Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number: 001-32750

 

 

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

DELAWARE   20-8901733
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
8383 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 800, Beverly Hills, California 90211
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(323) 658-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   þ         No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨

   Accelerated filer ¨    Non-accelerated filer ¨    Smaller-Reporting Company þ

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

The registrant had 21,441,544 outstanding ordinary shares, par value $0.001 per share, as of November 13, 2008.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

Table of Contents to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   Page

Item 1.

   Financial Statements    3
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2008 (unaudited) and December 31, 2007

   3
  

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

   4
  

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

   5
  

Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

Item 2.

  

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

   15

Item 3.

  

Quantitative & Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   21

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   22

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   22

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   22

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   22

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   23

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   23

Item 5.

  

Other Information

   23

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   23
  

Signatures

   24
  

Exhibit 31.1

  
  

Exhibit 31.2

  
  

Exhibit 32.1

  

 

2


Table of Contents
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     (unaudited)        

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 6,565     $ 8,796  

Marketable securities

     —         200  

Restricted cash

     876       1,706  

Accounts receivable

     1,235       1,433  

Deferred tax asset – current portion

     6       2,094  

Prepaid expenses and other

     1,440       1,289  
                

Total current assets

     10,122       15,518  

Property and equipment, net

     1,709       1,383  

Goodwill, net

     19,889       18,358  

Intangible assets, net

     4,522       5,177  

Deferred tax asset – long term portion

     5,488       3,106  

Deposits and other assets

     449       66  
                

Total assets

   $ 42,179     $ 43,608  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 329     $ 1,585  

Accrued liabilities

     8,625       5,529  

Deferred revenue

     4,867       4,140  

Notes payable and other short-term debt

     2,501       21  
                

Total current liabilities

     16,322       11,275  

Deferred tax liabilities

     798       595  

Other Liabilities – non-current

     880       830  
                

Total liabilities

     18,000       12,700  

Shares subject to rescission (Note 5)

     —         7,480  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

     —         —    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value; issued and outstanding 22,455,544 and 26,132,789 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, at stated values of:

     22       26  

Additional paid-in-capital

     47,803       52,262  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     934       672  

Accumulated deficit

     (24,580 )     (29,532 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     24,179       23,428  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 42,179     $ 43,608  
                

See accompanying notes.

 

3


Table of Contents

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2008    2007     2008     2007  

Net revenues

   $ 14,041    $ 15,768     $ 44,050     $ 49,204  

Direct marketing expenses

     3,409      4,076       11,504       16,277  
                               

Contribution

     10,632      11,692       32,546       32,927  

Operating expenses:

         

Sales and marketing (including share-based compensation of $157, $199, $546, and $592)

     1,082      914       3,263       2,612  

Customer service (including share-based compensation of $13, $27, $51, and $79)

     599      737       1,811       2,440  

Technical operations (including share-based compensation of $168, $171, $510, and $480)

     1,000      1,038       3,084       3,404  

Development (including share-based compensation of $138, $147, $456, and $434)

     1,145      1,097       3,476       3,218  

General and administrative (including share-based compensation of $501, $617, $1,549, and $2,172)

     3,897      5,618       12,052       16,319  

Amortization of intangible assets

     107      330       658       1,028  

Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill

     119      —         119       1,894  
                               

Total operating expenses

     7,949      9,734       24,463       30,915  
                               

Operating income

     2,683      1,958       8,083       2,012  

Interest (income) and other expenses, net

     149      (134 )     (409 )     (636 )
                               

Income before income taxes

     2,534      2,092       8,492       2,648  

Provision for income taxes

     789      245       3,540       267  
                               

Net income

   $ 1,745    $ 1,847     $ 4,952     $ 2,381  
                               

Net income per share – basic

   $ 0.08    $ 0.06     $ 0.20     $ 0.08  
                               

Net income per share – diluted

   $ 0.08    $ 0.06     $ 0.20     $ 0.08  
                               

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

     22,751      28,803       24,430       30,111  

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

     22,770      28,825       24,452       30,197  

See accompanying notes.

 

4


Table of Contents

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2008     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 4,952     $ 2,381  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     1,298       2,418  

Foreign exchange gain on intercompany loan

     (537 )     —    

Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill

     119       1,894  

Other

     71       19  

Share-based compensation

     3,112       3,757  

Deferred taxes

     (90 )     239  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     198       (110 )

Restricted cash

     787       142  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (356 )     113  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,840       (877 )

Deferred revenue

     727       586  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     12,121       10,562  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Sale of marketable securities

     200       —    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (780 )     (345 )

Purchases of businesses and intangible assets

     —         (2,265 )

Cash paid in acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

     (770 )     —    

Sale of property and equipment

     —         25  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,350 )     (2,585 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares

     10       1,698  

Purchase of shares for retirement

     (15,066 )     (20,664 )

Payments of capital lease obligations

     —         (102 )

Payment on deferred financing costs

     (446 )     —    

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     —         (1 )

Payment for notes payable

     —         (1,217 )

Proceeds from borrowing on revolving credit facility

     5,000       —    

Payment on borrowing on revolving credit facility

     (2,500 )     —    
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (13,002 )     (20,286 )
                

Net decrease in cash

     (2,231 )     (12,309 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     8,796       20,412  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 6,565     $ 8,103  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 10     $ 28  

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 556     $ 1,401  

See accompanying notes.

 

5


Table of Contents

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1. The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company

Prior to July 9, 2007, Spark Networks plc (now, known as Spark Networks Limited) was a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Limited”). As of the completion of our Scheme of Arrangement on July 9, 2007, the shares of Spark Networks, Inc., a Delaware corporation and Limited’s parent entity (the “Company”), have been traded on the NYSE Alternext (formerly, the American Stock Exchange) and the Company has become Limited’s successor reporting entity. The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries provide online personals services in the United States and internationally, whereby adults are able to post information about themselves (“profiles”) on the Company’s websites and search and contact other individuals who have posted profiles.

Membership to the Company’s online services, which includes the posting of a personal profile and photos, and access to its database of profiles, is free. The Company charges a subscription fee for value-added services of varying subscription lengths (typically, one, three, six and twelve months) to members, allowing them to initiate communication with other members and subscribers utilizing the Company’s onsite communication tools, including anonymous email, Instant Messenger, chat rooms and message boards. For most of the Company’s services, two-way communications through the Company’s email platform can only take place between paying subscribers.

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring items, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the periods shown. The results of operations for such periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year or for any future periods.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to uncollectible receivables, the useful lives of long-lived assets including property and equipment, investment fair values, goodwill and other intangible assets, investments in equity interests, income taxes, and contingencies. In addition, the Company uses assumptions when employing the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate the fair value of granted stock-based awards. The Company bases its estimates of the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, when these carrying values are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. However, the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

 

6


Table of Contents

Fair Value Measurement

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, or SFAS 157, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. SFAS 157 also requires disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant levels of inputs as follows:

 

Level 1    quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2    quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
Level 3    unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.

The adoption of SFAS 157 had no material impact on the Company’s financial results. In accordance with FASB Staff Position (FSP) 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, the Company delayed the adoption of SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. This FSP deferred the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of such adoption for non-financial assets and liabilities.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. For the Company, comprehensive income consists of its reported net income, the net unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities and foreign currency translation. Comprehensive income for each of the periods presented is comprised as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,    Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2008     2007    2008     2007

Net income

   $ 1,745     $ 1,847    $ 4,952     $ 2,381

Changes in unrealized gains/losses in available for sale securities

     —         1      (3 )     2

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (59 )     403      265       360
                             

Total comprehensive income

   $ 1,686     $ 2,251    $ 5,214     $ 2,743
                             

 

2. Net Income Per Share

The Company calculates net income per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128 “Earnings per Share”, which requires the presentation of both basic and diluted net income per share. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of potential shares outstanding, including dilutive share options and warrants, using the treasury stock method as prescribed by SFAS 123(R).

 

7


Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended September 30,    Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Income Per Common Share – Basic

           

Net income applicable to common shares

   $ 1,745    $ 1,847    $ 4,952    $ 2,381

Weighted average shares outstanding-basic

     22,751      28,803      24,430      30,111
                           

Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.08    $ 0.06    $ 0.20    $ 0.08
                           

Income Per Common Share – Diluted

           

Net income applicable to common shares

   $ 1,745    $ 1,847    $ 4,952    $ 2,381

Weighted average shares outstanding-basic

     22,751      28,803      24,430      30,111

Dilutive options using the treasury stock method

     19      22      22      86
                           

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

     22,770      28,825      24,452      30,197
                           

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.08    $ 0.06    $ 0.20    $ 0.08
                           

 

3. Acquisitions of Businesses and Intangibles

Kizmeet

On October 22, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase the stock of Kizmeet.com, a free, ad-supported, missed connections web-site. Since the majority of the purchase was related to the domain name, the Company recorded the entire purchase price of $360,000 as a domain name subject to annual impairment testing under SFAS 142. Kizmeet complements our current advertising offering and extends our reach with a service that caters to a different audience than our traditional online personals communities.

HurryDate Asset Acquisition

On February 1, 2007, the Company purchased the assets of HurryDate, a leading online personals and singles events company, for total initial consideration of $2.3 million, of which $2.0 million was paid at close in cash. In addition, subject to certain conditions in the purchase agreement, the Company would also pay additional consideration based on an earn-out calculation contingent upon the operating income of the HurryDate business for the period covering April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008. In the second quarter of 2007, the Company paid the remaining $250,000 of the initial cash consideration. On October 17, 2007, the Company entered into a letter agreement with the sellers and agreed the first and second earn-out payments would each be $770,000 and the third earn-out payment would be $660,000. These amounts assume the sellers are entitled to a full earn-out payment pursuant to the purchase agreement. The first of these amounts was paid during second quarter 2008 and recorded as an increase to goodwill for this acquisition. The purchase of HurryDate expanded the Company’s offline presence and solidified its position as the only leading online personals provider to effectively ‘marry’ the online and offline dating worlds. Of the $3.0 million of acquired intangible assets, $490,000 was assigned to member databases and is amortized over three years, $50,000 was assigned to subscriber databases which is amortized over five months, $800,000 was assigned to developed software which is amortized over five years, $360,000 was assigned to domain names which are not subject to amortization, and the remainder was recorded as goodwill.

 

4. Revolving Credit Facility

In February 2008, the Company and Limited, as borrower, entered into an agreement (“the Agreement”) with Bank of America for a $30.0 million revolving credit facility. The initial term of the Agreement is for three years, and provides the Company with the opportunity to extend the initial term, subject to the lender’s consent. The per annum interest rate for this facility is based upon a financial leverage ratio of less than 1.00, 1.00 to 1.49 and 1.50 and greater. The corresponding interest rates on LIBOR based borrowings are LIBOR plus 1.50%, 1.75% and 2.00%, respectively. In the event the Company elects to borrow under a base rate loan, the corresponding interest rates are the prime rate plus 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00%, respectively. The Company pays a 0.125% per annum commitment fee on all funds not utilized under this facility, measured on a daily basis. There is no prepayment penalty or premium associated with the early termination of this facility. The Agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants with which the Company was compliant as of September 30, 2008.

 

8


Table of Contents

At September 30, 2008, there was a $2.5 million balance outstanding under the Agreement bearing an interest rate of 4.5%. Additionally, there was $27.5 million of borrowing capacity under this revolving credit facility. In connection with the Agreement, the Company recorded deferred financing costs of approximately $446,000 which were included in other current assets and deposits and other assets. The deferred financing costs will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the Agreement.

 

5. Shareholders’ Equity

Share Repurchase

On July 18, 2008, in a privately negotiated transaction, the Company purchased 1.6 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $3.81 per share or approximately $6.1 million. All shares repurchased were retired.

Employee Share Option Plans

As of July 9, 2007, pursuant to the completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, the Company adopted the Spark Networks, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). Prior to the Company’s incorporation and Scheme of Arrangement, Limited had two share Option Plans, the MatchNet plc 2000 Executive Share Option Plan (the “2000 Plan) and Spark Networks plc 2004 Share Option Plan (the “2004 Plan” and, collectively, with the 2000 Plan, “plc Plans”). Effective July 9, 2007, no further options are granted under the plc Plans, however, pursuant to the provisions of the plc Plans, all outstanding options previously granted under the plc Plans continue in full force and effect.

Awards under the 2007 Plan may include incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares of common stock, restricted stock units, performance share or unit awards, other stock-based awards and cash-based incentive awards.

The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant an award to a participant. The terms and conditions of the award, including the quantity, price, vesting periods, and other conditions on exercise will be determined by the Compensation Committee.

The exercise price for stock options will be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion, but may not be less than 100% of the closing sale price of one share of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE Alternext (or any other applicable exchange on which the stock is listed) on the date when the stock option is granted. Additionally, in the case of incentive stock options granted to a holder of more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company on the date of grant, the exercise price may not be less than 110% of the closing sale price of one share of common stock on the date the stock option is granted.

 

9


Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2008, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was $4.1 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of four years. The following table describes option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Price Per Share
     (in thousands)      

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

   4,317     $ 5.98

Granted

   29       5.36

Exercised

   (124 )     4.76

Cancelled

   (184 )     8.71
        

Outstanding at March 31, 2008

   4,038     $ 6.1

Granted

   120       4.45

Exercised

   (5 )     1.00

Cancelled

   (138 )     6.87
        

Outstanding at June 30, 2008

   4,015     $ 6.07

Granted

   7       4.2

Exercised

   —         —  

Cancelled

   (288 )     7.79
        

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

   3,734     $ 6.01

Options issued prior to February 2007 are priced in foreign currency. Weighted average price per share calculations are impacted by foreign exchange fluctuations for these options.

Shares Subject to Rescission

Under the 2000 Plan, the Company granted options to purchase ordinary shares to certain of our employees, directors and consultants. The issuances of securities upon exercise of options granted under our 2000 Plan may not have been exempt from registration and qualification under federal and California state securities laws. In prior financial statements, the Company disclosed the potential California and federal securities law violations in connection with options. The Company has reported in its financial statements for previous periods a put liability related to shares subject to rescission. The Company has reviewed the applicable statute of limitations related to the securities issuances and believes the civil liability related to those securities issuances has become minimal. As such, the Company has reclassified the put liability related to the shares subject to rescission into permanent stockholders’ equity, beginning with the period ended March 31, 2008.

Stockholder Rights Plan

As of July 9, 2007, the Company adopted a stockholder rights plan in connection with the completion of the Scheme of Arrangement. The rights accompany each share of common stock of the Company and are evidenced by ownership of common stock. The rights are not exercisable except upon the occurrence of certain takeover-related events. Once triggered, the rights would entitle the stockholders, other than a person qualifying as an “Acquiring Person” pursuant to the rights plan, to purchase additional Common Shares at a 50% discount to their fair market value. The rights issued under the Rights Plan may be redeemed by the board of directors at a nominal redemption price of $0.001 per right, and the Board of Directors may amend the rights in any respect until the rights are triggered.

 

10


Table of Contents
6. Quarterly Information

In the third quarter of 2007, the Company reclassified certain expenses to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassification was done to more accurately reflect the Company’s expenses in accordance with current management’s view of the Company. In addition to the reclassification, in its annual 2007 10-K filing, the Company adjusted its operating expenses as originally reported in second quarter 2007 Form 10-Q to reflect changes in share-based compensation as discussed in detail in the 2007 Form 10-K.

The following information reflects reclassifications in the third quarter and the share-based compensation adjustments recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2007    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
     As Reported    Share-Based
Compensation
    Restated    As Reported    Share-Based
Compensation
    Restated

Net revenues

   $ 15,768    $ —       $ 15,768    $ 49,204    $ —       $ 49,204

Direct marketing expenses

     4,076      —         4,076      16,277      —         16,277
                                           

Contribution

     11,692      —         11,692      32,927      —         32,927

Total operating expenses

     9,559      175       9,734      31,167      (252 )     30,915
                                           

Operating income (loss)

     2,133      (175 )     1,958      1,760      252       2,012

Net income (loss)

   $ 2,022    $ (175 )   $ 1,847    $ 2,129    $ 252     $ 2,381
                                           

Net income (loss) per share – basic

   $ 0.07    $ (0.01 )   $ 0.06    $ 0.07    $ 0.01     $ 0.08

Net income (loss) per share – diluted

   $ 0.07    $ (0.01 )   $ 0.06    $ 0.07    $ 0.01     $ 0.08

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

     28,803        28,803      30,111        30,111

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

     28,825        28,825      30,197        30,197

 

7. Segment Information

During the third quarter of 2007, the Company changed its financial reporting to include data on four newly-defined operating segments: Jewish Networks, which consists of JDate.com, JDate.co.il, JDate.co.uk, JDate.fr, Cupid.co.il and their respective co-branded and private label websites; General Market Networks, which consists of AmericanSingles.com, Date.co.uk, Date.ca and their respective co-branded and private label websites; Other Affinity Networks, which consists of the Company’s Provo, Utah-based properties which are primarily made up of sites targeted towards various religious, ethnic, geographic and special interest groups; and Offline & Other Businesses, which consists of revenue generated from offline activities, HurryDate events and subscriptions to HurryDate.com, and other websites and businesses. The change, in compliance with Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” is a result of the change to the Company’s overall revenue mix and how management views the business. The Company believes the new segments will provide investors with a more accurate picture of the performance of the business. Prior period segment disclosures were revised to conform to the revised segment presentation.

 

11


Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended September 30,    Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in thousands)

   2008    2007    2008    2007

Revenues

           

Jewish Networks

   $ 8,444    $ 8,461    $ 25,754    $ 25,037

General Market Networks

     1,721      3,416      6,471      12,732

Other Affinity Networks

     3,498      3,394      10,256      9,830

Offline & Other Businesses

     378      497      1,569      1,605
                           

Total

   $ 14,041    $ 15,768    $ 44,050    $ 49,204
                           

Direct Marketing

           

Jewish Networks

   $ 564    $ 779    $ 1,893    $ 2,708

General Market Networks

     670      1,222      2,968      6,900

Other Affinity Networks

     2,010      1,830      5,820      5,743

Offline & Other Businesses

     165      245      823      926
                           

Total

   $ 3,409    $ 4,076    $ 11,504    $ 16,277
                           

Contribution

           

Jewish Networks

   $ 7,880    $ 7,682    $ 23,861    $ 22,329

General Market Networks

     1,051      2,194      3,503      5,832

Other Affinity Networks

     1,488      1,564      4,436      4,087

Offline & Other Businesses

     213      252      746      679
                           

Total

   $ 10,632    $ 11,692    $ 32,546    $ 32,927
                           

Unallocated operating expenses

     7,949      9,734      24,463      30,915
                           

Operating income

   $ 2,683    $ 1,958    $ 8,083    $ 2,012
                           

Due to the Company’s integrated business structure, operating expenses, other than direct marketing expenses, are not allocated to the individual reporting segments. As such, the Company does not measure operating profit or loss by segment for internal reporting purposes. Assets and liabilities are not allocated to the different business segments for internal reporting purposes. Depreciation and amortization are included in unallocated operating expenses.

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

Jason Adelman, etc., et al., v. Matchnet plc, etc., et al

On November 14, 2003, Jason Adelman filed a nationwide class action complaint against us in the Los Angeles County Superior Court based on an alleged violation of California Civil Code section 1694 et seq., which regulates businesses providing dating services. The complaint included allegations that we are a dating service as defined by the applicable statutes and, as an alleged dating service, we are required to provide language in our contracts allowing (i) members to rescind their contracts within three days, (ii) reimbursement of a portion of the contract price if the member dies during the term of the contract and/or (iii) members to cancel their contracts in the event of disability or relocation. Causes of action include breach of applicable state law, fraudulent and deceptive business practices, breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

On August 8, 2006, the Court granted the Company’s application to bifurcate the Adelman trial of the issue of actual injury or damages and set the trial for August 17, 2006 (the “Bifurcated Damages Trial”). The Court determined at the Bifurcated Damages Trial that Adelman did not suffer any actual injury or damages, Adelman’s claims were dismissed, and a judgment was entered to award attorneys’ fees and costs to the Company. On January 31, 2007, the Court awarded the Company $50,000 in legal fees. Adelman filed an appeal seeking to vacate the judgment. In addition, the Company filed an appeal of the attorneys’ fees award in order to seek an award of all of the attorneys’ fees incurred in this matter. Although we agree that the Court properly granted our Attorneys’ Fees Motion, we believe the Court should have awarded us attorneys’ fees in the full amount we requested, approximately $390,000, and not the amount actually awarded, $50,000. Adelman has cross-appealed in an attempt to vacate the attorneys’ fees award entirely. The Appellate Court heard oral argument on February 19, 2008. On March 20, 2008, the Appellate Court issued an Order Vacating Submission in response to a letter dated March 17, 2008 from the Court of Appeals in which the Court has asked to be briefed on certain additional issues. Briefs were filed by both parties on April 23, 2008. On May 20, 2008, the Court entered its decision in which it affirmed the previous judgment and order awarding attorneys fees in the amount of $50,000. On June 26, 2008, Adelman filed a Petition for Hearing with the California Supreme Court. On August 13, 2008, the Company and Mr. Adelman entered into a confidential settlement and release agreement. On November 3, 2008, the Court formally entered a dismissal of the entire action with prejudice pursuant to a stipulation by the parties.

 

12


Table of Contents

Data Match Enterprises of Texas, LLC v. Spark Networks, Inc., et al.

Data Match Enterprises of Texas has asserted that the Company has infringed U.S. Patent No. 5,623,660, entitled “System For Regulating Access to Data Base for Purposes of Data Base Management.” The litigation was commenced against other defendants on October 4, 2007. The Company was added as a defendant by an Amended Complaint dated May 1, 2008. The Company filed an Answer on August 4, 2008. A status conference with the Court is scheduled for December 2, 2008.

ISYSTEMS v. Spark Networks, Inc. et al.

On November 10, 2008, ISYSTEMS attempted to serve Spark Networks, Inc., Spark Networks Limited and other parties a complaint related to litigation in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. ISYSTEMS alleges claims for fraud and statutory violations related to the domain name, JDate.net. The lawsuit was filed in response to an arbitration award received by Spark Networks Limited, pursuant to rules governing domain registrars as instituted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (also known as “ICANN”), requiring the transfer of the domain name, JDate.net, to Spark Networks Limited from ISYSTEMS.

The Company strongly disputes the merits of the claims asserted in these matters and shall vigorously defend against them.

The Company has additional existing legal claims and may encounter future legal claims in the normal course of business. In the Company’s opinion, the resolutions of the existing legal claims are not expected to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations. The Company believes it has accrued appropriate amounts where necessary in connection with the above litigation.

 

13


Table of Contents
9. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

In the first quarter of 2007, the Company undertook certain marketing initiatives designed to reverse the decline in revenues for its AmericanSingles website. While partially successful, the initiatives at that time did not increase new subscriber additions to the point that subscriber levels stabilized, and management determined that spending required for the marketing initiatives was not sustainable and thus the initiatives were terminated and spending was reduced to lower levels. An analysis of the expected cash flows from the website after the first quarter 2007 initiatives were terminated resulted in expectations of future profitability for the site that were insufficient to sustain the carrying value of goodwill on the Company’s balance sheet. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $1.9 million impairment expense related to the elimination of the book carrying value of goodwill under SFAS 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” related to AmericanSingles in the first quarter of 2007.

In the third quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a $119,000 impairment expense related to development costs for a discontinued web-based product.

 

10. Subsequent Events

Revolving Credit Facility

On October 14, 2008 the Company borrowed an additional $5.0 million, bearing an interest rate of 4.5% with $22.5 million of borrowing capacity remaining under this revolving credit facility.

Shares Repurchased

On October 17, 2008, in a privately negotiated transaction, the Company purchased approximately one million shares of its common stock at $3 per share or approximately $3 million. The shares repurchased were retired.

 

14


Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S 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 unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that are included in this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Some of the statements contained in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than historical facts contained in this report, including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “continue,” “should,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential” and other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements 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 and financial needs. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but not limited to our ability to: attract members; convert members into paying subscribers and retain our paying subscribers; develop or acquire new product offerings and successfully implement and expand those offerings; keep pace with rapid technological changes; maintain the strength of our existing brands and maintain and enhance those brands and our dependence upon the telecommunications infrastructure and our networking hardware and software infrastructure; identify and consummate strategic acquisitions and integrate acquired companies or assets; and successfully implement our current long-term growth strategy, and other factors described in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this report and in the “Risk Factors” section of our 2007 Annual Report and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

General

As of the completion of the Scheme of Arrangement on July 9, 2007, the shares of Spark Networks, Inc. have been traded on the NYSE Alternext (formerly the American Stock Exchange). Prior to our Scheme of Arrangement, we were a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales and our ordinary shares in the form of Global Depositary Shares traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the form of American Depository Shares on the American Stock Exchange. We are a leading provider of online personals services in the United States and internationally. Our websites enable adults to meet online and participate in communities, become friends, date, form long-term relationships or marry.

Segment Reporting

For Segment information, please refer to Note 7 of the notes to the financial statements elsewhere in this document.

Key Metric - Average Paying Subscribers

We regularly review average paying subscribers as a key metric to evaluate the effectiveness of our operating strategies and monitor the financial performance of our business. Subscribers are defined as individuals for whom we collect a monthly fee for access to communication and website features beyond those provided to our non-paying members. Average paying subscribers for each month are calculated as the sum of the paying subscribers at the beginning and end of the month, divided by two. Average paying subscribers for periods longer than one month are calculated as the sum of the average paying subscribers for each month, divided by the number of months in such period.

Unaudited selected statistical information regarding Average Paying Subscribers for our operating segments is shown in the table below. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

 

15


Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     September 30,    September 30,
      2008    2007    2008    2007

Average Paying Subscribers

           

Jewish Networks

   91,703    93,603    92,007    94,326

General Market Networks

   27,814    48,760    32,941    60,910

Other Affinity Networks

   66,600    62,950    63,347    61,504

Offline & Other Businesses

   1,565    2,195    1,968    1,539
                   

Total

   187,682    207,508    190,263    218,279
                   

Results of Operations

The following table presents our historical operating results as a percentage of net revenues:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Direct marketing

   24.3     25.8     26.1     33.1  
                        

Contribution margin

   75.7     74.2     73.9     66.9  
                        

Operating expenses:

        

Sales and marketing

   7.7     5.8     7.4     5.3  

Customer service

   4.3     4.7     4.1     5.0  

Technical operations

   7.1     6.6     7.0     6.9  

Development

   8.2     7.0     7.9     6.5  

General and administrative

   27.7     35.6     27.3     33.2  

Amortization of intangible assets

   0.8     2.1     1.5     2.1  

Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

   0.8     —       0.3     3.8  
                        

Total operating expenses

   56.6     61.7     55.5     62.8  
                        

Operating income

   19.1     12.4     18.4     4.1  

Interest (income) and other expenses, net

   1.1     (0.8 )   (0.9 )   (1.3 )
                        

Income before income taxes

   18.0     13.3     19.3     5.4  

Provision for income taxes

   5.6     1.6     8.0     0.5  
                        

Net income

   12.4 %   11.7 %   11.3 %   4.8 %
                        

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

Net Revenues

Substantially all of our net revenues are derived from subscription fees. The remainder of our net revenues, accounting for approximately 6% and 4% of total net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are attributable to certain offline events and third party advertising. Revenues are presented net of credits and credit card charge-backs. Our subscriptions are offered in durations of varying length (typically, one, three, six and twelve months). Plans with durations longer than one month are available at discounted monthly rates. Following their initial terms, most subscriptions renew automatically for subsequent one-month periods until subscribers terminate them.

 

16


Table of Contents

Net revenues decreased 11.0% to $14.0 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2007. The majority of this decline can be attributed to the managed decline in the Company’s General Market Networks segment. Net revenues for the Jewish Networks segment were flat at $8.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 as compared with the same quarter in 2007. Net revenues for the General Market Networks segment decreased 49.6% to $1.7 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2008, compared to $3.4 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in net revenues for our General Market Networks segment is primarily due to the decrease in average paying subscribers, reflecting management’s decision to acquire subscribers at acceptable contribution levels. Net revenues for our Other Affinity Networks segment increased 3.1% to $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2007. The increase in net revenues for our Other Affinity Networks segment is primarily attributable to an increase in average paying subscribers. Net revenues of our Offline & Other Businesses segment decreased 23.9% to $378,000 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $497,000 in the third quarter of 2007. The decrease in net revenues for our Offline & Other Businesses segment is largely attributable to a different combination of travel and event offerings in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter 2007.

Direct Marketing Expenses

Direct marketing expenses decreased 16.4% to $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $4 million in the third quarter of 2007. The majority of this decline can be attributed to a reduction in marketing programs associated with the General Market Networks and Jewish Networks segments. Direct marketing expenses for the Jewish Networks segment decreased 27.6% to $564,000 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $779,000 in the third quarter 2007. The decrease reflects the elimination of certain inefficient online and offline marketing programs. Direct marketing expenses for the General Market Networks segment decreased 45.2% to $670,000 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2007. The decrease reflects management’s decision to pursue more cost-effective subscriber acquisition campaigns. Direct marketing expenses for the Other Affinity Networks segment increased 9.8% to $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $1.8 million in the third quarter 2007. Direct marketing expenses for the Offline & Other Businesses segment decreased 32.7% to $165,000 for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $245,000 for the same period in 2007. The decrease reflects fewer travel offerings in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing, customer service, technical operations, development and general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2008 were $7.9 million, a decrease of 18.3% compared to $9.7 million for the third quarter of 2007. The decrease is primarily attributable to a $1.7 million decrease in general and administrative expenses.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries for our sales and marketing personnel and other associated support services. Sales and marketing expenses increased 18.4% to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $914,000 in the third quarter of 2007. The increase can be primarily attributed to higher compensation and benefits expense associated with the addition of new employees. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, sales and marketing expenses increased to 7.7% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 5.8% for the same period in 2007.

Customer Service. Customer service expenses consist primarily of costs associated with our customer service centers. Customer service expenses decreased 18.7% to $599,000 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $737,000 in the third quarter of 2007. The decrease is primarily due to a reduction in temporary labor and consulting fees of approximately $120,000. The lower temporary labor and consulting fees reflect greater operating efficiencies at the Company’s Beverly Hills, CA and Provo, UT locations. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, customer service expenses decreased to 4.3% in the quarter ended September 30, 2008 compared to 4.7% in the same period in 2007.

 

17


Table of Contents

Technical Operations. Technical operations expenses consist primarily of the people and systems necessary to support our network, Internet connectivity and other data and communication requirements. Technical operations expenses decreased 3.7% to $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, technical operations expenses increased to 7.1% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 6.6% in the same period in 2007 reflecting comparatively lower revenues in the quarter.

Development. Development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in the development, enhancement and maintenance of our websites and services. Development expenses increased 4.4% to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the same quarter of 2007. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, development expenses increased to 8.2% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 7.0% in the same period in 2007.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of corporate personnel-related costs, professional fees, credit card processing fees, and occupancy and other overhead costs. General and administrative expenses decreased 30.6% to $3.9 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $5.6 million in the third quarter of 2007. The decrease in general and administrative expense can be primarily attributed to the absence of Scheme of Arrangement costs of approximately $775,000, a $175,000 decrease in legal fees, a $129,000 decrease in consultant fees, a $156,000 decrease in credit card fees and $200,000 reduction in Sarbanes Oxley related fees. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 27.7% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 35.6% in the same period in 2007.

Amortization of Intangible Assets. Amortization expenses consist primarily of amortization of intangible assets related to previous acquisitions, primarily MingleMatch, LDSSingles and HurryDate. Amortization expenses decreased 67.6% to $107,000 in the third quarter of 2008 compared to $330,000 in the third quarter of 2007 as certain intangible assets were fully amortized.

Interest Income/Expense and Other, Net. Interest income/expense and other consist primarily of interest income associated with temporary investments in interest bearing accounts and foreign exchange gains and losses related to the intercompany loan with our wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary. Interest expenses and other expenses were $149,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 versus net interest income of $134,000 for the same period in 2007. The change is primarily due to a foreign currency translation loss, interest expense on our current borrowing and lower interest income. The lower interest income primarily reflects a lower cash balance in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007 due to the Company’s use of cash to fund its stock repurchases.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

Net income for the third quarter of 2008 was $1.7 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to net income of $1.8 million, or $0.06 per share for the third quarter of 2007. The decrease to net income reflects lower contribution offset by lower operating expenses. Earnings per share increased due to a reduction in fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

Net Revenues

Substantially all of our net revenues are derived from subscription fees. The remainder of our net revenues, accounting for 6% and 4% of total net revenues for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are attributable to certain offline events and revenue from third party advertising. Revenues are presented net of credits and credit card chargebacks. Our subscriptions are typically offered in durations of one, three, six and twelve months. Plans with durations longer than one month are available at discounted rates. Following their initial terms, most subscriptions renew automatically for subsequent one-month periods until subscribers terminate them.

 

18


Table of Contents

Net revenues decreased 10.5% to $44.1 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $49.2 million in the first nine months of 2007. The majority of this decline can be attributed to the managed decline in the Company’s General Market Networks segment. Net revenues for the Jewish Networks segment increased 2.9% to $25.8 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $25.0 million in the first nine months of 2007. The increase in net revenues for the Jewish Networks segment is primarily due to a full nine-month realization of a rate increase in the one-month subscription price of JDate.com compared to a partial period of rate increase realization in the first nine months of 2007. Net revenues for the General Market Networks segment decreased 49.2% to $6.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $12.7 million in the first nine months of 2007. The decrease in net revenues for our General Market Networks segment is due to the decrease in average paying subscribers, reflecting management’s decision to improve contribution margin for this segment. Net revenues for our Other Affinity Networks segment increased 4.3% to $10.3 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $9.8 million in the first nine months of 2007. The increase in net revenues for our Other Affinity Networks segment is primarily attributed to an increase in average paying subscribers and higher advertising revenue. Net revenues for the Offline & Other Businesses segment decreased 2.2% to $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the first nine months of 2007.

Direct Marketing Expenses

Direct marketing expenses decreased 29.3% to $11.5 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $16.3 million in the first nine months of 2007. The majority of this decline can be attributed to a reduction in marketing programs associated with the General Market Networks and Jewish Network segments. Direct marketing expenses for the Jewish Networks segment decreased 30.1% to $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $2.7 million in the first nine months of 2007. Direct marketing expenses for the General Market Networks segment decreased 57.0% to $3.0 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $6.9 million in the same period in 2007. The decrease reflects management’s decision to pursue more cost effective subscriber acquisition marketing campaigns. Direct marketing expenses for the Other Affinity Networks segment increased 1.3% to $5.8 million for the first nine months of 2008 compared to $5.7 million in the first nine months of 2007. Direct marketing expenses for the Offline & Other Businesses segment decreased 11.1% to $823,000 for the first nine months of 2008 compared to $926,000 in 2007. The decrease reflects fewer travel offerings for the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses consist primarily of sales and marketing, customer service, technical operations, development and general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses for the first nine months of 2008 were $24.5 million, a decrease of 20.9%, compared to $30.9 million for the first nine months of 2007. The decrease is primarily attributable to a $4.3 million reduction in general and administrative expense, a $1.9 million impairment charge associated with the write down of the book carrying value of goodwill for AmericanSingles in the first quarter of 2007, and a $370,000 decrease in amortization of intangible assets expense.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries for our sales and marketing personnel and other associated support services. Sales and marketing expenses increased 24.9% to $3.3 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $2.6 million in the first nine months of 2007. The increase can be primarily attributed to higher salaries and benefits expense associated with the addition of new employees and costs associated with a third party e-mail service. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, sales and marketing expenses increased to 7.4% in the first nine months of 2008 compared to 5.3% for the same period in 2007.

Customer Service. Customer service expenses consist primarily of costs associated with our customer service centers. Customer service expenses decreased 25.8% to $1.8 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $2.4 million in the first nine months of 2007. The decrease is most attributable to a $445,000 reduction in temporary labor and consulting fees. The lower temporary labor and consulting fees reflect greater operating efficiencies at the Company’s Beverly Hills, CA and Provo, UT locations. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, customer service expenses decreased to 4.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to 5.0% in the same period in 2007.

Technical Operations. Technical operations expenses consist primarily of the people and systems necessary to support our network, Internet connectivity and other data and communication requirements. Technical operations expenses decreased 9.4% to $3.1 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $3.4 million in the first nine months of 2007. The decrease is primarily due to a $579,000 decrease in depreciation expense, offset by a $307,000 increase in salaries and benefits expense. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, technical operations expenses increased to 7.0% in the first nine months of 2008 compared to 6.9% in the same period in 2007.

 

19


Table of Contents

Development. Development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in the development, enhancement and maintenance of our websites and services. Development expenses increased 8.0% to $3.5 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $3.2 million in 2007. The increase can be primarily attributed to a $118,000 increase in consulting and placement fees and an $80,000 increase in salaries and benefit expense. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, development expenses increased to 7.9% in the first nine months of 2008 compared to 6.5% in the same period in 2007.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of corporate personnel-related costs, professional fees, credit card processing fees, and occupancy and other overhead costs. General and administrative expenses decreased 26.1% to $12.1 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $16.3 million in the first nine months of 2007. The decrease in general and administrative expense can be primarily attributed to the absence of $1.9 million in Scheme of Arrangement costs, a $622,000 decrease in share-based compensation, a $335,000 decrease in salaries and benefits expense, a $489,000 decrease in credit card fees and fines, a $202,000 decrease in property and casualty insurance expense and a $138,000 decrease in rent expense. Stated as a percentage of net revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 27.3% in the first nine months of 2008 compared to 33.2% in the first nine months of 2007.

Amortization of Intangible Assets. Amortization expenses consist primarily of amortization of intangible assets related to previous acquisitions, primarily MingleMatch, LDSSingles and HurryDate. Amortization expense decreased 36.0% to $658,000 in the first nine months of 2008 compared to $1.0 million in the first nine months of 2007.

Interest Income/Expense and Other, Net. Interest income/expense and other consist primarily of interest income associated with temporary investments in interest bearing accounts and foreign exchange gains and losses related to the intercompany loan with our wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary. Net interest income decreased to $409,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $636,000 for the same period in 2007. The decrease is primarily due to lower interest income. The lower interest income reflects a lower cash balance in the first nine months of 2008 due to the Company’s use of cash to fund its share repurchase programs.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

Net income for the first nine months of 2008 was $5.0 million, or $0.20 per share, compared to net income of $2.4 million, or $0.08 per share for the first nine months of 2007. The increase to net income is primarily attributed to a $4.3 million decrease in G&A expenses, a $370,000 decrease in amortization expense, a decrease of $1.8 million related to the charge for the impairment of goodwill, offset by a $381,000 decrease in contribution and a $3.3 million increase in the tax provision. Earnings per share increased due to a combination of higher net income as well as a reduction in fully diluted weighted average shares outstanding as a result of the Company’s stock repurchases.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6.6 million. We have historically financed our operations with internally generated funds.

On February 14, 2008, the Company, and Spark Networks Limited, as the borrower, entered into a $30.0 million credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and letter of credit issuer and certain subsidiaries of the Company acting as guarantors. The credit agreement expires, and all borrowings there under mature and are due and payable, unless terminated earlier, on February 14, 2011, which may be extended upon six months’ notice and at the lender’s discretion. The credit agreement provides for committed loans, swing line loans (which are loans with terms of 10 business days or less), and letters of credit. All loans may be prepaid without any prepayment penalty. The per annum interest rate under the credit agreement is based upon a financial leverage ratio of less than 1.00, 1.00 to 1.49 and 1.50 and greater. The corresponding interest rates on LIBOR based borrowings are LIBOR plus 1.50%, 1.75% and 2.00%, respectively. In the event the Company elects to borrow under a base rate loan, the corresponding interest rates are the prime rate plus 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00%, respectively. The Company pays a 0.125% per annum commitment fee on all funds not utilized under the facility, measured on a daily basis. The credit agreement contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants, such as the requirement to provide financial statements and

 

20


Table of Contents

notices upon certain events, and the prohibition of the creation of additional liens, borrowings and guarantees beyond those permitted in the credit agreement. The Company is also required to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio at any time during any period of four fiscal quarters of no greater than 2.00 to 1.00 for quarters through March 31, 2010 and 1.50 to 1.00 for quarters on and after June 30, 2010, and a consolidated adjusted EBITDA for each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of $12 million through the quarter ending September 30, 2008, $13 million for the quarters ending December 31, 2008 through September 30, 2009, $14 million for the quarters ending December 31, 2009 through September 30, 2010 and $15 million for the quarters ending on and after December 31, 2010. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2008. Upon an event of default, such as failure to pay under the credit agreement, a default under any other lending arrangement, a change of control or violation of a covenant, then a default rate of 2% per annum is added to the interest rates described above. As of September 30, 2008, the Company had a $2.5 million balance outstanding on its revolving credit facility.

Net cash provided by operations was $12.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $10.6 million for the same period in 2007. The increase is primarily due to the improved profitability of our business.

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.4 million for the first nine months of 2008 compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, we made an initial payment of approximately $2.3 million for the purchase of HurryDate. In the second quarter of 2008, we paid an additional $770,000 to the former owners of HurryDate pursuant to an earn-out clause in the Purchase Agreement between the Company and the former owners of HurryDate.

Net cash used in financing activities was $13.0 million for the first nine months of 2008 compared to $20.3 million for the first nine months of 2007. For the first nine months of 2008, the Company purchased its own shares for approximately $15.0 million and received funds from its revolving credit facility totaling $2.5 million. For the first nine months of 2007, the Company purchased its own shares for approximately $20.7 million.

We believe our current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital, planned capital expenditures and contractual obligations for at least the next 12 months. We may be required or find it desirable prior to such time to raise additional funds through bank financing or through the issuance of debt or equity.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually limited purposes. We do not have any outstanding derivative financial instruments, off-balance sheet guarantees, interest rate swap transactions or foreign currency forward contracts.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE & QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relate primarily to our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. We have not used derivative financial instruments to mitigate such risk.

Investments in both fixed-rate and floating-rate interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed-rate securities may have their market values adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating-rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates fall. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities which have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. Due to the short-term nature of our investment portfolio, and our ability to liquidate this portfolio in short order, we do not believe a 10% increase in interest rates would have a material effect on the fair market value of our investment portfolio.

 

21


Table of Contents

Foreign Currency Risk

Our exposure to foreign currency risk is due primarily to our international operations. Revenues and certain expenses related to our international websites are denominated in the functional currencies of the local countries they serve. Primary currencies include Israeli shekels, Canadian dollars, British pound sterling and Euros. Our foreign subsidiary in Israel conducts business in its local currency. We translate into U.S. dollars the assets and liabilities using period-end rates of exchange and revenues and expenses using average rates of exchange for the year. Any weakening of the U.S. dollar against these foreign currencies will result in increased revenue, expenses and translation gains and losses in our consolidated financial statements. Similarly, any strengthening of the U.S. dollar against these currencies will result in decreased revenues, expenses and translation gains and losses. We do not believe a hypothetical 10% increase in foreign currency exchange rates would have a material effect on our financial statements.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

As of September 30, 2008, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), performed an evaluation of the effectiveness and the operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act.” Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2008.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this item is contained in the financial statements contained in this report under Note 8 “Commitments and Contingencies—Legal Proceedings” and is incorporated by reference. Also, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, and June 30, 2008 for a further description of litigation and claims.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

Purchases of Equity Securities

In the third quarter of 2008, we purchased 1.6 million of our own shares from private parties for $6.1 million. We purchased an additional approximately one million shares our own shares from private parties for approximately $3 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

22


Table of Contents
     Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans

July 1 – July 31

   1,600,000    $ 3.81   

August 1 – August 31

   —        —     

Sept 1 – Sept 30

   —        —     
            

Total

   1,600,000      
            

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

 

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

None.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

 

(a) Exhibits:

 

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*    Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.

 

23


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

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

 

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.
/s/ Brett Zane
by: Brett Zane
Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 13, 2008

 

24