As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April
27 , 2011
Registration No. 333-156414
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933
FRIENDFINDER NETWORKS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
Nevada |
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7370 |
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13-3750988 |
(State or
other jurisdiction of |
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(Primary standard industrial |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization) |
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classification code number) |
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Identification No.) |
6800 Broken Sound Parkway, Suite 200
Boca Raton, Florida 33487
(561) 912-7000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
Marc H. Bell
Chief Executive Officer
6800 Broken Sound Parkway, Suite 200
Boca Raton, Florida 33487
(561)
912-7000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of agent for service)
Bradley D.
Houser Akerman Senterfitt One SE Third Avenue Miami, Florida 33131 Phone: (305) 374-5600 Facsimile: (305)
374-5095 |
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Charles I. Weissman Adam M. Fox Dechert LLP 1095 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10036 Phone: (212)
698-3500 Facsimile: (212) 698-3599 |
Approximate
date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration
statement.
If any of the securities being
registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following
box. [ ]
If this Form is filed to register
additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective
amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective
amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
Indicate by a 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.
Large Accelerated
filer |
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Accelerated filer |
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Non-accelerated
filer |
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[X] |
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Smaller Reporting Company |
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(Do
not check if smaller reporting company) |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
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Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price
(1)(2) |
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Amount of Registration Fee (3) |
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
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69,000,000 |
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$ |
8,011 |
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(1) |
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Estimated solely for the purpose of converting the amount of
the registration fee, in accordance with Rule 457(o) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. |
(2) |
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Includes offering price of shares that the underwriters have
the option to purchase to cover over-allotments, if any. |
The registrant hereby amends
this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment
which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of
1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section
8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may
be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This
preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the
offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 27 ,
2011
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Common Stock
This is an initial public
offering of shares of common stock of FriendFinder Networks Inc. All of the shares to be sold in the offering are being sold by us.
Prior to this offering, there has
been no public market for our common stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share will be between $ 10.00
and $ 12.00 . We have applied to have our common stock listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol
FFN .
Upon consummation of this
offering, assuming an offering of 5,000,000 shares, our executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders will own approximately
75 % of our issued and outstanding common stock.
All of the net proceeds from this
offering will be used to repay a portion of our outstanding debt as further described in the section entitled Use of Proceeds beginning on
page 41 .
Investing in our common stock
involves risks. See the section entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 14 to read about factors you should consider before buying
shares of our common stock.
Neither the Securities and
Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Share
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Total
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Initial
public offering price |
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$ |
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$ |
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Underwriting
discounts and commissions(1) |
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$ |
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$ |
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Proceeds to
us |
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$ |
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$ |
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(1) |
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In addition, we have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for
certain expenses in connection with this offering. See the section entitled Underwriting. |
We and the underwriters
intend to enter into a firm commitment underwriting agreement as further described in the section entitled Underwriting. Pursuant to the
terms of the Underwriting Agreement, we will grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 750,000 shares of common
stock from us at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount, solely to cover over-allotments.
The underwriters expect to
deliver the shares to investors in this offering in New York, New York on or about ,
2011.
Imperial Capital
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Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. |
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The date of this prospectus is ,
2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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Prospectus
Summary |
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1 |
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Risk Factors
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14 |
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Forward-Looking Statements |
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38 |
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Market and
Industry Data |
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40 |
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Use of
Proceeds |
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41 |
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Dividend
Policy |
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42 |
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Capitalization |
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43 |
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Dilution
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45 |
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Selected
Consolidated Financial Data |
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46 |
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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48 |
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Our Industry
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7 7 |
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Business
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8 0 |
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Management
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98 |
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Principal
Stockholders |
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12 2 |
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Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions |
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12 6 |
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Description
of Capital Stock |
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13 6 |
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Description
of Indebtedness |
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14 2 |
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Shares
Eligible for Future Sale |
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15 4 |
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Material U.S.
Tax Considerations |
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15 6 |
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Underwriting
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1 58 |
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Legal Matters
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16 4 |
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Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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16 4 |
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Where You Can
Find More Information |
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16 4 |
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Index to
Consolidated Financial Statements |
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F-1 |
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You may rely
only on the information contained in this prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any other person to provide you with different
information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. Under no circumstances should the delivery
to you of this prospectus or any sale made pursuant to this prospectus create any implication that the information contained in this prospectus is
correct as of any time after the date of this prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Registered trademarks referred to
in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.
i
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following
summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that may be important to
you. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, including the section entitled Risk Factors and our consolidated financial statements
and the notes to those statements, before making an investment decision. As used in this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, all
references to we, us, our, or our company refer to FriendFinder Networks Inc. and, where appropriate,
our consolidated direct and indirect subsidiaries. References to our common stock refer only to our voting common stock and except as
otherwise noted, such references do not include our Series B common stock or our preferred stock. Except as otherwise indicated, the information in
this prospectus assumes no exercise of the underwriter s over-allotment option.
FriendFinder
Networks Inc. is a leading internet and technology company providing services in the rapidly expanding markets of social networking and web-based video
sharing. Our business consists of creating and operating technology platforms which run several of the most heavily visited websites in the world.
Through our extensive network of more than 38,000 websites, since our inception, we have built a base of more than 445 million registrants and more
than 298 million members in more than 200 countries. We are able to create and maintain, in a cost-effective manner, websites intended to appeal to
users of diverse cultures and interest groups. In December 2010, we had more than 196 million unique visitors to our network of websites, according to
comScore. We offer our members a wide variety of online services so that they can interact with each other and access the content available on our
websites. Our most heavily visited websites include AdultFriendFinder.com, Amigos.com, AsiaFriendFinder.com, Cams.com, FriendFinder.com, BigChurch.com
and SeniorFriendFinder.com. For the year ended December 31, 2010 we had net revenue, income from operations and net losses of $346.0 million, $71.7
million and ($43.2) million, respectively.
Our revenues to date have been
primarily derived from online subscription and paid-usage for our products and services. These products and services are delivered primarily through
two highly scalable revenue-generating technology platforms:
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Social Networking. Approximately 70% of our total net
revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 were generated through our targeted social networking technology platform. Our social networking
technology platform provides users who register or purchase subscriptions to one or more of our websites with the ability to communicate and to
establish new connections with other users via our personal chat rooms, instant messaging and e-mail applications and to create, post and view content
of interest. We have been able to rapidly create and seamlessly maintain multiple websites tailored to specific categories or genres and designed to
cater to targeted audiences with mutual interests. We believe that our ability to create and operate a diverse network of specific interest websites
with unique, user-generated content in a cost-effective manner is a significant competitive differentiator that allows us to implement a
subscription-fee based revenue model while many other popular social networking websites rely primarily upon free-access, advertising-based revenue
models. |
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Live Interactive Video. Approximately 22% of our total
net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 were generated through our live interactive video technology platform. Our live interactive video
technology platform is a live video broadcast platform that enables models to broadcast from independent studios throughout the world and interact with
our users via instant messaging and video. We believe our live interactive video platform provides a unique offering including bi-directional and
omni-directional video and interactive features that allow models to communicate with and attract users through a variety of mediums including blogs,
newsletters and video. In addition, we believe the reliability of our live interactive video technology platform, which had approximately 99.1% uptime
during 2010, is a key factor allowing us to maintain a large base of users. |
In addition to our
revenue-generating technology platforms, we have invested significant time and resources into developing our back-end marketing, analytics and billing
technologies, which are a key contributor to the success of our business. We have developed proprietary systems to allow our marketing affiliates to
maximize their revenue for our mutual benefit. These systems include proprietary white-labeling solutions, in which we provide
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back-end technology solutions
to permit affiliates and marketing partners to deliver our products and services while maintaining the affiliates and marketing partners
own branding and style, self-optimizing ad spots, and a robust banner optimization engine that automatically chooses the best possible site and banner
to promote in a given ad spot. Our marketing technology has also enabled the creation and continued growth of our network of more than 250,000
affiliates, which we believe is one of the largest of its kind in the world and a significant barrier to entry to potential and existing competitors.
Similarly, our proprietary analytics technology provides us with an advantage relative to less sophisticated competitors by enabling us to estimate
future revenue based on short-term response to our advertising campaigns, as well as providing for analysis of key data and metrics in order to
optimize our marketing spend and maximize the revenues our websites generate. Our robust billing platform allows our customers to pay using many of the
widely-adopted methods of e-commerce, both domestically as well as internationally.
We categorize our users into five
categories: visitors, registrants, members, subscribers and paid users.
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Visitors. Visitors are users who visit our websites but
do not necessarily register. We believe we achieve large numbers of unique visitors because of our focus on continuously enhancing the user experience
and expanding the breadth of our services. We had more than 196 million unique worldwide visitors in the month of December 2010, according to
comScore. |
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Registrants. Registrants are visitors who complete a free
registration form on one of our websites by giving basic identification information and submitting their e-mail address. For the year ended December
31, 2010, we averaged more than 6.4 million new registrations on our websites each month. Some of our registrants are also members, as described
below. |
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Members. Members are registrants who log into one of our
websites and make use of our free products and services. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we averaged more than 3.9 million new members on our
websites each month. |
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Subscribers. Subscribers are members who purchase daily,
three-day, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual or lifetime subscriptions for one or more of our websites. Subscribers have full access to our websites
and may access special features. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we had a monthly average of approximately 1.0 million paying
subscribers. |
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Paid Users. Paid users are members who purchase products
or services on a pay-by-usage basis. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we averaged approximately 1.6 million purchased minutes by paid users each
month. |
We focus on the following key
business metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of our operating strategies.
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Average Revenue per Subscriber. We calculate average
revenue per subscriber, or ARPU, by dividing net revenue for the period by the average number of subscribers in the period and by the number of months
in the period. As such, our ARPU is a monthly calculation. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our average monthly revenue per subscriber was
$20.49. |
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Churn. Churn is calculated by dividing terminations of
subscriptions during the period by the total number of subscribers at the beginning of that period. Our average monthly churn rate, which measures the
rate of loss of subscribers, decreased from approximately 16.3% per month for the year ended December 31, 2009 to approximately 16.1% per month for the
year ended December 31, 2010. |
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Cost Per Gross Addition. Cost per gross addition, or
CPGA, is calculated by adding affiliate commission expense plus ad buy expenses and dividing by new subscribers during the measurement period. Our CPGA
increased from $46.89 for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $47.25 for the year ended December 31, 2010. |
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Average Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber. Average
Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber is calculated by multiplying the average lifetime (in months) of a subscriber by ARPU for the measurement period
and then subtracting the CPGA for the measurement period. Our Average Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber increased from $79.34 for the year ended
December 31, 2009 to $80.17 for the year ended December 31, 2010. While we monitor many statistics in the overall management of our business, we
believe that Average Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber and the number of subscribers are particularly helpful metrics for gaining a meaningful
understanding of our business as they provide an indication of total revenue and profit |
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generated from our base of subscribers inclusive of affiliate
commissions and advertising costs required to generate new subscriptions. |
In addition to our social
networks and live interactive video platforms, we also offer professionally-generated content through our premium content technology platform and our
non-internet entertainment business. Through websites such as Penthouse.com and HotBox.com, our subscribers and paid users have access to our
collection of more than 15,000 hours of professional video, which includes our library of more than 800 standard and high-definition full-length
feature films and one million professionally produced images. We began shooting all of our content in 3D in September 2010. Additionally, subscribers
have access to editorial content, chat rooms and other interactive features. In addition to our online products and services, we also have a
non-technology legacy entertainment business, in which we produce and distribute original pictorial and video content via traditional distribution
channels including licensing and retail DVD channels, and license the globally-recognized Penthouse brand to a variety of consumer product companies
and entertainment venues and public branded mens lifestyle magazines.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that we have the
following competitive strengths that we can leverage to implement our strategy:
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Proprietary and Scalable Technology Platform. Our robust,
proprietary and highly scalable technology platform supports our social networking, live interactive video and premium content websites. We are able to
use our customized back-end interface to quickly and affordably generate new websites, launch new features and target new audiences at a relatively low
incremental cost. We believe that our ability to create new websites and provide new features is crucial to cost-effectively maintaining our
relationships with existing users and attracting new users. |
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Paid Subscriber-Based Model. We operate social networking
websites that allow our members to make connections with other members with whom they share common interests. Our paid subscriber-based model of social
networking websites is distinctly different from the business models of other free social networking websites whose users access the websites to remain
connected to their pre-existing friends and interest groups. |
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Large and Diverse User Base. We operate some of the most
heavily visited social networking websites in the world, currently adding on average more than 6.4 million new registrants and more than 3.9 million
new members each month. Our websites are designed to appeal to individuals with a diversity of interests and backgrounds. We believe potential members
are attracted to the opportunity to interact with other individuals by having access to our large, diverse user base. |
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Large and Difficult to Replicate Affiliate Network and
Significant Marketing Spend. Our marketing affiliates are companies that market our services on their websites, allowing us to market our brand
beyond our established user base. As of December 31, 2010, we had more than 250,000 participants in our marketing affiliate program from which we
derive a substantial portion of our new members and approximately 45% of our net revenues. We believe that the difficulty in building an affiliate
network of this large size, together with our combined affiliate and advertising spend of approximately $103.5 million for the year ended December 31,
2010, presents a significant barrier to entry for potential competitors. |
Our Strategy
Our goal is to enhance revenue
opportunities while improving our profitability. We plan to achieve these goals using the following strategies:
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Convert Visitors, Registrants and Members into Subscribers or
Paid Users. We continually seek to convert visitors, registrants and members into subscribers or paid users. We do this by constantly evaluating,
adding and enhancing features on our websites to improve our users experience. |
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Create Additional Websites and Diversify Offerings. We
are constantly seeking to identify groups of sufficient size who share a common interest in order to create a website intended to appeal to their
interests. Our extensive user database serves as an existing source of potential members and subscribers for new websites we create. |
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Expand into and Monetize Current Foreign Markets. In
2010, nearly 71% of our members were outside the United States, but non-U.S. users accounted for less than half of our total net revenues. We seek to
expand in selected geographic markets, including Southeast Europe, South America and Asia. |
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Pursue Targeted Acquisitions. We intend to expand our
business by acquiring and integrating additional social networking websites, technology platforms, owners, creators and distributors of content and
payment processing and advertising businesses. Our management team possesses significant mergers and acquisitions and integration expertise and
regularly screens the marketplace for strategic acquisition opportunities. |
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Generate Online Advertising Revenue. To date, online
advertising revenue has represented less than 0.1% of our net revenue, averaging approximately $9,000 per month in the year ended December 31, 2010.
With continued worldwide growth in this advertising segment, we see this as a significant growth opportunity. We believe that our broad and diverse
user base represents a valuable asset that will provide opportunities for us to offer targeted online advertising to specific demographic groups. We
intend to focus our advertising efforts on our general audience social networking websites and maintain our subscription-based model for our adult
social networking websites. |
Our New Financing
On October 27, 2010, we issued
new debt to repay our then existing debt, which we refer to as the New Financing. We, along with our wholly-owned subsidiary Interactive Network, Inc.,
or INI, co-issued $305.0 million principal amount of 14% Senior Secured Notes due 2013, $13.8 million of 14% Cash Pay Second Lien Notes due 2013, and
$232.5 million of 11.5% Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes due 2014, which we refer to as the New First Lien Notes, the Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and the
Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, respectively. For further information regarding the New Financing, see the section entitled Description of
Indebtedness.
The sole purpose of this offering
is to repay a portion of our outstanding New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, including certain notes held by our affiliates, which we
expect will decrease our interest expense and increase our flexibility with respect to our operations and growth strategy. Assuming an initial offering
price of $ 11.00 per share of common stock, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, after principal
repayments on our New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes from the proceeds of this offering of $ 42.9 million and
$ 1.9 million, respectively, and from excess cash flow payments of $14.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, made in the first fiscal quarter
of 2011, the remaining outstanding principal balances under our New First Lien Notes, Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes, will be $ 248.0 million, $ 11.3 million and $237.2 million, respectively .
Our Corporate Information
Our executive offices are located
at 6800 Broken Sound Parkway, Suite 200, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 and our telephone number is (561) 912-7000. Our website address is www.ffn.com. The
information contained in, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus.
4
THE OFFERING
Common stock
offered by us |
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5,000,000 shares |
Common stock
outstanding before this offering (as of April 25 , 2011) |
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6,517,746 shares |
Common stock to
be outstanding after this offering |
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26,328,895 shares |
Dividend policy
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We do
not anticipate paying cash dividends for the foreseeable future. |
Over-allotment
option |
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We
have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 750,000 additional shares of our common stock at the public offering price less the
underwriting discount to cover any over-allotment. |
Use of proceeds
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We
estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ 49.4 million, assuming an initial offering price of $ 11.00 per
share of common stock, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated
offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use all of the net proceeds to repay a portion of our New First Lien Notes and our Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes on the terms as further described under the section entitled Use of Proceeds. After this offering, we will still have outstanding
debt. |
Risk factors
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You should read the section entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 14 for a discussion of factors you should consider
carefully before deciding whether to purchase shares of our common stock. |
Nasdaq Global
Market |
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FFN |
Unless the context requires
otherwise, the number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering is based on the number of shares outstanding as of April 25 ,
2011 and includes:
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8,444,853 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of
all of the 8,444,853 outstanding shares of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the holders of which have notified us in writing that they
intend to exercise their option to convert effective upon the consummation of this offering); |
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1,839,825 shares of common stock issuable upon the exchange of
all of the 1,839,825 outstanding shares of our Series B common stock (the holders of which have notified us in writing that they intend to exercise
their option to exchange); and |
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4,526,471 shares of common stock underlying 4,003,898
outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $0.0002 per share, which if not exercised will expire upon the closing of this offering; |
but excludes:
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2,000,452 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of all
of the 1,766,703 outstanding shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; |
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1,319,833 shares of common stock underlying 1,373,859
outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $0.0002 per share (assuming such warrants are exercised for cash) which, to the extent not exercised,
will not expire upon the closing of this offering; |
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457,832 shares of common stock underlying all of the
476,573 outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $6.20 per share (assuming such warrants are exercised for cash); |
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24,103 shares of common stock underlying all of the
25,090 outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $10.25 per share (assuming such warrants are exercised for cash); |
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8,310,763 shares of common stock issuable solely upon the
holders election to convert their Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes commencing with the consummation of this offering (assuming an initial offering
price |
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of $ 11.00 per share of common stock, the midpoint of the
range set forth on the cover of this prospectus) and provided that such conversion shall be limited to approximately 21.1% of our fully diluted
equity; |
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551,750 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise
of options that have been issued under our FriendFinder Networks Inc. 2008 Stock Option Plan, or our 2008 Stock Option Plan; |
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a number of shares equal to up to one percent of our fully
diluted equity following this offering of common stock (estimated to be 393,875 shares based on the assumptions set forth herein) reserved for
future issuance under our FriendFinder Networks Inc. 2009 Restricted Stock Plan, or our 2009 Restricted Stock Plan; and |
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750,000 shares of common stock the underwriters may
purchase upon the exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option. |
Except where we state otherwise,
the information presented in this prospectus reflects (i) the amendment and restatement of our bylaws to be effective upon the consummation of this
offering, and (ii) the amendment and restatement of our articles of incorporation, which became effective on January 25, 2010, following the
effectiveness on the same date of:
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the amendment and restatement of the certificate of designation
of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; |
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the 1-for-20 reverse split of our authorized Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock, including a corresponding and proportionate decrease in the number of outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock; |
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the amendment and restatement of the certificate of designation
of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock; |
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the 1-for-20 reverse split of our authorized Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock, including a corresponding and proportionate decrease in the number of outstanding shares of Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock; and |
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the 1-for-20 reverse split of each series of our authorized
common stock, including a corresponding and proportionate decrease in the number of outstanding shares of such series. |
Upon consummation of this
offering, assuming an offering of 5,000,000 shares, our executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders will own approximately
75 % of our issued and outstanding common stock.
6
Summary Consolidated Financial Information and Other
Financial Data
The following summary historical
financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified by reference to, the section entitled Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. We derived the statement of operations data for the years ended December
31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 from the audited consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008(1)
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per share
amounts)
|
|
Statements
of Operations and Per Share Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue
|
|
|
|
$ |
345,997 |
|
|
$ |
327,692 |
|
|
$ |
331,017 |
|
Cost of
revenue |
|
|
|
|
110,490 |
|
|
|
91,697 |
|
|
|
96,514 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
|
|
235,507 |
|
|
|
235,995 |
|
|
|
234,503 |
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product
development |
|
|
|
|
12,834 |
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
14,553 |
|
Selling and
marketing |
|
|
|
|
37,258 |
|
|
|
42,902 |
|
|
|
59,281 |
|
General and
administrative |
|
|
|
|
79,855 |
|
|
|
76,863 |
|
|
|
88,280 |
|
Amortization
of acquired intangibles and software |
|
|
|
|
24,461 |
|
|
|
35,454 |
|
|
|
36,347 |
|
Depreciation
and other amortization |
|
|
|
|
4,704 |
|
|
|
4,881 |
|
|
|
4,502 |
|
Impairment of
goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,571 |
|
Impairment of
other intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
4,660 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
14,860 |
|
Total
operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
163,772 |
|
|
|
177,600 |
|
|
|
227,394 |
|
Income from
operations |
|
|
|
|
71,735 |
|
|
|
58,395 |
|
|
|
7,109 |
|
Interest and
other non-operating expense, net(2) |
|
|
|
|
115,374 |
|
|
|
104,943 |
|
|
|
71,251 |
|
Loss before
income tax (benefit) |
|
|
|
|
(43,639 |
) |
|
|
(46,548 |
) |
|
|
(64,142 |
) |
Income tax
(benefit) |
|
|
|
|
(486 |
) |
|
|
(5,332 |
) |
|
|
(18,176 |
) |
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
(43,153 |
) |
|
|
(41,216 |
) |
|
|
(45,966 |
) |
Net loss per
common share basic and diluted(3) |
|
|
|
$ |
(3.14 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.00 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.35 |
) |
Weighted
average common shares outstanding basic and diluted(3) |
|
|
|
|
13,735 |
|
|
|
13,735 |
|
|
|
13,735 |
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and
restricted cash |
|
|
|
$ |
41,970 |
|
|
$ |
28,895 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
|
|
532,817 |
|
|
|
551,881 |
|
Long-term
debt, net |
|
|
|
|
510,551 |
|
|
|
432,028 |
|
Deferred
revenue |
|
|
|
|
48,302 |
|
|
|
46,046 |
|
Total
liabilities |
|
|
|
|
682,597 |
|
|
|
657,523 |
|
Redeemable
preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,000 |
|
Accumulated
deficit |
|
|
|
|
(230,621 |
) |
|
|
(187,468 |
) |
Total
stockholders deficiency |
|
|
|
|
(149,780 |
) |
|
|
(131,642 |
) |
7
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash
provided by operating activities |
|
|
|
$ |
42,640 |
|
|
$ |
39,679 |
|
Net cash
(used in) provided by investing activities |
|
|
|
|
(1,250 |
) |
|
|
4,204 |
|
Net cash used
in financing activities |
|
|
|
|
(29,405 |
) |
|
|
(44,987 |
) |
(1) |
|
Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 does not reflect
$19.2 million due to a non-recurring purchase accounting adjustment that required the deferred revenue at the date of the acquisition of Various, Inc.,
or Various, to be recorded at fair value. Management believes that it is appropriate to add back the deferred revenue adjustment because the average
renewal rate of the subscriptions that were the basis for the deferred revenue was approximately 63%. The renewal rate on subscriptions that had
already been renewed at least one time since the acquisition was 78%. Therefore, management believes that historical results of Various are reflective
of our future results, including those revenues that were added back to the adjusted net revenue. Please refer to the table contained in the
Prospectus Summary below entitled Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. |
(2) |
|
Includes interest expense, net of interest income, other finance
expenses, interest and penalties related to value added tax, or VAT, net loss on extinguishment and modification of debt, foreign exchange gain,
principally related to VAT not charged to customers, gain on settlement of VAT liability not charged to customers, gain on liability related to
warrants and other non-operating (expense) income, net. |
(3) |
|
Basic and diluted loss per share is based on the weighted average
number of shares of common stock and Series B common stock outstanding and includes shares underlying common stock purchase warrants which are
exercisable at the nominal price of $0.0002 per share. For information regarding the computation of per share amounts, refer to Note C(25),
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Per share data of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus. |
Non-GAAP Financial Results
We believe that certain non-GAAP
financial measures of earnings before deducting net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA are
helpful financial measures to be utilized by an investor determining whether to invest in us. First, they eliminate one-time adjustments made for
accounting purposes in connection with our Various acquisition in order to provide information that is directly comparable to our historical and
current financial statements. For more information regarding our acquisition of Various, please refer to the section entitled Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Our History. For example, our depreciation and amortization
expense has changed significantly due to the Various acquisition and purchase accounting impact on depreciation and amortization expense, as discussed
below. Second, they eliminate adjustments for non-cash impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets, which we believe will help an investor
evaluate our future prospects, without taking into account historical non-cash charges that we believe are not recurring. Finally, they allow the
investor to measure our operating performance year over year without taking into account non-recurring items and the wide disparity in the amounts of
the interest, depreciation and amortization and tax expense items set forth in the financial statements. For instance, we are highly leveraged and we
have had a large varying amount of interest expense for the historical years presented. We plan to use the proceeds of this offering to repay a portion
of our New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, thereby reducing our interest expense. In addition, we have the benefit of interest
deductions and tax loss carryforwards which distorts comparisons of income tax benefit from year to year as interest expense is reduced and tax
carryforwards are depleted and we book an income tax expense as opposed to a benefit. We believe analysts, investors and others frequently use EBITDA
and adjusted EBITDA in the evaluation of companies in our industry.
These non-GAAP financial measures
may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in our industry, as other companies in our industry may
calculate such financial measures differently, particularly as it relates to nonrecurring, unusual items. Our non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA and
adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to cash flow from operating
activities or as measures of liquidity or as alternatives to net income or as indications of operating performance or any other measure of performance
derived in accordance with GAAP.
8
The following table reflects the
reconciliation of GAAP net loss to the non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted
EBITDA
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
GAAP net loss
|
|
|
|
$ |
(43,153 |
) |
|
$ |
(41,216 |
) |
|
$ |
(45,966 |
) |
Add: Interest
expense, net |
|
|
|
|
88,508 |
|
|
|
92,139 |
|
|
|
80,510 |
|
Subtract:
Income tax benefit |
|
|
|
|
(486 |
) |
|
|
(5,332 |
) |
|
|
(18,176 |
) |
Add:
Amortization of acquired intangible assets and software |
|
|
|
|
24,461 |
|
|
|
35,454 |
|
|
|
36,347 |
|
Add:
Depreciation and other amortization |
|
|
|
|
4,704 |
|
|
|
4,881 |
|
|
|
4,502 |
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
|
$ |
74,034 |
|
|
$ |
85,926 |
|
|
$ |
57,217 |
|
Add: Deferred
revenue purchase accounting adjustment(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,200 |
|
Add:
Impairment of goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,571 |
|
Add:
Impairment of other intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
4,660 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
14,860 |
|
Add:
Broadstream arbitration provision |
|
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add
(subtract): Loss (gain) related to VAT liability not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
1,683 |
|
|
|
7,942 |
|
|
|
(9,456 |
) |
Add: Net Loss
on extinguishment and modification of debt |
|
|
|
|
7,457 |
|
|
|
7,240 |
|
|
|
|
|
Add: Other
finance expenses |
|
|
|
|
4,562 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtract:
Non-recurring refund by former owner of litigation costs for legacy patent case |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,685 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(2) |
|
|
|
$ |
105,396 |
|
|
$ |
102,423 |
|
|
$ |
91,392 |
|
(1) |
|
Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 does not reflect
$19.2 million due to a non-recurring purchase accounting adjustment that required the deferred revenue at the date of the acquisition of Various to be
recorded at fair value. Management believes that it is appropriate to add back the deferred revenue adjustment because the average renewal rate of the
subscriptions that were the basis for the deferred revenue was approximately 63%. The renewal rate on subscriptions that had already been renewed at
least one time since the acquisition was 78%. Therefore, management believes that historical results of Various are reflective of our future results,
including those revenues that were added back to adjusted EBITDA. |
(2) |
|
For the year ended December 31, 2008 and for the quarters ended
March 31, 2008, June 30, 2008, September 30, 2008, March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, we failed to satisfy our EBITDA covenants with respect to our 2006
Notes and 2005 Notes because of operating performance. For the quarters ended March 31, 2008, June 30, 2008 and September 30, 2008 we failed to satisfy
our EBITDA covenants with respect to the First Lien Senior Secured Notes and the Second Lien Subordinated Secured Notes due to the liability related to
VAT not charged to customers and the purchase accounting adjustment due to the required reduction of the deferred revenue liability to fair value. On
October 8, 2009, these events of default were cured. For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, we met our EBITDA covenants with respect to our 2006
Notes and 2005 Notes, each as amended. For the year ended December 31, 2009 and the quarters ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010 and September 30,
2010, we met our EBITDA covenants with respect to the First Lien Senior Secured Notes and the Second Lien Subordinated Secured Notes. For more
information regarding this and other events of default under our note agreements, see the section entitled Description of Indebtedness. The
above mentioned debt was paid off with the proceeds of the New Financing. Our new note agreements contain material debt covenants based on our
maintaining specified levels of EBITDA (as it is defined in the particular agreement as noted below). Specifically, we are required to maintain the
following EBITDA levels for our outstanding debt: |
|
|
For each of the fiscal quarters ending through September 30,
2011, September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2013, our EBITDA (as defined) on a consolidated basis for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on
such date needs to be greater than $85 million, $90 million and $95 million, respectively. Our EBITDA for the four quarters ended December 31, 2010, as
defined in the relevant documents, was $105.4 million. We met our EBITDA covenant requirements for the quarter and year ended December 31,
2010. |
9
For the year ended December 31,
2010, our EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were $74.0 million and $105.4 million, respectively. Management derived adjusted EBITDA for the year ended
December 31, 2010 using the following adjustments.
There were non-cash impairment
charges to intangible assets of $4.7 million related to our entertainment segment in 2010. For the following reasons, management believes it is
appropriate to add back a $4.7 million impairment charge to other intangible assets to derive a more meaningful measure of EBITDA for 2010. While we
have had impairment charges for previous years relating to the businesses in operation prior to the Various acquisition, with the impairment charges
taken in 2008, the goodwill relating to our non-internet business units of the company has been reduced to zero. The non-internet intangible assets
have also been written down to reflect the fair value of these assets. Further, management believes that with the acquisition and integration of the
Various business, the online business unit that is now operated in conjunction with the internet businesses of Various should not be expected to have
further impairment going forward. Management gauges its operating performance without giving effect to the impairment charges taken historically due to
its belief that it is unlikely that further impairment charges will be incurred. However, there can be no assurance that there will be no further
impairment to the Companys goodwill or intangible assets.
Management believes that the VAT
activity that relates to periods prior to notification from the European Union tax authorities, which we refer to as VAT not charged to customers,
should be excluded from adjusted non-GAAP net income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA. After our acquisition of Various, we became aware that Various and its
subsidiaries had not collected VAT from subscribers in the European Union nor had Various remitted VAT to the tax jurisdictions requiring it. We have
since registered with the tax authorities of the applicable European Union jurisdictions. We began collecting VAT from subscribers in July 2008, and
all amounts from July 2008 and beyond are considered current VAT and such costs are presented on a net basis and excluded from revenue in the statement
of operations. Since the VAT liabilities not charged to customers, including penalties, interest expense, gains and losses on settlements and foreign
exchange gains and losses, is unusual and not representative of our current operations, we have excluded it from adjusted EBITDA.
The Broadstream arbitration
provision which the Company expensed in 2010 is added back as it was a non-recurring event regarding the Broadstream litigation. The litigation
resulted from certain activities occurring during the Various acquisition. For further information regarding this litigation and the expense, see
Risk Factors and Legal Proceedings located elsewhere in this prospectus. As with the refund by the former owner of litigation
costs which is subtracted for 2009, management believes it is appropriate to negate the effect of these items due to their relationship to the Various
acquisition and not with the Companys continuing operations.
Finally, the net loss from the
extinguishment of debt and other finance expenses relating to the New Financing were added back as they were items related to the New Financing in 2010
and, as with the loss on modification of debt in 2009, which was also added back, did not relate to the operating performance of the Company but were
instead related to financing events.
10
Certain Non-Financial Operating Data
|
|
|
|
Non-Financial Operating Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
Historical
Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adult
Social Networking Websites
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribers
(as of the end of the period) |
|
|
|
|
928,314 |
|
|
|
916,005 |
|
|
|
896,211 |
|
Churn(1) |
|
|
|
|
16.0 |
% |
|
|
16.3 |
% |
|
|
17.8 |
% |
ARPU (2) |
|
|
|
$ |
20.47 |
|
|
$ |
20.73 |
|
|
$ |
22.28 |
|
CPGA(3) |
|
|
|
$ |
48.43 |
|
|
$ |
47.24 |
|
|
$ |
51.26 |
|
Average
Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber(4) |
|
|
|
$ |
79.45 |
|
|
$ |
79.64 |
|
|
$ |
74.22 |
|
General
Audience Social Networking Websites |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribers
(as of the end of the period) |
|
|
|
|
53,198 |
|
|
|
57,431 |
|
|
|
68,647 |
|
Churn(1) |
|
|
|
|
17.3 |
% |
|
|
15.5 |
% |
|
|
18.6 |
% |
ARPU(2) |
|
|
|
$ |
20.72 |
|
|
$ |
18.05 |
|
|
$ |
19.21 |
|
CPGA(3) |
|
|
|
$ |
29.04 |
|
|
$ |
41.61 |
|
|
$ |
36.68 |
|
Average
Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber(4) |
|
|
|
$ |
91.02 |
|
|
$ |
74.71 |
|
|
$ |
66.70 |
|
Live
Interactive Video Websites |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
Revenue Per Minute |
|
|
|
$ |
3.90 |
|
|
$ |
3.49 |
|
|
$ |
2.87 |
|
Cams
Minutes(5) |
|
|
|
19,566,551
|
|
17,293,702
|
|
19,101,202 |
(1) |
|
Churn is calculated by dividing terminations of subscriptions
during the period by the total number of subscribers at the beginning of that period and by the number of months in the period. |
(2) |
|
ARPU is calculated by dividing net revenue for the period by the
average number of subscribers in the period and by the number of months in the period. To provide meaningful comparisons between the years, net revenue
for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes the add back of $19.2 million due to a non-recurring purchase accounting adjustment that required the
deferred revenue at the date of the acquisition of Various to be recorded at fair value. For more information regarding our revenue adjusted for
purchase price accounting, see the section entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008. |
(3) |
|
CPGA is calculated by adding affiliate commission expense plus ad
buy expenses and dividing by new subscribers during the measurement period. |
(4) |
|
Average Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber is calculated by
multiplying the average lifetime (in months) of a subscriber by ARPU for the measurement period and then subtracting the CPGA for the measurement
period. |
(5) |
|
Users purchase minutes in advance of their use and draw down on
the available funds as the minutes are used. |
11
Recent Developments
Provided below are our
preliminary financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010. The financial information is not a comprehensive statement
of our financial results for the period indicated and should therefore be considered together with our full results of operations when published. The
financial information has not been reviewed or audited by our independent registered public accounting firm and is subject to adjustment based upon,
among other things, the finalization of our quarter-end review and reporting processes. Although our financial statements for the quarter ended March
31, 2011 are not yet complete, the financial information below reflects our estimate of those results, based on currently available information. The
financial information is not necessarily indicative of results for our full year performance or any future performance and should be read in
conjunction with, and are qualified by reference to, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Net Revenue
|
|
|
|
$ |
83,521 |
|
|
$ |
86,205 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
|
$ |
56,675 |
|
|
$ |
56,563 |
|
Income from
operations |
|
|
|
$ |
19,676 |
|
|
$ |
12,974 |
|
GAAP Net loss
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4,031 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,361 |
) |
Add: Interest
Expense, net |
|
|
|
|
21,950 |
|
|
|
22,837 |
|
Add:
Amortization of acquired intangible assets and software |
|
|
|
|
3,924 |
|
|
|
6,264 |
|
Add:
Depreciation and other amortization |
|
|
|
|
1,136 |
|
|
|
1,208 |
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
22,979 |
|
|
|
21,948 |
|
Add:
Broadstream arbitration costs |
|
|
|
|
1,016 |
|
|
|
|
|
Add
(subtract): Loss (gain) related to VAT liability not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
3,111 |
|
|
|
(1,482 |
) |
Adjusted
EBITDA |
|
|
|
$ |
27,106 |
|
|
$ |
20,466 |
|
Net revenue for the three months
ended March 31, 2011 was $83.5 million as compared to net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of $86.2 million, representing a decrease
of $2.7 million or 3.1%. The decrease in net revenue is primarily due to the decrease in traffic to our websites as described below in cost of
revenue.
Cost of revenue for the three
months ended March 31, 2011 was $26.8 million as compared to cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of $29.6 million, representing a
decrease of $2.8 million or 9.5%. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we significantly increased our pay-per-order payouts to affiliates,
which caused some of our affiliates to switch from a revenue share basis to a pay-per-order basis. The increase in pay-per-order payouts caused an
increase in traffic to our websites, resulting in increased revenue and a corresponding increase in our affiliate expenses. We did not have such
increases in our pay-per-order payouts for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and as a result, had a reduction in our affiliate expenses of $3.8
million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. Additionally, we had increased costs of revenue of
approximately $1.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 principally related to increases in model
payments proportional to revenue increases for our live interactive video business ($0.3 million) and additional costs for satellite distribution ($0.5
million).
Gross profit for the three months
ended March 31, 2011 was $56.7 million as compared to gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of $56.6 million, representing an increase
of $0.1 million or 0.2%. The decrease in net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2011 described above was effectively offset by the reduction
in our affiliate cost during the same period as described above.
Income from operations for the
three months ended March 31, 2011 was $19.7 million as compared to income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of $13.0 million,
representing an increase of $6.7 million or 51.5%. The increase in income from operations is primarily due to a decrease in selling and marketing
expense
12
of $5.3 million, or 42.1%,
primarily due to a reduction in our ad buys. Also, we had a decrease in the three months ended March 31, 2011 of $2.3 million, or 36.5%, in the
amortization of acquired intangibles as a portion of the intangibles were fully amortized. The above items were offset by a $1.0 million, or 34.5%,
increase in our product development costs as a result of additional headcount to support new initiatives and expected growth.
Net loss for the three months
ended March 31, 2011 was $4.0 million as compared to $8.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, representing a decrease of $4.3 million or
51.8%. The decrease in net loss is due to the increase in income from operations described above. In addition we had a foreign exchange loss
principally related to VAT not charged to customers of $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to a foreign exchange gain of
$2.0 million for the same period in 2010. We also had a reduction of $0.9 million in interest expense due to less debt outstanding as a result of
repayments, and an increase of $1.1 million in our other income, due primarily to receipt of life insurance proceeds related to the death of the
original founder of Penthouse, Robert Guccione.
EBITDA for the three months ended
March 31, 2011 was $23.0 million as compared to EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of $22.0 million, representing an increase of $1.0
million or 4.5%. The increase in EBITDA is primarily due to the factors described above, offset by a loss of $2.6 million in foreign exchange loss
principally related to VAT liability not charged to customers as compared to a gain of $2.0 million for the same period in 2010. Adjusted EBITDA for
the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $27.1 million as compared to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of $20.5 million,
representing an increase of $6.6 million or 32.2%. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to the factors described above.
13
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common
stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following information about these risks, together with the other information
contained in this prospectus. If any of the events anticipated by the risks described below occur, our results of operations and financial condition
could be adversely affected, which could result in a decline in the value of our common stock, causing you to lose all or part of your
investment.
Risks Related to our Business
We have a history of significant net losses and we may incur additional net losses in the future, which have had and may continue to have
material consequences to our business.
We have historically generated
significant net losses. As of December 31, 2010, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $230.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2010,
we had a net loss of $43.2 million. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had net losses of approximately $41.2 million and $46.0 million
respectively. We expect our operating expenses will continue to increase during the next several years as a result of additional costs incurred related
to our status as a public company, the promotion of our services and the expansion of our operations, including the launch of new websites and entering
into acquisitions, strategic alliances and joint ventures. If our revenue does not grow at a substantially faster rate than these expected increases in
our expenses or if our operating expenses are higher than we anticipate, we may not be profitable and we may incur additional losses, which could be
significant. Our net losses cause us to be more highly leveraged, increase our cost of debt and make us subject to certain covenants which limit our
ability to grow our business organically or through acquisitions. For more information with respect to the covenants to which we are currently subject,
see the risk factor entitled Any remaining indebtedness after this offering could make obtaining additional capital reserves difficult and
could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and our growth strategy.
Most of our revenue is currently derived from
subscribers to our online offerings and a reduction in the number of our subscribers or a reduction in the amount of spending by our subscribers could
harm our financial condition.
Our internet business generated
approximately 93% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 from subscribers and other paying customers to our websites. For more information
regarding our revenue, see the sections entitled Prospectus Summary Financial Results and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2010 as Compared to
Year Ended December 31, 2009. We must continually add new subscribers to replace subscribers that we lose in the ordinary course of
business due to factors such as competitive price pressures, credit card expirations, subscribers perceptions that they do not use our services
sufficiently and general economic conditions. Our subscribers maintain their subscriptions on average for approximately six and a half months. Our
business depends on our ability to attract a large number of visitors, to convert visitors into registrants, to convert registrants into members, to
convert members into subscribers and to retain our subscribers. As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately 1.0 million current subscribers. For more
information about our key business metrics including, but not limited to, the number of subscribers and the conversion of members to subscribers, see
the section entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Internet Segment
Historical Operating Data. If we are unable to provide the pricing and content, features, functions or services necessary to attract new
subscribers or retain existing subscribers, our operating results could suffer. To the extent free social networking and personals websites, or free
adult content on the internet, continue to be available or increase in availability, our ability to attract and retain subscribers may be adversely
affected. In addition, any decrease in our subscribers spending due to general economic conditions could also reduce our revenue or negatively
impact our ability to grow our revenue.
We face significant competition from other
websites.
Our adult-oriented websites face
competition for visitors from other websites offering free adult-oriented content. We face competition from companies offering adult-oriented internet
personals websites such as Cytek Ltd., the operator of SexSearch.com and Fling Incorporated and we compete with many adult-oriented and
live
14
interactive video websites,
such as Playboy.com and LiveJasmin.com. Our general audience social networking and personals websites, which contribute substantially less of our
revenue and earnings, face significant competition from other social networking websites such as MySpace.com, Facebook.com and Friendster.com, as well
as companies providing online personals services such as Match.com, L.L.C., Yahoo!Personals, Windows Live Profile, eHarmony, Inc., Lavalife Corp.,
Plentyoffish Media Inc. and Spark Networks Limited websites, including jdate.com, americansingles.com and relationships.com. Other social networking
websites have higher numbers of worldwide unique users than our network of websites. According to comScore, in December 2010, Facebook.com and
MySpace.com had approximately 662 million and 77 million worldwide unique visitors, respectively, compared to our websites 196 million worldwide
unique visitors. In addition, the number of unique visitors on our general audience social networking and personals websites has decreased and may
continue to decrease.
Internet-based social networking
is characterized by significant competition, evolving industry standards and frequent product and service enhancements. Our competitors are constantly
developing innovations in internet social networking. We must continually invest in improving our visitors experiences and in providing services
that people expect in a high quality internet experience, including services responsive to their needs and preferences and services that continue to
attract, retain and expand our user base.
If we are unable to predict user
preferences or industry changes, or if we are unable to modify our services on a timely basis, we may lose visitors, licensees, affiliates and/or
advertisers. Our operating results would also suffer if our innovations are not responsive to the needs of our users, advertisers, affiliates or
licensees, are not appropriately timed with market opportunity or are not effectively brought to market. As internet-based social networking technology
continues to develop, our competitors may be able to offer social networking products or services that are, or that are perceived to be, substantially
similar or better than those generated by us. As a result, we must continue to invest resources in order to diversify our service offerings and enhance
our technology. If we are unable to provide social networking technologies and other services which generate significant traffic to our websites, our
business could be harmed, causing revenue to decline.
Some of our competitors may have
significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. Our competitors may undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns,
including print and television advertisements, and adopt more aggressive pricing policies that may allow them to build larger member and subscriber
bases than ours. Our competitors may also develop products or services that are equal or superior to our products and services or that achieve greater
market acceptance than our products and services. Our attempts to increase traffic to and revenue from our general audience websites may be
unsuccessful. Additionally, some of our competitors are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions that we are, including those imposed by our
December 2007 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over the use of sexually explicit advertising. For more information regarding our potential
liability for third party activities see the risk factor entitled We may be held secondarily liable for the actions of our affiliates,
which could result in fines or other penalties that could harm our reputation, financial condition and business. These activities could attract
members and paying subscribers away from our websites, reduce our market share and adversely affect our results of operations.
We heavily rely on our affiliate network to generate
traffic to our websites. If we lose affiliates, our business could experience a substantial loss of traffic, which could harm our ability to generate
revenue.
Our affiliate network generated
approximately 45% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 from visitor traffic to our websites. We generally pay referring affiliates
commissions based on the amount of revenue generated by the traffic they deliver to our websites. Typically, our affiliate arrangements can be
terminated immediately by us or our affiliates for any reason. Typically, we do not have exclusivity arrangements with our affiliates, and some of our
affiliates may also be affiliates for our competitors. If other websites, including our competitors, were to offer higher paying affiliate programs, we
could lose some of our affiliates unless we increased the commission rates we paid under our marketing affiliate program. Any increase in the
commission rates we pay our affiliates would result in higher cost of revenue and could negatively impact our results of operations. Finally, we could
lose affiliates if their internal policies are revised to prohibit entering into business contracts with companies like ours that provide adult
material. The loss of affiliates providing significant traffic and visitors to our websites could harm our ability to generate
revenue.
15
Increased subscriber churn or subscriber upgrade and
retention costs could adversely affect our financial performance.
Turnover of subscribers in the
form of subscriber service cancellations or failures to renew, or churn, has a significant financial impact on the results of operations of any
subscription internet provider, including us, as does the cost of upgrading and retaining subscribers. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our
average monthly churn rate for our social networking websites was 16.1%. Any increase in the costs necessary to upgrade and retain existing subscribers
could adversely affect our financial performance. In addition, such increased costs could cause us to increase our subscription rates, which could
increase churn. Churn may also increase due to factors beyond our control, including churn by subscribers who are unable or unwilling to pay their
monthly subscription fees because of personal financial restrictions, the impact of a slowing economy or the attractiveness of competing services or
websites. If excessive numbers of subscribers cancel or fail to renew their subscriptions, we may be required to incur significantly higher marketing
expenditures than we currently anticipate in order to replace canceled or unrenewed subscribers with new subscribers, which could harm our financial
condition.
We have never generated significant revenue from
internet advertising and may not be able to in the future and a failure to compete effectively against other internet advertising companies could
result in lost customers or could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We have never generated
significant revenue from internet advertising. In the future, we may shift some of our websites with lower subscription penetration to an
advertising-based revenue model and may seek to provide selected targeted advertising on our subscriber-focused websites. Our user database serves as
an existing source of potential members or subscribers for new websites we create and additionally presents opportunities for us to offer targeted
online advertising to specific demographic groups.
Our ability to generate
significant advertising revenue will also depend upon several factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, changes in consumer
purchasing and viewing habits and changes in the retail sales environment and the continued development of the internet as an advertising medium. If
the market for internet-based advertising does not continue to develop or develops more slowly than expected, or if social networking websites are
deemed to be a poor medium on which to advertise, our plan to use internet advertising revenue as a means of revenue growth may not
succeed.
Because we allow our registrants
to opt out of receiving certain communications from us and third parties, including advertisements, registrants who have opted out of receiving
advertisements are potentially less valuable to us as a source of revenue than registrants who have not done so. The number of registrants who have
opted out of receiving such communications are not identified in our gross number of registrants.
In addition, filter software
programs that limit or prevent advertising from being delivered to an internet users computer are becoming increasingly effective and easy to
use, making the success of implementing an advertising medium increasingly difficult. Widespread adoption of this type of software could harm the
commercial viability of internet-based advertising and, as a result, hinder our ability to grow our advertising-based revenue.
Competition for advertising
placements among current and future suppliers of internet navigational and informational services, high-traffic websites and internet service
providers, or ISPs, as well as competition with non-internet media for advertising placements, could result in significant price competition, declining
margins and/or reductions in advertising revenue. In addition, as we continue to expand the scope of our internet services, we may compete with a
greater number of internet publishers and other media companies across an increasing range of different internet services, including in focused markets
where competitors may have advantages in expertise, brand recognition and other areas. If existing or future competitors develop or offer services that
provide significant performance, price, creative or other advantages over those offered by us, our business, results of operations and financial
condition would be negatively affected. We would also compete with traditional advertising media, such as direct mail, television, radio, cable, and
print, for a share of advertisers total advertising budgets. Many potential competitors would enjoy competitive advantages over us, such as
longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger customer bases, greater access to advertising space on high-traffic websites, and
significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources. As a result, we may not be able to compete successfully.
16
Our business depends on strong brands, and if we are not
able to maintain and enhance our brands, our ability to expand our base of users, advertisers and affiliates will be impaired and our business and
operating results could be harmed.
We believe that the brand
recognition that we have developed has significantly contributed to the success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing the
FriendFinder and AdultFriendFinder brands is critical to expanding our base of users, advertisers and affiliates. Maintaining
and enhancing our brands profiles may require us to make substantial investments and these investments may not be successful. If we fail to
promote and maintain the FriendFinder and AdultFriendFinder brands profiles, or if we incur excessive expenses in this
effort, our business and operating results could be harmed. We anticipate that, as our market becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining and
enhancing our brands profiles may become increasingly difficult and expensive. Maintaining and enhancing our brands will depend largely on our
ability to be a technology leader and to continue to provide attractive products and services, which we may not do successfully.
People have in the past
expressed, and may in the future express, concerns over certain aspects of our products. For example, people have raised privacy concerns relating to
the ability of our members to post pictures, videos and other information on our websites. Aspects of our future products may raise similar public
concerns. Publicity regarding such concerns could harm our brands. Further, if we fail to maintain high standards for product quality, or if we fail to
maintain high ethical, social and legal standards for all of our operations and activities, our reputation could be jeopardized.
In addition, affiliates and other
third parties may take actions that could impair the value of our brands. We are aware that third parties, from time to time, use
FriendFinder and AdultFriendFinder and similar variations in their domain names without our approval, and our brands may be
harmed if users and advertisers associate these domains with us.
Our business, financial condition and results of
operations may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic and market conditions.
Changes in global economic
conditions could adversely affect the profitability of our business. Economic conditions worldwide have from time to time contributed to slowdowns in
the technology industry, as well as in the specific segments and markets in which we operate, resulting in reduced demand and increased price
competition for our products and services. Our operating results in one or more geographic regions may also be affected by uncertain or changing
economic conditions within that region, such as the challenges that are currently affecting economic conditions in the United States and abroad. If
economic and market conditions in the United States or other key markets, remain unfavorable or persist, spread or deteriorate further, we may
experience an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If our entertainment segment continues to be adversely
affected by these economic conditions, we may be required to take an impairment charge with respect to these assets. In addition, the current or future
tightening of credit in financial markets could result in a decrease in demand for our products and services. The demand for entertainment and leisure
activities tends to be highly sensitive to consumers disposable incomes, and thus a decline in general economic conditions may lead to our
current and potential registrants, members, subscribers and paid users having less discretionary income to spend. This could lead to a reduction in our
revenue and have a material adverse effect on our operating results. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the growth of our internet and
entertainment revenue was adversely impacted by negative global economic conditions. For more information regarding the effect of economic conditions
on our operating results see the sections entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, Management, Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations Year
Ended December 31, 2010 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009 Net Revenue, Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations Internet Segment Historical Operating Data for the Year Ended December 31, 2010 as Compared to the
Year Ended December 31, 2009 and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Internet
Segment Historical Operating Data for the Year Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008. Accordingly, the economic
downturn in the United States and other countries may hurt our financial performance. We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity of the
current disruption
17
in financial markets and
adverse economic conditions and the effects they may have on our business and financial condition and results of operations.
Continued imposition of tighter processing restrictions
by credit card processing companies and acquiring banks would make it more difficult to generate revenue from our websites.
We rely on third parties to
provide credit card processing services allowing us to accept credit card payments from our subscribers and paid users. As of December 31, 2010, two
credit card processing companies accounted for approximately 48.9% of our accounts receivable. Our business could be disrupted if these or other
companies become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us. We are also subject to the operating rules, certification requirements and rules
governing electronic funds transfers imposed by the payment card industry seeking to protect credit cards issuers, which could change or be
reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply with such rules or requirements. If we fail to comply, we may be subject to fines and
higher transaction fees and lose our ability to accept credit card payments from our customers, and our business and operating results would be
adversely affected. Our ability to accept credit cards as a form of payment for our online products and services could also be restricted or denied for
a number of other reasons, including but not limited to:
|
|
if we experience excessive chargebacks and/or
credits; |
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if we experience excessive fraud ratios; |
|
|
if there is an adverse change in policy of the acquiring banks
and/or card associations with respect to the processing of credit card charges for adult-related content; |
|
|
if there is an increase in the number of European and U.S. banks
that will not accept accounts selling adult-related content; |
|
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if there is a breach of our security resulting in the theft of
credit card data; |
|
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if there is continued tightening of credit card association
chargeback regulations in international commerce; |
|
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if there are association requirements for new technologies that
consumers are less likely to use; and |
|
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if negative global economic conditions result in credit card
companies denying more transactions. |
In May 2000, American Express
instituted a policy of not processing credit card transactions for online, adult-oriented content and terminated all of its adult website merchant
accounts. If other credit card processing companies were to implement a similar policy, it would have a material adverse effect on our business
operations and financial condition.
Our credit card chargeback rate
is currently approximately 1.1% of the transactions processed and the reserves the banks require us to maintain are approximately 2.0% of our total net
revenues. In addition, our required reserve balances have decreased from $7.9 million at December 31, 2008 to $7.4 million at December 31, 2010. If our
chargeback rate increases or we are required to maintain increased reserves, this could increase our operating expenses and may have a material adverse
effect on our business operations and financial condition.
Our ability to keep pace with technological developments
is uncertain.
Our failure to respond in a
timely and effective manner to new and evolving technologies could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. The internet industry
is characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, changes in consumer needs and frequent new service and product
introductions. Our business, financial condition and operating results will depend, in part, on our ability to develop the technical expertise to
address these rapid changes and to use leading technologies effectively. We may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful
development, introduction or implementation of new features or services.
Further, if the new technologies
on which we intend to focus our investments fail to achieve acceptance in the marketplace or our technology does not work and requires significant cost
to replace or fix, our competitive position could be adversely affected, which could cause a reduction in our revenue and earnings. For example,
our
18
competitors could be the
first to obtain proprietary technologies that are perceived by the market as being superior. Further, after incurring substantial costs, one or more of
the technologies under development could become obsolete prior to its introduction.
To access technologies and
provide products that are necessary for us to remain competitive, we may make future acquisitions and investments and may enter into strategic
partnerships with other companies. Such investments may require a commitment of significant capital and human and other resources. The value of such
acquisitions, investments and partnerships and the technology accessed may be highly speculative. Arrangements with third parties can lead to
contractual and other disputes and dependence on the development and delivery of necessary technology on third parties that we may not be able to
control or influence. These relationships may commit us to technologies that are rendered obsolete by other developments or preclude the pursuit of
other technologies which may prove to be superior.
We may be held secondarily liable for the actions of our
affiliates, which could result in fines or other penalties that could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition and
business.
Under the terms of our December
2007 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, we have agreed not to display sexually explicit online advertisements to consumers who are not
seeking out sexually explicit content, and we require that members of our marketing affiliate network affirmatively agree to abide by this restriction
as part of our affiliate registration process. We have also agreed to end our relationship with any affiliate that fails to comply with this
restriction. Notwithstanding these measures, should any affiliate fail to comply with the restriction and display sexually explicit advertisements
relating to our adult-oriented websites to any consumer not seeking adult content, we may be held liable for the actions of such affiliate and
subjected to fines and other penalties that could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition and business.
In addition, we run the risk of
being held responsible for the conduct or legal violations of our affiliates or those who have a marketing relationship with us, including, for
example, with respect to their use of adware programs or other technology that causes internet advertisements to manifest in pop ups or similar
mechanisms that can be argued to block or otherwise interfere with another websites content or otherwise be argued to violate the Lanham Act or
be considered an unlawful, unfair, or deceptive business practice.
We breached certain covenants contained in our
previously existing note agreements and our Indentures. If we were to breach the covenants contained under our Indentures, which include that we must
maintain certain financial ratios, satisfy certain financial tests and remain in compliance with our Indentures, we may be restricted in the way we run
our business.
Our previously existing note
agreements required, and our Indentures governing our New First Lien Notes, Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes require us
to maintain certain financial ratios as well as comply with other financial covenants relating to minimum consolidated EBITDA and minimum consolidated
coverage ratio and permitted investments. We and INI failed to comply with certain covenants contained within some of our previously existing note
agreements and our Indentures.
On February 4, 2011, excess cash
flow payments of $10.5 million and $0.5 million were paid under our Indentures to the holders of the New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes, respectively, which payments were in amounts equal to 102% of the principal amounts repaid, amounting to total principal reductions of $10.3
million and $0.5 million for the New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, respectively. In the process of calculating the excess cash flow
payments on February 4, 2011, we inadvertently used the methodology we applied pursuant to our previously existing note agreements, rather than the
methodology from the New Financing. This error resulted in underpayments of $3.9 million on the New First Lien Notes and $0.2 million on the Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes, causing an event of default under each of those notes. Upon discovery of the error on February 28, 2011, we recalculated the excess
cash flow payments and, on March 2, 2011, we made additional excess cash flow payments in amounts sufficient to cure the underpayments and cure the
related event of default, which resulted in further principal reductions of $3.8 million and $0.2 million for the New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes, respectively.
19
If events of defaults occur in
the future under any of the Indentures for our New First Lien Notes, Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, or Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and our efforts to
cure such events of default are unsuccessful it could result in the acceleration of our then-outstanding debt. In the event that the resolution of the
lawsuit against us filed by Broadstream Capital Partners, Inc., or Broadstream, results in a liability in excess of $15.0 million (exclusive of the
$3.0 million we already paid to Broadstream), it would constitute an event of default under our New First Lien Notes, Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and
Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. For more information regarding the lawsuit against us filed by Broadstream, see the risk factor entitled If we
have an unfavorable outcome of our pending litigation matter, we may fail to satisfy certain financial covenants which may result in a default under
our debt documents.
If all of our indebtedness was
accelerated as a result of an event of default, we may not have sufficient funds at the time of acceleration to repay most of our indebtedness and we
may not be able to find additional or alternative financing to refinance any such accelerated obligations on terms acceptable to us or on any terms,
which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern.
If any of our relationships with internet search
websites terminate, if such websites methodologies are modified or if we are outbid by competitors, traffic to our websites could
decline.
We depend in part on various
internet search websites, such as Google.com, Bing.com, Yahoo.com and other websites to direct a significant amount of traffic to our websites. Search
websites typically provide two types of search results, algorithmic and purchased listings. Algorithmic listings generally are determined and displayed
as a result of a set of unpublished formulas designed by search engine companies in their discretion. Purchased listings generally are displayed if
particular word searches are performed on a search engine. We rely on both algorithmic and purchased search results, as well as advertising on other
internet websites, to direct a substantial share of visitors to our websites and to direct traffic to the advertiser customers we serve. If these
internet search websites modify or terminate their relationship with us or we are outbid by our competitors for purchased listings, meaning that our
competitors pay a higher price to be listed above us in a list of search results, traffic to our websites could decline. Such a decline in traffic
could affect our ability to generate subscription revenue and could reduce the desirability of advertising on our websites.
If members decrease their contributions of content to
our websites that depend on such content, the viability of those websites would be impaired.
Many of our websites rely on
members continued contribution of content without compensation. We cannot guarantee that members will continue to contribute such content to our
websites. In addition, we may offer discounts to members who provide content for our websites as an incentive for their contributions. In the event
that contributing members decrease their contributions to our websites, or if the quality of such contributions is not sufficiently attractive to our
audiences, or if we are required to offer additional discounts in order to encourage members to contribute content to our websites, this could have a
negative impact on our business, revenue and financial condition.
Our business, financial condition and results of
operations could be adversely affected if we fail to provide adequate security to protect our users and our systems.
Online security breaches could
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any well-publicized compromise of security could deter use of the
internet in general or use of the internet to conduct transactions that involve transmitting confidential information or downloading sensitive
materials. In offering online payment services, we may increasingly rely on technology licensed from third parties to provide the security and
authentication necessary to effect secure transmission of confidential information, such as customer credit card numbers. Advances in computer
capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments could compromise or breach the algorithms that we use to protect our
customers transaction data. If third parties are able to penetrate our network security or otherwise misappropriate confidential information, we
could be subject to liability, which could result in litigation. In addition, experienced programmers or hackers may attempt to
misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in our services that could require us to expend significant capital and resources to
protect against or remediate these problems.
20
Our business involves risks of liability claims arising
from our media content, which could adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and could increase our operating expenses.
As a distributor of media
content, we face potential liability for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, obscenity, violation of
rights of publicity and/or obscenity laws and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials distributed. These types of claims have
been brought, sometimes successfully, against broadcasters, publishers, online services and other disseminators of media content. We could also be
exposed to liability in connection with content made available through our online social networking and personals websites by users of those websites.
Any imposition of liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us. In
addition, measures to reduce our exposure to liability in connection with content available through our internet websites could require us to take
steps that would substantially limit the attractiveness of our internet websites and/or their availability in certain geographic areas, which could
adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and could increase our operating expenses.
Privacy concerns could increase our costs, damage our
reputation, deter current and potential users from using our products and services and negatively affect our operating results.
From time to time, concerns may
arise about whether our products and services compromise the privacy of users and others. Concerns about our practices with regard to the collection,
use, disclosure or security of personal information or other privacy-related matters, even if unfounded, could damage our reputation and deter current
and potential users from using our products and services, which could negatively affect our operating results. While we strive to comply with all
applicable data protection laws and regulations, as well as our own posted privacy policies, any failure or perceived failure to comply may result in
proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others, which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business. Increased
scrutiny by regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission and state agencies, of the use of customer information, could also result in
additional expenses if we are obligated to reengineer systems to comply with new regulations or to defend investigations of our privacy
practices.
In addition, as most of our
products and services are web based, the amount of data we store for our users on our servers (including personal information) has been increasing. Any
systems failure or compromise of our security that results in the release of our users data could seriously harm our reputation and brand and,
therefore, our business. A security or privacy breach may:
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cause our customers to lose confidence in our
services; |
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deter consumers from using our services; |
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require that we expend significant additional resources related
to our information security systems and result in a disruption of our operations; |
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expose us to liability; |
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subject us to unfavorable regulatory restrictions and
requirements imposed by the Federal Trade Commission or similar authority; |
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cause us to incur expenses related to remediation costs;
and |
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decrease market acceptance of the use of e-commerce
transactions. |
The risk that these types of
events could adversely affect our business is likely to increase as we expand the number of products and services we offer as well as increase the
number of countries where we operate, as more opportunities for such breaches of privacy will exist.
Proposed legislation concerning
data protection is currently pending at the U.S. federal and state level as well as in certain foreign jurisdictions. In addition, the interpretation
and application of data protection laws in Europe, the United States and elsewhere are still uncertain and in flux. It is possible that these laws may
be interpreted and
21
applied in a manner that is
inconsistent with our data practices. If so, in addition to the possibility of fines, this could result in an order requiring that we change our data
practices, which could have an adverse effect on our business. Complying with these laws as they evolve could cause us to incur substantial costs or
require us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business.
We may not be able to protect and enforce our
intellectual property rights.
We currently own and maintain
approximately 100 U.S. trademark registrations and applications and over 900 foreign trademark registrations and applications. We believe that our
trademarks, particularly the AdultFriendFinder, FriendFinder, FastCupid, Penthouse, Penthouse
Letters, Forum, and Variations names and marks, the One Key Logo, and other proprietary rights are important to our
success, potential growth and competitive position. Our inability or failure to protect or enforce these trademarks and other proprietary rights could
have a material adverse effect on our business. Accordingly, we devote substantial resources to the establishment, protection and enforcement of our
trademarks and other proprietary rights. Our actions to establish, protect and enforce our trademarks and other proprietary rights may not prevent
imitation of our products, services or brands or control piracy by others or prevent others from claiming violations of their trademarks and other
proprietary rights by us or prevent others from challenging the validity of our trademarks. In addition, the enforcement of our intellectual property
rights, including trademark rights, through legal or administrative proceedings would be costly and time-consuming and would likely divert management
from their normal responsibilities. An adverse determination in any litigation or other proceeding could put one or more of our intellectual property
rights at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly. On April 13, 2011, Facebook, Inc., or Facebook, filed a complaint against us and certain
of our subsidiaries in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging trademark infringement. For a description of this
complaint, please see Legal Proceedings below. There are factors outside of our control that pose a threat to our intellectual property
rights. For example, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our products and services are
distributed or made available through the internet.
Intellectual property litigation could expose us to
significant costs and liabilities and thus negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are, from time to time,
subject to claims of infringement of third party patents and trademarks and other violations of third party intellectual property rights. For example,
on April 13, 2011, Facebook filed a complaint against us and certain of our subsidiaries alleging trademark infringement. For a description of this
complaint, please see Legal Proceedings below. Intellectual property disputes are generally time-consuming and expensive to litigate or
settle, and the outcome of such disputes is uncertain and difficult to predict. The existence of such disputes may require the set-aside of substantial
reserves, and has the potential to significantly affect our overall financial standing. To the extent that claims against us are successful, they may
subject us to substantial liability, and we may have to pay substantial monetary damages, change aspects of our business model, and/or discontinue any
of our services or practices that are found to be in violation of another partys rights. Such outcomes may severely restrict or hinder ongoing
business operations and impact the value of our business. Successful claims against us could also result in us having to seek a license to continue our
practices. Under such conditions, a license may or may not be offered or otherwise made available to us. If a license is made available to us, the cost
of the license may significantly increase our operating burden and expenses, potentially resulting in a negative effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Although we have been and are
currently involved in multiple areas of commerce, internet services, and high technology where there is a substantial risk of future patent litigation,
we have not obtained insurance for patent infringement losses. If we are unsuccessful at resolving pending and future patent litigation in a reasonable
and affordable manner, it could disrupt our business and operations, including by negatively impacting areas of commerce or putting us at a competitive
disadvantage.
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If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of
certain information, the value of its products and technology could be materially adversely affected.
Our commercial success depends on
our know-how, trade secrets and other intellectual property, including the ability to protect our intellectual property. We rely upon unpatented
proprietary technology, processes, know-how and data that we regard as trade secrets, including our proprietary source code for our software systems.
We seek to protect our proprietary information in part through confidentiality agreements with employees and others. These agreements may be breached,
and we may not have adequate remedies for any such breach. In addition, our trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently developed by
competitors in a manner providing us with no practical recourse against the competing parties. If any such events were to occur, there could be a
material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and future growth prospects.
If we are unable to obtain or maintain key website
addresses, our ability to operate and grow our business may be impaired.
Our website addresses, or domain
names, are critical to our business. We currently own more than 3,200 domain names. However, the regulation of domain names is subject to change, and
it may be difficult for us to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to ours, that infringe our trademarks or that
otherwise decrease the value of our brands. If we are unable to obtain or maintain key domain names for the various areas of our business, our ability
to operate and grow our business may be impaired.
We may have difficulty scaling and adapting our existing
network infrastructure to accommodate increased traffic and technology advances or changing business requirements, which could cause us to incur
significant expenses and lead to the loss of users and advertisers.
To be successful, our network
infrastructure has to perform well and be reliable. The greater the user traffic and the greater the complexity of our products and services, the more
computer power we will need. We could incur substantial costs if we need to modify our websites or our infrastructure to adapt to technological
changes. If we do not maintain our network infrastructure successfully, or if we experience inefficiencies and operational failures, the quality of our
products and services and our users experience could decline. Maintaining an efficient and technologically advanced network infrastructure is
particularly critical to our business because of the pictorial nature of the products and services provided on our websites. A decline in quality could
damage our reputation and lead us to lose current and potential users and advertisers. Cost increases, loss of traffic or failure to accommodate new
technologies or changing business requirements could harm our operating results and financial condition.
The loss of our main data center, our backup data center
or other parts of our systems and network infrastructure would adversely affect our business.
Our main data center, our backup
data center and most of our servers are located at external third-party facilities in Northern California, an area with a high risk of major
earthquakes. If our main data center or other parts of our systems and network infrastructure was destroyed by, or suffered significant damage from, an
earthquake, fire, flood, lightning, tornado, or other similar catastrophes, or if our main data center was closed because of the operator having
financial difficulties, our business would be adversely affected. Our casualty insurance policies may not adequately compensate us for any losses that
may occur due to the occurrence of a natural disaster.
Our internet operations are subject to system failures
and interruptions that could hurt our ability to provide users with access to our websites, which could adversely affect our business and results of
operations.
The uninterrupted performance of
our computer systems is critical to the operation of our websites. Our ability to provide access to our websites and content may be disrupted by power
losses, telecommunications failures or break-ins to the facilities housing our servers. Our users may become dissatisfied by any disruption or failure
of our computer systems that interrupts our ability to provide our content. Repeated or prolonged system failures could substantially reduce the
attractiveness of our websites and/or interfere with commercial transactions, negatively affecting our ability to generate revenue. Our websites must
accommodate a high volume of traffic and deliver
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regularly-updated content.
Some of our network infrastructure is not fully redundant, meaning that we do not have back-up infrastructure on site for our entire network, and our
disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. Our websites have, on occasion, experienced slow response times and network failures.
These types of occurrences in the future could cause users to perceive our websites as not functioning properly and therefore induce them to frequent
other websites. We are also subject to risks from failures in computer systems other than our own because our users depend on their own internet
service providers in order to access our websites and view our content. Our revenue could be negatively affected by outages or other difficulties users
experience in accessing our websites due to internet service providers system disruptions or similar failures unrelated to our systems. Any
disruption in the ability of users to access our websites could result in fewer visitors to our websites and subscriber cancellations or failures to
renew, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We may not carry sufficient levels of business interruption insurance to
compensate us for losses that may occur as a result of any events that cause interruptions in our service.
Because of our adult content, companies providing
products and services on which we rely may refuse to do business with us.
Many companies that provide
products and services we need are concerned that associating with us could lead to their becoming the target of negative publicity campaigns by public
interest groups and boycotts of their products and services. As a result of these concerns, these companies may be reluctant to enter into or continue
business relationships with us. For example, some domestic banks have declined providing merchant bank processing services to us and some credit card
companies have ceased or declined to be affiliated with us. This has caused us, in some cases, to seek out and establish business relationships with
international providers of the services we need to operate our business. There can be no assurance however, that we will be able to maintain our
existing business relationships with the companies, domestic or international, that currently provide us with services and products. Our inability to
maintain such business relationships, or to find replacement service providers, would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations. We could be forced to enter into business arrangements on terms less favorable to us than we might otherwise obtain, which could
lead to our doing business with less competitive terms, higher transaction costs and more inefficient operations than if we were able to maintain such
business relationships or find replacement service providers.
Changes in laws could materially adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our businesses are regulated by
diverse and evolving laws and governmental authorities in the United States and other countries in which we operate. Such laws relate to, among other
things, internet, licensing, copyrights, commercial advertising, subscription rates, foreign investment, use of confidential customer information and
content, including standards of decency/obscenity and record-keeping for adult content production. Promulgation of new laws, changes in current laws,
changes in interpretations by courts and other government officials of existing laws, our inability or failure to comply with current or future laws or
strict enforcement by current or future government officers of current or future laws could adversely affect us by reducing our revenue, increasing our
operating expenses and/or exposing us to significant liabilities. The following laws relating to the internet, commercial advertising and adult content
highlight some of the potential difficulties we face:
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Internet. Several U.S. governmental agencies are
considering a number of legislative and regulatory proposals that may lead to laws or regulations concerning different aspects of the internet,
including social networking, online content, intellectual property rights, e-mail, user privacy, taxation, access charges, liability for third-party
activities and personal jurisdiction. New Jersey enacted the Internet Dating Safety Act in 2008, which requires online dating services to disclose
whether they perform criminal background screening practices and to offer safer dating tips on their websites. Other states have enacted or considered
enacting similar legislation. While online dating and social networking websites are not currently required to verify the age or identity of their
members or to run criminal background checks on them, any such requirements could increase our cost of operations or discourage use of our services.
The Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) restricts the ability of online services to collect information from minors. The Protection
of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998 requires online service providers to report evidence of violations of federal child pornography laws
under certain circumstances. |
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In the area of data protection, many states have passed laws
requiring notification to users when there is a security breach for personal data, such as Californias Information Practices Act. Congress, the
FTC and at least thirty-seven states have promulgated laws and regulations regarding email advertising and the application of such laws and the extent
of federal preemptions is still evolving. Under U.S. law, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act has provisions which limit, but do not eliminate, our
liability to list or link to third-party websites that include materials that infringe copyrights, so long as we comply with the statutory requirements
of this act. Furthermore, the Communications Decency Act (CDA), under certain circumstances, immunizes computer service providers from liability for
certain non-intellectual property claims for content created by third parties. The interpretation of the extent of CDA immunity is evolving and we run
the risk that in certain instances we may not qualify for such immunity. We face similar risks in international markets where our products and services
are offered and may be subject to additional regulations and balkanized laws. The interpretation and application of data protection laws in the United
States, Europe and elsewhere are still uncertain and in flux. It is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is
inconsistent with our data practices. If so, in addition to the possibility of fines and other monetary remedies, this could result in an order
requiring that we change our data practices. In 2008, Nevada enacted a law prohibiting businesses from transferring a customers personal
information through an electronic transmission, unless that information is encrypted. In practice, the law requires businesses operating in Nevada to
purchase and implement data encryption software in order to send any electronic transmission (including e-mail) that contains a customers
personal information. |
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More recently, Massachusetts has adopted regulations, which,
like the Nevada law, require businesses to encrypt data sent over the internet. However, these Massachusetts regulations also require encryption of
data on laptops and flash drives or other portable devices, and apply to anyone who owns, licenses, stores, or maintains personal information about the
states residents. Any failure on our part to comply with these regulations may subject us to additional liabilities. |
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Regulation of the internet could materially adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations by reducing the overall use of the internet, reducing the demand for our services or increasing
our cost of doing business. Proposed legislation concerning data protection is currently pending at the U.S. federal and state level as well as in
certain foreign jurisdictions. Complying with these laws could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a
manner adverse to our business. |
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Commercial advertising. We receive a significant portion
of our print publications advertising revenue from companies that sell tobacco products. Significant limitations on the ability of those companies to
advertise in our publications or on our websites because of legislative, regulatory or court action could materially adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations. |
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Adult content. Regulation, investigations and
prosecutions of adult content could prevent us from making such content available in certain jurisdictions or otherwise have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Government officials may also place additional restrictions on adult content affecting
the way people interact on the internet. The governments of some countries, such as China and India, have sought to limit the influence of other
cultures by restricting the distribution of products deemed to represent foreign or immoral influences. Regulation aimed at limiting
minors access to adult content both in the United States and abroad could also increase our cost of operations and introduce technological
challenges by requiring development and implementation of age verification systems. U.S. government officials could amend or construe and seek to
enforce more broadly or aggressively the adult content recordkeeping and labeling requirements set forth in 18 U.S.C. Section 2257 and its implementing
regulations in a manner that is unfavorable to our business. Court rulings may place additional restrictions on adult content affecting how people
interact on the internet, such as mandatory web labeling. |
We could be held liable for any physical and emotional
harm caused by our members and subscribers to other members or subscribers.
We cannot control the actions of
our members and subscribers in their online behavior or their communication or physical actions with other members or subscribers. There is a
possibility that one or more of our members or
25
subscribers could be
physically or emotionally harmed by the behavior of or following interaction with another of our members or subscribers. We warn our members and
subscribers that member profiles are provided solely by third parties, and we are not responsible for the accuracy of information they contain or the
intentions of individuals that use our sites. We are also unable to and do not take any action to ensure personal safety on a meeting between members
or subscribers arranged following contact initiated via our websites. If an unfortunate incident of this nature occurred in a meeting between users of
our websites following contact initiated on one of our websites or a website of one of our competitors, any resulting negative publicity could
materially and adversely affect us or the social networking and online personals industry in general. Any such incident involving one of our websites
could damage our reputation and our brands. This, in turn, could adversely affect our revenue and could cause the value of our common stock to decline.
In addition, the affected members or subscribers could initiate legal action against us, which could cause us to incur significant expense, whether or
not we were ultimately successful in defending such action, and damage our reputation.
Our websites may be misused by users, despite the
safeguards we have in place to protect against such behavior.
Users may be able to circumvent
the controls we have in place to prevent illegal or dishonest activities and behavior on our websites, and may engage in such activities and behavior
despite these controls. For example, our websites could be used to exploit children and to facilitate individuals seeking payment for sexual activity
and related activities in jurisdictions in which such behavior is illegal. The behavior of such users could injure our other members and may jeopardize
the reputation of our websites and the integrity of our brands. Users could also post fraudulent profiles or create false or unauthorized profiles on
behalf of other, non-consenting parties. This behavior could expose us to liability or lead to negative publicity that could injure the reputation of
our websites and of social networking and online personals websites in general.
Our business is exposed to risks associated with online
commerce security and credit card fraud.
Consumer concerns over the
security of transactions conducted on the internet or the privacy of users may inhibit the growth of the internet and online commerce. To transmit
confidential information such as customer credit card numbers securely, we rely on encryption and authentication technology. Unanticipated events or
developments could result in a compromise or breach of the systems we use to protect customer transaction data. Furthermore, our servers may also be
vulnerable to viruses and other attacks transmitted via the internet. While we proactively check for intrusions into our infrastructure, a new and
undetected virus could cause a service disruption. Under current credit card practices, we may be held liable for fraudulent credit card transactions
and other payment disputes with customers. A failure to control fraudulent credit card transactions adequately would adversely affect our
business.
If one or more states or countries successfully assert
that we should collect sales or other taxes on the use of the internet or the online sales of goods and services, our expenses could increase,
resulting in lower margins.
In the United States, federal and
state tax authorities are currently exploring the appropriate tax treatment of companies engaged in e-commerce and new state tax regulations may
subject us to additional state sales and income taxes, which could increase our expenses and decrease our profit margins. The application of indirect
taxes (such as sales and use tax, value added tax, goods and services tax, business tax and gross receipt tax) to e-commerce businesses such as ours
and to our users is a complex and evolving issue. Many of the statutes and regulations that impose these taxes were established before the growth in
internet technology and e-commerce. In many cases, it is not clear how existing statutes apply to the internet or e-commerce or communications
conducted over the internet. In addition, some jurisdictions have implemented or may implement laws specifically addressing the internet or some aspect
of e-commerce or communications on the internet. The application of existing or future laws could have adverse effects on our
business.
Under current law, as outlined in
the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Quill Corp. v. North Dakota, 504 U.S. 298 (1992), a seller with substantial nexus (usually defined as
physical presence) in its customers state is required to collect state (and local) sales tax on sales arranged over the internet (or by
telephone, mail order, or other means). In contrast, an out-of-state seller without substantial nexus in the customers state is not required to
collect the sales tax. The U.S. federal governments moratorium on states and other local authorities imposing new taxes on
internet
26
access or multiple or
discriminatory taxes on internet commerce is scheduled to expire in October 31, 2014. This moratorium, however, does not prohibit the possibility that
U.S. Congress will be willing to grant state or local authorities the authority to require remote (out-of-state) sellers to collect sales and use taxes
on interstate sales of goods (including intellectual property) and services over the internet. Several proposals to that extent have been made at the
U.S. federal, state and local levels (for example, the Streamlined Sales and the Use Tax initiative). These proposals, if adopted, would likely result
in our having to charge state sales tax to some or all of our users in connection with the sale of our products and services, which would harm our
business if the added cost deterred users from visiting our websites and could substantially impair the growth of our e-commerce opportunities and
diminish our ability to derive financial benefit from our activities.
Certain states, including New
York, Illinois, Colorado, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Tennessee, have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, state nexus laws, often referred
to as Amazon tax laws, whereby the responsibility to collect sales or use taxes is imposed on an out-of-state- seller which used an in-state resident
to solicit business from the residents of that state using internet sites. If it is determined that these laws are applicable to our operations, then
we could be required to collect from our customers and remit additional sales or use taxes and, if any state determines that we should have been
collecting such taxes previously, we may be subject to past tax, interest, late fees and penalties.
In addition, in 2007 we received
a claim from the State of Texas for an immaterial amount relating to our failure to file franchise tax returns for the years 2000 through 2006. We
believe that we are not obligated to file franchise tax returns because of the nature of our services provided and the lack of sufficient nexus to the
State of Texas. If we are wrong in our assessment or if there is a clarification of the law against us it is possible that such taxes will need to be
paid along with other remedies and penalties. We have received and could continue to receive similar inquiries from other states attempting to impose
franchise, income or similar taxes on us.
We collect and remit VAT on
digital orders from purchasers in most member states of the European Union. There can be no assurance that this increased cost will not adversely
affect our ability to attract new subscribers within the European Union or to retain existing subscribers within the European Union and consequently
adversely affect our results of operations. Certain member states, including the United Kingdom, have ruled that we are not required to register and
account for VAT in their jurisdiction. There can be no assurance that the tax authorities of these jurisdictions will not, at some point in the future,
revise their current position and require us to register and account for VAT.
Our liability to tax authorities in the European Union
for the failure of Various and its subsidiaries to collect and remit VAT on purchases made by subscribers in the European Union could adversely affect
our financial condition and results of operations.
After our acquisition of Various
in December 2007, we became aware that Various and its subsidiaries had not collected VAT from subscribers in the European Union nor had Various
remitted VAT to the tax jurisdictions requiring it. We have initiated discussions with most tax authorities in the European Union jurisdictions to
attempt to resolve liabilities related to Various past failure to collect and remit VAT, and while we have resolved such prior liabilities in
several jurisdictions on favorable terms, there can be no assurance that we will resolve or reach a favorable resolution in every jurisdiction. If we
are unable to reach a favorable resolution with a jurisdiction, the terms of such resolution could adversely affect our financial condition or results
of operations. For example, we might be required to pay substantial sums of money without the benefit of a payment deferral plan, which could adversely
affect our cash position and impair operations. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount of historical uncollected VAT payments was approximately
$39.4 million, including approximately $19.5 million in potential penalties and interest. For more information regarding the potential effect that our
VAT liability could have on our operations see the section entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Until we have reached a favorable
resolution with a jurisdiction, the jurisdictions might take action against us and against our managers. For example, in an effort to recover VAT
payments it claims it is owed, the German tax authority has attempted unsuccessfully to freeze assets in bank accounts maintained by subsidiaries of
Various in Germany, and did freeze e610,343 of assets in a bank account in The Netherlands with the cooperation of the Dutch authorities and continues
to enlist the Dutch tax authorities to assist in its collection efforts. If another
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jurisdiction were to freeze
or seize our cash or other assets, our operations and financial condition could be impaired. In addition, in many jurisdictions the potential exists
for criminal investigations or proceedings to be instituted against us and against individual members of prior or current management. Were members of
our management to face criminal processes individually, their attention to operational matters could be diverted and their ability to continue to serve
in their capacities could be impaired. Were Various or its subsidiaries to face criminal processes, it could result in additional fines and penalties,
or substantially interfere with continued operations in such jurisdictions. We are actively engaged in efforts to resolve all issues, but there can be
no assurance that we will be able to do so.
Unforeseen liabilities arising from our acquisition of
Various could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our acquisition of Various and
its subsidiaries in December 2007 may expose us to undisclosed and unforeseen operating risks and liabilities arising from Variouss operating
history. For example, after our acquisition of Various we became aware that VAT had not been collected from subscribers in the European Union and that
VAT had not been paid to tax authorities in the European Union. There can be no assurance that other unforeseen liabilities related to the acquisition
of Various and its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, VAT issues in other non-European Union jurisdictions) could
materialize.
Our recourse for liabilities arising from our
acquisition of Various is limited.
Under the agreement pursuant to
which we purchased Various and its subsidiaries in December 2007, our sole recourse against the sellers for most losses suffered by us as a result of
liabilities was to offset the principal amount of our Subordinated Convertible Notes by the amount of any such losses. The maximum amount of such
offset available to us was $175 million. On October 8, 2009, we settled and released all indemnity claims against the sellers (whether the claims were
VAT related or not) by reducing the original principal amount of the Subordinated Convertible Notes to $156 million from $170 million. In addition, the
sellers agreed to make available to us, to pay VAT and certain VAT-related expenses, $10.0 million cash held in a working capital escrow account
established at the closing of the Various transaction. If the actual costs to us of eliminating the VAT liability are less than $29.0 million, after
applying amounts from the working capital escrow, then the principal amount of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes (notes issued in exchange for the
Subordinated Convertible Notes in the New Financing) will be increased by the issuance of new Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes to reflect the difference
between $29.0 million and the actual VAT liability, plus interest on such difference. Accordingly, any additional undisclosed liabilities arising from
our acquisition of Various may result in losses that we can no longer attempt to recover from the sellers. Any such liabilities for which we have no
recourse could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In pursuing future acquisitions we may not be successful
in identifying appropriate acquisition candidates or consummating acquisitions on favorable or acceptable terms. Furthermore, we may face significant
integration issues and may not realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions due to integration difficulties or other operating
issues.
If appropriate opportunities
become available, we may acquire businesses, products or technologies that we believe are strategically advantageous to our business. Transactions of
this sort could involve numerous risks, including:
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unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures arising from
the process of integrating any acquired business, product or technology, including related personnel, and maintaining uniform standards, controls,
procedures and policies; |
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diversion of a significant amount of managements attention
from the ongoing development of our business; |
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dilution of existing stockholders ownership
interests; |
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incurrence of additional debt; |
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exposure to additional operational risks and liabilities,
including risks and liabilities arising from the operating history of any acquired businesses; |
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negative effects on reported results of operations from
acquisition-related charges and amortization of acquired intangibles; |
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entry into markets and geographic areas where we have limited or
no experience; |
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the potential inability to retain and motivate key employees of
acquired businesses; |
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adverse effects on our relationships with suppliers and
customers; and |
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adverse effects on the existing relationships of any acquired
companies, including suppliers and customers. |
In addition, we may not be
successful in identifying appropriate acquisition candidates or consummating acquisitions on favorable or acceptable terms, or at all. Failure to
effectively manage our growth through acquisitions could adversely affect our growth prospects, business, results of operations and financial
condition.
Our efforts to capitalize upon opportunities to expand
into new markets may fail and could result in a loss of capital and other valuable resources.
One of our strategies is to
expand into new markets to increase our revenue base. We intend to identify new markets by targeting identifiable groups of people who share common
interests and the desire to meet other individuals with similar interests, backgrounds or traits. Our planned expansion into new markets will occupy
our managements time and attention and will require us to invest significant capital resources. The results of our expansion efforts into new
markets are unpredictable and there is no guarantee that our efforts will have a positive effect on our revenue base. We face many risks associated
with our planned expansion into new markets, including but not limited to the following:
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competition from pre-existing competitors with significantly
stronger brand recognition in the markets we enter; |
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our erroneous evaluations of the potential of such
markets; |
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diversion of capital and other valuable resources away from our
core business; |
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foregoing opportunities that are potentially more profitable;
and |
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weakening our current brands by over expansion into too many new
markets. |
We face the risk that additional international expansion
efforts and operations will not be effective.
One of our strategies is to
increase our revenue base by expanding into new international markets and expanding our presence in existing international markets. Further expansion
into international markets requires management time and capital resources. We face the following risks associated with our expansion outside the United
States:
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challenges caused by distance, language and cultural
differences; |
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local competitors with substantially greater brand recognition,
more users and more traffic than we have; |
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challenges associated with creating and increasing our brand
recognition, improving our marketing efforts internationally and building strong relationships with local affiliates; |
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longer payment cycles in some countries; |
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credit risk and higher levels of payment fraud in some
countries; |
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different legal and regulatory restrictions among
jurisdictions; |
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political, social and economic instability; |
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potentially adverse tax consequences; and |
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higher costs associated with doing business
internationally. |
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Any remaining indebtedness after this offering could
make obtaining additional capital resources difficult and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations
and our growth strategy.
We intend to use all of the net
proceeds from the sale of the shares of our common stock in this offering to repay some of our existing indebtedness. Assuming an initial offering
price of $ 11.00 per share of common stock, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, after an aggregate of $ 44.8
million in principal repayments (and taking into consideration excess cash flow payments of $14.1 million and $0.6 million on our New
First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, respectively, made in the first fiscal quarter of 2011) , the remaining outstanding
principal balances would have been $ 248.0 million, $ 11.3 million and $237.2 million, respectively, under our New First Lien Notes,
Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, respectively. We will require additional capital resources after this offering there can
be no assurance that such funds will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. The unavailability of funds could have a material adverse effect
on our financial condition, results of operations and ability to expand our operations. Any remaining indebtedness after this offering could materially
adversely affect us in a number of ways, including the following:
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we may be unable to obtain additional financing for working
capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, repayment of debt at maturity and other general corporate purposes; |
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a significant portion of our cash flow from operations must be
dedicated to debt service, which reduces the amount of cash we have available for other purposes; |
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we may be disadvantaged as compared to our competitors, such as
in our ability to adjust to changing market conditions, as a result of the amount of debt we owe; |
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we may be restricted in our ability to make strategic
acquisitions and to exploit business opportunities; and |
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additional dilution of stockholders may be required to service
our debt. |
Moreover, our Indentures contain
covenants that limit our actions. These covenants could materially and adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs
or to engage in other business activities that may be in our best interest. The covenants limit our ability to, among other things:
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incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; |
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repurchase capital stock; |
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make loans and investments; |
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enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries
abilities to pay dividends; |
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sell or otherwise dispose of assets; |
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enter new lines of business; |
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merge or consolidate with other entities; and |
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engage in transactions with affiliates. |
If we do not maintain certain financial ratios, satisfy
certain financial tests and remain in compliance with our Indentures, we may be restricted in the way we run our business.
Our Indentures contain certain
financial covenants and restrictions requiring us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy certain financial tests. As a result of these
covenants and restrictions, we are limited in how we conduct our business and we may be unable to raise additional debt or equity financing, compete
effectively or take advantage of new business opportunities.
Our failure to comply with the
covenants and restrictions contained in our Indentures could lead to a default under these instruments. If such a default occurs and we are unable to
cure such default or obtain a waiver, the holders of the debt in default could accelerate the maturity of the related debt, which in turn could trigger
the cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions of our other financing agreements. If any of these events occur, we cannot assure you that we will
have sufficient funds available to pay in full the total amount of obligations that become
30
due as a result of any such
acceleration, or that we will be able to find additional or alternative financing to refinance any such accelerated obligations on terms acceptable to
us or on any terms.
We have defaulted on certain
terms of our indebtedness in the past and we cannot assure you that we will be able to remain in compliance with these covenants in the future and, if
we fail to do so, we cannot assure you that we will be able to cure such default, obtain waivers from the holders of the debt and/or amend the
covenants as we have in the past. For more information regarding the potential risks associated with our breach of covenants on certain of our
indebtedness see the risk factor entitled We breached certain covenants contained in our previously existing note agreements and our Indentures.
If we were to breach the covenants contained under our Indentures, which include that we must maintain certain financial ratios, satisfy certain
financial tests and remain in compliance with our Indentures, we may be restricted in the way we run our business.
Our business will suffer if we lose and are unable to
replace key personnel, in the event that we fail or choose not to pay severance to Messrs. Bell and Staton and they choose to compete against us or
solicit our employees or if the other obligations of our key personnel create conflicts of interest or otherwise distract these
individuals.
We believe that our ability to
successfully implement our business strategy and to operate profitably depends on the continued employment of our executive officers and other key
employees. In particular, Marc Bell and Daniel Staton are critical to our overall management and our strategic direction. On or prior to the closing of
this offering, we intend to enter into an employment agreement with each of Messrs. Bell and Staton which sets a term of employment and provides for
certain bonuses and grants of our stock in order to incentivize performance. However, the executives are free to voluntarily terminate their employment
upon 180 days prior written notice. Therefore, the agreements do not ensure continued service with us. In the event we do not pay severance to
Messrs. Bell and Staton, including under circumstances pursuant to which either of Messrs. Bell or Staton are terminated by us for cause (as defined in
their employment agreement) or terminate their employment for good reason (as defined in their employment agreement) and our board of directors fails
or chooses not to pay severance to them, Messrs. Bell and Staton will not be subject to a non-compete or a non-solicitation agreement. If that occurs,
Messrs. Bell and Staton could immediately compete against us and solicit our employees to work for them. We have not obtained key-man life insurance
and there is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain such insurance in the future. Furthermore, most of our key employees are at-will employees. If
we lose members of our senior management without retaining replacements, or in the event that we do not pay severance to Messrs. Bell and Staton and
they choose to compete against us or solicit our employees to work for them, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected.
Additionally, Mr. Staton serves
as Chairman and Mr. Bell serves as a director of ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc., or ARMOUR. Staton Bell Blank Check LLC, an entity affiliated with
Messrs. Bell and Staton, is contractually obligated to provide services to ARMOUR Residential Management LLC, or ARRM, which entity will manage and
advise ARMOUR, pursuant to a sub-management agreement. Staton Bell Blank Check LLC will be receiving a percentage of the net management fees earned by
ARRM. Each of Messrs. Bell and Staton is permitted to devote up to twenty percent of his business time to other business activities. We expect that
Messrs. Bell and Staton, will devote approximately ten percent of their combined time to ARMOUR. Messrs. Bell and Statons service as a director
or an affiliate of the sub-manager of ARMOUR could cause them to be distracted from the management of our business and could also create conflicts of
interest if they are faced with decisions that could have materially different implications for us and for ARMOUR, such as in the area of potential
acquisitions. If such a conflict arises, we believe our directors and officers intend to take all actions necessary to comply with their fiduciary
duties to our stockholders, including, where appropriate, abstaining from voting on matters that present a conflict of interest. However, these
conflicts of interest, or the perception among investors that conflicts of interest could arise, could harm our business and cause our stock price to
fall.
We rely on highly skilled personnel and, if we are
unable to attract, retain or motivate key personnel or hire qualified personnel, we may not be able to grow effectively.
Our growth strategy and
performance is largely dependent on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. Our success greatly depends on our ability to attract, hire,
train, retain and motivate qualified personnel, particularly in sales, marketing, service and support. There can be no assurance that we will be able
to successfully
31
recruit and integrate new
employees. We face significant competition for individuals with the skills required to perform the services we offer and currently we do not have
non-compete agreements with a number of our executive officers or key personnel. In addition, in the event we do not pay severance to Messrs. Bell and
Staton, including under circumstances pursuant to which either of Messrs. Bell or Staton are terminated by us for cause (as defined in their employment
agreement) or terminate their employment for good reason (as defined in their employment agreement) and our board of directors fails or chooses not to
pay severance to them, Messrs. Bell and Staton will not be subject to a non-compete or a non-solicitation agreement. If that occurs, Messrs. Bell and
Staton could immediately compete against us and solicit our employees to work for them. The loss of the services of our executive officers or other key
personnel, particularly if lost to competitors, could materially and adversely affect our business. If we are unable to attract, integrate and retain
qualified personnel or if we experience high personnel turnover, we could be prevented from effectively managing and expanding our
business.
Moreover, companies in technology
industries whose employees accept positions with competitors have in the past claimed that their competitors have engaged in unfair competition or
hiring practices. If we received such claims in the future as we seek to hire qualified personnel, it could lead to material litigation. We could incur
substantial costs in defending against such claims, regardless of their merit. Competition in our industry for qualified employees is intense, and
certain of our competitors may directly target our employees. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract new
employees and to retain and motivate our existing employees.
Workplace and other restrictions on access to the
internet may limit user traffic on our websites.
Many offices, businesses,
libraries and educational institutions restrict employee and student access to the internet or to certain types of websites, including social
networking and personals websites. Since our revenue is dependent on user traffic to our websites, an increase in these types of restrictions, or other
similar policies, could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, access to our websites outside the United States may
be restricted by governmental authorities or internet service providers. These restrictions could hinder our growth.
Adverse currency fluctuations could decrease revenue and
increase expenses.
We conduct business globally in
many foreign currencies, but report our financial results in U.S. dollars. We are therefore exposed to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange
rates because depreciation of non-U.S. currencies against the U.S. dollar reduces the U.S. dollar value of the non-U.S. dollar denominated revenue that
we recognize and appreciation of non-U.S. currencies against the U.S. dollar increases the U.S. dollar value of expenses that we incur that are
denominated in those foreign currencies. Such fluctuations could decrease revenue and increase our expenses. We have not entered into foreign currency
hedging contracts to reduce the effect of adverse changes in the value of foreign currencies but may do so in the future.
We are subject to litigation and adverse outcomes in
such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We are party to various
litigation claims and legal proceedings including, but not limited to, actions relating to intellectual property, in particular patent infringement
claims against us, breach of contract and fraud claims, some of which are described in this prospectus in the section entitled Legal
Proceedings and the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements, that involve claims for substantial amounts of money or for other
relief or that might necessitate changes to our business or operations. The defense of these actions may be both time consuming and
expensive.
We evaluate these litigation
claims and legal proceedings to assess the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes and to estimate, if possible, the amount of potential losses. Based on
these assessments and estimates, we establish reserves and/or disclose the relevant litigation claims or legal proceedings, as appropriate. These
assessments and estimates are based on the information available to management at the time and involve a significant amount of management judgment. As
a result, actual outcomes or losses may differ materially from those envisioned by our current assessments and estimates. Our failure to successfully
defend or settle any of these litigations or legal proceedings could result in liability that, to the extent not covered by our insurance, could have a
material adverse
32
effect on our financial
condition, revenue and profitability and could cause the market value of our common stock to decline.
Industry reports may not accurately reflect the current
economic climate.
Because industry reports and
publications contain data that has been compiled for prior measurement periods, such reports and publications may not accurately reflect the current
economic climate affecting the industry. The necessary lag time between the end of a measured period and the release of an industry report or
publication may result in reporting results that, while not inaccurate with respect to the period reported, are out of date with the current state of
the industry.
If we have an unfavorable outcome of our pending
litigation matter, we may fail to satisfy certain financial covenants which may result in a default under our debt documents.
In December 2007, Broadstream
Capital Partners, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us alleging , among other matters, breach of contract, and breach of covenant of good faith and fair
dealing, arising out of a document titled Non-Disclosure Agreement. Broadstream has alleged, among other things, that Broadstream entered
into a Non-Disclosure Agreement with us that required Broadstreams prior written consent for us to knowingly acquire Various or any of its
subsidiaries and that such consent was not obtained.
On July 20, 2009, we entered into
an agreement with Broadstream under which, without admitting liability and in addition to paying Broadstream $3.0 million dollars, after January 20,
2011, but no later than January 20, 2012, Broadstream must choose either to refile its complaint in Federal District Court provided that it first repay
us the $3.0 million or to demand arbitration. If Broadstream elects arbitration, the parties have agreed that there will be an arbitration award to
Broadstream of at least $10.0 million but not more than $47.0 million (in addition to the $3.0 million we have already paid Broadstream). In December
2010, because Broadstream elected arbitration, we recognized a loss in connection with the matter of $13.0 million. In the event that the resolution of
the matter results in a liability in excess of $15.0 million (exclusive of the $3.0 million we already paid to Broadstream), it would constitute an
event of default under our New First Lien Notes, Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. See the risk factor entitled We
breached certain covenants contained in our previously existing note agreements. If we were to breach the covenants contained under our Indentures,
which include that we must maintain certain financial ratios, satisfy certain financial tests and remain in compliance with our Indentures, we may be
restricted in the way we run our business.
If such default occurs and we are
unable to cure such default or obtain a waiver, the holders of the debt could accelerate the maturity of the related debt. If this occurs, we cannot
assure you that we will have sufficient funds available to pay in full the total amount of obligations that become due as a result of any such
acceleration, or that we will be able to find additional or alternative financing to refinance any such accelerated obligations on terms acceptable to
us or on any terms.
Risks Related to this Offering
If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book
value of your shares and may be subject to additional future dilution.
Prior investors have paid less
per share for our common stock than the price in this offering. Immediately after this offering there will be a per share net tangible book value
deficiency of our common stock. Therefore, based on an assumed offering price of $ 11.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on
the cover page of this prospectus, if you purchase our common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of
approximately $ ( 32.95) per share. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option, or if outstanding options and warrants to
purchase our common stock are exercised, or if our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or our Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes are converted into
shares of common stock, the amount of your dilution may be affected. Any future equity issuances and the future exercise of employee stock options
granted pursuant to our 2008 Stock Option Plan and 2009 Restricted Stock Plan will also affect the amount of dilution to holders of our common
stock.
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Our executive officers, directors and principal
stockholders will continue to own a substantial percentage of our common stock after this offering, which will likely allow them to control matters
requiring stockholder approval. They could make business decisions for us with which you disagree and that cause our stock price to
decline.
Upon the closing of this
offering, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders will beneficially own approximately 78 % of our common stock, including
shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise, exchange, or conversion, as applicable, of our warrants, Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and
Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes that are exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, shares of our common stock within 60 days of the date of
this prospectus. As a result, if they act in concert, they could control matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of
directors, and could have the ability to prevent or approve a corporate transaction, even if other stockholders, including those who purchase shares in
this offering, oppose such action. This concentration of voting power could also have the effect of delaying, deterring, or preventing a change of
control or other business combination, which could cause our stock price to decline.
There are a large number of shares of common stock
underlying our warrants, Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, which may be available for future sale and may
cause the prevailing market price of our common stock to decrease and impair our capital raising abilities.
Immediately following this
offering, we will have 26,328,895 shares of common stock outstanding, based on the assumptions we have made with respect to our outstanding
securities. For more information see the section entitled Prospectus Summary The Offering. We will also have an additional
98,671,105 shares of our common stock, and 20,733,297 shares of preferred stock, authorized and available for issuance, which we may, in
general, issue without any action or approval by our stockholders, including in connection with acquisitions or otherwise except as required by
relevant stock exchange requirements.
The 5,000,000 shares sold
in this offering will be freely tradable, except for any shares purchased by our affiliates as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended. Holders of at least of the other shares outstanding or convertible into our common stock have
agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions and extensions, not to dispose of any of their securities for a period of 180 days
following the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of the underwriters. For more information regarding this lock-up, see the
section entitled Underwriting No Sales of Similar Securities. After the expiration of this 180-day lock-up period, these shares may
be sold in the public market, subject to prior registration or qualification for an exemption from registration, including, in the case of shares held
by our affiliates, compliance with the volume restrictions of Rule 144. The holders of 6,328,239 shares issued or issuable upon exercise of our
warrants, as well as the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into 2,000,452 shares and holders of the Non-Cash Pay Second
Lien Notes convertible into 8,310,763 shares (based on the midpoint of the range on the front cover of this prospectus), are also entitled to
certain piggy back registration rights with respect to the public resale of their shares. In addition, following this offering, we intend to file a
registration statement covering the shares issuable under our 2008 Stock Option Plan and our 2009 Restricted Stock Plan.
The market price for our common
stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market after this offering, and even the perception
that these sales could occur may depress the market price. The sale of shares issued upon the exercise or conversion of our derivative securities could
also further dilute your investment in our common stock. Further, the sale of any of the foregoing shares could impair our ability to raise capital
through the sale of additional equity securities.
Public interest group actions targeted at our
stockholders may cause the prevailing market price of our common stock to decrease and impair our capital raising abilities.
Public interest groups may target
our stockholders, particularly institutional stockholders, seeking to cause those stockholders to divest their holdings of our securities because of
the adult-oriented nature of parts of our business. The sale by any institutional investor of its holdings of our common stock, and the reluctance of
other institutional investors to invest in our securities, because of such public interest group actions, or the threat of such actions, could cause
the market price of our common stock to decline and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity
securities.
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We will incur increased costs as a result of being a
public company.
As a public company, we will
incur increased legal, accounting and other costs not incurred as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules and regulations
of the SEC and Nasdaq Global Market regulate the corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect that compliance with these requirements
will increase our expenses and make some activities more time consuming than they have been in the past when we were a private company. Although we are
currently unable to estimate these increased costs with any degree of certainty, such additional costs going forward could negatively impact our
financial results.
Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal
controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our ability to produce accurate financial
statements and on our stock price.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we will be required to furnish a report by our management on our internal control over financial reporting. We have not
been subject to these requirements in the past. The internal control report must contain (a) a statement of managements responsibility for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, (b) a statement identifying the framework used by management to
conduct the required evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, and (c) managements assessment of the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of our most recent fiscal year, including a statement as to whether or not
internal control over financial reporting is effective.
To achieve compliance with
Section 404 within the prescribed period, we will be engaged in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which
is both costly and challenging. In this regard, we will need to dedicate internal resources, engage outside consultants and adopt a detailed work plan
to (a) assess and document the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, (b) take steps to improve control processes where appropriate,
(c) validate through testing that controls are functioning as documented, and (d) implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal
control over financial reporting. Despite our efforts, we can provide no assurance as to our, or our independent registered public accounting
firms, conclusions with respect to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404. There is a risk that
neither we nor our independent registered public accounting firm will be able to conclude within the prescribed timeframe that our internal controls
over financial reporting are effective as required by Section 404. This could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of
confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.
We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable
future.
You should not rely on an
investment in our common stock to provide dividend income. We do not currently pay any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying
any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings to fund our growth and repay existing indebtedness. In addition, our
ability to pay dividends is prohibited by the terms of our currently outstanding notes and we expect that any future credit facility will contain terms
prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or paid on our common stock. Accordingly, you will receive a return on your
investment in our common stock only if our common stock appreciates in value. You may therefore not realize a return on your investment even if you
sell your shares.
Our stock price may be volatile, and you may not be able
to resell shares of our common stock at or above the price you paid.
Prior to this offering, our
common stock has not been traded in a public market. We cannot predict the extent to which a trading market will develop or how liquid that market
might become. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiation between the representatives of the underwriters and us and may not be
indicative of prices that will prevail in the trading market. The trading price of our common stock following this offering is therefore likely to be
highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in price in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors
include:
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Quarterly variations in our results of operations or those of
our competitors. |
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Announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, new
products, significant contracts, commercial relationships or capital commitments. |
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Disruption to our operations or those of our marketing
affiliates. |
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The emergence of new sales channels in which we are unable to
compete effectively. |
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Our ability to develop and market new and enhanced products on a
timely basis. |
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Commencement of, or our involvement in, litigation. |
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Any major change in our board or management. |
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Changes in governmental regulations or in the status of our
regulatory approvals. |
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Changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities
analysts. |
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General economic conditions and slow or negative growth of
related markets. |
In addition, the stock market in
general, and the market for technology companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated
or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Such fluctuations may be even more pronounced in the trading market shortly
following this offering. These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual
operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a companys
securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. This litigation, if instituted against us, could
result in substantial costs and a diversion of our managements attention and resources.
Anti-takeover provisions in our articles of
incorporation and bylaws or provisions of Nevada law could prevent or delay a change in control, even if a change of control would benefit our
stockholders.
Provisions of our articles of
incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Nevada law, could discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control,
even if a change in control would benefit our stockholders. These provisions:
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establish advance notice requirements for nominations for
election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings; |
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authorize our board of directors to issue blank
check preferred stock to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt; |
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require the written request of at least 75% of the voting power
of our capital stock in order to compel management to call a special meeting of the stockholders; and |
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prohibit stockholder action by written consent and require that
all stockholder actions be taken at a meeting of our stockholders, unless otherwise specifically required by our articles of incorporation or the
Nevada Revised Statutes. |
In addition, the Nevada Revised
Statutes contain provisions governing the acquisition of a controlling interest in certain Nevada corporations. These laws provide generally that any
person that acquires 20% or more of the outstanding voting shares of certain Nevada corporations in the secondary public or private market must follow
certain formalities before such acquisition or they may be denied voting rights, unless a majority of the disinterested stockholders of the corporation
elects to restore such voting rights in whole or in part. These laws will apply to us if we have 200 or more stockholders of record, at least 100 of
whom have addresses in Nevada, unless our articles of incorporation or bylaws in effect on the tenth day after the acquisition of a controlling
interest provide otherwise. These laws provide that a person acquires a controlling interest whenever a person acquires shares of a subject
corporation that, but for the application of these provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes, would enable that person to exercise (1) one-fifth or
more, but less than one-third, (2) one-third or more, but less than a majority or (3) a majority or more, of all of the voting power of the corporation
in the election of directors. Once an acquirer crosses one of these thresholds, shares which it acquired in the transaction taking it over the
threshold and within the 90
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days immediately preceding
the date when the acquiring person acquired or offered to acquire a controlling interest become control shares. These laws may have a
chilling effect on certain transactions if our articles of incorporation or bylaws are not amended to provide that these provisions do not apply to us
or to an acquisition of a controlling interest, or if our disinterested stockholders do not confer voting rights in the control shares. For more
information regarding the specific provisions of Nevada corporate law to which we are subject see the section entitled Description of Capital
Stock Nevada Anti-Takeover Laws and Certain Articles and Bylaws Provisions.
Nevada law also provides that if
a person is the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of certain Nevada corporations, such person is an interested
stockholder and may not engage in any combination with the corporation for a period of three years from the date such person first
became an interested stockholder, unless the combination or the transaction by which the person first became an interested stockholder is approved by
the board of directors of the corporation before the person first became an interested stockholder. Another exception to this prohibition is if the
combination is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of stock representing a majority of the outstanding voting power not beneficially owned
by the interested stockholder at a meeting called for that purpose , no earlier than three years after the date that the person first became an
interested stockholder. These laws generally apply to Nevada corporations with 200 or more stockholders of record, but a Nevada corporation may elect
in its articles of incorporation not to be governed by these particular laws. We have made such an election in our amended and restated articles of
incorporation.
Nevada law also provides that
directors may resist a change or potential change in control if the directors determine that the change is opposed to, or not in the best interest of,
the corporation.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains certain
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current
facts. Generally, the inclusion of the words believe, expect, potential, may, should,
plan, intend, estimate, anticipate, will, and similar expressions also identify statements
that constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements appear in a number of places throughout this prospectus and include
statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things, our results of
operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies, the industry in which we operate and the trends that may affect our
industry. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends
that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short term and long term business operations and
objectives and financial needs.
By their nature, forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events, competitive dynamics, customer and industry change and depend on the economic
or technological circumstances that may or may not occur in the future or may occur on longer or shorter timelines than anticipated. We caution the
investors that the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition
and liquidity and the development of the industry or results in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the
forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the
development of the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, they may not be
predictive of results or developments in future periods.
Any or all of our forward-looking
statements in this prospectus may turn out to be incorrect. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks
and uncertainties. Many of these factors will be important in determining future results. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed.
Actual future results may vary materially.
Except as may be required under
the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise. Under the caption Risk Factors, we provide a cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate
assumptions relevant to our business. These are factors that we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical
results. Other factors besides those listed in the section entitled Risk Factors could also adversely affect us.
The following list represents
some, but not necessarily all, of the factors that may cause our actual results to differ from those anticipated or predicted:
|
|
our history of significant operating losses and the risk of
incurring additional net losses in the future; |
|
|
our reliance on subscribers to our websites for most of our
revenue; |
|
|
competition from other social networking, internet personals and
adult-oriented websites; |
|
|
our reliance on our affiliate network to drive traffic to our
websites; |
|
|
increased subscriber churn or subscriber upgrade and retention
costs impact on our financial performance; |
|
|
our ability to generate significant revenue from internet
advertising; |
|
|
our ability to maintain and enhance our brands; |
|
|
unfavorable economic and market conditions; |
|
|
our reliance on credit cards as a form of payment; |
|
|
our ability to keep up with new technologies and remain
competitive; |
|
|
we may be held secondarily liable for the actions of our
affiliates; |
38
|
|
our history of breaching certain covenants in our note
agreements and the risk of future breaches; |
|
|
our reliance on member-generated content to our
websites; |
|
|
security breaches may cause harm to our subscribers or our
systems; |
|
|
we may be subject to liability arising from our media
content; |
|
|
our ability to safeguard the privacy of the users of our
websites; |
|
|
our ability to enforce and protect our intellectual property
rights; |
|
|
we may be subject to claims that we have violated the
intellectual property rights of others; |
|
|
our ability to obtain or maintain key website
addresses; |
|
|
our ability to scale and adapt our network
infrastructure; |
|
|
the loss of our main data center or backup data center or other
parts of our infrastructure; |
|
|
systems failures and interruptions in our ability to provide
access to our websites and content; |
|
|
companies providing products and services on which we rely may
refuse to do business with us; |
|
|
changes in government laws affecting our business; |
|
|
we may be liable if one of our members or subscribers harms
another or misuses our websites; |
|
|
risks associated with additional taxes being imposed by any
states or countries; |
|
|
we may have unforeseen liabilities from our acquisition of
Various and our recourse may be limited; |
|
|
we may not be successful in integrating any future acquisitions
we make; |
|
|
risks of international expansion; |
|
|
any debt outstanding after the consummation of this offering
could restrict the way we do business; |
|
|
failure to maintain financial ratios; |
|
|
our reliance on key personnel; |
|
|
our ability to attract internet traffic to our
websites; |
|
|
risks associated with currency fluctuations; and |
|
|
risks associated with our litigation and legal
proceedings. |
39
MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA
This prospectus includes
estimates of market share and industry data that we obtained from industry publications and surveys and internal company sources.
The market data and other
statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on third parties reports and independent industry publications. The reports and
industry publications used by us to determine market share and industry data contained in this prospectus have been obtained from sources believed to
be reliable. We have compiled and extracted the market share data and industry data, but have not independently verified the data provided by third
parties or industry or general publications. Statements as to our market position are based on market data currently available to us. While we are not
aware of any misstatements regarding our industry data presented in this prospectus, our estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to
change based on a variety of factors, including those discussed under the section entitled Risk Factors in this
prospectus.
40
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that our net proceeds
from the sale of the 5,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering will be $ 49.4 million, or $ 57.0 million if the
underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full. Net proceeds is what we expect to receive after paying the
underwriters discounts and commissions and other expenses of the offering. For purposes of estimating net proceeds, we are assuming that the
public offering price will be the midpoint of the estimated initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, which
is $ 11.00 per share. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ 11.00 per share would increase
(decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $ 4.6 million, assuming the number of shares that we offer, as set forth on
the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated
expenses.
Assuming the underwriters do not
exercise their over-allotment option, we have assumed gross offering proceeds of $ 55.0 million, less underwriting fees and commissions of
approximately 7.5 % of the gross proceeds, or $ 4.1 million, and other offering expenses incurred since our new financing of
$ 1.5 million, resulting in $ 49.4 million of net proceeds. We intend to use such net proceeds to repay $ 42.9 million in principal
amount of our New First Lien Notes and $ 1.9 million Cash Pay Second Lien Notes at a redemption price of 110%. As of April 25 , 2011, Mr.
Bell, our Chief Executive Officer, President and a director, and Mr. Staton, our Chairman of the Board and Treasurer, beneficially own $3.6 million and
$3.6 million, respectively, of the New First Lien Notes and $6.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively, of the Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. After
giving effect to this offering and application of the proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of our First Lien Notes and our Cash Pay Second
Lien Notes, assuming an initial offering price of $11.00 per share of common stock, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of
this prospectus. Messrs. Bell and Staton will beneficially own $ 3.0 million and $ 3.0 million, respectively, of our New First Lien
Notes and $ 5.6 million and $ 5.6 million, respectively, of our Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. Pursuant to the indentures governing the New
First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, $ 19.0 million will be payable to our affiliates, including $ 3.3 million to affiliates of
Messrs. Bell and Staton.
As of December 31, 2010, we had
$305.0 million of New First Lien Notes and $13.8 million of Cash Pay Second Lien Notes outstanding. The New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes have a stated maturity date of September 30, 2013. Interest on the New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes accrues at a rate per
annum equal to 14%. As of December 31, 2010, there was no accrued and unpaid interest on the New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes.
The underwriters
over-allotment option, if exercised in full, provides for the issuance of up to 750,000 additional shares of our common stock, for additional
net proceeds of $ 7.6 million , assuming an initial offering price of $11.00 per share of common stock, the midpoint of the range set
forth on the cover page of this prospectus . Any proceeds obtained upon exercise of the over-allotment option will be used to repay debt, as
described above.
The initial public offering price
will be determined by negotiation between the representatives of the underwriters and us and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the
trading market.
41
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have never paid or declared
dividends on our common stock. Furthermore, we are prohibited by the provisions in our Indentures, on declaring dividends. In addition we expect that
any future credit facility will contain terms prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or paid on our common stock. We do
not anticipate that we will pay any dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future, as we currently plan to retain any earnings to
fund our future growth and repay existing indebtedness. Payments of any cash dividends in the future, however, is within the discretion of our board of
directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations and capital and legal requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant
by our board of directors.
42
CAPITALIZATION
Please read the following
capitalization table together with the sections entitled Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
The following table sets forth
our cash, excluding restricted cash, and our consolidated capitalization as of December 31, 2010:
|
|
on an actual, historical basis; |
|
|
on a pro forma basis reflecting (i) the issuance of 8,444,853
shares of common stock upon the conversion of all of the outstanding shares of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the holders of which have
notified us in writing that they intend to exercise their option to convert effective upon the consummation of this offering), (ii) the issuance of
1,839,825 shares of common stock upon the exchange of all of the outstanding shares of our Series B common stock (the holders of which have notified us
in writing that they intend to exercise their option to exchange), (iii) the issuance of 4,526,4 71 shares of common stock underlying
4,003,898 outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $0.0002 per share, which if not exercised will expire upon the closing of this
offering (collectively, the Conversions); and (iv) the principal repayment on our New First Lien Notes and our Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes of $14.1 million and $0.6 million respectively in the first fiscal quarter of 2011 from excess cash flows of $15 million and
the resultant approximately $ 1.6 million expense on repayment of debt including, a 2% repayment premium writeoff of
deferred debt costs and discount , net of related deferred tax effect ; and |
|
|
on a pro forma as adjusted basis reflecting (i) all of the
foregoing pro forma adjustments, (ii) the sale of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering at the assumed initial offering price of
$ 11.00 per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and
commissions of $ 4.1 million and related estimated offering expenses of $ 14.8 million (including $ 13.3 million incurred as of
and paid at December 31, 2010) and giving effect to the receipt of the estimated proceeds of $ 49.4 million (which, is net of underwriting
discount of $ 4.1 million and estimated offering expenses incurred since our new financing of $1.5 million) , (iii) recognition of the
contingent embedded beneficial conversion feature contained in the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes of approximately $ 14.3 million with the
resultant increase in capital in excess of par value and decrease in the carrying value of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, (iv) the
repayment of principal on our New First Lien Notes and our Cash Pay Second Lien Notes of $ 42.9 million and $ 1.9 million, respectively,
and the resultant $ 8. 5 million loss on extinguishment of debt (which includes a 10% repayment premium as well as writeoff of
deferred debt costs and discount), net of related deferred tax effect , and (v) $2.2 million of cumulative compensation expense and related
increase in capital in excess of par value related to stock options deemed granted upon the completion of an IPO based on an assumed initial offering
price of $11.00 per share. |
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
Pro Forma as Adjusted
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited) (dollars in thousands except share
data) |
|
Cash
|
|
|
|
$ |
34,585 |
|
|
$ |
19,537 |
|
|
$ |
19,537 |
|
New First
Lien Notes, net of unamortized discount of $10,974 , $10,466 pro forma and $8, 921 pro forma as adjusted |
|
|
|
|
294,026 |
|
|
|
280,418 |
|
|
|
239,017 |
|
Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes, net of unamortized discount of $262 , $250 pro forma and $ 213 pro forma as adjusted |
|
|
|
|
13,516 |
|
|
|
12,890 |
|
|
|
10,987 |
|
Non-Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes, net of unamortized discount of $20,986 , $20,986 pro forma and $ 35,241 pro forma as adjusted |
|
|
|
|
216,225 |
|
|
|
216,225 |
|
|
|
201,970 |
|
Other, net of
unamortized discount of $457 |
|
|
|
|
1,793 |
|
|
|
1,793 |
|
|
|
1,793 |
|
Total
Indebtedness |
|
|
|
|
525,560 |
|
|
|
511,326 |
|
|
|
453,767 |
|
43
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
Pro Forma as Adjusted
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited) (dollars in thousands except share
data) |
|
Stockholders Deficiency
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, $0.001 par value authorized 22,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 10,211,556 , 1,766,703 pro forma and pro forma as adjusted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 per share authorized 2,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,766,703 (liquidation preference $21,000)
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 per share authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,444,853 (liquidation preference $5,000),
none pro forma and none pro forma as adjusted |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock,
$0.001 par value authorized 125,000,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
voting authorized 112,500,000 shares, issued and outstanding 6,517,746, 21,3 28,895 shares pro forma and 26,328,895 pro
forma as adjusted |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
Series B
common stock non-voting authorized 12,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,839,825 shares, none pro forma and none pro forma as adjusted
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital in
excess of par value |
|
|
|
|
80,823 |
|
|
|
80,819 |
|
|
|
133,348 |
|
Accumulated
deficit |
|
|
|
|
(230,621 |
) |
|
|
( 232,254 ) |
|
|
|
( 242,985 |
) |
Total
stockholders deficiency |
|
|
|
|
(149,780 |
) |
|
|
( 151,412 ) |
|
|
|
(109,609 |
) |
Total
Capitalization |
|
|
|
$ |
375,780 |
|
|
$ |
359,914 |
|
|
$ |
344,158 |
|
44
DILUTION
If you invest in our common
stock, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share and the net tangible book
value per share of the common stock after this offering. Our net tangible book value deficiency as of December 31, 2010 after giving effect to: (i) the
issuance of 8,444,853 shares of common stock upon the conversion of all of the outstanding shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the
holders of which have notified us in writing that they intend to exercise their option to convert effective upon the consummation of this offering),
(ii) the issuance of 1,839,825 shares of common stock upon the exchange of all of the outstanding shares of our Series B common stock (the holders of
which have notified us in writing that they intend to exercise their option to exchange), and (iii) the issuance of 4,526,421 shares of common
stock underlying 4,003,898 outstanding warrants with an exercise price of $0.0002 per share, which if not exercised will expire upon the closing of
this offering, would have been $ (632.7) million, or $ ( 29. 66) per share of common stock based on 21,328,895 shares
outstanding before this offering. Net tangible book value deficiency per share represents the amount that the total liabilities and the liquidation
preference ($21.0 million) of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock exceeds total tangible assets, divided by the number of shares of common stock
that are outstanding.
After giving effect to the sale
by us of 5,000,000 shares of common stock at an assumed initial public offering price of $ 11.00 per share, the midpoint of the range on
the front cover of this prospectus and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses and prepaying a
portion of our New First Lien Notes and our Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, as further described in the section entitled Use of Proceeds, the
adjusted net tangible book value deficiency as of December 31, 2010 would have been $ (574.5) million, or $ ( 21. 82) per
share. This represents an immediate decrease in net tangible book value deficiency of $ 7.84 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate
and substantial dilution of $ ( 32. 82) per share to investors purchasing common stock in this offering. The following table
illustrates this per share dilution:
Assumed
initial public offering price per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11.00 |
|
Net tangible
book value deficiency per share as of December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
$ |
( 29. 66 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Decrease in
net tangible book value deficiency attributable to new investors |
|
|
|
$ |
7. 84 |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted net
tangible book value deficiency per share after this offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
( 21. 82 |
) |
Dilution per
share to new investors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
( 32. 82 |
) |
A $1.00 increase in the assumed
initial public offering price of $ 11.00 would decrease our net tangible book value deficiency by $ 4.6 million, decrease the net tangible
book value deficiency per share after this offering by approximately $ 0.1 8 , and increase the dilution per share to new investors by
approximately $ 0.8 2 . A $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $ 11.00 would increase our net tangible book
value deficiency by $ 4. 6 million, increase the net tangible book value deficiency per share after this offering by approximately
$ 0.1 8 and decrease the dilution per share to new investors by approximately $ 0.8 2 . These calculations assume the number of
shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriter discounts. The
decrease/increase excludes the effect of any change in the amount of loss on extinguishment of debt.
The following table summarizes on
an as adjusted basis as of December 31, 2010 the difference between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration
paid to us and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders and to be paid by new investors in this offering at an assumed initial public
offering price of $ 11.00 per share, calculated before deduction of estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.
|
|
|
|
Shares Purchased
|
|
Total Consideration
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
|
Amount
|
|
Percent
|
|
Average price per share
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per share data) |
|
Existing
stockholders |
|
|
|
|
21,328 |
|
|
|
81 |
% |
|
$ |
22,842 |
|
|
|
29 |
% |
|
$ |
1.07 |
|
Investors in
this offering |
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
71 |
% |
|
$ |
11.00 |
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
26,328 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
77,842 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
45
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth
selected historical consolidated financial data of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The statement of operations data for the
years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 as well as the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements also included as part of this prospectus. The statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2007 and
2006 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which are not
contained in this prospectus. The audited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and have been audited by EisnerAmper
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.
These historic results are not
necessarily indicative of results for any future period. You should read the following selected financial data in conjunction with the section entitled
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the financial statements and related notes
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008(1)
|
|
2007(1)
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
Statements
of Operations and Per Share Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue
|
|
|
|
$ |
345,997 |
|
|
$ |
327,692 |
|
|
$ |
331,017 |
|
|
$ |
48,073 |
|
|
$ |
29,965 |
|
Cost of
revenue |
|
|
|
|
110,490 |
|
|
|
91,697 |
|
|
|
96,514 |
|
|
|
23,330 |
|
|
|
15,927 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
|
|
235,507 |
|
|
|
235,995 |
|
|
|
234,503 |
|
|
|
24,743 |
|
|
|
14,038 |
|
Operating
expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product
development |
|
|
|
|
12,834 |
|
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
|
14,553 |
|
|
|
1,002 |
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and
marketing |
|
|
|
|
37,258 |
|
|
|
42,902 |
|
|
|
59,281 |
|
|
|
7,595 |
|
|
|
1,430 |
|
General and
administrative |
|
|
|
|
79,855 |
|
|
|
76,863 |
|
|
|
88,280 |
|
|
|
24,466 |
|
|
|
24,354 |
|
Amortization
of acquired intangibles and software |
|
|
|
|
24,461 |
|
|
|
35,454 |
|
|
|
36,347 |
|
|
|
2,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and other amortization |
|
|
|
|
4,704 |
|
|
|
4,881 |
|
|
|
4,502 |
|
|
|
2,829 |
|
|
|
3,322 |
|
Impairment of
goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,571 |
|
|
|
925 |
|
|
|
22,824 |
|
Impairment of
other intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
4,660 |
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
14,860 |
|
|
|
5,131 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total
operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
163,772 |
|
|
|
177,600 |
|
|
|
227,394 |
|
|
|
44,210 |
|
|
|
51,930 |
|
Income (loss)
from operations. |
|
|
|
|
71,735 |
|
|
|
58,395 |
|
|
|
7,109 |
|
|
|
(19,467 |
) |
|
|
(37,892 |
) |
Interest
expense, net of interest income |
|
|
|
|
(88,508 |
) |
|
|
(92,139 |
) |
|
|
(80,510 |
) |
|
|
(15,953 |
) |
|
|
(7,918 |
) |
Other finance
expenses |
|
|
|
|
(4,562 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and
penalties related to VAT liability not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
(2,293 |
) |
|
|
(4,205 |
) |
|
|
(8,429 |
) |
|
|
(1,592 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net loss on
extinguishment and modification of debt |
|
|
|
|
(7,457 |
) |
|
|
(7,240 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,799 |
) |
Foreign
exchange gain (loss) principally related to VAT liability not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
610 |
|
|
|
(5,530 |
) |
|
|
15,195 |
|
|
|
546 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on
elimination of liability for United Kingdom VAT not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on
settlement of VAT liability not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
2,690 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on
liability related to warrants |
|
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
2,744 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
non-operating (expense) income, net |
|
|
|
|
(13,202 |
) |
|
|
(366 |
) |
|
|
(197 |
) |
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
(332 |
) |
Loss before
income tax benefit |
|
|
|
|
(43,639 |
) |
|
|
(46,548 |
) |
|
|
(64,142 |
) |
|
|
(36,347 |
) |
|
|
(49,941 |
) |
Income tax
benefit |
|
|
|
|
486 |
|
|
|
5,332 |
|
|
|
18,176 |
|
|
|
6,430 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
(43,153 |
) |
|
|
(41,216 |
) |
|
|
(45,966 |
) |
|
|
(29,917 |
) |
|
|
(49,941 |
) |
46
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008(1)
|
|
2007(1)
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
|
Non-cash
dividends on convertible preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,396 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net loss
attributable to common stock |
|
|
|
$ |
(43,153 |
) |
|
$ |
(41,216 |
) |
|
$ |
(45,966 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,313 |
) |
|
$ |
(49,941 |
) |
Net loss per
common share basic and diluted(2) |
|
|
|
$ |
(3.14 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.00 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.35 |
) |
|
$ |
(5.19 |
) |
|
$ |
(8.99 |
) |
Weighted
average common shares outstanding basic and diluted(2) |
|
|
|
|
13,735 |
|
|
|
13,735 |
|
|
|
13,735 |
|
|
|
6,610 |
|
|
|
5,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Data(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008(2)
|
|
2007(2)
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and
restricted cash |
|
|
|
$ |
41,970 |
|
|
$ |
28,895 |
|
|
$ |
31,565 |
|
|
$ |
23,722 |
|
|
$ |
2,998 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
|
|
532,817 |
|
|
|
551,881 |
|
|
|
599,913 |
|
|
|
649,868 |
|
|
|
70,770 |
|
Long-term
debt classified as current due to events of default, net of unamortized discount(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
415,606 |
|
|
|
417,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term
debt, net of unamortized discount |
|
|
|
|
510,551 |
|
|
|
432,028 |
|
|
|
38,768 |
|
|
|
35,379 |
|
|
|
63,166 |
|
Deferred
revenue |
|
|
|
|
48,302 |
|
|
|
46,046 |
|
|
|
42,814 |
|
|
|
27,214 |
|
|
|
6,974 |
|
Total
liabilities |
|
|
|
|
682,597 |
|
|
|
657,523 |
|
|
|
657,998 |
|
|
|
661,987 |
|
|
|
91,516 |
|
Redeemable
preferred stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,000 |
|
|
|
26,000 |
|
|
|
26,000 |
|
|
|
21,000 |
|
Accumulated
deficit |
|
|
|
|
(230,621 |
) |
|
|
(187,468 |
) |
|
|
(144,667 |
) |
|
|
(98,701 |
) |
|
|
(68,784 |
) |
Total
stockholders deficiency |
|
|
|
|
(149,780 |
) |
|
|
(131,642 |
) |
|
|
(84,085 |
) |
|
|
(38,119 |
) |
|
|
(41,746 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008(1)
|
|
2007(1)
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Other
Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
|
$ |
42,640 |
|
|
$ |
39,679 |
|
|
$ |
50,948 |
|
|
$ |
4,744 |
|
|
$ |
(16,600 |
) |
Net cash
provided by (used in) investing activities |
|
|
|
|
(1,250 |
) |
|
|
4,204 |
|
|
|
(9,289 |
) |
|
|
(149,322 |
) |
|
|
(3,414 |
) |
Net cash
provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
|
|
(29,405 |
) |
|
|
(44,987 |
) |
|
|
(25,336 |
) |
|
|
148,961 |
|
|
|
10,569 |
|
(1) |
|
Net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 does
not reflect $19.2 million and $8.5 million, respectively, due to a non-recurring purchase accounting adjustment that required the deferred revenue at
the date of the acquisition of Various to be recorded at fair value. Management believes that it is appropriate to add back the deferred revenue
adjustment because the average renewal rate of the subscriptions that were the basis for the deferred revenue was approximately 63%. The renewal rate
on subscriptions that had already been renewed at least one time since the acquisition was 78%. Therefore, management believes that historical results
of Various are reflective, including those revenues that were added back to the adjusted net revenue, of our future results. Please refer to the table
contained in the Prospectus Summary above entitled Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. |
(2) |
|
Basic and diluted loss per share is based on the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding, including Series B common stock, and shares underlying common stock purchase warrants which are
exercisable at the nominal price of $0.0002 per share and which if not exercised will expire upon closing of this offering. For information regarding
the computation of per share amounts, refer to Note C(25), Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Per share data of our
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. |
47
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of
our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related
notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements, based on current expectations and related to
future events and our future financial performance, that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under the section entitled Risk
Factors and elsewhere in this prospectus.
Overview
We are a leading internet and
technology company providing services in the rapidly expanding markets of social networking and web-based video sharing. Our business consists of
creating and operating technology platforms which run several of the most heavily visited websites in the world. Through our extensive network of more
than 38,000 websites, since our inception, we have built a base of more than 445 million registrants and more than 298 million members in more than 200
countries. We are able to create and maintain, in a cost-effective manner, websites intended to appeal to users of diverse cultures and interest
groups. In December 2010, we had more than 196 million unique visitors to our network of websites, according to comScore. We offer our members a wide
variety of online services so that they can interact with each other and access the content available on our websites. Our most heavily visited
websites include AdultFriendFinder.com, Amigos.com, AsiaFriendFinder.com, Cams.com, FriendFinder.com, BigChurch.com and SeniorFriendFinder.com. We
generated net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $346.0 million.
We operate in two segments,
internet and entertainment. Our internet segment offers services and features that include social networking, online personals, premium content, live
interactive video, recorded video, online chatrooms, instant messaging, photo, video and voice sharing, blogs, message boards and free e-mail. Our
revenues to date have been primarily derived from online subscription and paid-usage for our internet segment products and services. Our market
strategy is to grow this segment and expand our service offerings with complimentary services and features. Our entertainment segment produces and
distributes original pictorial and video content, licenses the globally-recognized Penthouse brand to a variety of consumer product companies and
entertainment venues and publishes branded mens lifestyle magazines. We continually seek to expand our licenses and products in new markets and
retail categories both domestically and internationally.
Our History
Our predecessor company was
incorporated in Delaware in 1993 under the name General Media, Inc., or GMI. GMI filed for bankruptcy on August 12, 2003 under Chapter 11 of the United
States Bankruptcy Code and in September 2003, Marc H. Bell and Daniel C. Staton formed PET Capital Partners LLC, or PET, to acquire GMIs secured
notes and preferred stock.
On October 5, 2004, GMI emerged
from Chapter 11 protection with all new equity distributed solely to the holders of the GMI secured notes. The reorganized capital structure also
included approximately $35.8 million of term loan notes (the Term Loan Notes) distributed to former secured and unsecured creditors.
Concurrently with the emergence from Chapter 11, we changed the name of the company to Penthouse Media Group Inc. and PET sold a minority position of
non-voting Series B common stock to Interactive Brand Development Inc., or IBD.
During 2005, we consummated the
sale of $33.0 million of 2005 Notes and $15.0 million of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to fund the retirement of a $20.0 million credit
facility, to fund the repayment of $11.8 million of the Term Loan Notes and to fund the purchase of certain trademark assets and for general corporate
purposes. The remaining outstanding Term Loan Notes were reissued as subordinated term loan notes (the Subordinated Term Loan
Notes).
On March 31, 2006, we changed our
state of incorporation from Delaware to Nevada.
On August 28, 2006, we
consummated an offering of $5.0 million of 2006 Notes and $6.0 million of additional Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to fund the acquisition of
substantially all of the assets of the debtor estate of Jill Kelly Productions, Inc., a production company, and for general corporate
purposes.
48
On October 25, 2006, we acquired
the outstanding shares of the Danni.com business, an adult internet content provider, for $1.4 million in cash and approximately 126,000 shares of
common stock valued at $1.5 million, for which we issued an additional $0.9 million of Subordinated Term Loan Notes to fund part of the purchase price
consideration.
In December 2007, we acquired
Various for approximately $401.0 million. The purchase price of approximately $401.0 million paid to the sellers consisted of approximately (i) $137.0
million in cash, (ii) notes valued at approximately $248.0 million, and (iii) warrants to acquire approximately 2.9 million shares of common stock,
subject to adjustment for certain anti-dilution provisions, valued at approximately $16.0 million. The purchase price gives effect to a $61.0 million
reduction attributable to a post-closing working capital adjustment which resulted in a $51.0 million reduction in the value of notes issued and a
$10.0 million reduction in cash paid which was held in escrow. This adjustment is the result of our indemnity claim against the sellers relating to the
VAT liability. In addition, legal and other acquisition costs totaling approximately $4.0 million were incurred. The cash portion of the purchase price
was obtained through the issuance of notes and warrants, including approximately $110.0 million from certain of our stockholders. On June 10, 2009, the
United Kingdom taxing authority notified us that it had reversed its previous position and that we were not subject to VAT, which resulted in an
approximately $39.5 million reduction in the VAT liability. On October 8, 2009, we settled all indemnity claims against the sellers (whether claims are
VAT related or not) by adjusting the original principal amount of the Subordinated Convertible Notes to $156.0 million. In addition, the sellers agreed
to make available to us, to pay VAT and certain VAT-related expenses, $10.0 million held in a working capital escrow account established at the closing
of the Various transaction. As of December 31, 2010, a total of $10 million has been released from the escrow to reimburse us for VAT-related expenses
already incurred. If the actual costs to us of eliminating the VAT liability are less than $29.0 million, after applying amounts from the working
capital escrow, then the principal amount of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes (which were issued in exchange for the Subordinated Convertible Notes
in the New Financing) will be increased by the issuance of new Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes to reflect the difference between $29.0 million and the
actual VAT liability, plus interest on such difference.
In December 2007, we consummated
an offering of $5.0 million of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at a price of $0.59208 per share. The purchasers in the offering included certain
current stockholders, including Messrs. Staton and Bell, Florescue Family Corporation, an entity affiliated with one of our directors, Barry Florescue,
and Absolute Income Fund Ltd. We used the proceeds from the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock offering to pay expenses relating to our acquisition
of Various in December 2007 and for working capital. On July 1, 2008, we changed our name from Penthouse Media Group Inc. to FriendFinder Networks
Inc.
On October 27, 2010, the Company
completed the New Financing. The First Lien Senior Secured Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $167.1 million, the Second Lien Subordinated
Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $80.0 million and $32.8 million principal amount of 2005 and 2006 Notes were exchanged for, or redeemed
with proceeds of, $305.5 million principal amount of New First Lien Notes. The remaining $13.5 million principal amount of 2005 Notes and 2006 Notes
were exchanged for $13.8 million principal amount of Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. The Subordinated Convertible Notes and Subordinated Term Loan Notes,
with outstanding principal amounts of $180.2 million and $42.8 million respectively, together with accrued interest of $9.5 million, were exchanged for
$232.5 million principal amount of Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. For further information regarding the New Financing, see the section entitled
Description of Indebtedness.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of
Operations
Net
Revenue
Our net revenue is affected
primarily by the overall demand for online social networking and personals services. Our net revenue is also affected by our ability to deliver user
content together with the services and features required by our users diverse cultures, ethnicities and interest groups.
The level of our net revenue
depends to a large degree on the growth of internet users, increased internet usage per user and demand for adult content. Our net revenue also depends
on demand for credit card availability and other payment methods in countries in which we have registrants, members, subscribers and paid users,
general economic conditions, and government regulation. The demand for entertainment and leisure activities tends to be
49
highly sensitive to
consumers disposable incomes, and thus a decline in general economic conditions may lead to our current and potential registrants, members,
subscribers and paid users having less discretionary income to spend. This could lead to a reduction in our revenue and have a material adverse effect
on our operating results. In addition, our net revenue could be impacted by foreign and domestic government laws that affect companies conducting
business on the internet. Laws which may affect our operations relating to payment methods, including the use of credit cards, user privacy, freedom of
expression, content, advertising, information security, internet obscenity and intellectual property rights are currently being considered for adoption
by many countries throughout the world.
Internet
Revenue
Approximately 93.0% of our net
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 was generated from our internet segment comprised of social networking, live interactive video and premium
content websites. This revenue is treated as service revenue in our financial statements. We derive our revenue primarily from subscription fees and
pay-by-usage fees. These fees are charged in advance and recognized as revenue over the term of the subscription or as the advance payment is consumed
on the pay-by-usage basis, which is usually immediately. VAT is presented on a net basis and is excluded from revenue.
Net revenue consists of all
revenue net of credits back to customers for disputed charges and any chargeback expenses from credit card processing banks for such items as cancelled
subscriptions, stolen cards and non-payment of cards. We estimate the amount of chargebacks and credits that will occur in future periods to offset
current revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, these credits and chargebacks were 6.0%, 4.7% and 3.6% of gross revenue,
respectively, while chargebacks alone were 1.4%, 1.2% and 0.7% of gross revenue, respectively. The general trend has been an increase in chargebacks
due to tighter credit card company processing restrictions.
In addition, our net revenue was
reduced for the year ended December 31, 2008 in the amount of $19.2 million due to a purchase accounting adjustment that required deferred revenue at
the date of acquisition to be recorded at fair value to reflect a normal profit margin for the cost required to fulfill the customers order after
the acquisition (in effect a reduction to deferred revenue reflected in the historical financial statements of Various to eliminate any profit related
to selling or other efforts prior to the acquisition date). This reduction did not impact the service to be provided to our online subscribers or the
cash collected by us associated with these subscriptions. There were no further purchase accounting adjustments after December 31, 2008. Future revenue
will not be impacted by this non-recurring adjustment.
We believe that we have new
opportunities to substantially increase revenue by adding new features to our websites, expanding in foreign markets and generating third party
advertising revenue from our internet websites, which allow us to target specific demographics and interest groups within our user base. However, our
revenue growth rate may decline in the future as a result of increased penetration of our services over time and as a result of increased
competition.
Entertainment
Revenue
Approximately 7.0% of our net
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 was generated by the entertainment segment. Entertainment revenue consists of studio production and
distribution, licensing of the Penthouse name, logos, trademarks and artwork for the manufacture, sale and distribution of consumer products and
publishing revenue. This revenue is treated as product revenue in our financial statements, with the exception of revenue derived from licensing, which
is treated as service revenue. For more information regarding our net revenue by service and product, see Note N, Segment Information of
our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. We derive revenue through third party license agreements for the
distribution of our programming where we either receive a percentage of revenue or a fixed fee. The revenue sharing arrangements are usually either a
percentage of the subscription fee paid by the customer or a percentage of single program or title fee purchased by the customer. Our fixed fee
contracts may receive a fixed amount of revenue per title, group of titles or for a certain amount of programming during a period of time. Revenue from
the sale of magazines at newsstands is recognized on the on-sale date of each issue based on an estimate of the total sell through, net of estimated
returns. The amount of estimated revenue is adjusted in subsequent periods as sales and returns
50
information becomes
available. Revenue from the sale of magazine subscriptions is recognized ratably over their respective terms.
Cost of
Revenue
Cost of revenue for the internet
segment is primarily comprised of commissions, which are expensed as incurred, paid to our affiliate websites and revenue shares for online models and
studios in connection with our live interactive video websites. We estimate that cost of revenue will decrease as a percentage of net revenue primarily
due to improvement in our affiliate commission structure and revenue sharing arrangements with our models and studios as net revenue increases. Cost of
revenue for the entertainment segment consists primarily of publishing costs including costs of printing and distributing magazines and studio costs
which principally consist of the cost of the production of videos. These costs are capitalized and amortized over three years which represents the
estimated period during which substantially all the revenue from the content will be realized.
Marketing
Affiliates
Our marketing affiliates are
companies that operate websites that market our services on their websites and direct visitor traffic to our websites by placing banners or links on
their websites to one or more of our websites. The total net revenues derived from these marketing affiliates has increased from year to year during
the three years shown, while the percentage of revenue contribution has increased as well. The compensation to affiliates can vary depending on whether
an affiliate chooses to be compensated on a pay-per-order or revenue sharing basis. Under a pay-per-order agreement, we compensate an affiliate
one-time for each new member that places an order. Under a revenue sharing agreement, we compensate the affiliate in perpetuity for as long as the
member continues to renew their subscription. Depending on the longevity of the subscription, either of the two compensation methods can result in a
higher expense to us. In addition, we occasionally modify the pay-per-order compensation amount as needed depending on the quality of the traffic sent
by the affiliate, economic factors, competition and other criteria.
Our compensation to our marketing
affiliates has increased and revenues from our marketing affiliates have increased modestly, reflecting small increases in the rate at which we
compensate our marketing affiliates as well as the variability described above. The percentage of revenues derived from these affiliates and the
compensation to our affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the previous two fiscal years are set forth below:
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
Percentage of
revenue contributed by affiliates |
|
|
|
|
45 |
% |
|
|
44 |
% |
|
|
43 |
% |
Compensation
to affiliates (in millions) |
|
|
|
$ |
71.2 |
|
|
$ |
56.7 |
|
|
$ |
62.3 |
|
Operating Expenses.
Product
Development
Product development expense
consists of the costs incurred for maintaining the technical staff which are primarily comprised of engineering salaries related to the planning and
post-implementation stages of our website development efforts. These costs also include amortization of the capitalized website costs attributable to
the application development stage. We expect our product development expenses to remain stable as a percentage of revenue as we continue to develop new
websites, services, content and features which will generate revenue in the future.
Selling and
Marketing
Selling and marketing expenses
consist principally of advertising costs, which we pay to companies that operate internet search engines for key word searches in order to generate
traffic to our websites. Selling and marketing expenses also include salaries and incentive compensation for selling and marketing personnel and
related costs such as public relations. Additionally, the entertainment segment includes certain nominal promotional publishing expenses. We believe
that our selling and marketing expenses will remain relatively constant as a percentage of revenue as these expenses are relatively variable and within
the discretion of management.
51
General and
Administrative
General and administrative
expenses relate primarily to our corporate personnel related costs, professional fees, occupancy, credit card processing fees and other overhead costs.
We expect that the total amount of our general and administrative expenses will increase significantly due to the regulatory and compliance obligations
associated with being a public company; however, we anticipate that these expenses will decrease as a percentage of net revenue as a large portion of
these expenses are relatively fixed in nature and do not increase with a corresponding increase in net revenue.
Stock Based
Compensation
Assuming an IPO price range of
between $10.00 and $12.00 per share, estimated stock-based compensation to be recognized subsequent to completion of this offering for
options outstanding at December 31, 2010 will range from approximately $2,367,000 to $2,840,000, which is expected to be recognized over a
weighted-average period of two years. Of such amounts a cumulative adjustment to compensation expense ranging from approximately $1,974,000 to
$2,368,000, respectively, will be realized upon completion of this offering, assuming completion in May 2011.
Amortization of Acquired
Intangibles and Software
Amortization of acquired
intangibles and software is primarily attributable to intangible assets and internal-use software from acquisitions. As a result of purchase accounting
rules, fair values were established for intangibles and internal-use software. The total fair value of these intangibles and internal-use software
acquired from Various in 2007 was $182.5 million. Amortization of these intangibles and software are reflected in the statement of operations for
periods beginning on December 7, 2007. The amortization periods vary from two to five years with the weighted average amortization period equaling
approximately three years. We recognized amortization expense associated with these assets of $24.5 million, $35.5 million and $36.3 million for the
years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. If we acquire other businesses which results in us owning additional intangible assets, the
amortization of any acquired intangible assets could cause our depreciation and amortization expense to increase as a percentage of net
revenue.
Depreciation and Other
Amortization
Depreciation and other
amortization is primarily depreciation expense on our computer equipment. We expect our depreciation and other amortization expenses to decrease due to
purchases of new hardware and software associated with our growth plans increasing at a slower rate than our anticipated growth in net
revenue.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets
Impairment of goodwill and other
intangible assets is recognized when we determine that the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets is greater than the fair
value. We assess goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles at least annually, and more frequently when circumstances indicate that the carrying
value may be impaired. We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $6.8 million in 2008 related to our internet segment and $2.8 million in 2008 related
to our entertainment segment. In addition, we also recorded impairment charges related to our trademarks of $4.7 million, $4.0 million and $14.9
million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to our entertainment segment. We do not expect that there will be future impairment recorded to
goodwill and intangible assets based on current information available. However, if future circumstances change and the fair values of goodwill or
intangible assets is less than the current carrying value, additional impairment losses will be recognized.
Interest Expense, Net of Interest
Income
Interest expense, net of interest
income mainly represents interest expense recognized from the debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of Various and the New Financing and an
increase in interest expense related to our debt incurred prior to the acquisition. Included in interest expense is amortization of note discounts due
to certain warrants issued in connection with our 2005 Notes, 2006 Notes, First Lien Senior Secured Notes and Second
52
Lien Subordinated Secured
Notes and amortization of a discount to record the fair value of the Subordinated Convertible Notes at the date of issuance. As the exchange of such
notes was not accounted for as extinguishment (as described in Note J Long-Term Debt in our consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus), subsequent to our debt restructuring on October 27, 2010, interest expense continues to include such
amortization together with amortization of original issue discount related to our New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and amortization
of discount to record the fair value of certain Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes at the date of issuance. We expect interest expense to decline after we
become a public company because the proceeds from this offering are expected to be used to repay certain long-term notes as required by the terms of
such notes.
Other Finance
Expenses
Other finance expenses relates to
charges incurred with our New Financing that was completed on October 27, 2010. These expenses were for third party fees related to the New First Lien
Notes which were determined to be not substantially different from the outstanding First Lien Notes and Second Lien Notes they were exchanged for, and
therefore not accounted for as an extinguishment of debt (See Net Loss on Extinguishment and Modification of Debt below).
Interest and Penalties Related to
VAT Liability not Charged to Customers
Interest and penalties related to
VAT not charged to customers are due to our failure to file VAT tax returns and pay VAT based on the applicable law of each country in the European
Union. Commencing in 2003, the member states of the European Union implemented rules requiring the collection and payment of VAT on revenues generated
by non-European Union businesses that provide electronic services that are purchased by end users within the European Union. We did not begin
collecting VAT from our subscribers until July 2008. At December 31, 2010, the total amount of uncollected VAT payments was approximately $39.4
million. For more information regarding our potential VAT liability, see the section entitled Business Legal Proceedings. The
majority of the penalties assessed by the various tax jurisdictions related to the VAT liability were incurred prior to our purchase of Various and
thus charged back to the sellers by an offset in the principal amount of the Subordinated Convertible Notes held by the sellers. The portion of
interest incurred prior to the purchase of Various was also charged back to the sellers by an offset in the principal amount of the Subordinated
Convertible Notes held by the sellers, and subsequently continues to be recorded on the unpaid amounts. On October 14, 2008, we made an indemnity claim
against these notes under the acquisition agreement for Various in the amount of $64.3 million. On June 10, 2009, the United Kingdom taxing authority
notified us that it had reversed its previous position and that we were not subject to VAT, which resulted in an approximately $39.5 million reduction
in the VAT liability. On October 8, 2009, we settled and released all indemnity claims against the sellers (whether claims are VAT related or not) by
reducing the original principal amount of the Subordinated Convertible Notes by the full value of the then-outstanding VAT liability. In addition, the
sellers agreed to make available to us, to pay VAT and certain VAT-related expenses, $10.0 million held in a working capital escrow account established
at the closing of the Various transaction. As of December 31, 2010, the total $10.0 million has been released from the escrow to reimburse us for
VAT-related expenses already incurred. If the actual costs to us of eliminating the VAT liability are less than $29.0 million, after applying amounts
from the working capital escrow, then the principal amount of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes (notes issued in exchange for the Subordinated
Convertible Notes in the New Financing) will be increased by the issuance of new Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes to reflect the difference between $29.0
million and the actual VAT liability, plus interest on such difference. For more information regarding the reductions of the principal amount of
Subordinated Convertible Notes as a result of our VAT liability, see the section entitled Legal Proceedings.
Net Loss on Extinguishment and
Modification of Debt
In 2010, we refinanced
substantially all of our existing debt into New First Lien Notes, Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. As a result, we
recorded a loss on extinguishment of $7.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Such loss was determined by us reviewing each of our former
lines of debt and determining if a substantial modification was made for each line. We determined that the New First Lien Notes
53
and Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes were substantially different than the outstanding principal amount of Senior Secured Notes for which they were exchanged, resulting in an
extinguishment of the Senior Secured Notes. An extinguishment loss of $10.5 million was recorded for such exchange and for the Senior Secured Notes,
First Lien Notes and Second Lien Notes redeemed for cash. Such loss includes payment of fees to lenders. We also determined that the Non-Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes were substantially different than the non-convertible Subordinated Term Notes for which they were exchanged based on the conversion
feature in the new notes, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of $3.0 million related to the excess of the carrying value of the Subordinated Term
Notes over the fair value of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes for which they were exchanged. In 2009, the loss on modification of debt relates to our
decision to eliminate the option to convert the Convertible Notes at our option into common stock and agreeing to set the principal amount at $156.0
million which was considered to result in an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms thereby requiring us to account for the
modification like an extinguishment of the existing Convertible Notes and the creation of new Convertible Notes. This modification resulted in us
recording a charge for the extinguishment of debt of approximately $7.2 million attributable to the excess of the fair value of the modified notes over
the carrying value of the existing notes plus the $2.3 million present value of the $3.2 million of fees owed to the former owner of
Various.
Foreign Exchange Gain/(Loss),
Principally Related to VAT Liability not Charged to Customers
Foreign exchange gain or loss
principally related to VAT liability not charged to customers is the result of the fluctuation in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies. We record
a gain when the dollar strengthens against foreign currencies and a loss when the dollar weakens against those currencies. Our primary exposure to
foreign fluctuations is related to the liability related to VAT not charged to customers, the majority of which is denominated in Euros and, until June
2009 when the United Kingdom VAT liability was eliminated, British pounds.
Gain on Settlement of VAT
Liability not Charged to Customers
Gain on settlement of liability
related to VAT not charged to customers reflects our settlement of liabilities related to VAT not charged to customers owed at amounts less than what
we had recorded. We have been able to settle with or pay in full certain tax jurisdictions on favorable terms, which resulted in the gain. However, we
still have numerous tax jurisdictions remaining to be resolved that may result in our recording a gain or loss.
Gain on Elimination of Liability
for United Kingdom VAT not Charged to Customers
Gain on elimination of liability
for United Kingdom VAT not charged to customers reflects the elimination of liabilities related to VAT not charged to customers in the United Kingdom.
This gain was due to the United Kingdom taxing authority notifying us that it had reversed its previous position and that we were not subject to VAT in
the United Kingdom in connection with providing internet services.
Gain on Liability Related to
Warrants
Gain on liability related to
warrants reflects our warrants issued in conjunction with the August 2005 issuance of the Senior Secured Notes. We issued warrants to purchase 501,663
shares of our common stock (of which 476,573 are exercisable at $6.20 per share and 25,090 are exercisable at $10.25 per share). The warrants contain a
provision that required a reduction of the exercise price if certain equity events occur. Under the provisions of authoritative guidance that became
effective for us on January 1, 2009, such a reset provision no longer makes the warrants eligible for equity classification and as such, effective
January 1, 2009, we classified these warrants as a liability at a fair value of $6.3 million with a corresponding increase of $1.6 million to
accumulated deficit and a $4.8 million reduction to capital in excess of par value. The liability is measured at fair value with changes in fair value
reflected in the statement of operations.
Our warrants are measured at fair
value using a binomial options pricing model using valuation inputs which are based on internal assumptions (which are not readily observable) at
December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively, as follows: 1) dividend yield of 0% and 0%; 2) volatility of 54.7% and 43.3%; 3) risk free interest rate of
2.7% and 1.9%; and 4) expected life of 5.5 years and 4.75 years.
54
Other Non-Operating Expenses,
Net
Other non-operating expenses in
2010 includes a $13 million charge related to a matter in arbitration (see Note Q to the consolidated financial statements) and other miscellaneous
transactions not related to our primary operations.
Income Tax
Benefit
At December 31, 2010, we had net
operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $69.0 million available to offset future taxable income, which expire at
various dates from 2024 through 2028. Our ability to utilize approximately $9.0 million of these carryforwards is limited due to changes in our
ownership, as defined by federal tax regulations. In addition, utilization of the remainder of such carryforwards may be limited by the occurrence of
certain further ownership changes, including changes as a result of this offering. Realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent on the existence
of sufficient taxable income within the carryforward period, including future reversals of taxable temporary differences.
Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates
The preparation of financial
statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect both the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Our
significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note B to our consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus.
However, certain of our accounting policies are particularly important to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations. In
applying these critical accounting policies, our management uses its judgment in making certain assumptions to be used in making such estimates. Those
estimates are based on our historical experience, the terms of existing contracts, our observation of trends in our industry and information available
from other outside sources as appropriate. Accounting policies that, in their application to our business, involve the greatest amount of subjectivity
by way of management judgments and estimates are those relating to:
|
|
valuation of goodwill, identified intangibles and other
long-lived assets, including business combinations; and |
Valuation of Goodwill, Identified
Intangibles and Other Long-lived Assets, including Business Combinations
We test goodwill and intangible
assets for impairment in accordance with authoritative guidance. We also test property, plant and equipment for impairment in accordance with
authoritative guidance. We assess goodwill, and other indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually, or more frequently when circumstances
indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important and which could trigger an impairment review include the
following:
|
|
a significant decline in actual or projected
revenue; |
|
|
a significant decline in performance of certain acquired
companies relative to our original projections; |
|
|
an excess of our net book value over our market
value; |
|
|
a significant decline in our operating results relative to our
operating forecasts; |
|
|
a significant change in the manner of our use of acquired assets
or the strategy for our overall business; |
|
|
a significant decrease in the market value of an
asset; |
|
|
a shift in technology demands and development; and |
|
|
a significant turnover in key management or other
personnel. |
55
When we determine that the
carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or
more of the above indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined
by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. In the case of finite-lived amortizable intangible assets
and other long-lived assets, this measurement is only performed if the projected undiscounted cash flows for the asset are less than its carrying
value.
In 2010, 2009 and 2008, a
trademark impairment loss of approximately $4.7 million, $4.0 million and $14.9 million, respectively, was recognized related to our entertainment
segment. Such loss, which is included in impairment of other intangible assets in the 2010, 2009 and 2008 consolidated statement of operations,
resulted due to the estimated fair value of certain trademarks being less than their carrying value. We had impairment charges related to goodwill of
approximately $6.8 million in 2008 related to our internet segment and $2.8 million related to our entertainment segment in 2008. These losses were
attributable to downward revisions of earnings forecasted for future years and an increase in the discount rate due to an increase in the perceived
risk of our business prospects related to negative global economic conditions and increased competition.
We have acquired the stock or
specific assets of certain companies from 2006 through 2007 some of which were considered to be business acquisitions. Under the purchase method of
accounting then in effect, the cost, including transaction costs, were allocated to the underlying net assets, based on their respective estimated fair
values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of identifiable net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill.
Intangible assets which resulted
from the acquisition were recorded at estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets are comprised mainly of studio
and service contracts, domain names, customer lists and a non-compete agreement. In addition, purchase accounting requires deferred revenue be restated
to estimated cost incurred to service the liability in the future, plus a reasonable margin.
The judgments made in determining
the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities acquired and the expected useful life assigned to each class of assets can significantly impact net
income.
As with the annual testing
described above, determining the fair value of certain assets and liabilities acquired is subjective in nature and often involves the use of
significant estimates and assumptions.
In our impairment testing, our
forecasts of future performance, the discount rates used in discounted cash flow analysis and comparable company comparisons are all subjective in
nature and a change in one or more of the factors could have a material change in the results of such testing and our financial
results.
Legal
Contingencies
We are currently involved in
certain legal proceedings, as discussed in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements and under the section entitled
Legal Proceedings. To the extent that a loss related to a contingency is probable and can reasonably be estimated, we accrue an estimate of that
loss. Because of the uncertainties related to both the amount or range of loss on certain pending litigation, we may be unable to make a reasonable
estimate of the liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome of such litigation. As additional information becomes available, we will assess
the potential liability related to our pending litigation and make or, if necessary revise, our estimates. Such revisions in our estimates of the
potential liability could materially impact our results of operations and financial position.
56
Segment Information
We divide our business into two
reportable segments: internet, which consists of social networking, live interactive video and premium content websites; and entertainment, which
consists of studio production and distribution, licensing and publishing. Certain corporate expenses are not allocated to segments. The following table
presents our results of operations for the periods indicated for our reportable segments:
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Net
revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internet |
|
|
|
$ |
321,605 |
|
|
$ |
306,213 |
|
|
$ |
306,129 |
|
Entertainment |
|
|
|
|
24,392 |
|
|
|
21,479 |
|
|
|
24,888 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
345,997 |
|
|
|
327,692 |
|
|
|
331,017 |
|
Cost of
revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internet |
|
|
|
|
97,959 |
|
|
|
78,627 |
|
|
|
81,815 |
|
Entertainment |
|
|
|
|
12,531 |
|
|
|
13,070 |
|
|
|
14,699 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
110,490 |
|
|
|
91,697 |
|
|
|
96,514 |
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internet |
|
|
|
|
223,646 |
|
|
|
227,586 |
|
|
|
224,314 |
|
Entertainment |
|
|
|
|
11,861 |
|
|
|
8,409 |
|
|
|
10,189 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
235,507 |
|
|
|
235,995 |
|
|
|
234,503 |
|
Income (loss)
from operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internet |
|
|
|
|
76,142 |
|
|
|
64,962 |
|
|
|
34,345 |
|
Entertainment |
|
|
|
|
1,140 |
|
|
|
(439 |
) |
|
|
(17,748 |
) |
Unallocated
corporate |
|
|
|
|
(5,547 |
) |
|
|
(6,128 |
) |
|
|
(9,488 |
) |
Total |
|
|
|
$ |
71,735 |
|
|
$ |
58,395 |
|
|
$ |
7,109 |
|
Internet Segment Historical Operating
Data
The following table presents
certain key business metrics for our adult social networking websites, general audience social networking websites and live interactive video websites
for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
Adult
Social Networking Websites
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New
members |
|
|
|
|
38,216,689 |
|
|
|
22,461,322 |
|
|
|
20,738,807 |
|
Beginning
subscribers |
|
|
|
|
916,005 |
|
|
|
896,211 |
|
|
|
919,146 |
|
New
subscribers(1) |
|
|
|
|
1,771,837 |
|
|
|
1,776,916 |
|
|
|
1,935,533 |
|
Terminations |
|
|
|
|
1,759,528 |
|
|
|
1,757,122 |
|
|
|
1,958,468 |
|
Ending
subscribers |
|
|
|
|
928,314 |
|
|
|
916,005 |
|
|
|
896,211 |
|
Conversion of
members to subscribers |
|
|
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
7.9 |
% |
|
|
9.3 |
% |
Churn |
|
|
|
|
16.0 |
% |
|
|
16.3 |
% |
|
|
17.8 |
% |
ARPU |
|
|
|
$ |
20.47 |
|
|
$ |
20.73 |
|
|
$ |
22.28 |
|
CPGA |
|
|
|
$ |
48.43 |
|
|
$ |
47.24 |
|
|
$ |
51.26 |
|
Average
lifetime net revenue per subscriber |
|
|
|
$ |
79.45 |
|
|
$ |
79.64 |
|
|
$ |
74.22 |
|
Net
revenue(2) (in millions) |
|
|
|
$ |
226.6 |
|
|
$ |
225.4 |
|
|
$ |
242.7 |
|
57
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
General
Audience Social Networking Websites
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New members
|
|
|
|
|
8,985,965 |
|
|
|
8,994,757 |
|
|
|
11,221,993 |
|
Beginning
subscribers |
|
|
|
|
57,431 |
|
|
|
68,647 |
|
|
|
85,893 |
|
New
subscribers(1) |
|
|
|
|
114,709 |
|
|
|
116,608 |
|
|
|
174,290 |
|
Terminations
|
|
|
|
|
118,942 |
|
|
|
127,824 |
|
|
|
191,536 |
|
Ending
subscribers |
|
|
|
|
53,198 |
|
|
|
57,431 |
|
|
|
68,647 |
|
Conversion of
members to subscribers |
|
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
|
|
1.3 |
% |
|
|
1.6 |
% |
Churn
|
|
|
|
|
17.3 |
% |
|
|
15.5 |
% |
|
|
18.6 |
% |
ARPU
|
|
|
|
$ |
20.72 |
|
|
$ |
18.05 |
|
|
$ |
19.21 |
|
CPGA
|
|
|
|
$ |
29.04 |
|
|
$ |
41.61 |
|
|
$ |
36.68 |
|
Average
lifetime net revenue per subscriber |
|
|
|
$ |
91.02 |
|
|
$ |
74.71 |
|
|
$ |
66.70 |
|
Net
revenue(2) (in millions) |
|
|
|
$ |
13.8 |
|
|
$ |
13.7 |
|
|
$ |
17.8 |
|
Live
Interactive Video Websites
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minutes
|
|
|
|
|
19,566,551 |
|
|
|
17,293,702 |
|
|
|
19,101,202 |
|
Average
revenue per minute |
|
|
|
$ |
3.90 |
|
|
$ |
3.49 |
|
|
$ |
2.87 |
|
Net
revenue(2) (in millions) |
|
|
|
$ |
76.3 |
|
|
$ |
60.4 |
|
|
$ |
54.9 |
|
(1) |
|
New subscribers are subscribers who have paid subscription fees
to one of our websites during the period indicated in the table but who were not subscribers in the immediately prior period. Members who previously
were subscribers, but discontinued their subscriptions either by notifying us of their decisions to discontinue or allowing their subscriptions to
lapse by failing to pay their subscription fees, are considered new subscribers when they become subscribers again at any point after their previous
subscriptions ended. If a current subscriber to one of our websites becomes a subscriber to another one of our websites, such new subscription would
also be counted as a new subscriber since such subscriber would be paying the full subscription fee for each subscription. |
(2) |
|
Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes the
adding back of $19.2 million due to a non-recurring purchase accounting adjustment that required deferred revenue at the date of acquisition of Various
to be recorded at fair value. To provide meaningful comparisons between the years shown, management believes that the historical results of Various are
reflective of our future results. |
The table above includes the
average lifetime net revenue per subscriber and the number of subscribers for the periods shown. While we monitor many statistics in the overall
management of our business, we believe that average lifetime net revenue per subscriber and the number of subscribers are particularly helpful metrics
for gaining a meaningful understanding of our business as they provide an indication of total revenue and profit generated from of our base of
subscribers inclusive of affiliate commissions and advertising costs required to generate new subscriptions.
While we monitor trends in
visitors, conversion rates of visitors to subscribers or visitors to paid users does not provide a meaningful understanding of our business. Our raw
data of visitors is subject to duplicate entries from visitors using multiple user names and e-mail addresses or accessing our websites as a member on
one website and as a subscriber on another website. We use statistically significant samples and measurements of visitor data that allow our management
to make evaluations based on such data.
There is the possibility that a
new subscriber reflected on the table above was either a discontinued or lapsed prior subscriber or is also a current subscriber on a different
FriendFinder website. We do not identify which subscribers are discontinued or lapsed subscribers or which subscribers are existing subscribers on a
different FriendFinder website. Furthermore, a subscriber may come to one of our websites using multiple user names, e-mail addresses or credit cards,
and consequently might be double counted. We do not quantify the number of new subscribers attributable to the sources listed above because we believe
our current method provides the most relevant measurement of our business.
With respect to our live
interactive video websites, our goal is to maximize the number of minutes purchased and the revenue from those purchased minutes. Paid users are a
subset of our members, and may also be subscribers, who purchase products or services on a pay-by-usage basis on our live interactive video websites.
The number of paid users is less important than the number and cost of the minutes purchased. Thus, we monitor the revenue from
58
paid users, the number of
minutes purchased in any period and the average value of the minutes purchased, all of which are presented in the table above.
Our results of operations related
to our adult and general audience websites, as distinguished from the live interactive video websites discussed above, reflects the interaction of the
conversion of members to subscribers, the churn of subscribers, and the average value of purchased products and services. A negative movement in any
one of these items may be offset by a positive movement in another. For more information see the sections entitled Results of Operations
Internet Segment Historical Operating Data for the Year Ended December 31, 2010 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009, and
Results of Operations Internet Segment Historical Operating Data for the Year Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2008.
Results of Operations
Segments and
Periods Presented
We operate in two segments,
internet and entertainment. Our strategy is largely focused on the expansion of our internet segment. As a result, we expect our entertainment segment
to become a decreasing percentage of our total net revenues. We expect our entertainment segment to continue to account for less than 10.0% and 5.0% of
our net revenue and gross profit, respectively, for the next five years.
Our entertainment segment has
higher fixed and variable costs associated with the business resulting in historically lower gross profit margins than our internet segment. We expect
gross profit margins in our entertainment segment to continue to vary but remain within its historical range. We expect the internet gross profit
percentage in future years to be consistent with the gross profit percentage in 2010.
We have provided a discussion of
our results of operations on a consolidated basis and have also provided certain detailed discussions for each of our segments. In order to provide a
meaningful discussion of our ongoing business, we have provided a discussion of the following:
|
|
our consolidated results of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2010 compared to the year ended December 31, 2009; |
|
|
our consolidated results of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2009 compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. |
|
|
an analysis of internet segment operating data which are key to
an understanding of our operating results and strategies for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, and for
the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. |
The following table presents our
historical operating results as a percentage of our net revenue for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
Net revenue
|
|
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Cost of
revenue |
|
|
|
|
31.9 |
|
|
|
28.0 |
|
|
|
29.2 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
|
|
68.1 |
|
|
|
72.0 |
|
|
|
70.8 |
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product
development |
|
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
Selling and
marketing |
|
|
|
|
10.8 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
17.9 |
|
General and
administrative |
|
|
|
|
23.1 |
|
|
|
23.5 |
|
|
|
26.7 |
|
Amortization
of acquired intangibles and software |
|
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
10.8 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
Depreciation
and other amortization |
|
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
Impairment of
goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
Impairment of
other intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
Total
operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
47.4 |
|
|
|
54.2 |
|
|
|
68.7 |
|
59
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
Income from
operations |
|
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
Interest
expense, net of interest income |
|
|
|
|
(25.6 |
) |
|
|
(28.1 |
) |
|
|
(24.3 |
) |
Other finance
expenses |
|
|
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and
penalty related to VAT liability not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
(2.5 |
) |
Net loss on
extinguishment and modification of debt |
|
|
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
(2.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign
exchange (gain) loss principally related to VAT liability not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
4.6 |
|
Gain on
elimination of liability for United Kingdom VAT not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on
settlement of liability related to VAT not charged to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
Gain on
liability related to warrants |
|
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other
non-operating expense net |
|
|
|
|
(3.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
Loss before
income tax benefit |
|
|
|
|
(12.6 |
) |
|
|
(14.2 |
) |
|
|
(19.4 |
) |
Income tax
benefit |
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
(12.5 |
)% |
|
|
(12.6 |
)% |
|
|
(13.9 |
)% |
Year Ended December 31, 2010 as Compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2009
Net Revenue. Net revenue
for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $346.0 million and $327.7 million, respectively, representing an increase of $18.3 million or 5.6%.
Internet revenue for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $321.6 million and $306.2 million, respectively, representing an increase of $15.4
million or 5.0%. Entertainment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $24.4 million and $21.5 million, respectively, representing
an increase of $2.9 million or 13.5%.
The increase in internet revenue
was primarily attributable to an increase in our live interactive video websites of $15.9 million, or 26.3%, due to more effective marketing campaigns.
In addition, we had an increase in our social networking websites revenue of $0.6 million, or 0.3% due to more effective marketing campaigns and
increased features available on our websites. Negative global economic conditions (including, but not limited to, an increase in credit card companies
denying transactions) affected the extent of our increases. Furthermore, we had a decrease in revenue for our premium content websites of $1.1 million,
or 18.9%, due mainly to a decrease in traffic and negative global economic conditions.
Internet revenue for the year
ended December 31, 2010 was comprised of 74.8% relating to our social networking websites, 23.7% relating to our live interactive video websites and
1.5% relating to our premium content websites, as compared to 78.3% for our social networking websites, 19.7% for our live interactive video websites
and 2.0% for our premium content websites for the same period in 2009.
Entertainment revenue for the
year ended December 31, 2010 was $24.4 million as compared to $21.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing an increase of $2.9
million or 13.5%.
Entertainment revenue for the
year ended December 31, 2010 was comprised of 44.7% relating to magazine publishing, 44.6% relating to broadcasting and 10.7% relating to licensing, as
compared to 56.9% for magazine publishing, 30.0% for broadcasting and 13.1% for licensing for the same period in 2009.
The increase in entertainment
revenue was primarily due to an increase in our video entertainment revenue of $4.5 million due mainly to our recognition of a $3.3 million prepayment
due to one of our exclusive agents prematurely terminating a broadcast contract. We also had an increase in our entertainment revenue of $1.2 million
due to entering into new video contracts. The above increase was offset by a decrease in publication revenue of $1.3 million as a result of a decline
in the number of magazines sold from 4.3 million to 3.5 million issues, as well as a $0.2 million decrease in our licensing revenue.
Cost of Revenue. Cost of
revenue for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $110.5 million and $91.7 million, respectively, representing an increase of $18.8 million or
20.5%. The increase in cost of revenue
60
was primarily attributable to
an increase in affiliate commission expense of $14.5 million, from $56.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $71.2 million for the same
period in 2010. The increase was mainly due to affiliates switching from a revenue share basis to a pay-per-order basis, as well as an increase in the
live interactive video websites activity. The increase in cost of revenue was also due to an increase in our studio and model payouts of $5.9 million
as a result of increased revenue for our live interactive video websites and a change in the way we compensate our studios and models. Included in 2009
was a $2.0 million refund related to affiliate commissions, as well as a $2.0 million reduction for affiliates that didnt comply with certain
contractual requirements of our affiliate agreement. There were no such refunds or reductions for the same period in 2010. The above increases were
offset by a decrease in publishing costs of $1.9 million that was related to the decrease in publishing revenue discussed previously. We also had a
decrease in our premium content costs of $0.9 million due to the decrease in premium content revenue discussed previously.
Operating Expenses.
Product Development.
Product development expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $12.8 million and $13.5 million, respectively, representing a decrease
of $0.7 million or 5.2%. The primary reason for the decrease in product development expense was due to a decrease in headcount as we reallocated
technology resources.
Selling and Marketing.
Selling and marketing expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $37.3 million and $42.9 million, respectively, representing a decrease
of $5.6 million or 13.1%. The decrease in selling and marketing expense was primarily due to a $4.5 million decrease in our ad buy expenses for our
internet segment over the period, from $36.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $31.6 million for the same period in 2010. The largest
single sales and marketing expense item is our ad buy expense, the cost of purchasing key word searches from major search engines. The decrease was
also due to a $0.9 million reduction in general advertising expenses as well as a $0.2 million reduction in salaries and benefits as a result of lower
headcount.
General and
Administrative. General and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $79.9 million and $76.9 million,
respectively, representing an increase of $3.0 million or 3.9%. The increase in general and administrative expense is primarily due to a $3.5 million
increase in merchant processing expenses due to higher costs to process our transactions. There was also an increase of $2.0 million in our general
corporate expenses. The above increase was offset by a decrease in legal expense of $1.4 million primarily attributable to significantly less usage of
legal firms in the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year. In the year ended December 31, 2009, we also had a
$2.7 million reimbursement related to a prior lawsuit in which the sellers of Various repaid a portion of the settlement payment and litigation
expenses to us pursuant to the acquisition agreement for Various. There was no such reimbursement for the same period in 2010. There was also a
decrease of $1.1 million in our internet expenses due to a reduction in cost for services.
Amortization of Acquired
Intangibles and Software. Amortization of acquired intangibles and software for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $24.5 million and
$35.5 million, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to a portion of the acquired intangibles becoming fully amortized during 2010. We have had
no significant acquisitions since we acquired Various, Inc. on December 6, 2007.
Depreciation and Other
Amortization. Depreciation and other amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $4.7 million and $4.9 million,
respectively, representing a decrease of $0.2 million or 4.1%. The decrease in depreciation and other amortization is primarily related to certain
assets becoming fully depreciated, offset by the purchase of additional fixed assets.
Impairment of Other Intangible
Assets. Impairment of other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $4.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively,
representing an increase of $0.7 million or 17.5%. The losses for 2010 and 2009 were attributable to the entertainment segment and due to the estimated
fair value of trademarks being less than their carrying value.
Interest Expense, Net of
Interest Income. Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $88.5 million and $92.1 million, respectively, representing a
decrease of $3.6 million or 3.9%. The decrease was due mainly to debt payments during the year ended December 31, 2010. The above decrease was offset
by
61
additional original issue
discount, or OID, amortization on our first lien debt from excess cash flow payments and an increase in our Subordinated Convertible Notes of $38.0
million due to the elimination of the United Kingdom VAT liability in 2009 described below.
Other Finance Expenses.
Other finance expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 were due to debt restructuring costs of $4.6 million related to our New Financing that was
completed in October 2010. We expensed the third party fees related to the New First Lien Notes which were determined to be not substantially different
from the First Lien Notes and Second Lien Notes for what they were exchanged, and therefore they are not accounted for as extinguished debt (See
Net Loss on Extinguishment and Modification of Debt below). We had no such comparable costs in the same period for 2009.
Interest and Penalties Related
to VAT Liability not Charged to Customers. Effective July 1, 2003, as a result of a change in the law in the European Union, VAT was required to be
collected from customers in connection with their use of internet services in the European Union countries. A provision and related liability have been
recorded for interest and penalties related to VAT not charged to customers and failure to file tax returns based on the applicable law of each
relevant country in the European Union.
Interest and penalties related to
VAT liability not charged to customers for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $2.3 million as compared to $4.2 million for the year ended December
31, 2009. The decrease in interest and penalties related to VAT not charged to customers is due to VAT settlements with numerous countries. We continue
to record interest expense in the applicable unsettled European Union countries in which we have an estimated $39.4 million of unremitted VAT
liability.
Net Loss on Extinguishment and
Modification of Debt. Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $7.5 million as compared to a loss
of $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. In 2010, the Company refinanced substantially all of its existing debt into New First Lien, Cash
Pay Second Lien and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. The Company determined that the New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes were
substantially different than the outstanding principal amount of Senior Secured Notes for which they were exchanged, resulting in an extinguishment of
the Senior Secured Notes. An extinguishment loss of $10.5 million was recorded for such exchange and for the Senior Secured Notes, First Lien Notes and
Second Lien Notes redeemed for cash. Such loss includes payment of fees to lenders. The above was offset by the determination that the Non-Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes were substantially different than the non-convertible Subordinated Term Notes for which they were exchanged based on the conversion
feature in the new notes, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of $3.0 million related to the excess of the carrying value of the Subordinated Term
Notes over the fair value of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes for which they were exchanged.
In 2009, the loss related to the
elimination of the Companys option to convert the INI Seller Subordinated Notes (the INI Seller Subordinated Notes) into common stock
and was attributable to the excess of the fair value of the modified notes over the carrying value of the existing notes. In addition, the loss
includes the $2.3 million present value of fees to the former owners of Various aggregating $3.2 million to be paid during the period from December
2010 to the first quarter of 2013.
Foreign Exchange Gain/(Loss)
Principally Related to VAT Liability not Charged to Customers. Foreign exchange gain principally related to VAT not charged to customers for the
year ended December 31, 2010 was $0.6 million as compared to a loss of $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The gain for the year ended
December 31, 2010 is primarily related to the decrease in the U.S. dollar amount of the VAT liability assumed from Various which was denominated in
Euros due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 is primarily related to the weakening of the U.S.
dollar against the Euro and British Pound.
Gain on Elimination of
Liability for United Kingdom VAT not Charged to Customers. Gain on elimination of liability for United Kingdom VAT not charged to customers for the
year ended December 31, 2009 was $1.6 million. This gain was due to the United Kingdom taxing authority notifying us that it had reversed its previous
position and that we were not subject to VAT in the United Kingdom in connection with providing internet services.
Gain on Settlement of
Liability Related to VAT not Charged to Customers. Gain on settlement of liability related to VAT not charged to customers for the year ended
December 31, 2009 was $0.2 million. The gain was due to
62
VAT settlements with foreign
countries in which we had recorded more liability than the actual settlement. There were no gains related to VAT liability not charged to customers in
the same period for 2010.
Gain on Liability Related to
Warrants. Gain on liability related to warrants for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $38,000 as compared to a gain of $2.7 million for the same
period in 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the liability related to the 501,663 warrants issued in August 2005 was established as a
result of new authoritative guidance becoming effective for us as of January 1, 2009. For further information, see Note K Liability
Related to Warrants in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Other Non-operating Expense,
Net. Other non-operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $13.2 million as compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2009.
The expense in 2010 was primarily due to a $13.0 million charge related to our lawsuit with Broadstream Capital Partners, Inc. or Broadstream. The
Company entered into an agreement in 2009 to postpone litigation and paid an aggregate of $3.0 million to Broadstream during 2009 and 2010. The
agreement provided that if Broadstream elected to choose arbitration as a means of resolving the dispute, the arbitration award range to Broadstream
would be at least $10.0 million but would not exceed $47.0 million. In December 2010, Broadstream elected arbitration. The Company believes it has
meritorious defenses and will not be required to pay in excess of $10.0 million. The remainder of the other expense in 2010 and 2009, respectively, was
due mainly to miscellaneous gains and losses.
Income Tax Benefit. Income
tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $0.5 million as compared to a benefit of $5.3 million for the same period in 2009. The difference
was due to a larger amount of net operating loss for which no tax benefit was recognized in 2010 due to an increase in the valuation allowance against
deferred tax assets. The 2009 tax benefit was reduced by a write-off of a deferred tax asset.
Net Loss. Net loss for the
years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $43.2 million and $41.2 million, representing an increase of $2.0 million or 4.9%. The larger loss in 2010
was primarily due to an increase of $13.3 million from operations offset by a net increase of $10.5 million in non-operating expenses and a $4.8
million decrease in tax benefit.
Year Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended
December 31, 2008
Net Revenue. Net revenue
for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $327.7 million and $331.0 million, respectively, representing a decrease of $3.3 million or 1.0% due
to the performance of our internet segment. Internet revenue for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 remained constant at $306.2 million and
$306.1 million, respectively, Entertainment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $21.5 million and $24.9 million, respectively,
representing a decrease of $3.4 million or 13.7%. Included above for the year ended December 31, 2008 was a reduction to Internet net revenue of $19.2
million due to a purchase accounting adjustment that required the deferred revenue to be recorded at fair value as of the day of acquisition of Various
in 2007. There was no impact of purchase accounting adjustments on internet or entertainment revenue in 2009.
Without the effect of the
purchase accounting adjustment, internet revenue would have been $325.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to $306.2 million for
the year ended December 31, 2009, representing a decrease of $19.1 million or 5.9%. The decrease in revenue adjusted for purchase accounting was
primarily attributable to a decrease in our social networking websites of $23.1 million, or 8.8%, due to negative global economic conditions
(including, but not limited to, an increase in credit card companies denying transactions) which caused a decrease in our conversions from free members
to paying subscribers. We also substantially decreased our sales and marketing expense, principally in advertising, which had a negative impact in
revenue. Furthermore, we had a decrease in revenue for our premium content websites of $1.6 million, or 20.9%, due mainly to a decrease in traffic and
negative global economic conditions. Those decreases were offset by an increase in revenue adjusted for purchase accounting of $5.6 million or 10.2% in
our live interactive video websites due to more effective marketing campaigns.
Internet revenue for the year
ended December 31, 2009 was comprised of 78.3% relating to our social networking websites, 19.7% relating to our live interactive video websites and
2.0% relating to our premium content websites, as compared to internet revenue of 80.8% for our social networking websites, 16.9% for our live
interactive
63
video websites and 2.3% for
our premium content websites for the same period in 2008 adjusted for the purchase accounting adjustment.
Entertainment revenue for the
year ended December 31, 2009 was $21.5 million as compared to $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing a decrease of $3.4
million or 13.7%. This decrease can be primarily attributed to a decline in publication revenue of $3.4 million as a result of a decline in the number
of magazines sold from 6.0 million to 4.3 million issues, as well as a $0.4 million decrease in licensing revenues. The above decreases were offset by
a $0.4 million increase resulting from entering into new video contracts.
Entertainment revenue for the
year ended December 31, 2009 was comprised of 56.9% relating to magazine publishing, 30.0% relating to broadcasting and 13.1% relating to
licensing.
The following table presents the
purchase accounting related adjustments to revenue:
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
($in millions)
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
Net revenue
|
|
|
|
$ |
327.7 |
|
|
$ |
331.0 |
|
Purchase
accounting adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19.2 |
|
Adjusted
revenue |
|
|
|
$ |
327.7 |
|
|
$ |
350.2 |
|
Internet
revenue |
|
|
|
$ |
306.2 |
|
|
$ |
306.1 |
|
Purchase
accounting adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19.2 |
|
Adjusted net
internet revenue |
|
|
|
|
306.2 |
|
|
|
325.3 |
|
Entertainment
revenue |
|
|
|
|
21.5 |
|
|
|
24.9 |
|
Total
adjusted revenue |
|
|
|
$ |
327.7 |
|
|
$ |
350.2 |
|
Cost of Revenue. Cost of
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $91.7 million and $96.5 million, respectively, representing a decrease of $4.8 million or
5.0%. The decrease in cost of revenue was primarily attributable to a reduction in affiliate commission expense of $5.6 million, from $62.3 million for
the year ended December 31, 2008 to $56.7 million for the same period in 2009. This decrease was mainly due to a decline in net internet revenue
adjusted for purchase accounting attributable to marketing affiliates offset partially by a small increase in the rate at which we compensate our
marketing affiliates. Included in the decrease was a $2.0 million refund related to affiliate commissions and a $2.0 million cumulative reduction for
affiliates that did not comply with certain contractual requirements of our affiliate agreement.
Operating Expenses
Product Development.
Product development expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $13.5 million and $14.6 million, respectively, representing a decrease of
$1.1 million or 7.5%. The primary reason for the decrease in product development expense was due to a decrease in headcount as we reallocated
technology resources.
Selling and Marketing.
Selling and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $42.9 million and $59.3 million, respectively, representing a decrease
of $16.4 million or 27.7%. The decrease in selling and marketing expense is primarily attributable to a $15.8 million decrease in our ad buy expenses
for our internet segment over the period, from $51.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $36.1 million for the same period in
2009.
General and
Administrative. General and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $76.9 million and $88.3 million, respectively,
representing a decrease of $11.4 million or 12.9%. The decrease in general and administrative expense is primarily due to a $6.5 million decrease in
legal fees. The decrease in legal expense was primarily attributable to a $2.7 million reimbursement related to a prior lawsuit in which the Sellers
repaid a portion of the settlement payment and litigation expenses to us pursuant to the acquisition agreement for Various. The decrease in general and
administrative expense was also due to a decrease in temporary help expenses of $1.4 million and in consulting and professional fees of $2.7 million
due to the majority of integration work being completed by March 31, 2008; and a $2.5 million decrease in other corporate expenses. The decreases were
offset by a $2.6 million increase in our salaries, wages and benefits to help enhance our corporate infrastructure.
64
Amortization of Acquired
Intangibles and Software. Amortization of acquired intangibles and software for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $35.5 million and
$36.3 million, respectively. The decrease relates to some of the acquired intangibles becoming fully amortized during 2009. We have had no significant
acquisitions during 2009 and 2008.
Depreciation and Other
Amortization. Depreciation and other amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $4.9 million and $4.5 million,
respectively, representing an increase of $0.4 million or 8.9%. The increase in depreciation and other amortization is primarily related to the
purchase of additional fixed assets.
Impairment of Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets. Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $4.0 million and
$14.9 million, respectively, representing a decrease of $10.9 million or 73.2%. The losses for 2009 and 2008 were attributable to the entertainment
segment and due to the estimated fair value of trademarks being less than their carrying value.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest Expense, Net of
Interest Income. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $92.1 million and $80.5 million, respectively, representing an
increase of $11.6 million or 14.4%. The increase was due mainly to additional original issue discount, or OID, amortization on our first lien debt from
excess cash flow payments and an increase in our Subordinated Convertible Notes of $38.0 million due to the elimination of the United Kingdom VAT
liability described below. Those increases were offset by debt payments during the year ended December 31, 2009.
Interest and Penalties Related
to VAT Liability not Charged to Customers. Effective July 1, 2003, as a result of a change in the law in the European Union, VAT was required to be
collected from customers in connection with their use of internet services in the European Union countries. A provision and related liability have been
recorded for interest and penalties related to VAT not charged to customers and failure to file tax returns based on the applicable law of each
relevant country in the European Union.
Interest and penalties related to
VAT not charged to customers for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $4.2 million as compared to $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The decrease in interest and penalties related to VAT not charged to customers is due to VAT settlements with numerous countries. We continue to record
interest expense in the applicable unsettled European Union countries in which we have an estimated $43.1 million of unremitted VAT
liability.
Net Loss on Extinguishment and
Modification of Debt. Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt was $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The debt modification
was to eliminate the Companys option to convert the INI Seller Subordinated Notes into common stock and was attributable to the excess of the
fair value of the modified notes over the carrying value of the existing notes. In addition, the Company will pay fees to the previous owners of
Various aggregating $3.2 million during the period from December 31, 2010 to the first quarter of 2013, of which the Company expensed the $2.3 million
present value of the $3.2 million. There was no modification of debt in 2008.
Foreign Exchange Gain/(Loss)
Principally Related to VAT Liability not Charged to Customers. Foreign exchange loss on VAT not charged to customers for the year ended December
31, 2009 was $5.5 million as compared to a gain of $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 is
primarily related to the increase in the U.S. dollar amount of the VAT liability assumed from Various which was denominated in Euros and, until June
2009 when the United Kingdom VAT liability was eliminated, British Pounds due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against these
currencies.
Gain on Elimination of
Liability for United Kingdom VAT not Charged to Customers. Gain on elimination of liability for United Kingdom VAT not charged to customers for the
year ended December 31, 2009 was $1.6 million. This gain was due to the United Kingdom taxing authority notifying us that it had reversed its previous
position and that we were not subject to VAT in the United Kingdom in connection with providing internet services. There were no gains for the same
period in 2008, since we discovered our VAT liability in July 2008 and subsequently began settlement conversations with the United
Kingdom.
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Gain on Settlement of
Liability Related to VAT not Charged to Customers. Gain on settlement of liability related to VAT not charged to customers for the year ended
December 31, 2009 was $0.2 million as compared to $2.7 million for the same period in 2008. The gains were due to VAT settlements with foreign
countries in which we had recorded more liability than the actual settlement.
Gain on Liability Related to
Warrants. Gain on liability related to warrants for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $2.7 million. There was no gain or loss for the year ended
December 31, 2008 as the liability related to the 501,666 warrants issued in August 2005 was established as a result of new authoritative guidance
becoming effective for us as of January 1, 2009. For further information, see Note K Liabilities Related to Warrants in our
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
Other Non-operating Expenses,
Net. Other non-operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $0.4 million as compared to income of $0.2 million for the same period
in 2008. The other income and expense in 2008 and 2009, respectively, were due mainly to miscellaneous gains and losses.
Income Tax Benefit. Income
tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $5.3 million and $18.2 million, respectively. The decrease was mainly due to the smaller
loss before income tax benefit in 2009 and additional discrete items mainly related to the United Kingdom VAT liability elimination in 2009 as compared
to 2008.
Net Loss. Net loss for the
year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $41.2 million and $46.0 million, representing a decrease of $4.8 million or 10.4%. The decrease was due to
the factors listed above.
Internet Segment Historical Operating Data for the Year Ended
December 31, 2010 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009
Adult Social Networking
Websites
Subscribers. Subscribers
for the year ended December 31, 2010 were 928,314 as compared to 916,005 for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing an increase of 12,309 or
1.3%. The increase was driven by the decrease in subscriber churn for our adult social networking websites from 16.3% for the year ended December 31,
2009 to 16.0% for the year ended December 31, 2010. Churn is influenced by a combination of factors including the perceived value of the content and
quality of the user experience.
Churn. Churn for the year
ended December 31, 2010 was 16.0% as compared to 16.3% for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing a decrease of 30 basis points, or a 2.0%
decrease. Churn is the most direct measurement of the value our subscribers get for the price we charge. We strive to provide our subscribers with a
positive user experience, minimize technical difficulties and provide a competitively priced service. Our activities and efforts seek to lower churn
rates as much as possible.
Average Revenue per
Subscriber. ARPU for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $20.47 as compared to $20.73 for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing a
decrease of $0.26. The numbers declined due to a proportionally larger increase in the average number of subscribers compared to
revenue.
Cost Per Gross Addition.
CPGA for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $48.43 as compared to $47.24 for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing an increase of $1.19 or
2.5%. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in our affiliate expense on our adult social networking websites from $51.8 million in the year
ended December 31, 2009 to $59.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 driven by affiliates switching to upfront payment plans.
Average Lifetime Net Revenue
Per Subscriber. Average Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $79.45 as compared to $79.64 for the year
ended December 31, 2009, representing a decrease of $0.19 or 0.2%. The decrease was driven by an increase in the CPGA from $47.24 for the year ended
December 31, 2009 to $48.43 for the year ended December 31, 2010.
General Audience Social
Networking Websites
Subscribers. Subscribers
for the year ended December 31, 2010 were 53,198 as compared to 57,431 for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing a decrease of 4,233 or 7.4%.
The decrease was driven by the increase
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in new subscribers churn for
our general audience social networking websites from 15.5% for the year ended December 31, 2009 to 17.3% for the year ended December 31,
2010.
Churn. Churn for the year
ended December 31, 2010 was 17.3% as compared to 15.5% for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing an increase of 170 basis points, or 11.2%.
Churn is the most direct measurement of the value our subscribers get for the price we charge. We strive to provide our subscribers with a positive
user experience, minimize technical difficulties and provide a competitively priced service. Our activities and efforts seek to lower churn rates as
much as possible.
Average Revenue per
Subscriber. ARPU for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $20.72 as compared to $18.05 for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing an
increase of $2.67 or 14.8%. The primary reason for the increase is the decrease in general audience subscribers coupled with an increase in general
audience revenue from $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Cost Per Gross Addition.
CPGA for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $29.04 as compared to $41.61 for the year ended December 31, 2009, representing a decrease of $12.57 or
30.2%. The decrease was primarily driven by significant reduction in our ad buy expense from $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $0.6
million and for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Average Lifetime Net Revenue
Per Subscriber. Average Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $91.02 as compared to $74.71 for the year
ended December 31, 2009, representing an increase of $16.31 or 21.8%. The increase was driven by the increase in ARPU and the significant decrease in
CPGA described above.
Live Interactive Video
Websites
Average Revenue Per
Minute. Average Revenue Per Minute for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $3.90 as compared to $3.49 for the year ended December 31, 2009,
representing an increase of $0.41, or 11.7%. The primary reason for the increase is that the higher value paid users continued to buy our products and
services while lower value paid users curtailed spending on the site as a result of the general economic slowdown.
Total Purchased Minutes.
Total purchased minutes for the year ended December 31, 2010 were 19.6 million as compared to 17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009,
representing an increase of $2.3 million or 13.3%. The primary reason for the increase in purchased minutes was the improvement in our technology and
product offering with the expansion of high definition video and improvement in lag times.
Internet Segment Historical Operating Data for the Year Ended
December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008
Adult Social Networking
Websites
Subscribers. Subscribers
for the year ended December 31, 2009 were 916,005 as compared to 896,211 for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing an increase of 19,794 or
2.2%. The increase was driven by the decrease in subscriber churn for our adult social networking websites from 2.0 million for the year ended December
31, 2008 to 1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was partially offset by a decrease in new subscribers from 1.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 2008 to 1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. New subscribers result from marketing activities that drive visitors to
our websites, encouraging visitors to become registrants, providing limited services to members and the up-selling of special features including
premium content. Churn is influenced by a combination of factors including the perceived value of the content and quality of the user
experience.
Churn. Churn for the year
ended December 31, 2009 was 16.3% as compared to 17.8% for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing a decrease of 150 basis points, or a 8.0%
decrease. Churn is the most direct measurement of the value our subscribers get for the price we charge. We strive to provide our subscribers with a
positive user experience, minimize technical difficulties and provide a competitively priced service. Our activities and efforts seek to lower churn
rates as much as possible.
Average Revenue per
Subscriber. ARPU for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $20.73 as compared to $22.28 for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing a
decrease of $1.55, or 7.0%. The primary reason for
67
the decrease was the
reduction in net revenue during this period as compared to a increase in the number of subscribers over the same period. For more information regarding
our 2008 revenue, adjusted for purchase accounting, see the sections entitled Prospectus Summary Certain Non-Financial Operating
Data and Year Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008.
Cost Per Gross Addition.
CPGA for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $47.24 as compared to $51.26 for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing a decrease of $4.02 or
7.8%. The decrease was driven by a decrease in our affiliate commission expense from $53.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $51.8
million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and a decrease in our ad buy expense from $45.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $32.2
million for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Average Lifetime Net Revenue
Per Subscriber. Average Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $79.64 as compared to $74.22 for the year
ended December 31, 2008, representing an increase of $5.42 or 7.3%. The increase was driven by a decrease in churn from 17.8% for the year ended
December 31, 2008 to 16.3% for the year ended December 31, 2009.
General Audience Social
Networking Websites
Subscribers. Subscribers
for the year ended December 31, 2009 were 57,431 as compared to 68,647 for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing a decrease of 11,216 or
16.3%. The decline was driven by the decrease in new subscribers to our general audience social networking websites from 174,290 for the year ended
December 31, 2008 to 116,608 for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was partially offset by a decrease in terminations of existing subscribers
from 191,536 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to 127,824 for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Churn. Churn for the year
ended December 31, 2009 is 15.5% as compared to 18.6% for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing a decrease of 310 basis points, or a 16.5%
decrease. Churn is the most direct measurement of the value our subscribers get for the price we charge. We strive to provide our subscribers with a
positive user experience, minimize technical difficulties and provide a competitively priced service. Our activities and efforts seek to lower churn
rates as much as possible.
Average Revenue per
Subscriber. ARPU for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $18.05 as compared to $19.21 for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing a
decrease of $1.16 or 6.0%. The primary reason for the decrease is the decrease in general audience social networking subscribers from 174,290 for the
year ended December 31, 2008 to 116,608 for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was partially offset by a decrease in terminations of existing
subscribers from 191,536 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to 127,824 for the year ended December 31, 2009. For more information regarding our 2008
revenue adjusted for purchase accounting, see the sections entitled Prospectus Summary Certain Non-Financial Operating Data and
Year Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008.
Cost Per Gross Addition.
CPGA for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $41.61 as compared to $36.68 for the year ended December 31, 2008, representing an increase of $4.93 or
13.4%. The increase was primarily driven by a decrease in new subscribers on our general audience social networking websites from 174,290 for the year
ended December 31, 2008 to 116,608 for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was partially offset by a decrease in ad buy expense from $2.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Average Lifetime Net Revenue
Per Subscriber. Average Lifetime Net Revenue Per Subscriber for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $74.71 as compared to $66.70 for the year
ended December 31, 2008, representing an increase of $8.01 or 12.0%. The increase was caused by a decrease in churn from 18.6% for the year ended
December 31, 2008 to 15.5% for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Live Interactive Video
Websites
Average Revenue Per
Minute. Average Revenue Per Minute for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $3.49 as compared to $2.87 for the year ended December 31, 2008,
representing an increase of $0.62 or 21.6%. The primary reason for the increase was the increase in live interactive video websites revenue adjusted
for purchase
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accounting from $54.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $60.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. For more information regarding our 2008 revenue adjusted
for purchase accounting, see the sections entitled Prospectus Summary Certain Non-Financial Operating Data and Year
Ended December 31, 2009 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008. The live interactive video websites are in large part a pay-by-usage
service subject to the highly discretionary decisions of our users. As such, the decline in both revenues and number of minutes is in large part a
result of the general economic slowdown.
Total Purchased Minutes.
Total purchased minutes for the year ended December 31, 2009 were 17.3 million as compared to 19.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008,
representing a decrease of $1.8 million or 9.5%. The primary reason for the decrease was the condition of the overall economy.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2010 and
December 31, 2009, we had cash of $42.0 million and $28.9 million, including restricted cash of $7.3 million and $6.3 million, respectively. We
generate our cash flows from operations. We have no working capital line of credit.
On October 27, 2010, the Company
completed the New Financing. The First Lien Senior Secured Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $167.1 million, the Second Lien Subordinated
Secured Notes, with an outstanding principal amount of $80.0 million and $32.8 principal amount of Senior Secured Notes were exchanged for, or redeemed
with proceeds of, $305.0 million principal amount of the New First Lien Notes. Accrued interest on the First Lien Senior Secured Notes, Second Lien
Subordinated Secured Notes and Senior Secured Notes was paid in cash at closing. The remaining $13,502,000 principal amount of Senior Secured Notes
were exchanged for $13.8 million of the Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. The Subordinated Convertible Notes and Subordinated Term Notes, with outstanding
principal amounts of $180.2 million and $42.8 million respectively, together with accrued interest of $9.5 million were exchanged for $232.5 million
principal amount of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. The principal amount of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes at December 31, 2010 included $4.8
million of interest which was paid with the issuance of additional Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes.
In December 2007, we acquired
Various for approximately $401.0 million. The purchase price of approximately $401.0 million paid to the sellers consisted of approximately (i) $137.0
million in cash, (ii) notes valued at approximately $248.0 million, and (iii) warrants to acquire approximately 2.9 million shares of common stock,
subject to adjustment for certain anti-dilution provisions, valued at approximately $16.0 million. The purchase price gives effect to a $61.0 million
reduction attributable to a post-closing working capital adjustment which resulted in a $51.0 million reduction in the value of notes issued and a
$10.0 million reduction in cash paid which is being held in escrow. This adjustment is the result of our indemnity claim against the sellers relating
to the VAT liability. In addition, legal and other acquisition costs totaling approximately $4.0 million were incurred. The cash portion of the
purchase price was obtained through the issuance of notes and warrants, including approximately $110.0 million from certain of our stockholders. On
October 8, 2009, we settled all indemnity claims against the sellers (whether claims are VAT related or not) by adjusting the original principal amount
of the Subordinated Convertible Notes to $156.0 million. In addition, the sellers agreed to make available to us, to pay VAT and certain VAT-related
expenses, $10.0 million held in a working capital escrow established at the closing of the Various transaction. As of December 31, 2010, the total of
$10.0 million had been released from the escrow to reimburse us for VAT-related expenses already incurred. If the actual costs to us of eliminating the
VAT liability are less than $29.0 million, after applying amounts from the working capital escrow, then the principal amount of the Non-Cash Pay Second
Lien Notes (which were issued in exchange for the Subordinated Convertible Notes in the New Financing) will be increased by the issuance of new
Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes to reflect the difference between $29.0 million and the actual VAT liability, plus interest on such
difference.
The total amount of uncollected
payments related to VAT not charged to customers as of December 31, 2010 was $39.4 million, including $19.5 million in potential penalties and
interest. We are currently negotiating with tax authorities in the applicable European Union jurisdictions to extend the maturity of the payments. We
have settled with tax authorities or paid our tax liabilities in full in certain countries. We are in different stages of negotiations with many other
jurisdictions, and we are not able to estimate when the rest of the jurisdictions will be settled or paid in full. However, if we were forced to pay
the total amount in the next year, it would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources since we will not have sufficient
cash flow over the next year to pay these obligations and we expect that our ability to borrow funds to pay these obligations would be
limited.
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Cash
Flow
Net cash provided by operations
was $42.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $39.7 million for the same period in 2009. The increase was primarily attributable
to reduced levels of accounts receivable and prepaid expenses together with reduced amounts of deferred debt and offering costs paid in 2010 as
compared with 2009 offset by reductions in accounts payable and lower interest payments and increases in restricted cash for processing reserve
requirements. The reduced level of accounts receivable is primarily attributable to a repayment for certain VAT taxes from the United Kingdom in 2010.
The reduced level of prepaid expenses is attributable to prepaid commissions and state taxes paid in 2009. Reduced interest payments are attributable
to reduction on principal amounts of long-term debt due to prepayments from excess cash flow.
Net cash used in investing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $1.3 million compared to $4.2 million provided by for the same period in 2009. This decrease
resulted from cash received from escrow in connection with the Various acquisition.
Net cash used in financing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $29.4 million, compared to $45.0 million for the same period in 2009. The decrease is primarily due
to reductions in repayment on our First Lien Senior Secured Notes.
Net cash provided by operations
was $39.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $50.9 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the cash
flows generated from our internet segment as a result of the acquisition of Various in December 2007.
Net cash provided by investing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $4.2 million compared to net cash used in investing activities of $9.3 million for the same period
in 2008. This increase resulted from cash received from the acquisition escrow and decreased purchases of property and equipment.
Net cash used in financing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $45.0 million compared to $25.3 million for the same period in 2008. The increase is primarily due
to required repayments on our First Lien Senior Secured Notes issued in connection with the acquisition of Various. In addition to the required annual
amortization, we were required to make quarterly principal payments on the First Lien Senior Secured Notes, in an aggregate amount equal to 90% of the
Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the securities purchase agreement governing the First Lien Senior Secured Notes, or the 2007 Securities Purchase
Agreement).
Information Regarding EBITDA
Covenants
Our prior note agreements
contained certain financial covenants regarding EBITDA. For the year ended December 31, 2008 and for the quarters ended March 31, 2008, June 30, 2008,
September 30, 2008, March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, we failed to satisfy our EBITDA covenants with respect to our 2006 Notes and 2005 Notes because
of operating performance. For the quarters ended March 31, 2008, June 30, 2008 and September 30, 2008 we failed to satisfy our EBITDA covenants with
respect to the First Lien Senior Secured Notes and the Second Lien Subordinated Secured Notes due to the liability related to VAT not charged to
customers and the purchase accounting adjustment due to the required reduction of the deferred revenue liability to fair value. On October 8, 2009,
these events of default were cured. For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, we met our EBITDA covenants with respect to our 2006 Notes and 2005
Notes, each as amended. For the year ended December 31, 2009 and the quarters ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010, we met our
EBITDA covenants with respect to the First Lien Senior Secured Notes and the Second Lien Subordinated Secured Notes. The above mentioned debt was paid
off with the proceeds of the New Financing. For more information regarding this and other events of default under our note agreements, see the section
entitled Description of Indebtedness.
Giving effect to the New
Financing, we are required to maintain the following levels of EBITDA (as it is defined in the particular agreement as noted below):
|
|
For the last four quarters for any period ended through
September 30, 2011, September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2013, our EBITDA on a consolidated basis for the year ended on such date needs to be greater
than $85.0 million, $90.0 million and $95.0 million, respectively. Our EBITDA for the four quarters ended December 31, 2010, as defined in the relevant
documents, was $105.4 million. |
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We met our EBITDA covenant
requirements for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2010.
Financing Activities
We are currently highly leveraged
and our outstanding notes are secured by substantially all of our assets. We intend to repay some of our long-term debt with the proceeds of this
offering. Our note agreements contain many restrictions and covenants, including financial covenants regarding EBITDA. As disclosed in the risk factor
entitled We breached certain covenants contained in our previously existing note agreements and our Indentures.... above, we
breached and subsequently cured a covenant in our Indentures. We are currently in compliance with the covenants under our outstanding notes, including
all financial covenants. See the section entitled Information Regarding EBITDA Covenants above. To the extent certain of our notes
are not fully repaid in connection with this offering, we will remain subject to such restrictions and covenants. Interest expense for the year ended
December 31, 2010 totaled $88.5 million.
As of December 31, 2010, we had
$42.0 million in cash and restricted cash.
On October 27, 2010, we completed
the New Financing. $305.0 million principal amount of New First Lien Notes due 2013 were co-issued by us and INI of which (a) $200.2 million was
exchanged for $130.5 million outstanding principal amount of First Lien Notes, $49.4 million outstanding principal amount of Second Lien Notes and
$14.5 million outstanding principal amount of Senior Secured Notes, (b) $91.4 million was issued for cash proceeds of $89.6 million before payment of
related fees and expenses of $5.8 million and (c) $13.4 million was used to pay commitment fees to the holders of First Lien Notes and Second Lien
Notes. Cash of $86.2 million was used to redeem $36.6 million of First Lien Notes at 102% of principal, $30.6 million of Second Lien Notes
(representing the remaining outstanding principal amounts of First and Second Lien Notes) and $18.3 million outstanding principal amount of Senior
Secured Notes. Cash was also used to pay $4.1 million of accrued interest on the exchanged and redeemed notes, an $825,000 redemption premium on
certain exchanged First Lien Notes and $435,000 in commitment fees to certain noteholders.
The remaining $13.5 million
outstanding principal amount of Senior Secured Notes were exchanged for $13.8 million principal amount of Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. Subordinated
Convertible Notes and Subordinated Term Notes, with outstanding principal amounts of $180.2 million and $42.8 million, respectively, together with
accrued interest of $9.5 million, were exchanged for $232.5 million of 11.5% Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes due 2014 co-issued by us and
INI.
New First Lien
Notes
The New First Lien Notes, in the
principal amount of $305.0 million, of which approximately $112.0 million principal amount were issued to our stockholders including $7.5 million to
entities controlled by certain officers and directors, were issued with an original issue discount of $6.1 million or 2.0%. The New First Lien Notes
mature on September 30, 2013 and accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to 14.0%. Interest on the New First Lien Notes is payable quarterly on March
31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. Principal on the New First Lien Notes is payable quarterly to the extent of 75% of Excess Cash
Flow as defined at 102% of principal, subject to pro-rata sharing with the Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. The New First Lien Notes are guaranteed by our
domestic subsidiaries and are collateralized by a first-priority lien on all their assets as well as a pledge of our subsidiaries stock. The guarantees
are the senior secured obligations of each such subsidiary guarantor. The New First Lien Notes are redeemable prior to maturity at our option in whole
but not in part, at 110% of principal, and at principal at maturity on September 30, 2013, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In the event of our
initial public offering of common stock, or IPO, the net proceeds must be used to redeem the New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes
pro-rata at 110% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, noteholders have the option of requiring us to repay the New First Lien
Notes in full upon a Change of Control, as defined in the indenture governing the New First Lien Notes, or the New First Lien Notes Indenture, at 110%
of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest. We do not expect this offering to result in a Change of Control. We shall also repay or offer to pay
the New First Lien Notes and, in certain circumstances, the Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, with proceeds received from any debt or equity financing
(including a secondary offering) and asset sales of $25 million or more at 110% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, other asset sales,
insurance claims,
71
condemnation and other
extraordinary cash receipts at principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to certain exceptions.
The New First Lien Notes
Indenture contains covenants applicable to us and our subsidiaries, including covenants relating to limitations and requirements with respect to
indebtedness, restricted payments, dividends and other payments affecting our subsidiaries, sale-leaseback transactions, consolidations and mergers,
asset sales, acquisitions and provision of financial statements and reports.
Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes
The Cash Pay Second Lien Notes,
in the principal amount of $13.8 million, all of which were issued to entities controlled by stockholders who are also officers and directors, were
issued with an original issue discount of $276,000 or 2%, are identical to the terms of the New First Lien Notes except as to matters regarding
collateral, subordination, enforcement and voting. The Cash Pay Second Lien Notes are secured by a fully subordinated second lien on substantially all
of our assets, parri passu with the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, and will be included with the New First Lien Notes on a dollar for dollar basis for
purposes of determining required consents or waivers on all matters except for matters relating to collateral, liens and enforcement of rights and
remedies. As to such matters, the Cash-Pay Second Lien Notes will be included with the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes for purposes of determining
required consents or waivers.
Non-Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes
The Non-Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes, in the principal amount of $232.5 million, of which approximately $228.5 million principal amount were issued to our stockholders including
$44.4 million to entities controlled by certain officers and directors, mature on April 30, 2014 and bear interest at 11.5%, payable semi-annually on
June 30 and December 31, which may be paid in additional notes at our option. While the New First Lien Notes are in place, interest must be paid with
additional Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. The Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes are guaranteed by our domestic subsidiaries and collateralized by a
second priority lien on all of their assets and a pledge of our subsidiaries stock; however, such security interest is subordinate to the prior payment
of the New First Lien Notes. The guarantees are the senior secured obligations of each such subsidiary guarantor subordinate only to the first-priority
lien granted to the holders of the New First Lien Notes. The Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes are redeemable, at our option, in whole but not in part, at
100% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to the rights of the holders of the New First Lien Notes under the intercreditor agreement
between the holders of the New First Lien Notes, the holders of the Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and the holders of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes.
This agreement provides that no redemption of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes may occur until the New First Lien Notes are repaid in
full.
Upon the payment in full of the
New First Lien Notes, principal on the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes is payable quarterly to the extent of 75% of Excess Cash Flow as defined at 102%
of principal subject to pro-rata sharing with the Cash Pay Second-Lien Notes. Upon an IPO, if the New First Lien Notes are paid in full, the remaining
proceeds must be used to redeem the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and the Cash Pay Second Lien Notes on a pro-rata basis at 110% of principal, plus
accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, noteholders have the option of requiring us to repay the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes in full upon a Change
of Control, as defined in the indenture governing the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes, or the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Indenture, at 110% of principal,
plus accrued and unpaid interest. We do not expect this offering to result in a Change of Control. If the New First Lien Notes are paid in full, we
shall repay the remaining Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and the Cash Pay Second Lien Notes on a pro-rata basis with proceeds received from any debt or
equity financing (including a secondary offering), and asset sales of over $25 million at 110% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and
other asset sales, insurance claim, condemnation and other extraordinary cash receipts at principal, subject to certain exceptions.
The Non-Cash Pay Second Lien
Notes will be convertible into shares of our common stock upon or after an IPO. The conversion price of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes will be at
the per share offering price for shares of our common stock upon consummation of the IPO provided that such conversion option shall be limited to
approximately 21.1% of the fully diluted equity. The $183.7 million principal amount of Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes exchanged for outstanding
Subordinated Convertible Notes were recorded at the carrying amount for
72
such Convertible Notes as the
exchange was accounted for as if the outstanding Convertible Notes were not extinguished. The $48.8 million principal amount of Non-Cash Pay Second
Lien Notes exchanged for non-convertible Subordinated Term Notes have been recorded at estimated fair value at the date of issuance as the exchange was
accounted for as an extinguishment of the Subordinated Term Notes.
The Non-Cash Pay Second Lien
Indenture contains covenants applicable to us and our subsidiaries, including covenants relating to limitations and requirements with respect to
indebtedness, restricted payments, dividends and other payments affecting our subsidiaries, sale-leaseback transactions, consolidations and mergers,
asset sales and acquisitions and provision of financial statements and reports. These covenants are substantially identical to those contained in the
New First Lien Notes.
We have determined that the New
First Lien Notes are not substantially different from the formerly outstanding First Lien Senior Secured Notes and Second Lien Subordinated Secured
Notes for which they were exchanged, nor are the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes substantially different from the formerly outstanding Subordinated
Convertible Notes for which they were exchanged, based on the less than 10% differences in present values of cash flows of the respective debt
instruments and, accordingly, such exchanges are accounted for as if the formerly outstanding notes were not extinguished. Accordingly, a new effective
interest rate has been determined for the outstanding notes based on the carrying amount of such notes and the revised cash flows of the newly issued
notes. In connection therewith, commitment fees paid to the note holders, together with an allocable portion of existing unamortized discount, and debt
issuance and modification costs will be amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the remaining term of the new notes using the effective
interest method. Private placement fees related to the New First Lien Notes together with legal and other fees aggregating approximately $4.6 million
allocated to the exchanges was charged to other finance expense.
We have determined that the New
First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes are substantially different than the outstanding $28.1 million principal amount of 2005 Notes and 2006
Notes for which they were exchanged based on the more than 10% difference in present values of cash flows of the respective debt instruments and,
accordingly, the exchanges are accounted for as an extinguishment of the 2005 Notes and 2006 Notes. We recorded a pre-tax loss on debt extinguishment
in the quarter ended December 31, 2010 of $10.5 million related to such exchanged 2005 Notes and 2006 Notes and to the 2005 Notes and 2006 Notes, and
INI First Lien Senior Secured Notes and Second Lien Subordinated Secured Notes redeemed for cash. The loss includes the writeoff of unamortized costs
and fees aggregating $8.6 million related to the notes which were extinguished.
We also determined that the
Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes are substantially different than the non-convertible Subordinated Term Loan Notes for which they were exchanged based on
the conversion feature in the new notes and, accordingly, the exchange was accounted for as an extinguishment of the Subordinated Term Loan Notes. We
recorded a gain on extinguishment of $3.0 million.
Registration
Rights
We have agreed to consummate an
exchange offer pursuant to an effective registration statement to be filed with the SEC to allow the holders of the New First Lien Notes, Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes to exchange their notes for a new issue of substantially identical notes. In addition, we have
agreed to file, under certain circumstances, a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the New First Lien Notes, Cash Pay Second Lien Notes
and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. We have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts, subject to applicable law, to cause to become effective a
registration statement within 210 calendar days and to consummate an exchange offer within 240 days following the consummation of this offering. In the
event that we fail to satisfy the registration and/or exchange requirements within the prescribed time periods, the interest rate on the New First Lien
Notes, Cash Pay Second Lien Notes and Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes will be increased by 3.5%.
73
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth
our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Less Than 1 Year
|
|
1-3 Years
|
|
3-5 Years
|
|
More Than 5 Years
|
|
|
|
|
($in thousands)
|
|
Long-term
Notes Payable, including current portion:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New First
Lien Notes(1) |
|
|
|
$ |
305,000 |
|
|
$ |
14,115 |
|
|
$ |
290,885 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes(1) |
|
|
|
|
13,778 |
|
|
|
638 |
|
|
|
13,140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Cash Pay
Second Lien Notes(1) |
|
|
|
|
237,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
237,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
Seller
Agreements(2) |
|
|
|
|
2,250 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Lease
Obligations and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miscellaneous
Notes(3) |
|
|
|
$ |
13 |
|
|
$ |
13 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Operating
Leases(4) |
|
|
|
|
12,413 |
|
|
|
2,076 |
|
|
|
6,320 |
|
|
|
4,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other(5) |
|
|
|
|
6,069 |
|
|
|
5,271 |
|
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total(6) |
|
|
|
$ |
576,733 |
|
|
$ |
23,113 |
|
|
$ |
312,393 |
|
|
$ |
241,227 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
(1) |
|
We are required to use the net cash proceeds from an initial
public offering of our common stock to repay a portion of the New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes pro rata at a redemption price of
110%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The First Lien and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes mature on September 30, 2013. The Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes
mature on April 30, 2014. |
(2) |
|
Please refer to the section entitled Certain Relationships
and Related Party Transactions Confirmation of Certain Consent and Exchange Fees. |
(3) |
|
Represents our contractual commitments for lease payments on
computer hardware equipment. |
(4) |
|
Represents our minimum rental commitments for non-cancellable
operating leases of office space. |
(5) |
|
Other commitments and obligations are comprised of contracts
with software licensing, communications, computer hosting, and marketing service providers. These amounts totaled $5.3 million for less than one year
and $0.8 million between one and three years. Contracts with other service providers are for 30 day terms or less. |
(6) |
|
Interest expense has been excluded from the Contractual
Obligations table above. As of December 31, 2010 the Company had $305 million and $13.8 million of New First Lien Notes and Cash Pay Second Lien Notes,
respectively, which would result in an annual cash interest expense obligation of $44.6 million before giving effect to required quarterly principal
reductions from excess cash flow. No cash interest payments are payable in respect of the Non-Cash Pay Second Lien Notes. |
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
As of December 31, 2010, we did
not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market
Risk
We are exposed to market risk
attributed to interest and foreign currency exchange rates.
Interest Rate
Risk
We are not exposed to any
interest rate fluctuations.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Risk
Our exposure to foreign currency
exchange risk is primarily due to our international operations. As of December 31, 2010, we had a $42.2 million liability for VAT denominated in Euros,
which represents substantially all of our foreign currency exchange rate exposure. In addition, revenue derived from international websites are paid in
advance primarily with credit cards and are denominated in local currencies. Substantially all such currencies are converted into U.S. dollars on the
dates of the transactions at rates of exchange in effect on such dates and remitted to us and accordingly, is recorded based on the U.S. dollars
received by us. As a result, our foreign currency exchange risk exposure is not material and is limited to the amount of foreign exchange rate changes
on any individual day on the portion of our net revenue received in other currencies. Accounts receivable due from restricted
74
cash held by foreign credit
card processors and VAT liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates in effect as of the
balance sheet date. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the statement of operations. The
potential loss resulting from a hypothetical 10.0% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates is approximately $4.2 million. We do not
utilize any currency hedging strategies.
Inflation
We are subject to the effects of
changing prices. We have, however, generally been able to pass along inflationary increases in our costs by increasing the prices of our products and
subscriptions.
Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance and Corporate
Governance
As a public company, we will be
subject to the reporting requirement of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Beginning immediately, we will be required to establish and regularly evaluate
the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of disclosure controls and
procedures and internal control over financial reporting, significant resources and management oversight will be required. We also must comply with all
corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq Global Market, including independence of our audit committee and independence of the majority of our board
of directors.
We plan to timely satisfy all
requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Nasdaq Global Market applicable to us. We have taken, and will continue to take, actions designed to enhance
our disclosure controls and procedures. We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all of our directors, officers and
employees. We will establish a confidential and anonymous reporting process for the receipt of concerns regarding questionable accounting, auditing or
other business matters from our employees. We intend for our General Counsel to assist us in the continued enhancement of our disclosure controls and
procedures. In addition, we intend to put additional personnel and systems in place which we expect will provide us the necessary resources to be able
to timely file the required periodic reports with the SEC as a publicly traded company. We intend for our Chief Financial Officer, Controller and other
financial personnel to lead our existing staff in the performance of the required accounting and reporting functions.
On an ongoing basis we intend to
conduct a controls evaluation to identify control deficiencies and to confirm that appropriate corrective action, including process improvements, are
being undertaken. We expect to conduct this type of evaluation on a quarterly basis so that the conclusions concerning the effectiveness of our
controls can be reported in our periodic reports. The overall goals of these evaluation activities will be to monitor our internal controls for
financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures and to make modifications as necessary. Our intent in this regard is that our internal
controls for financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures will be maintained as dynamic systems that change, including with
improvements and corrections, as conditions warrant.
Our ability to enhance our
disclosure controls and procedures, to conduct controls evaluations and to modify controls and procedures on an ongoing basis may be limited by the
current state of our staffing, accounting system and internal controls since any enhancements and modifications may require additional staffing and
improved systems and controls.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2009, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, established the Accounting Standards Codification, or the Codification, as the single source of authoritative
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under
authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification, which does not change GAAP, is
effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We adopted the Codification for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
Other than the manner in which new accounting guidance is referenced, our adoption of the Codification had no impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
In September 2006, the FASB
issued new authoritative guidance which clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the
disclosures on fair value measurements. This
75
authoritative guidance is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued further authoritative guidance which delayed the
effective date of such guidance for fair value measurements for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are
recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (that is at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2008. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted this authoritative guidance with respect to our financial assets and liabilities and effective
January 1, 2009 we adopted this authoritative guidance with respect to non-financial assets and liabilities. The adoption of this authoritative
guidance had no impact on our financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued
new authoritative guidance which provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value and establishes
presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar
types of assets and liabilities. This authoritative guidance became effective for us on January 1, 2008 and had no effect on our financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2008, as we did not elect to apply the provisions of the authoritative guidance.
Effective January 1, 2009, we
adopted new authoritative guidance which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and
measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, (ii)
recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in a business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase and (iii) determines what information to
disclose to enable users of financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The adoption of this
authoritative guidance did not have any effect on our financial statements.
In April 2008, the FASB issued
new authoritative guidance which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, amends the factors that should be considered in
developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset acquired after the effective date. The
intent of this authoritative guidance is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected
cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under other U.S. GAAP. We adopted this authoritative guidance on January 1, 2009, which did not
have any effect on our financial statements.
Effective January 1, 2009, we
adopted new authoritative guidance which clarifies the determination of whether an instrument (or an embedded feature) is indexed to an entitys
own stock. If an instrument is not considered indexed to an entitys own stock, the instrument is not eligible to be classified as equity. In
connection with our August 2005 issuance of 2005 Notes, we also issued warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. We determined that these
warrants were not indexed to our stock based on the provisions of this authoritative guidance. Accordingly, as of January 1, 2009, the fair value of
these warrants, was reclassified from equity to a liability. The fair value of these warrants will be periodically remeasured with any changes in value
recognized in the statement of operations.
In December 2010, the FASB issued
new authoritative accounting guidance which provides that entities with reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts are required to
determine an implied fair value of goodwill if management concludes that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists considering any
adverse qualitative factors. For public entities, the new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim period within those years beginning after
December 15, 2010. Early adoption is not permitted. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2011. We do not expect adoption to have any impact on
our financial statements.
76
OUR INDUSTRY
Overview
We participate in the global
online social networking industry. We believe that our industry offers the potential for substantial future growth for a number of reasons,
including:
|
|
internet penetration, particularly broadband penetration,
continues to grow, expanding our potential client base and permitting us to offer more services and a better user experience to our
customers; |
|
|
online social networking continues to expand rapidly, as social
networking interactions become increasingly mobile, media-rich and content-driven, and social networking by adult users remains relatively
underpenetrated; |
|
|
the usage of credit cards and other online payment mechanisms in
emerging markets continues to increase, facilitating online user transactions; and |
|
|
worldwide internet advertising spending is expected to increase
given the internets interactive nature, reach and ability to target niche audiences. |
We believe that we are
well-positioned to capitalize on these growth trends and be a leader in social networking in both the adult content and general audience
segments.
The Growth of the Internet and Broadband
Adoption
Greater worldwide availability
and affordability of internet and broadband access and the increasing significance of the internet as a communication and entertainment medium has led
to global growth in the number of internet users and the time that they spend online. In recent years the rapid growth of the internet has continued,
with the number of internet users worldwide reaching approximately 2.0 billion in June 2010 according to Internet World Statistics, having grown by
approximately 445% since 2000. In North America and Europe the number of internet users grew to approximately 266 million and 475 million,
respectively, in June 2010, having grown by approximately 146% and 352% since 2000. Major Asian markets have grown at an even greater rate, achieving a
total growth rate of approximately 622% since 2000, with the total number of users reaching 825 million in June 2010. Notably, broadband internet is
the fastest growing segment of the internet allowing for faster delivery of complex content, such as photos and video. According to the Economist
Intelligence Unit, in 2010, worldwide broadband penetration was approximately 9.8% of the global population and is expected to reach 12.4% by 2014, a
6.1% compounded annual growth rate in penetration. We believe that the increase in broadband penetration will have a positive effect on e-commerce
transactions, including the purchase of content and services online as broadband connections provide faster and more convenient transaction
experiences.
Global Broadband Penetration (as a
percentage of population)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014a
|
|
2013a
|
|
2012a
|
|
2011a
|
|
2010a
|
|
2009b
|
Broadband
subscriptions (m) |
|
|
|
|
668.7 |
|
|
|
636.3 |
|
|
|
600.8 |
|
|
|
556.9 |
|
|
|
506.6 |
|
|
|
453.1 |
|
Broadband subscriptions (per 100 people) |
|
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
11.4 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
9.8 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
a Economist Intelligence Unit Forecasts. b Economist Intelligence Unit
Estimates.
Source:
Economist Intelligence Unit, September 2010
The Growth of Social Networking
Online social networking is a
communications and personal expression medium that has become one of the most popular services in internet history as individuals seek to combine the
exchange of information, content and entertainment within an online community environment. According to eMarkets, social networking has recently been
marked by rapid growth: in 2008, U.S. social networking accounted for 42% of time spent online, which increased to 58% by 2010. In terms of actual
visitors, in December 2010, out of 1.3 billion unique worldwide visitors to internet websites, approximately 1.0 billion visited social networking
websites according to comScore. Adult users represent the group with the largest growth potential in the social networking arena. According to
eMarkets,
77
by 2014, the number of adult
users in the U.S. is expected to grow to 139.6 million individuals, representing a 7.2% compounded annual growth rate from 2010
levels.
United States Online Social Networking by
Adult Users
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
2013
|
|
2012
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
Number of
adult social networking users (in millions) |
|
|
|
|
139.6 |
|
|
|
133.5 |
|
|
|
126.7 |
|
|
|
117.7 |
|
|
|
105.8 |
|
|
|
89.6 |
|
Percentage of adult internet users |
|
|
|
|
69.3 |
% |
|
|
67.9 |
% |
|
|
66.3 |
% |
|
|
63.6 |
% |
|
|
59.2 |
% |
|
|
52.4 |
% |
Source:
eMarketer, May 2010
We participate in the social
networking industry in both the adult content and general audience online categories. In general, traditional online social networking is an activity
in which internet users link personal websites about themselves and their interests to those of their friends or individuals with similar interests.
Users engage in a number of activities within social networking environments, including communication, such as e-mailing and instant messaging; content
sharing, such as photos and videos; and publishing, such as blogging, to establish a network of social relationships with friends, colleagues and
acquaintances and to meet other individuals with similar interests. Recently, technological advancements including improvements in multimedia delivery
technology and bandwidth speeds have provided users with a social networking experience that is increasingly mobile, media-rich and content-driven.
Many social networking participants now actively utilize interactive video chatting and video sharing and are less reliant upon static web pages and
instant text messaging to establish and maintain connections with others.
Adult content social networking
websites offer a suite of applications and communications tools similar to general interest social networking websites. The distinction lies in the
users purpose for accessing the website. Whereas most general interest social networking users log-on to remain generally connected to their
friends and interest groups, adult content social networking participants log on specifically to meet others. Adult content social networking appeals
to many users by providing participants with a convenient and secure medium to facilitate interactions between prospective partners and the potential
to establish future face-to-face meetings.
Growth of Online Payments
The continued increase in
worldwide credit card penetration and alternative online payment mechanisms is expected to drive significant subscriber growth for subscription-based
online companies. The main drivers of purchasing adult content services online are payment mechanisms, including credit cards, and the emergence of
alternative online payment methods in emerging markets. According to Euromonitor, emerging markets, where we have a large number or members, such as
China and Brazil, experienced growth in credit card circulation of 30.3% and 6.3% for 2009, respectively, which allows for significant increases in
online spending for goods and services. The chart below also implies significant room for growth as countries such as China and India are less than 15%
and 5% penetrated, respectively, compared to a developed country like the United States which is close to 200% penetrated. In other words, each U.S.
person averaged nearly two credit cards.
Emerging Market Credit Card Circulation
Growth (in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
2008
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
China
|
|
|
|
|
185.3 |
|
|
|
142.1 |
|
|
|
90.3 |
|
|
|
49.6 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
30.3 |
% |
|
|
57.5 |
% |
|
|
82.1 |
% |
|
|
22.6 |
% |
Brazil
|
|
|
|
|
175.0 |
|
|
|
164.6 |
|
|
|
138.0 |
|
|
|
109.2 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
6.3 |
% |
|
|
19.2 |
% |
|
|
26.4 |
% |
|
|
17.8 |
% |
Mexico
|
|
|
|
|
23.9 |
|
|
|
26.5 |
|
|
|
24.2 |
|
|
|
19.6 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
(9.9 |
%) |
|
|
9.5 |
% |
|
|
23.4 |
% |
|
|
41.9 |
% |
India
|
|
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
26.1 |
|
|
|
26.2 |
|
|
|
21.6 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
(20.4 |
%) |
|
|
(0.6 |
%) |
|
|
21.5 |
% |
|
|
24.5 |
% |
United States
|
|
|
|
|
632.5 |
|
|
|
695.8 |
|
|
|
739.1 |
|
|
|
701.2 |
|
Growth % |
|
|
|
|
(9.1 |
%) |
|
|
(5.9 |
%) |
|
|
5.4 |
% |
|
|
5.5 |
% |
Source:
Euromonitor, International Marketing Data and Statistics, 2011
78
In developing economies, access
to credit cards is currently limited due to a less developed banking sector, limited credit histories for customers and customer aversion to debt.
Credit cards are expected to grow rapidly in emerging markets. Additionally, a number of alternative payment systems, such as prepaid cards, mobile
phone payments, cash payments and bank transfers, are becoming more and more prevalent for online payments in these markets.
Growth in Online Advertising
Online advertising is currently
an underpenetrated business segment, representing less than 0.1% of net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010. With continued worldwide growth
in this advertising segment, we see this as a significant growth opportunity. For more information, please refer to the section entitled Business
Our Strategy Generate Online Advertising Revenue.
Since internet users share a
wealth of personal information, such as age, location, occupation and hobbies, social networking websites are highly attractive to advertisers who are
able to target advertisements to specific demographic groups. Additionally, given the internets interactive nature, reach and ability to target
niche audiences, we expect the social networking space to create new opportunities for advertisers to target customers online.
As shown in the chart below,
internet advertising worldwide is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 14% from 2009 to 2013, maintaining significantly higher growth
rates than other advertising media.
Worldwide Advertising Spending (Growth in
millions of dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
2012
|
|
2011
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
Print
|
|
|
|
|
134,208 |
|
|
|
134,672 |
|
|
|
135,663 |
|
|
|
137,383 |
|
|
|
141,081 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
(0.3 |
%) |
|
|
(0.7 |
%) |
|
|
(1.3 |
%) |
|
|
(2.6 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
Television
|
|
|
|
|
213,878 |
|
|
|
202,380 |
|
|
|
191,198 |
|
|
|
180,280 |
|
|
|
165,260 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
5.7 |
% |
|
|
5.8 |
% |
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
9.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Radio
|
|
|
|
|
35,054 |
|
|
|
33,815 |
|
|
|
32,580 |
|
|
|
31,979 |
|
|
|
31,855 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
3.7 |
% |
|
|
3.8 |
% |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Cinema
|
|
|
|
|
2,681 |
|
|
|
2,538 |
|
|
|
2,393 |
|
|
|
2,258 |
|
|
|
2,104 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
5.6 |
% |
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
7.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Outdoor
|
|
|
|
|
34,554 |
|
|
|
32,821 |
|
|
|
30,945 |
|
|
|
29,319 |
|
|
|
28,120 |
|
Growth %
|
|
|
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
5.5 |
% |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Internet
|
|
|
|
|
91,516 |
|
|
|
80,672 |
|
|
|
70,518 |
|
|
|
61,884 |
|
|
|
54,209 |
|
Growth % |
|
|
|
|
13.4 |
% |
|
|
14.4 |
% |
|
|
14.0 |
% |
|
|
14.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
511,891 |
|
|
|
486,898 |
|
|
|
463,297 |
|
|
|
443,102 |
|
|
|
422,629 |
|
Growth % |
|
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
4.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Source:
ZenithOptimedia, December 2010
Additionally, the share of
internet advertising spending as a percentage of worldwide total advertising spending continues to increase and is expected to reach 18% in
2013.
Worldwide Online Advertising Spending
|
|