mature one year or more from the date of the financial statements. We retain a substantial portion of our cash and investments in foreign jurisdictions for future reinvestment. As of September 30, 2014, cash and investments held within foreign and domestic jurisdictions were $161.2 million and $522.7 million, respectively. If we were to repatriate funds held within foreign jurisdictions, we would incur U.S. income tax on the repatriated amount at the federal statutory rate of 35% and the state statutory rate where applicable, net of a credit for foreign taxes paid on such amounts.
 
On February 11, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2625 per share of common stock payable on March 10, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 24, 2014. On May 7, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share of common stock payable on June 3, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 19, 2014. On August 5, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2775 per share of common stock payable on September 2, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 18, 2014. On October 30, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.285 per share of common stock payable on December 4, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 17, 2014. Future dividends are subject to Board approval and indirectly to certain restrictions within the Credit Agreement, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”), with Union Bank, N.A. and within the Indenture relating to the Notes, a copy of which the Company filed with the SEC as an exhibit to its Current Report on Form 8-K on July 26, 2012.

In exchange for the Convertible Notes, j2 Global received proceeds of $391.4 million in cash, net of initial purchaser's discounts and commissions. The net proceeds are available for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, acquisitions, retirement of debt and other business opportunities.

We currently anticipate that our existing cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated needs for working capital, capital expenditure, stock repurchases and cash dividends for at least the next 12 months.

Cash Flows

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations, together with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Net cash provided by operating activities was $132.1 million and $134.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our operating cash flows resulted primarily from cash received from our customers offset by cash payments we made to third parties for their services, employee compensation and interest payments associated with our debt. The decrease in our net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to lower deferred revenue, accounts payable and accrued expense balances, lower liability for uncertain tax positions, and increased prepaid assets and increased excess tax benefit from share-based compensation, partially offset by increased depreciation and amortization, increased income taxes payable and lower accounts receivable balances. Certain taxes are prepaid during the year and included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Our prepaid taxes were $9.8 million and $11.3 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. A significant portion of our Cloud Business Services segment subscribers pay us via credit cards and therefore those receivables generally settle quickly. In the Digital Media segment, advertisers generally pay in arrears and receivables generally settle within a range of 90 days.

Net cash used in investing activities was $(168.2) million and $(132.0) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to business acquisitions, the purchase of available-for-sale investments, property and equipment and intangible assets; partially offset by the sale of available-for-sale investments and maturity of certificates of deposit. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to business acquisitions and the purchase of available-for-sale investments, certificates of deposit, property and equipment and intangible assets; partially offset by the sale of

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available-for-sale investments and maturity of certificates of deposit. The increase in our net cash used in investing activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to additional business acquisitions.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $345.2 million and $(21.2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to the proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes, proceeds from the exercise of stock options and excess tax benefit from share-based compensation; partially offset by dividends paid and repurchases of stock. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable dividends paid and repurchases of stock partially offset by the proceeds from the exercise of stock options and excess tax benefit from share-based compensation. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to the proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes.

Stock Repurchase Program

Effective February 15, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of our common stock through February 20, 2013 (the "2012 Program"). On February 11, 2014, the Board extended the 2012 Program through February 20, 2015.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2014:
 
 
 
Payments Due in
(in thousands)
Contractual Obligations
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Long-term debt - principal (a)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
652,500

 
$
652,500

Long-term debt - interest (b)
 
6,435

 
33,081

 
33,081

 
33,081

 
33,081

 
72,425

 
211,184

Operating leases (c)
 
2,114

 
8,374

 
7,096

 
5,026

 
4,361

 
4,097

 
31,068

Telecom services and co-location facilities (d)
 
529

 
1,791

 
921

 
368

 
34

 

 
3,643

Holdback payment (e)
 
2,249

 
11,796

 
1,033

 

 

 

 
15,078

Other (f)
 
517

 
748

 
356

 
13

 

 

 
1,634

Total 
 
$
11,844

 
$
55,790

 
$
42,487

 
$
38,488

 
$
37,476

 
$
729,022

 
$
915,107

 
(a)
These amounts represent principal on long-term debt.
(b)
These amounts represent interest on long-term debt.
(c)
These amounts represent undiscounted future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable leases.
(d)
These amounts represent service commitments to various telecommunication providers.
(e)
These amounts primarily represent the holdback amounts in connection with certain business acquisitions.
(f)
These amounts primarily represent certain consulting and Board of Directors fee arrangements, software license commitments and others.

As of September 30, 2014, our liability for uncertain tax positions was $35.8 million. Future payments related to uncertain tax positions have not been presented in the table above due to the uncertainty of the amounts and timing of cash settlement with such authorities.
 

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Credit Agreement

On January 5, 2009, our subsidiary j2 Cloud Services, Inc. entered into a Credit Agreement with Union Bank, N.A. in order to further enhance liquidity in the event of potential acquisitions or other corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement was amended on August 16, 2010, July 13, 2012, November 9, 2012 and November 19, 2013. The July 13, 2012 amendment was entered into in connection with the issuance of senior unsecured notes as discussed in Note 7 - Long-Term Debt, and extended the Revolving Credit Commitment Termination Date (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to November 14, 2013. The November 9, 2012 amendment was entered into in connection with the acquisition of Ziff Davis. The November 19, 2013 amendment extended the revolving credit commitment termination date to November 14, 2016 and amended certain definitions and covenants. 

j2 Cloud Services, Inc. has not drawn down any amounts under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2014.

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Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The following discussion of the market risks we face contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. j2 Global undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in this document and in the other documents incorporated by reference herein, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 as well as in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC, including the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed or to be filed by us in 2014.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities. The primary objectives of our investment activities are to preserve our principal while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve these objectives, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and investments in a mix of instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in our investment policy. Our cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these instruments. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximated fair value. Our return on these investments is subject to interest rate fluctuations.

Our short- and long-term investments are comprised primarily of readily marketable corporate and governmental debt securities and certificates of deposits. Investments in fixed rate interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates. Our interest income is sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. and foreign countries’ interest rates. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates.

As of September 30, 2014, we had investments in debt securities with effective maturities greater than one year of approximately $61.4 million. Such investments had a weighted average yield of approximately 0.6%. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalent investments in time deposits and money market funds with maturities of 90 days or less of $515.0 million and $207.8 million, respectively. Based on our cash and cash equivalents and short- and long-term investment holdings as of September 30, 2014, an immediate 100 basis point decline in interest rates would decrease our annual interest income to approximately zero.

Our subsidiary, j2 Cloud Services, Inc., is a party to the Credit Agreement, as amended, with Union Bank, N.A. If j2 Cloud Services, Inc. were to borrow under the Credit Agreement, we would be subject to the prevailing interest rates and could be exposed to interest rate fluctuations.

We cannot ensure that future interest rate movements will not have a material adverse effect on our future business, prospects, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. To date, we have not entered into interest rate hedging transactions to control or minimize certain of these risks.

Foreign Currency Risk

We conduct business in certain foreign markets, primarily in Canada, Australia and the European Union. Our principal exposure to foreign currency risk relates to investment and inter-company debt in foreign subsidiaries that transact business in functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, primarily the Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound Sterling, Australian Dollar and Japanese Yen. If we are unable to settle our short term inter-company debts in a timely manner, we remain exposed to foreign currency fluctuations.
    
As we expand our international presence, we become further exposed to foreign currency risk by entering new markets with additional foreign currencies. The economic impact of currency exchange rate movements is often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. These changes, if material, could cause us to adjust our financing and operating strategies.

As currency exchange rates change, translation of the income statements of the international businesses into U.S. Dollars affects year-over-year comparability of operating results, the impact of which is immaterial to the comparisons set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Historically, we have not hedged translation risks because cash flows from international operations were generally reinvested locally; however, we may do so in the future. Our objective in managing foreign exchange risk is to minimize the potential exposure to changes that exchange rates might have on earnings, cash flows and financial position.

Foreign exchange gains and (losses) were not material to our earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, amounting to approximately $(0.3) million and $0.2 million, respectively, and $(0.1) million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, cumulative translation adjustments included in other comprehensive income amounted to approximately $(7.0) million and $(4.8) million, net of tax, respectively.

We currently do not have derivative financial instruments for hedging, speculative or trading purposes and therefore are not subject to such hedging risk. However, we may in the future engage in hedging transactions to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
j2 Global’s management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, performed an evaluation of j2 Global’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that j2 Global’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management to allow their timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)
Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the third quarter ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

See Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Financial Statements (Part I, Item 1) for information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, before deciding to invest in j2 Global or to maintain or increase your investment, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “10-K Risk Factors”) as well as in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC, including the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed or to be filed by us in 2014. If any of these risks occur, our business, prospects, financial condition, operating results and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. The 10-K Risk Factors are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. There have been no material changes from the 10-K Risk Factors, except for the risks described in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
(a)
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
 
None.
 
(b)
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Effective February 15, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of our common stock through February 20, 2013 (the "2012 Program"). On February 11, 2014, the Board extended the 2012 Program through February 20, 2015. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, we repurchased zero shares under this program.
 
The following table details the repurchases that were made under and outside the 2012 Program during the three months ended September 30, 2014:
Period
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of a Publicly
Announced
Program
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Publicly
Announced
Program
July 1, 2014 - July 31, 2014

 
$

 

 
2,873,920

August 1, 2014 - August 31, 2014
13,349

 
$
52.93

 

 
2,873,920

September 1, 2014 - September 30, 2014

 
$

 

 
2,873,920

Total
13,349

 
 

 

 
2,873,920

(1)
Includes shares surrendered to the Company to pay the exercise price and/or to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with employee stock options and/or the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.

Item 5.
Other Information
None.

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Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
The following financial information from j2 Global, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 


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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 7, 2014
By:
/s/ NEHEMIA ZUCKER
 
 
 
 
Nehemia Zucker
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 7, 2014
By:
/s/ R. SCOTT TURICCHI
 
 
 
 
R. Scott Turicchi
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 7, 2014
By:
/s/ STEVE P. DUNN
 
 
 
 
Steve P. Dunn
 
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer 
 


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INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
The following financial information from j2 Global, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 


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