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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - XO GROUP INC.ex322033116.htm
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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - XO GROUP INC.ex312033116.htm
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 March 31, 2016
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-35217
____________________________ 
XO GROUP INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
13-3895178
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
195 Broadway, 25th Floor
New York, New York 10007
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)
(212) 219-8555
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer x
Non-Accelerated Filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes o No ý

As of April 29, 2016, there were 26,498,703 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

                                                                                                                                                                     




XO GROUP INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
PART I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited):
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
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
SIGNATURES
                        
                    

i


SPECIAL NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to future events and the future performance of XO Group Inc. based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “are positioned to,” “continue,” “project,” “guidance,” “target,” “forecast,” “anticipated” or comparable terms.

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results or events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, as more fully described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on March 4, 2016, and Part II of this report. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

XO Group’s corporate website is located at www.xogroupinc.com. XO Group makes available free of charge, on or through our corporate website, our annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such reports with, or furnishing to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Information contained on XO Group’s corporate website is not part of this report or any other report filed with the SEC.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this report to the terms “XO Group,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to XO Group Inc., its divisions and its subsidiaries.


ii


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

XO GROUP INC.  

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in Thousands, Except for Share and Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)
  
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
  

 
  

Current assets:
 
  

 
  

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
92,198

 
$
88,509

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,136 and $2,668 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
 
17,598

 
20,475

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
5,653

 
5,341

Total current assets
 
115,449

 
114,325

Long-term restricted cash
 
2,598

 
2,598

Property and equipment, net
 
12,588

 
13,251

Intangibles assets, net
 
4,596

 
4,817

Goodwill
 
47,396

 
47,396

Deferred tax assets, net
 
11,234

 
11,578

Investments
 
2,574

 
2,719

Other assets
 
50

 
57

Total assets
 
$
196,485

 
$
196,741

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
  

 
  

Current liabilities:
 
  

 
  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
9,350

 
$
12,163

Deferred revenue
 
17,808

 
18,640

Total current liabilities
 
27,158

 
30,803

Deferred rent
 
4,321

 
4,486

Other liabilities
 
1,987

 
1,985

Total liabilities
 
33,466

 
37,274

Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
 


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 
  

 
  

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized and 26,510,693 and 26,235,824 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
 
266

 
264

Additional paid-in-capital
 
174,089

 
173,564

Accumulated deficit
 
(11,336
)
 
(14,361
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
163,019

 
159,467

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
196,485

 
$
196,741





See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1


XO GROUP INC.  

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
 
2016
 
2015
Net revenue:
 
  

 
  

Online advertising
 
$
26,837

 
$
23,916

Transactions
 
4,204

 
2,294

Merchandise
 

 
878

Publishing and other
 
4,628

 
5,514

Total net revenue
 
35,669

 
32,602

Cost of revenue:
 
  

 
  

Online advertising
 
500

 
354

Merchandise
 

 
881

Publishing and other
 
1,110

 
1,420

Total cost of revenue
 
1,610

 
2,655

Gross profit
 
34,059

 
29,947

Operating expenses:
 
  

 
  

Product and content development
 
10,960

 
9,554

Sales and marketing
 
11,714

 
10,622

General and administrative
 
6,197

 
6,090

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,594

 
1,245

Total operating expenses
 
30,465

 
27,511

Income from operations
 
3,594

 
2,436

Loss in equity interests
 
(144
)
 
(6
)
Interest and other expense, net
 
(1
)
 
(23
)
Income before income taxes
 
3,449

 
2,407

Income tax expense
 
424

 
962

Net income
 
$
3,025

 
$
1,445

 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
  

 
  

Basic
 
$
0.12

 
$
0.06

Diluted
 
$
0.12

 
$
0.06

Weighted average number of shares used in calculating net earnings per share:
 
  

 
  

Basic
 
25,263

 
25,174

Dilutive effect of:
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock
 
322

 
425

Options
 
14

 
25

Diluted
 
25,599

 
25,624

 



See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

2


XO GROUP INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
 
2016
 
2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
  

 
  

Net income
 
$
3,025

 
$
1,445

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

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
1,594

 
1,245

Stock-based compensation expense
 
1,656

 
1,480

Deferred income taxes
 
344

 
329

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
 
(304
)
 
(747
)
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
795

 
544

Other non-cash charges
 
160

 
(84
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
 
2,082

 
(641
)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets, net
 
(305
)
 
633

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
(2,509
)
 
(3,836
)
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue
 
(832
)
 
711

Decrease in deferred rent
 
(165
)
 
(171
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities, net
 
2

 
(24
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
5,543

 
884

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
  

 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
 

 
(220
)
Additions to capitalized software
 
(722
)
 
(1,015
)
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
 

 
185

Other investing activities
 

 
(31
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(722
)
 
(1,081
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
  

 
 
Repurchase of common stock
 

 
(5,993
)
Proceeds pursuant to employee stock-based compensation plans
 
372

 
186

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
 
304

 
747

Surrender of restricted common stock for income tax purposes
 
(1,808
)
 
(2,026
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(1,132
)
 
(7,086
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
3,689

 
(7,283
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
88,509

 
89,955

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
92,198

 
$
82,672

  










See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

3

XO GROUP INC.  

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of XO Group Inc. (“XO Group” or the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The financial statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2015.
 
In the opinion of the Company's management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial condition, results of operations and changes in cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire calendar year.

Earnings per Share

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes a weighted average number stock options, restricted stock and ESPP shares of 363,994, 104,753, and 0, respectively, because to include them would be antidilutive. The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 excludes a weighted average number of stock options, restricted stock and ESPP shares of 150,000, 57,389 and 1,049, respectively, because to include them would be antidilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance requiring equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized through net income and eliminating the cost method for equity securities without readily determinable fair values. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.    

In February 2016, FASB issued guidance on operating leases requiring a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, on its balance sheet. The standard also requires a lessee to recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, on a generally straight-line basis. The guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, FASB issued guidance on employee share-based payment accounting requiring all tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement or expiration to be recorded through the income statement and be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows. Further, under the new guidance, entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards; whereas forfeitures can be estimated, as required today, or recognized when they occur. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, FASB issued guidance on equity method accounting eliminating the requirement to restate historical financial statements, as if the equity method had been used during all previous periods, when an existing cost method investment qualifies for use of the equity method. Under the new guidance, at the point an investment qualifies for the equity method, any unrealized gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss may be recognized through earnings. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.


4

XO GROUP INC.  

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation - (continued)

In March 2016, FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers that 1) clarifies how to implement revenue recognition guidance related to determining whether an entity is a principal or an agent in a revenue transaction and 2) provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods and services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods and services, and expands on related disclosures. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

2. Fair Value Measurements

Cash and cash equivalents and investments consist of the following:
  
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
  
 
(In Thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
  

 
  

Cash
 
$
37,432

 
$
33,764

Money market funds
 
54,766

 
54,745

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
92,198

 
88,509

Long-term investments
 
  

 
  

Long-term restricted cash
 
2,598

 
2,598

Total cash and cash equivalents and investments
 
$
94,796

 
$
91,107


The inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are classified into the following categories:
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable
Level 3 — Inputs that are unobservable (for example, cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)
As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents of $92.2 million, and long-term restricted cash on the condensed consolidated balance sheets of $2.6 million, were measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were no transfers in or out of the Company’s Level 1 assets.

Long-term restricted cash consists of $2.6 million held as restricted in relation to the Company’s New York office lease.


5

XO GROUP INC.  

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


3. Stockholders’ Equity and Stock Based Compensation

The Company maintains several stock-based compensation plans, which are more fully described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

During the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, common stock outstanding changed as a result of the following activity:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(In Thousands)
Balance as of December 31
 
26,236

 
26,631

 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of shares of restricted common stock, net of cancellations
 
361

 
290

Issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to the employee stock purchase plan
 
29

 
20

Shares of common stock repurchased and retired
 

 
(343
)
Shares of restricted common stock surrendered for income tax purposes
 
(115
)
 
(130
)
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of March 31
 
26,511

 
26,468

 
 
 
 
 
Shares of restricted common stock vested
 
291

 
216


The Company included total stock-based compensation expense related to all its stock awards in various operating expense categories for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
 
2016
 
2015
  
 
(In Thousands)
Product and content development
 
$
405

 
$
584

Sales and marketing
 
411

 
370

General and administrative
 
840

 
526

Total stock-based compensation
 
$
1,656

 
$
1,480



6

XO GROUP INC.  

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

4. Supplemental Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Information

The components of certain balance sheet accounts and supplemental cash flow information are as follows:
  
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
  
 
(In Thousands)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
 
 
 
Taxes
 
$
2,227

 
$
1,971

Software licenses and maintenance
 
1,210

 
1,521

Compensation and employee benefits
 
400

 
324

Other
 
1,816

 
1,525

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
5,653

 
$
5,341

 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
  

 
  

Compensation and employee benefits
 
$
3,232

 
$
5,826

Accounts payable
 
2,595

 
3,018

Taxes
 
214

 
140

Other accrued expenses
 
3,309

 
3,179

Total accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
9,350

 
$
12,163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
  
 
(In Thousands)
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
 
$
(2
)
 
$
1,008


Amortization of capitalized software was $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

5. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has certain obligations relating principally to operating leases and a letter of credit. As of March 31, 2016, the Company also has commitments related to purchase orders and other contracts.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company was engaged in certain legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business and believes that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

6. Income Taxes

The Company had an effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 of 12.3%, compared to 40.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The lower effective tax rate in 2016 was primarily a result of the reversal of a tax liability resulting from the resolution of an uncertain tax position associated with a former subsidiary. 

The Company adopted accounting guidance requiring presentation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as non-current in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, and offsetting deferred tax liabilities and assets. The Company early adopted this guidance on a prospective basis as of December 31, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.


7


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements relating to future events and the future performance of XO Group based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, as more fully described in this section and elsewhere in this report. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

Executive Overview

XO Group offers consumer multiplatform media services to the wedding, pregnancy and parenting, and nesting markets. We reach our audience through several platforms, including online properties, mobile applications, magazines and books, and television and video. We create value for our consumers, advertisers, and partners by delivering relevant and personalized solutions at key decision making moments for some of life’s proudest and happiest events. We generate revenue through three distinct and diversified product categories: online advertising, transactions, and publishing.

Our mission is to help people navigate and truly enjoy life’s biggest moments, together. Our multiplatform brands guide couples through transformative life stages - from getting married, to moving in together, to having a baby - and include The Knot (#1 wedding marketplace and planning resource), The Bump (a leading pregnancy and parenting brand), and The Nest (the hip guide to all things home for new couples).

First Quarter 2016 Highlights

During the first quarter of 2016, total revenue increased 9.4% year over year, primarily due to an increase of 83.3% in our transactions business revenue and an increase of 12.2% in our total online revenue, year over year.
Revenue increased by 12.4% excluding our merchandise operations which we exited in the first quarter of 2015.
Our gross margin increased to 95.5% during the first quarter of 2016, from 91.9% during the first quarter of 2015.
Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2016 increased by 10.7% due to continued investment in our strategic initiatives.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 22.3% to $6.8 million, or 19.2% of revenue, during the first quarter of 2016.
GAAP earnings per share were $0.12 including a $0.04 per share benefit from a non-recurring tax benefit of $1.0 million.
Our cash balance increased $3.7 million to $92.2 million.

Performance Indicators

We evaluate our operating and financial performance using various performance indicators. Our management relies on the key performance indicators set forth below to help us evaluate growth trends, establish budgets, measure the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts and assess operational efficiencies. We discuss revenue and gross margin under Results of Operations, and cash flow results under Liquidity and Capital Resources. Other measures of our performance, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and free cash flow are defined and discussed under Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
Total net revenue
$
35,669

 
$
32,602

Gross margin
95.5
%
 
91.9
%
Adjusted EBITDA
$
6,844

 
$
5,595

Adjusted net income
$
2,069

 
$
1,706

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31
$
92,198

 
$
82,672

Total employees at March 31
661

 
608


Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This Form 10-Q includes information about certain financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP” or “U.S. GAAP”), including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted net income

8


per diluted share and free cash flow. These non-GAAP measures have important limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for an analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Our use of these terms may vary from the use of similarly-titled measures by others in our industry due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation and differences due to items subject to interpretation.

Management defines its non-GAAP financial measures as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA represents GAAP income from operations adjusted to exclude, if applicable: (1) depreciation and amortization, (2) stock-based compensation expense, (3) asset impairment charges, and (4) other items affecting comparability during the period.

Adjusted net income represents GAAP net income, adjusted for items that impact comparability, which may include: (1) asset impairment charges, (2) executive separation and other severance charges, (3) non-recurring foreign taxes, interest and penalties, and (4) costs related to exit activities.

Adjusted net income per diluted share represents adjusted net income (as defined above), divided by the diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period.

Free cash flow represents GAAP net cash provided by operations, less capital expenditures.

Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when viewed with our results under U.S. GAAP and the accompanying reconciliations, provide useful information about our period-over-period growth and provide additional information that is useful for evaluating our operating performance. However, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share and free cash flow are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered substitutes for or superior to net income, net income per diluted share and net cash provided by operating activities as indicators of operating performance.


9


The table below provides reconciliations between the non-GAAP financial measures discussed above to the comparable U.S. GAAP measures:
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
GAAP Actual
Adjustments
 
Non GAAP
 
GAAP Actual
Adjustments
 
Non GAAP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenue
 
$
35,669

$

 
$
35,669

 
$
32,602

$

 
$
32,602

 
Cost of revenue
 
1,610


 
1,610

 
2,655


 
2,655

 
Operating expenses
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Product and content development
 
10,960


 
10,960

 
9,554

(11
)
(a)
9,543

 
Sales and marketing
 
11,714


 
11,714

 
10,622

(265
)
(a)
10,357

 
General and administrative
 
6,197


 
6,197

 
6,090

(158
)
(a)
5,932

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
1,594


 
1,594

 
1,245


 
1,245

 
Total operating expenses
 
30,465


 
30,465

 
27,511

(434
)
 
27,077

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations

 
3,594


 
3,594

 
2,436

434

 
2,870

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and other expense, net
 
(1
)

 
(1
)
 
(23
)

 
(23
)
 
Loss in equity interests
 
(144
)

 
(144
)
 
(6
)

 
(6
)
 
Income tax expense
 
424

956

(b)
1,380

 
962

173

(b)
1,135

 
Net income
 
$
3,025

$
(956
)
 
$
2,069

 
$
1,445

$
261

 
$
1,706

 
Net income per share - diluted
 
$
0.12

$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.08

 
$
0.06

$
0.01

 
$
0.07

 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted
 
25,599

 
 
25,599

 
25,624

 
 
25,624

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non GAAP Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
GAAP Actual
Adjustments
 
Non GAAP
 
GAAP Actual
Adjustments
 
Non GAAP
 
Income from operations
 
$
3,594

$

 
$
3,594

 
$
2,436

$
434

(a)
$
2,870

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
1,594


 
1,594

(c)
1,245


 
1,245

(c)
Stock based compensation
 
1,656


 
1,656

(d)
1,480


 
1,480

(d)
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
6,844

$

 
$
6,844

 
$
5,161

$
434

 
$
5,595

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Free Cash Flow Reconciliation
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
 
$
5,543

 
 
 
 
$
884

 
Less: capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
(722
)
 
 
 
 
(1,235
)
 
Free cash flow
 
 
 
 
$
4,821

 
 
 
 
$
(351
)
 

(a)
Costs impacting comparability included in operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included costs related to the closure of our merchandise operations in Redding, CA.
(b)
Adjusted income tax expense was calculated using an effective tax rate of 40.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 excludes discrete items, including

10


a one-time tax benefit associated with the resolution of an uncertain tax position for a former subsidiary in the 2016 period.
(c)
To eliminate depreciation and amortization expense.
(d)
To eliminate stock-based compensation expense.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

The following table summarizes results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015:

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
 
2016
 
2015
 
Increase/(Decrease)
  
 
Amount
 
% of Net
Revenue
 
Amount
 
% of Net
Revenue
 
Amount
 
%
  
 
(In Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)
Net revenue
 
$
35,669

 
100.0
%
 
$
32,602

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,067

 
9.4
%
Cost of revenue
 
1,610

 
4.5

 
2,655

 
8.1

 
(1,045
)
 
(39.4
)
Gross profit
 
34,059

 
95.5

 
29,947

 
91.9

 
4,112

 
13.7

Operating expenses
 
30,465

 
85.4

 
27,511

 
84.4

 
2,954

 
10.7

Income from operations
 
3,594

 
10.1

 
2,436

 
7.5

 
1,158

 
47.5

Loss in equity interests
 
(144
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(6
)
 

 
(138
)
 
(2,300.0
)
Interest and other expense, net
 
(1
)
 

 
(23
)
 
(0.1
)
 
22

 
95.7

Income before income taxes
 
3,449

 
9.7

 
2,407

 
7.4

 
1,042

 
43.3

Income tax expense
 
424

 
1.2

 
962

 
3.0

 
(538
)
 
(55.9
)
Net income
 
$
3,025

 
8.5
%
 
$
1,445

 
4.4
%
 
$
1,580

 
109.3
%
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Basic
 
$
0.12

 
 
 
$
0.06

 
 
 
$
0.06

 
100.0
%
Diluted
 
$
0.12

 
 
 
$
0.06

 
 
 
$
0.06

 
100.0
%

Net Revenue

Net revenue increased 9.4% to $35.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $32.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The following table sets forth revenue by category for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, the percentage increase or decrease between those periods, and the percentage of total net revenue that each category represented for those periods:

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
 
Net Revenue
 
Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage of
Total Net Revenue
  
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
  
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
National online advertising
 
$
8,658

 
$
7,999

 
8.2
 %
 
24.2
%
 
24.6
%
Local online advertising
 
18,179

 
15,917

 
14.2

 
51.0

 
48.8

   Total online advertising
 
26,837

 
23,916

 
12.2

 
75.2

 
73.4

Transactions
 
4,204

 
2,294

 
83.3

 
11.8

 
7.0

Merchandise
 

 
878

 
(100.0
)
 

 
2.7

Publishing and other
 
4,628

 
5,514

 
(16.1
)
 
13.0

 
16.9

Total net revenue
 
$
35,669

 
$
32,602

 
9.4
 %
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

Online advertising — Revenue from total online advertising increased by 12.2%.


11


Revenue from national online advertising increased by 8.2% primarily driven by 49.9% growth in advertising on TheBump.com.

Local online advertising revenue increased by 14.2%, primarily attributable to an increase in the average number of local vendors advertising on our network of websites as a result of sales to new vendors as well as an increase in our average revenue per vendor and additional subscription revenue from GigMasters.com Incorporated ("GigMasters"). On a trailing twelve month basis, TheKnot.com ended the first quarter of 2016 with 24,356 paying vendors (up 4.4% from prior year), spending an average of $2,696 per year (up 7.0% from prior year).

Transactions — Revenue from transactions increased 83.3% as the Company's products drove more traffic and better conversion of our transactional partners' offerings.

Merchandise — We exited our merchandise operations in Redding, CA during the first quarter of 2015.

Publishing and other — Revenue for publishing and other decreased 16.1% in comparison to prior year primarily driven by a decrease in advertising revenue related to The Knot national magazine and the absence of The Bump print magazine, a publication we discontinued in 2015. The last issue of The Bump magazine was distributed in December 2015.

Gross Profit/Gross Margin

The following table presents the components of gross profit and gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015:

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
 
2016
 
2015
 
Increase/(Decrease)
  
 
Gross
Profit
 
Gross
Margin %
 
Gross
Profit
 
Gross
Margin %
 
Gross
Profit
 
Gross
Margin %
  
 
(Dollar Amounts In Thousands)
Online advertising (national and local)
 
$
26,337

 
98.1
%
 
$
23,562

 
98.5
 %
 
$
2,775

 
11.8
 %
Transactions
 
4,204

 
100.0

 
2,294

 
100.0

 
1,910

 
83.3

Merchandise
 

 

 
(2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
2

 
100.0

Publishing and other
 
3,518

 
76.0

 
4,093

 
74.2

 
(575
)
 
(14.0
)
Total gross profit
 
$
34,059

 
95.5
%
 
$
29,947

 
91.9
 %
 
$
4,112

 
13.7
 %

Gross profit improved 13.7%, with gross margin improving to 95.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to 91.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase in the total gross margin percentage was primarily attributable to the increase in our higher margin online and transactions revenue in the first quarter of 2016 and continued focus on efficiency in our publishing and other operations.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased 10.7% year over year. The following table presents the components of operating expenses and the percentage of revenue that each component represented for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015:


12


 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
 
Operating Expenses
 
Percentage
Increase/
(Decrease)
 
Percentage of
Total Net Revenue
  
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
  
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product and content development
 
$
10,960

 
$
9,554

 
14.7
%
 
30.7
%
 
29.3
%
Sales and marketing
 
11,714

 
10,622

 
10.3

 
32.8

 
32.6

General and administrative
 
6,197

 
6,090

 
1.8

 
17.4

 
18.7

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,594

 
1,245

 
28.0

 
4.5

 
3.8

Total operating expenses
 
$
30,465

 
$
27,511

 
10.7
%
 
85.4
%
 
84.4
%

Product and Content Development — The increase of 14.7% was primarily attributable to an increase in employee headcount, consultants and related expenses to support our company wide initiatives including new local systems, product improvements, and transactional marketplace initiatives.

Sales and Marketing — The increase of 10.3% was primarily attributable to an increase in employee headcount and paid acquisition marketing expense to grow our business and transactional marketplace initiatives.

General and Administrative — General and administrative expenses increased slightly due to higher compensation related expenses, partially offset by a reduction on consulting expenses and year-over-year savings from exiting our merchandise operations in the first quarter of 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization — The increase of 28.0% was primarily attributable to capitalized software projects being placed into service and amortization expense on intangible assets increased as a result of the acquisition of GigMasters in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Income Tax Expense

We had an income tax expense of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to an income tax expense of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 12.3%, compared to 40.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The lower effective tax rate in 2016 was primarily a result of the reversal of a tax liability resulting from the resolution of an uncertain tax position associated with a former subsidiary.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition. At March 31, 2016, we had $92.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $88.5 million at December 31, 2015.

The following table sets forth our cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the periods indicated:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
 
2016
 
2015
  
 
(In Thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
5,543

 
$
884

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(722
)
 
(1,081
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(1,132
)
 
(7,086
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,689

 
$
(7,283
)


13


Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This was driven by our net income of $3.0 million and adjustments of $4.2 million for non-cash items including depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation, partially offset by a net decrease in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities of $1.7 million. The net cash outflow from changes in operating assets and liabilities was mainly driven by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in trade accounts receivable net of deferred revenue of $1.3 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This was driven by our net income of $1.4 million, and adjustments of $2.8 million for non-cash items including depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation, partially offset by a net decrease in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities of $3.3 million. The net decrease in operating assets and liabilities was mainly driven by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $3.8 million.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, driven by expenditures of $0.7 million, primarily related to capitalized software.

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, driven by capitalized expenditures of $1.2 million, which primarily related to capitalized software.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily driven by cash used to satisfy tax withholding obligations for employees related to the vesting of their restricted stock awards of $1.8 million, partially offset by excess tax benefits related to these stock awards of $0.3 million. Following the repurchases from 2014 and 2015, $9.6 million in shares of common stock may be purchased under such $20.0 million repurchase authorization. There were no repurchases in the first quarter of 2016.

Net cash used in financing activities was $7.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily driven by the repurchase of shares totaling $6.0 million and by cash used to satisfy tax withholding obligations for employees related to the vesting of their restricted stock awards of $2.0 million, partially offset by excess tax benefits related to these stock awards of $0.7 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2016, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

Seasonality

We believe the impact of the frequency of weddings varying from quarter-to-quarter results in lower transactions revenue in the first and fourth quarters. Our publishing business experiences fluctuations resulting in quarter-to-quarter revenue declines in the first and third quarters due to the cyclical publishing schedule of our regional publications. As a result of the enhancement of our marketplace, we could potentially experience new and potentially different seasonal patterns in the future.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion of our results of operations and financial condition relies on our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared based on certain critical accounting policies that require management to make judgments and estimates that are subject to varying degrees of uncertainty. We believe that investors need to be aware of these policies and how they impact our financial statements as a whole, as well as our related discussion and analysis presented herein. While we believe that these accounting policies are based on sound measurement criteria, actual future events can result in outcomes that may be materially different from these estimates or forecasts.


14


The accounting policies and related risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 are those that depend most heavily on these judgments and estimates. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, there were no material changes to the critical accounting policies contained therein.

The total reserve balances that require management’s judgment and estimates were related to the allowance for doubtful accounts and amounted to $3.1 million and $2.7 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Reference is made to Note 1 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning recent accounting pronouncements since the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on March 4, 2016.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows due to adverse changes in financial market prices, including interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk, and other relevant market rate or price risks.

We are exposed to market risk through interest rates related to the investment of our current cash and cash equivalents of $92.2 million as of March 31, 2016. These funds are generally invested in highly liquid debt instruments. As such instruments mature and the funds are reinvested, we are exposed to changes in market interest rates. This risk is not considered material, and we manage such risk by continuing to evaluate the best investment rates available for short-term, high quality investments.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of March 31, 2016. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2016 identified in connection with the evaluation thereof by our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

Management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective at that reasonable assurance level.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are engaged in certain legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business and believe that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

15



Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our business, results of operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties including the risk factors found under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2016. There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased(a)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs(b)
 
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs(c)
January 1 to January 31, 2016
 
2,489

 
$
14.92

 

 
$
9,564,303

February 1 to February 29, 2016
 
12,456

 
$
14.35

 

 
$
9,564,303

March 1 to March 31, 2016
 
100,116

 
$
15.85

 

 
$
9,564,303

Total
 
115,061

 
$
15.67

 

 
$
9,564,303

_____________

(a)
The terms of some awards granted under certain of our stock incentive plans allow participants to surrender or deliver shares of XO Group’s common stock to us to pay for the exercise price of those awards or to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to the exercise or vesting of those awards. The shares listed in the table above represent the surrender or delivery of shares to us in connection with such exercise price payments or tax withholding obligations. For purposes of this table, the “price paid per share” is determined by reference to the closing sales price per share of XO Group’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of such surrender or delivery (or on the last date preceding such surrender or delivery for which such reported price exists).

(b), (c)
On April 10, 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $20.0 million of our common stock from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time, but it does not have an expiration date. As of March 31, 2016, we have repurchased a total of 634,479 shares of our common stock under this program for an aggregate of $10.4 million.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits attached to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

16


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
                    
Date: May 4, 2016
XO GROUP INC.
 
By:  /s/ Gillian Munson                                      
Gillian Munson
 Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and duly authorized officer)


17


EXHIBIT INDEX
Number
 
Description
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*    These certifications are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference in any filing we make under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.

** In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) documents are furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.


18