UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
(Mark
One)
þ QUARTERLY
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934.
For
the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006
OR
o TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
For
the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission
file number: 000-26427
Stamps.com
Inc.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
|
77-0454966
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of
|
(I.R.S.
Employer
|
incorporation
or organization)
|
Identification
No.)
|
12959
Coral Tree Place
Los
Angeles, California 90066
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (310)
482-5800
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. (Check
one):
Large
accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated
filer þ
Non-accelerated
filer ¨
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨
No
þ
As
of
April 30, 2006, there were approximately 23,895,107 shares of the Registrant’s
Common Stock issued and outstanding.
STAMPS.COM
INC.
FORM
10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2006
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
|
Page |
PART
I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
2
|
ITEM
1.
|
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
|
2
|
ITEM
2.
|
MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
|
10
|
ITEM
3.
|
QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
17
|
ITEM
4.
|
CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
|
17
|
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
|
18
|
ITEM
1.
|
LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
|
18
|
ITEM
1A.
|
RISK
FACTORS
|
19
|
ITEM
2.
|
UNREGISTERED
SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
|
25
|
ITEM
3.
|
DEFAULTS
UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
|
25
|
ITEM
4.
|
SUBMISSION
OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
|
25
|
ITEM
5.
|
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
25
|
ITEM
6.
|
EXHIBITS
|
25
|
PART
I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM
1. FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
STAMPS.COM
INC.
BALANCE
SHEETS
(In
thousands, except per share data)
|
|
March
31,
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
22,902
|
|
$
|
20,768
|
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
554
|
|
|
554
|
|
Short-term
investments
|
|
|
23,030
|
|
|
19,450
|
|
Trade
accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
2,303
|
|
|
2,131
|
|
Other
accounts receivable
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
628
|
|
Other
current assets
|
|
|
1,917
|
|
|
1,278
|
|
Total
current assets
|
|
|
50,853
|
|
|
44,809
|
|
Property
and equipment, net
|
|
|
4,547
|
|
|
4,492
|
|
Intangible
assets, net
|
|
|
3,391
|
|
|
3,666
|
|
Long-term
investments
|
|
|
67,185
|
|
|
63,207
|
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
2,998
|
|
|
2,280
|
|
Total
assets
|
|
$
|
128,974
|
|
$
|
118,454
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
9,686
|
|
$
|
8,514
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
9,686
|
|
|
8,514
|
|
Commitments
and contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders’
equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock, $.001 par value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized
shares 47,500 in 2006 and 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued
shares of 23,788 in 2006 and 23,372 in 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding
shares of 23,479 in 2006 and 23,063 in 2005
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
46
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
614,001
|
|
|
607,869
|
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
|
|
(490,326
|
)
|
|
(493,683
|
)
|
Treasury
Stock, at cost, 309 shares in 2006 and 2005
|
|
|
(3,737
|
)
|
|
(3,737
|
)
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(696
|
)
|
|
(555
|
)
|
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
|
|
119,288
|
|
|
109,940
|
|
Total
liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
|
$
|
128,974
|
|
$
|
118,454
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
STAMPS.COM
INC.
STATEMENTS
OF INCOME
(In
thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three
Months ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service
fees
|
|
$
|
13,457
|
|
$
|
9,100
|
|
PhotoStamps,
net
|
|
|
3,860
|
|
|
—
|
|
Product
and other, net
|
|
|
3,225
|
|
|
2,697
|
|
Total
revenues
|
|
|
20,542
|
|
|
11,797
|
|
Cost
of revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service
fees
|
|
|
2,614
|
|
|
2,485
|
|
PhotoStamps
|
|
|
2,421
|
|
|
—
|
|
Product
and other
|
|
|
896
|
|
|
659
|
|
Total
cost of revenues
|
|
|
5,931
|
|
|
3,144
|
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
14,611
|
|
|
8,653
|
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
and marketing
|
|
|
6,824
|
|
|
3,700
|
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
2,339
|
|
|
1,505
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
3,157
|
|
|
2,385
|
|
Total
operating expenses
|
|
|
12,320
|
|
|
7,590
|
|
Income
from operations
|
|
|
2,291
|
|
|
1,063
|
|
Other
income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
1,078
|
|
|
551
|
|
Other
income
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
64
|
|
Total
other income
|
|
|
1,078
|
|
|
615
|
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
3,369
|
|
|
1,678
|
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
37
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
3,357
|
|
$
|
1,641
|
|
Net
income per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
$
|
0.07
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
$
|
0.07
|
|
Weighted
average shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
23,268
|
|
|
22,514
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
24,386
|
|
|
23,442
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
STAMPS.COM
INC.
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
(In
thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three
Months ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
3,357
|
|
$
|
1,641
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net cas
provided
by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
688
|
|
|
701
|
|
Stock-based
compensation expense
|
|
|
795
|
|
|
—
|
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade
accounts receivable
|
|
|
(172
|
)
|
|
(352
|
)
|
Other
accounts receivable
|
|
|
481
|
|
|
20
|
|
Other
assets
|
|
|
(718
|
)
|
|
(616
|
)
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
(639
|
)
|
|
(268
|
)
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
1,171
|
|
|
13
|
|
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
4,963
|
|
|
1,139
|
|
Investing
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale
of short-term investments
|
|
|
6,196
|
|
|
4,877
|
|
Purchase
of short-term investments
|
|
|
(9,760
|
)
|
|
(3,743
|
)
|
Sale
of long-term investments
|
|
|
4,476
|
|
|
10,216
|
|
Purchase
of long-term investments
|
|
|
(8,610
|
)
|
|
(13,495
|
)
|
Acquisition
of property and equipment
|
|
|
(468
|
)
|
|
(429
|
)
|
Net
cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(8,166
|
)
|
|
(2,574
|
)
|
Financing
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from exercise of stock options
|
|
|
5,099
|
|
|
731
|
|
Issuance
of common stock under ESPP
|
|
|
238
|
|
|
160
|
|
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
5,337
|
|
|
891
|
|
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
2,134
|
|
|
(544
|
)
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
20,768
|
|
|
11,198
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$
|
22,902
|
|
$
|
10,654
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
STAMPS.COM
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(ALL
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005 IS
UNAUDITED)
1. Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis
of Presentation
The
financial statements included herein have been prepared by Stamps.com Inc.
(Stamps.com or Company) without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations
of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or
omitted pursuant to such rules and regulation. The Company believes that the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
It is
suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's latest
annual report on Form 10-K.
In
the
opinion of the Company, these unaudited financial statements contain all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present
fairly the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2006, the results
of its operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, and its
cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.
Use
of Estimates and Risk Management
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with US generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that
affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying
notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences
may
be material to the financial statements. Examples include estimates of loss
contingencies, promotional coupon redemptions and estimates regarding the useful
lives of patents and other amortizable intangibles.
The
Company is involved in various litigation matters as a claimant and a defendant.
The Company records any amounts recovered in these matters when received. The
Company records liabilities for claims against it when the loss is probable
and
estimable. Amounts recorded are based on reviews by outside counsel, in-house
counsel and management. Actual results could differ from estimates.
Income
Taxes
The
provision for income taxes consists solely of alternative minimum federal and
state taxes. The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory
income tax rate primarily as a result of the establishment of a valuation
allowance for the future benefits to be received from the deferred tax assets
including net operating loss carryforwards and research tax credits
carryforwards as well as the use of net operating losses to offset taxable
income. The Company recorded a tax provision subject to the corporate
alternative minimum federal and state taxes of approximately $12,000 and $37,000
for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
2. Legal
Proceedings
Please
refer to "Part II - Other Information - Item 1 - Legal Proceedings" of this
report for a discussion of legal proceedings.
3. Net
Income per Share
Net
income per share represents net income attributable to common stockholders
divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during
a
reported period. The diluted net income per share reflects the potential
dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common
stock, including convertible preferred stock and stock options and warrants
(commonly and hereafter referred to as “common stock equivalents”), were
exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted net income per share is
calculated by dividing net income during a reported period by the sum of the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus common stock
equivalents for the period. The following table reconciles income and share
amounts utilized to calculate basic and diluted net income per share (in
thousands, except per share data):
STAMPS.COM
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(ALL
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005 IS
UNAUDITED)
|
|
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
3,357
|
|
$
|
1,641
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
- weighted average common shares
|
|
|
23,268
|
|
|
22,514
|
|
Diluted
effect of common stock equivalents
|
|
|
1,118
|
|
|
928
|
|
Diluted
- weighted average common shares
|
|
|
24,386
|
|
|
23,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings
per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
$
|
0.07
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.14
|
|
$
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
calculation of dilutive shares excludes the effect of the following options
that
are considered anti-dilutive (in thousands):
|
|
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
Anti-dilutive
stock option shares
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
1,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. Stock-Based
Employee Compensation
Effective
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R), and
related SEC rules included in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107),
which require the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all
share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee
stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (employee stock purchases) based on estimated fair
values.
The
Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective transition method,
which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1,
2006, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year 2006. The Company’s Financial
Statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2006 reflect the
impact of SFAS 123R. In accordance with the modified prospective transition
method, the Company’s Financial Statements for prior periods have not been
restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123R. Stock-based
compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123R for the three months ended
March 31, 2006 was $795,000, which consists of stock-based compensation
expense related to employee stock options and employee stock purchases of
$296,000 and $499,000, respectively. Basic and diluted earnings per share for
the three months ended March 31, 2006 would have been $0.18 and $0.17,
respectively, if the Company had not adopted SFAS 123R, compared to reported
basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.14, respectively.
SFAS
123R
requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards
on
the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of
the
award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the
requisite service periods in the Company’s Statement of Income. Prior to the
adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees
and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB 25 as
allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123,
“Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123). Under the intrinsic value
method, no stock-based compensation expense had been recognized in the Company’s
Statement of Income prior to January 1, 2006 because the exercise price of
the
Company’s stock options granted to employees and directors was equal to or
greater than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of
grant.
STAMPS.COM
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(ALL
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005 IS
UNAUDITED)
The
following table illustrates the reported and pro forma effect on net income
and
earnings per share if the Company had elected to apply the fair value
recognition provisions of SFAS 123 for the first quarter of 2005 (in thousands,
except per share data):
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2005
|
|
Net
income as reported
|
|
$
|
1,641
|
|
Add:
Stock price based employee expense included in net
income
|
|
|
—
|
|
Deduct:
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under
fair
value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
|
|
|
(
328
|
)
|
Net
income pro forma
|
|
$
|
1,313
|
|
Basic
and diluted net income per common share-as reported
|
|
$
|
0.07
|
|
Basic
and diluted net income per common share-pro forma
|
|
$
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based
compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of
the
portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during
the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s
Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 included 1)
compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not
yet vested as of January 1, 2006 based on the grant date fair value estimated
in
accordance with the pro forma provisions of SFAS 123 and 2) compensation expense
for the share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005
based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions
of SFAS 123R.
Compensation
expense recognized for all employee stock options awards granted is recognized
using the straight-line single method over their respective vesting periods
of
three or four years. As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the
Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 is based on awards
ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures.
SFAS
123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised,
if
necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those
estimates. In the Company’s pro forma information required under SFAS 123 for
the periods prior to fiscal 2006, the Company accounted for forfeitures as
they
occurred.
SFAS
123R
requires the cash flow resulting from tax benefits resulting from tax deduction
in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax
benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows. Prior to fiscal 2005 the
Company had a history of net operating losses and because it is uncertain as
to
when and if it may realize its deferred tax assets, the Company has placed
a
valuation allowance against its otherwise recognizable deferred tax asset.
Therefore, there are no excess tax benefits recorded in the financing cash
inflow that would have been classified as an operating cash inflow if the
Company had not adopted SFAS 123R. During the three months ended March 31,
2006,
the Company received $5.3 million in cash from stock options exercised and
from
shares issued through the Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Upon
adoption of SFAS 123R the Company continued to use the Black-Scholes option
valuation model, which requires management to make certain assumptions for
estimating the fair value of employee stock options granted at the date of
the
grant. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions
and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the
input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in
the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates,
in
management’s opinion the existing models may not necessarily provide a reliable
single measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options.
Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance
with SFAS 123R using an option valuation model, that value may not be indicative
of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market
transaction.
STAMPS.COM
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(ALL
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005 IS
UNAUDITED)
For
options granted, the Company's assumption of expected volatility for valuing
options using the Black-Scholes model was based on the historical volatility
of
the Company's stock price for the period January 1, 2002 through the date
of option grant because management believes the historical volatility since
January 1, 2002 is more representative of prospective volatility. The
risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with
a
remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant.
The
following are the weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes
valuation model for the periods indicated:
|
|
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
Expected
dividend yield
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Risk-free
interest rate
|
|
|
4.56
|
%
|
|
3.74
|
%
|
Expected
volatility
|
|
|
49
|
%
|
|
48
|
%
|
Expected
life (in years)
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
5
|
|
Expected
forfeiture rate
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
The
following table summarizes stock option activity related to the Company’s plan
for the three months ended March 31, 2006:
|
|
Number
of Stock Options (in thousands)
|
|
Weighted
Average Exercise Price
|
|
Weighted
Average Remaining Contractual Life
(in
years)
|
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in
thousands)
|
|
Outstanding
at December 31, 2005
|
|
|
2,608
|
|
$
|
15.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
30.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(390
|
)
|
|
13.10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
or expired
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
|
37.26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at March 31, 2006
|
|
|
2,289
|
|
|
15.81
|
|
|
6.9
|
|
$
|
47,489
|
|
Exercisable
at March 31, 2006
|
|
|
1,853
|
|
|
15.18
|
|
|
6.4
|
|
$
|
40,519
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the three
months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $14.54 and $6.64, respectively. The
total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March
31, 2006 and 2005 was $5,780,940 and $1,678,452, respectively.
The
following table summarizes the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of
March 31, 2006:
|
|
Number
of Stock Options (in thousands)
|
|
Weighted
Average Grant Date Fair Value
|
|
Nonvested
at December 31, 2005
|
|
|
416
|
|
$
|
7.37
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
14.54
|
|
Vested
|
|
|
(39
|
)
|
|
5.60
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
8.41
|
|
Nonvested
at March 31, 2006
|
|
|
441
|
|
|
8.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
of
March 31, 2006, there was approximately $3.8 million of total unrecognized
compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements,
which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7
years.
STAMPS.COM
NOTES
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(ALL
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005 IS
UNAUDITED)
5. Goodwill
and Intangible Assets
The
Company wrote off all of its goodwill in the first quarter of 2001 due to
impairment. The Company’s other intangible assets, which consist of patents,
trademarks and other intellectual property with a gross carrying value of $8.9
million as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and accumulated amortization
of approximately $5.5 million and $5.2 million as of March 31, 2006 and December
31, 2005, respectively, continue to be amortized over their expected useful
lives ranging from 4 to 17 years with a remaining weighted average amortization
period of 1.9 years.
Aggregate
amortization expense on intangible assets was approximately $275,000 for the
three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
6. Comprehensive
Income
The
following table provides the data required to calculate comprehensive income
(in
thousands):
|
|
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$
|
3,357
|
|
$
|
1,641
|
|
Unrealized
loss on investments
|
|
|
(141
|
)
|
|
(325
|
)
|
Comprehensive
income
|
|
$
|
3,216
|
|
$
|
1,316
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. Subsequent
Event
On
April
19, 2006, the Company settled the lawsuit against plaintiffs VCode Holdings,
Inc. and VData regarding infringement of patent. Under the terms of the
settlement, the Company paid the plaintiffs an immaterial amount of cash for
a
license to the patents involved in the lawsuit.
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
This
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements" within
the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements relate to expectations
concerning matters that are not historical facts. Words such as "projects,"
"believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "intends," and
similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Although Stamps.com believes that such forward-looking statements
are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to be
correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
such
expectations are disclosed herein including, without limitation, in the "Risk
Factors” section of this report. All forward-looking statements attributable to
Stamps.com are expressly qualified in their entirety by such language.
Stamps.com does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking
statements. You are also urged to carefully review and consider the various
disclosures we have made which describe certain factors which affect our
business, including the “Risk Factors” section of this report. The following
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations
should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related
notes thereto.
Stamps.com,
NetStamps, PhotoStamps, Hidden Postage, Stamps.com Internet postage and the
Stamps.com logo are our trademarks. This report also includes trademarks of
entities other than Stamps.com.
Overview
Stamps.comÒ
is the
leading provider of Internet-based postage solutions. Our core service allows
customers to buy and print United States Postal Service (“US Postal Service” or
“USPS”) approved postage using any PC, an ordinary inkjet or laser printer, and
an internet connection. Customers use our service to mail and ship a variety
of
mail pieces including postcards, envelopes, flats and packages, and using a
wide
range of USPS mail classes including First Class Mail®, Priority Mail®, Express
Mail®, Media Mail®, Parcel Post®, and others. Our customers include home
businesses, small businesses, corporations and individuals. In 1999, Stamps.com
became the first ever USPS-licensed vendor to offer PC Postage® in a
software-only business model in 1999. On August 10, 2004, we publicly launched
a
market test of PhotoStamps®, a new form of postage that allows consumers to turn
digital photos, designs or images into valid US postage. We completed the first
market test on September 30, 2004 and launched a second market test of
PhotoStamps on May 17, 2005. Throughout this document and in general when we
refer to our core business, we mean the PC Postage business which excludes
only
the PhotoStamps business.
Stamps.com
Inc. (the “Company” or “Stamps.com”) was founded in September 1996 to
investigate the feasibility of entering into the US Postal Service’s
Information-Based Indicia Program and to initiate the certification process
for
our PC Postage service. In January 1998, we were incorporated in Delaware as
StampMaster, Inc. and we changed our name to Stamps.com Inc. in
December 1998. We completed our initial public offering in June 1999, and
our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol
“STMP.”
Our
principal executive offices are located at 12959 Coral Tree Place, Los Angeles,
California, 90066, and our telephone number is (310) 482-5800.
Our
Services and Products
We
offer
or have offered the following products and services to our customers:
PC
Postage Service
Our
U.S.
Postal Service-approved PC Postage service enables users to print
information-based indicia, or electronic stamps, directly onto envelopes, plain
paper, or labels using ordinary laser or inkjet printers. Our service currently
supports USPS classes including First-Class MailÒ,
Priority MailÒ,
Express
MailÒ,
Parcel
Post®, Media MailÔ
and
Bound Printed Matter. Customers can also add USPS Special Services such as
Delivery Confirmation™, Signature Confirmation™, Registered Mail, Certified
Mail, Insured Mail, Return Receipt, Collect on Delivery and Restricted Delivery
to their mail pieces. Our service requires only a standard PC, printer and
Internet connection. Our free software can be downloaded from the Internet
or
installed from a CD-ROM. After installing the software and completing a
registration process, customers can purchase and print postage 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. When a customer purchases postage for use through our
service, the customer pays face value, and the funds are transferred directly
from the customer’s account to the US Postal Service’s account. The majority of
new customers currently signing up for our service pay a monthly convenience
fee
of $15.99. Our current customer mix includes monthly convenience fees ranging
from $4.49 to $24.99 or more based on individual pricing and promotions.
Stamps.com
offers its customers three primary ways to print PC Postage. First, our
NetStamps® feature enables customers to print postage for any value or any class
of mail or package on NetStamps labels. After they are printed, NetStamps can
be
used just like regular stamps. Second, our shipping feature tab allows customers
to print postage for packages on plain 8.5” x 11” paper or on special labels,
and to add electronic Delivery or Signature Confirmation at discounted prices.
Third, our mailing feature tab is typically used to print the postage and
address directly on envelopes or on other types of mail or labels, in a
single-step process that saves time and provides a professional look. Our PC
Postage services also incorporate address verification technology that verifies
each destination address for mail sent using our service against a database
of
all known addresses in the U.S. In addition, our PC Postage services have been
designed to integrate into common small business and productivity software
applications such as word processing, contact and address management, and
accounting and financial applications.
PhotoStamps®
On
May
17, 2005, we publicly launched our second market test of PhotoStamps, a new,
patented form of postage that allows consumers to turn digital photos, designs
or images into valid U.S. postage. For the first time ever, people can create
customized U.S. postage using pictures of their children, pets, vacations,
celebrations and more. PhotoStamps is used as regular postage to send letters,
postcards or packages. The product is available via our separate website at
www.photostamps.com.
Customers upload a digital photograph or image file, customize the look and
feel
by choosing one of ten different border colors to compliment the photos, select
the value of postage, and place the order online. Each sheet includes twenty
individual PhotoStamps, and orders arrive via US Mail in a few business days.
Since
the
beginning of the second market test, PhotoStamps has been prominently featured
in the national media: for example, in its December 19, 2005 issue, BusinessWeek
named PhotoStamps one of the best products of 2005. From May 2005 to March
2006,
we shipped approximately 740,000 PhotoStamps sheets, or more than 14.5 million
individual PhotoStamps.
We
are
currently authorized to sell PhotoStamps under the one year phase II market
test
that began May 17, 2005 and goes through May 16, 2006. We currently expect
a new
phase for the USPS Customized Postage program to begin prior to the end of
phase
II of the market test. Beginning with this new phase, the U.S. Postal Service
is
expected to lift the restriction on business advertising on Customized Postage,
which has been in place since the second market test began in May
2005.
Supplies
Store
With
the
launch of NetStamps in July 2002, we began selling NetStamps labels directly
to
our customers via our Supplies Store (previously also referred to as our “Online
Store”) which is accessible by our customers from within our PC Postage
software. Our Supplies Store has since expanded to sell themed NetStamps labels,
shipping labels, other mailing labels, dedicated postage printers, OEM and
private label inkjet and laser toner cartridges, scales, and other mailing
and
shipping-focused office supplies. We plan to continue to increase the breadth
of
products offered in our Supplies Store, in order to enhance customer
convenience.
Branded
Insurance
We
offer
Stamps.com branded insurance to our users so that they may insure their mail
or
packages in a fully integrated, online process that eliminates any trips to
the
post office or the need to complete any special forms. We also offer official
US
Postal Service insurance alongside our branded insurance product. Our insurance
is provided in partnership with Parcel Insurance Plan and is underwritten by
Fireman's Fund.
Recent
Developments
On
April
19, 2006, Stamps.com and the plaintiffs settled the VCode Holdings, Inc. and
VData LLC lawsuit initiated against Stamps.com on December 30, 2004. Under
the
terms of the settlement, Stamps.com will pay the plaintiffs an immaterial amount
of cash for a license to the patents involved in the lawsuit.
Critical
Accounting Policies
General.
The
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations
are
based on our Company’s financial statements which have been prepared in
accordance with
U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial
statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure
of
contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our
estimates, including those related to patents, contingencies and litigation.
We
base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions
that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which
form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results
may
differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We
believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant
judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Revenue
Recognition. We
recognize revenue from product sales or services rendered when the following
four revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement
exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the selling price
is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.
Service
revenue is based on monthly convenience fees and is recognized in the period
that services are provided. Product sales, net of return allowances, are
recorded when the products are shipped and title passes to customers. Items,
including PhotoStamps, sold to customers are made pursuant to a sales contract
that provides for transfer of both title and risk of loss upon our delivery
to
the carrier. Return allowances, which reduce product revenue by our best
estimate of expected product returns, are estimated using historical experience.
Licensing revenue is recognized ratably over the contract period. Commissions
from the advertising or sale of products by a third party vendor to our customer
base are recognized when the revenue is earned and collection is deemed
probable.
Customers
who purchase postage for use through our NetStamps, shipping label or mailing
features, pay face value, and the funds are transferred directly from the
customers to the US Postal Service. No revenue is recognized for this postage
as
it is purchased by our customers directly from the US Postal Service.
PhotoStamps
revenue includes the price of postage and is made pursuant to a sales contract
that provides for transfer of both title and risk of loss upon our delivery
to
the carrier.
On
a
limited basis, we allow third parties to offer products and promotions to the
Stamps.com customer base. These arrangements generally provide payment in the
form of a flat fee or revenue sharing arrangements where we receive payment
upon
customers accessing third party products and services. Total revenue from such
advertising arrangements is currently immaterial.
We
provide our customers with the opportunity to purchase parcel insurance directly
through the Stamps.com software. The insurance information is communicated
directly to Parcel Insurance Plan for processing. The insurance is underwritten
by Fireman’s Fund. We recognize revenue from our insurance offerings based on
the shipment date of the item insured.
Licensing
revenue for the use of our software and intellectual property is recognized
when
the following four revenue recognition criteria are met: persuasive evidence
of
an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered,
the
selling price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably
assured.
Advertising
Costs.
We
expense the costs of producing advertisements as incurred, and expense the
costs
of communicating and placing the advertising in the period in which the
advertising space or airtime is used.
Internet
Advertising. We
recognize expense based on the specifics of the individual agreements. Under
partner and affiliate agreements, third parties refer prospects to our web
site
and we pay the third parties when the customer completes the customer
registration process, completes the first purchase or in some cases, upon the
first successful billing of a customer. We record these expenses on a monthly
basis as prospects are successfully converted to customers.
Intangibles.
We
make
an assessment of the estimated useful lives of our patents and other amortizable
intangibles. These estimates are made using various assumptions that are
subjective in nature and could change as economic and competitive conditions
change. If events were to occur that would cause our assumptions to change,
the
amounts recorded as amortization would be adjusted.
Contingencies
and Litigation.
We are
involved in various litigation matters as a claimant and as a defendant. We
record any amounts recovered in these matters when collection is certain. We
record liabilities for claims against us when the losses are probable and
estimatable. Any amounts recorded would be based on reviews by outside counsel,
in-house counsel and management. Actual results may differ from estimates.
Section
382 Update
Under
Internal Revenue Code Section 382 rules, a change in ownership can occur
whenever there is a shift in ownership by more than 50 percentage points by
one
or more five-percent shareholders within a three-year period. When a change
of
ownership is triggered, our net operating loss ("NOL" or "NOLs") asset may
be
impaired. We estimate that, as of March 31, 2006 we are approximately at 25%
compared with the 50% level that would trigger impairment of our NOL asset.
As
part of our ongoing program to preserve future use of our NOL assets,
Stamps.com
requests that all of our current stockholders and prospective investors contact
us prior to allowing their ownership interest to reach a five-percent
level.
Results
of Operations
During
the first quarter of 2006, we experienced continued revenue growth in our core
PC Postage business and PhotoStamps sales continued to be strong despite the
expected first quarter seasonal slowdown following the holiday season. Our
total
revenue during the first quarter of 2006 was $20.5 million, compared to $11.8
million during the comparable period in 2005. Total postage printed using our
service during the first quarter of 2006 was up 27% compared to the first
quarter of 2005. Gross customer acquisition was approximately 99,000 during
the
first quarter of 2005, up from approximately 77,000 during the first quarter
of
2005.
The
following table sets forth our results of operation as a percentage of total
revenue for the periods indicated:
|
|
Three
Months ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service
|
|
|
66
|
%
|
|
77
|
%
|
PhotoStamps
|
|
|
19
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
Product
and other
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
23
|
%
|
Total
revenues
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
Cost
of revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
21
|
%
|
PhotoStamps
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
Product
and other
|
|
|
4
|
%
|
|
6
|
%
|
Total
cost of revenues
|
|
|
29
|
%
|
|
27
|
%
|
Gross
profit
|
|
|
71
|
%
|
|
73
|
%
|
Operating
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
and marketing
|
|
|
33
|
%
|
|
31
|
%
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
13
|
%
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
20
|
%
|
Total
operating expenses
|
|
|
59
|
%
|
|
64
|
%
|
Income
from operations
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
9
|
%
|
Other
income, net
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
5
|
%
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
17
|
%
|
|
14
|
%
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
0
|
%
|
Net
income
|
|
|
17
|
%
|
|
14
|
%
|
Revenue.
Revenue
was derived primarily from three sources: (1) service fees charged to
customers for use of our PC Postage service; (2) PhotoStamps revenue from the
sale of PhotoStamps; and (3) product sales and other revenue, consisting of
Supplies Store revenue from the direct sale of consumables and supplies,
advertising revenue from controlled access advertising to our existing customer
base, insurance revenue from our branded insurance offering, and licensing
revenue. Revenue increased from $11.8 million in first quarter 2005 to
$20.5 million in first quarter 2006, an increase of 74%.
Service
fee revenue increased from $9.1 million in the first quarter of 2005 to
$13.5 million in the first quarter of 2005, an increase of 48%. The
increase in service fee revenue is primarily due to the growth of our customer
base and the migration of our existing customers from our Simple Plan price
point of $4.49 per month to the Power/Pro Plan at $15.99 per month and the
Premier Plan at higher price points, resulting in higher service fee revenue
per
customer. During the first quarter of 2006, we successfully billed approximately
324,000 unique customers as compared to approximately 291,000 successfully
billed in the first quarter of 2005. Average subscription revenue per
successfully billed customer was approximately $39 and $52 during the first
quarter of 2005 and 2006, respectively. As a percentage of total revenue,
service fee revenue decreased eleven percentage points from 77% in the first
quarter of 2005 to 66% in the first quarter of 2006. The decrease in service
fee
revenue as a percentage of total revenue is attributable to the increase in
revenue from our PhotoStamps product which was not available for sale in the
first quarter of 2005. As a percentage of revenue, service fee revenue may
decline over future periods if the USPS allows us to continue to sell
PhotoStamps beyond the May 2006 end of our second test period.
PhotoStamps
revenue was approximately $3.9 million for the first quarter of 2006. We had
no
PhotoStamps revenue during the first quarter of 2005 as the second market test
had not yet been launched. PhotoStamps revenue as a percentage of total revenue
was 19% for the first quarter of 2006. In April 2005, we received authorization
from the US Postal Service for a second year-long market test that began on
May
17, 2005. We expect PhotoStamps revenue to grow in future periods as we expand
our sales of PhotoStamps in the next phase of the program, and if so permitted
by the USPS, beyond that period..
Product
sales and other revenue increased from $2.7 million in the first quarter of
2005
to $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 20%. The increase
is primarily due to the expansion of our consumable and supplies sales through
our Supplies Store and enhanced insurance sales as a result of our continued
effort to market these offerings to our existing customers. As a percentage
of
total revenue, product sales and other revenue decreased eight percentage points
from 23% in the first quarter of 2005 to 15% in the first quarter of 2006 as
a
result of a greater increase in revenue from service fees and the existence
of
revenue from PhotoStamps. We expect product sales and other revenue to continue
to increase on an absolute basis as we add additional SKUs to our Supplies
Store, and as we continue to market the use of our insurance offering to our
existing and new customers.
Cost
of Revenue. Cost
of
revenue principally consists of the cost of customer service, certain
promotional expenses, system operating costs, credit card processing fees,
the
cost of postage for PhotoStamps, image review, printing and fulfillment costs
for PhotoStamps, parcel insurance offering costs, customer misprints and
products sold through our Supplies Store and the related costs of shipping
and
handling. Cost of revenue increased from $3.1 million in the first quarter
of
2005 to $5.9 million in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 89%. As a
percentage of total revenue, cost of revenue increased two percentage points
from 27% in the first quarter of 2005 to 29% in the first quarter of 2006.
Cost
of
service revenue increased from $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2005 to
$2.6
million in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 4%. This increase is
primarily due to the increase in customer support costs and credit card fees
offset by the decrease in promotional expense. Additionally, included in cost
of
service revenue for the first quarter of 2006 is approximately $99,000 of
stock-based employee compensation expense related to our adoption of the new
accounting pronouncement effective on January 1, 2006. As a percentage of total
revenue, cost of service revenue decreased eight percentage points from 21%
in
the first quarter of 2005 to 13% in the first quarter of 2006. The decrease
in
cost of service as a percentage of total revenue is primarily due to the
increase in PhotoStamps revenue.
The
decrease in promotional expense is attributable to the decrease in the
redemption rate of our promotional offerings as well as a reduced carrying
cost
of promotional items. Promotional expenses are primarily incurred as customers
are acquired and thereby may not correlate directly with changes in revenue.
Promotional expense includes free postage and a free digital scale offered
to
new customers, and was approximately $691,000 and $723,000 in the first quarter
of 2006 and 2005, respectively. Promotional expense, which represents a material
portion of total cost of service revenue, is expensed in the period in which
a
customer is acquired. However, the revenue associated with the acquired customer
is earned over the customer's lifetime. Therefore, promotional expense for
newly
acquired customers may be higher than the revenue earned from those customers
in
that period.
Cost
of
PhotoStamps revenue was approximately $2.4 million for the first quarter of
2006. Of this amount, stock-based employee compensation expense related to
our
adoption of the new accounting pronouncement effective on January 1, 2006 was
approximately $19,000. We had no cost of PhotoStamps revenue during the first
quarter of 2005 as we had not yet launched our second market test. Cost of
PhotoStamps revenue as a percentage of total revenue was 12% for the first
quarter of 2006. In April 2005, we received authorization from the US Postal
Service for a second year-long market test that began on May 17, 2005. We expect
cost of PhotoStamps revenue to grow in future periods as we expand our sales
of
PhotoStamps.
Cost
of
product sales and other revenue increased from $659,000 in the first quarter
of
2005 to $896,000 in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 40%. The increase
in cost of product sales and other revenue is primarily due to the increased
revenue from sale of products offered through our Supplies Store. As a
percentage of total revenue, cost of product sales and other revenue decreased
two percentage points from 6% in the first quarter of 2005 to 4% in the first
quarter of 2006. We expect the cost of product sales and other revenue to
continue to increase in future periods which is consistent with the
aforementioned expectation that product sales and other revenue will also
increase in future periods.
Sales
and Marketing. Sales
and
marketing expense principally consists of costs associated with strategic
partnership relationships, advertising, and compensation and related expenses
for personnel engaged in sales, marketing, and business development activities.
Sales and marketing expense increased from $3.7 million in the first quarter
of
2005 to $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 84%. The
increase in sales and marketing expense is primarily due to the increase in
various marketing program expenditures relating to the acquisition of customers
for our core business and for PhotoStamps. Ongoing marketing programs include
the following: traditional advertising, partnerships, customer referral
programs, customer remarketing efforts, telemarketing, direct mail, and online
advertising. Additionally, included in sales and marketing expense for the
first
quarter of 2006 is approximately $105,000 of stock-based employee compensation
expense related to our adoption of the new accounting pronouncement effective
on
January 1, 2006. We did not incur a similar charge in the first quarter of
2005.
As a percentage of total revenue, sales and marketing expense was 31% and 33%
in
first quarter of 2005 and 2006, respectively. We currently expect sales and
marketing expenses to increase in fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005 as
we
increase our marketing activity and customer acquisition.
Research
and Development. Research
and development expense principally consists of compensation for personnel
involved in the development of our services and expenditures for consulting
services and third party software. Research and development expense increased
from $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2005 to $2.3 million in the first
quarter of 2006, an increase of 55%. This increase is primarily due to the
increase in salary, software maintenance, and depreciation expense.
Additionally, included in research and development expense for the first quarter
of 2006 is approximately $303,000 of stock-based employee compensation expense
related to our adoption of the new accounting pronouncement effective on January
1, 2006. We did not incur a similar charge in the first quarter of 2005. As
a
percentage of total revenue, research and development expense was 13% and 11%
in
first quarter of 2005 and 2006, respectively. We currently expect research
and
development expense to increase in fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005 as
we
expect to continue to increase our investment in our technology.
General
and Administrative. General
and administrative expense principally consist of compensation and related
costs
for executive and administrative personnel, fees for legal and other
professional services, depreciation of equipment and software used for general
corporate purposes and amortization of intangible assets. General and
administrative expense increased from $2.4 million in the first quarter of
2005
to $3.2 million in first quarter of 2006, an increase of 32%. The increase
in
general and administrative expense is primarily due to the increase in legal
fee
expense. Additionally, included in general and administrative expense for the
first quarter of 2006 is approximately $268,000 of stock-based employee
compensation expense related to our adoption of the new accounting pronouncement
effective on January 1, 2006. We did not incur a similar charge in the first
quarter of 2005. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative
decreased from 20% in the first quarter of 2005 to 15% in first quarter of
2006,
a decrease of five percentage points. The decrease in general and administrative
expense as a percentage of total revenue is primarily due to the growth of
total
revenue. We currently expect general and administrative expenses to increase
in
fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005, but decrease as a percentage of total
revenue.
Other
Income, Net. Other
income, net consists of interest income from cash equivalents and short-term
and
long-term investments. Other income, net increased from $551,000 in the first
quarter of 2005 to $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of
96%. The increase is due to the increase in interest rates and invested balance
as we continue to achieve profitability. As a percentage of total revenue,
other
income, net was 5% for each of the first quarter of 2005 and 2006, respectively.
We currently expect other income to increase in fiscal 2006 as compared to
fiscal 2005 due to increased invested balances.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
As
of
March 31, 2006 and 2005 we had approximately $114 million and $89 million,
respectively, in cash, restricted cash and short-term and long-term investments.
We invest available funds in short and long-term money market funds, commercial
paper, corporate notes and municipal securities and do not engage in hedging
or
speculative activities.
In
November 2003, we entered into a facility lease agreement commencing in March
2004 for our new corporate headquarters with aggregate lease payments of
approximately $4 million through February 2010.
The
following table is a schedule of our contractual obligations and commercial
commitments which is comprised of the future minimum lease payments under
operating leases at March 31, 2006 (in thousands):
|
|
Operating
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
months ending December 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
477
|
|
Years
ending December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
694
|
|
2008
|
|
|
751
|
|
2009
|
|
|
794
|
|
2010
|
|
|
134
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,850
|
|
Net
cash
provided by operating activities was $5.0 million and $1.1 million in the first
quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by
operating activities resulted primarily from the increase in revenue and
expanding gross margin and operating cash flow.
Net
cash
used in investing activities was $8.2 million and $2.6 million in the first
quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase in net cash used in
investing activities resulted primarily from the additional purchase of
investments as a result of the Company’s profitability.
Net
cash
provided by financing activities was $5.3 million and $891,000 in the first
quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by
financing activities resulted primarily from the exercise of stock options
by
our employees.
We
believe our available cash and marketable securities, together with the cash
flow from operations will be sufficient to fund our business for the foreseeable
future.
ITEM
3. QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our
exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily
to
our investment portfolio. We have not used derivative financial instruments
in
our investment portfolio. Our cash equivalents and investments are comprised
of
Money Market, U.S. government obligations and public corporate debt securities
with weighted average maturities of 357 days at March 31, 2006. Our cash
equivalents and investments, net of restricted cash, approximated $113 million
and had a related weighted average interest rate of approximately 4.20%.
Interest rate fluctuations impact the carrying value of the portfolio. We do
not
believe that the future market risks related to the above securities will have
a
material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
ITEM
4. CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As
of the
end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under
the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, of
the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and
procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective and adequate to ensure that material
information and other information requiring disclosure is identified and
communicated on a timely basis.
Changes
in Internal Controls
There
have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in
other factors during the period covered by this report that has affected or
could affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
1. LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
On
October 22, 2004, Kara Technology Incorporated filed suit against us in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging,
among other claims, that Stamps.com infringed certain Kara Technology patents
and that Stamps.com misappropriated trade secrets owned by Kara Technology,
most
particularly with respect to our NetStamps feature. Kara Technology seeks an
injunction, unspecified damages, and attorneys’ fees. On February 9, 2005, the
court granted our motion to transfer this suit to the United States District
Court for the Central District of California. The court has scheduled a
“Markman” hearing to construe the terms of the Kara Technology patents for
August 21, 2006, and has scheduled a trial commencement date of January 9,
2007.
We dispute Kara Technology’s claims and intend to defend the lawsuit vigorously.
On
October 25, 2004, VCode Holdings, Inc. and VData LLC filed suit against Adidas
Salomon AG in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota,
alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,612,524 (“the ‘524 patent”), which
allegedly covers use of data matrices. The complaint sought an injunction,
unspecified damages, and attorneys’ fees. On or about December 30, 2004, the
plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint against us, as well as Adidas Salomon
AG, Adidas America, Inc., Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Boston Scientific Corp.
and Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Thailand), Ltd., alleging infringement
of the ‘524 patent. On July 25, 2005, the Court granted the plaintiffs' motion
to file a Second Amended Complaint adding Hitachi Global Storage Technologies,
Inc. as a defendant. Each of our co-defendants has settled for undisclosed
terms. On April 19, 2006, Stamps.com and the plaintiffs settled. Under the
terms
of the settlement, Stamps.com paid the plaintiffs an immaterial amount of cash
for a license to the patents involved in the lawsuit.
In
May
and June 2001, we were named, together with certain of our current and former
board members and/or officers, as a defendant in 11 purported class-action
lawsuits, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District
of
New York. The lawsuits allege violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and
the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with our initial public offering
and secondary offering of our common stock. The lawsuits also name as defendants
the principal underwriters in connection with our initial and secondary public
offerings, including Goldman, Sachs & Co. (in some of the lawsuits sued as
The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.) and BancBoston Robertson Stephens, Inc. The
lawsuits allege that the underwriters engaged in improper commission practices
and stock price manipulations in connection with the sale of our common stock.
The lawsuits also allege that we and/or certain of our officers or directors
knew of or recklessly disregarded these practices by the underwriter defendants,
and failed to disclose them in our public filings. Plaintiffs seek damages
and
statutory compensation, including prejudgment and post-judgment interest, costs
and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), and rescissory damages. In April 2002,
plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended class action complaint against us and
certain of our current and former board members and/or officers. The
consolidated amended class action complaint includes similar allegations to
those described above and seeks similar relief. In July 2002, we moved to
dismiss the consolidated amended class action complaint. In October 2002,
pursuant to a stipulation and tolling agreement with plaintiffs, our current
and
former board members and/or officers were dismissed without prejudice. In
February 2003, the court denied our motion to dismiss the consolidated amended
class action complaint. In June 2003, we approved a proposed Memorandum of
Understanding among the plaintiffs, issuers and insurers as to terms for a
settlement
of the litigation against us which was further documented in a Stipulation
and
Agreement of Settlement filed with the court. The proposed settlement terms
would not require Stamps.com to make any payments. The proposed settlement
was
preliminarily approved by the court in February 2005, was the subject of
fairness hearing in April 2006, but remains subject to final approval
by the court which has not yet occurred.
In
addition to the class action lawsuits against us, over 1,000 similar lawsuits
have also been brought against over 250 companies which issued stock to the
public in 1998, 1999, and 2000, and their underwriters. These lawsuits
(including those naming us) followed publicized reports that the Securities
and
Exchange Commission was investigating the practice of certain underwriters
in
connection with initial public offerings. All of these lawsuits have been
consolidated for pretrial purposes before United States District Court Judge
Shira Scheindlin of the Southern District of New York. We have placed our
underwriters on notice of our rights to indemnification, pursuant to our
agreements with the underwriters, but under the terms of the proposed
settlement, we cannot assert these claims except as a defense to a claim
against us by the underwriters . We have also provided notice to our
directors' and officers' insurers who have agreed to fund the proposed
settlement. If the proposed settlement does not receive final approval
or is not consummated for any reason, we intend to defend the lawsuits
vigorously because we believe that the claims against us and our officers and
directors are without merit.
We
are
not currently involved in any other material legal proceedings, nor are we
aware
of any other material legal proceedings pending against us.
ITEM
1A. RISK
FACTORS
You
should carefully consider the following risks and the other information in
this
Report and our other filings with the SEC before you decide to invest in our
company or to maintain or increase your investment. The risks and uncertainties
described below are not the only ones facing Stamps.com. Additional risks and
uncertainties may also adversely impact and impair our business. If any of
the
following risks actually occur, our business, results of operations or financial
condition would likely suffer. In that case, the trading price of our common
stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your
investment.
This
Report contains forward-looking statements based on the current expectations,
assumptions, estimates and projections about Stamps.com and the Internet. These
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results
could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements
as a result of many factors, including those described in this section and
elsewhere in this Report. Stamps.com does not undertake to update publicly
any
forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes
available or other events occur in the future.
Risks
Related to Our Business
We
may not successfully implement strategies to increase the adoption of our
services and products which would limit our growth, adversely affect our
business and cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Our
continuing profitability depends on our ability to successfully implement our
strategy of increasing the adoption of our services and products. Factors that
might cause our revenues, margins and operating results to fluctuate include
the
factors described in the subheadings below as well as:
|
·
|
The
costs of our marketing programs to establish and promote the Stamps.com
brands;
|
|
·
|
The
demand for our services and
products;
|
|
·
|
Our
ability to develop and maintain strategic distribution relationships;
|
|
·
|
The
number, timing and significance of new products or services introduced
by
us and by our competitors;
|
|
·
|
Our
ability to develop, market and introduce new and enhanced products
and
services on a timely basis;
|
|
·
|
The
level of service and price competition;
|
|
·
|
Our
operating expenses;
|
|
·
|
US
Postal Service regulation and policies relating to PC Postage and
PhotoStamps; and
|
|
·
|
General
economic factors.
|
We
have a history of losses and we may incur losses in the future which may reduce
the trading price of our common stock.
Though
we
realized net income of $3.4 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2006 and 2005 respectively, we have experienced significant net losses
since our inception and we may experience net losses in the future. Although
we
achieved profitability during fiscal year 2005, we cannot be certain that we
will be able to sustain or increase such profitability in the future.
We
implemented pricing plans that may adversely affect our future revenues and
margins.
Our
ability
to generate gross margins depends upon the ability to generate significant
revenues from a large base of active customers. In order to attract customers
in
the future, we may run special promotions and offers such as free trials,
discounts on fees, postage and supplies, and other promotions. We cannot be
sure
that customers will be receptive to future fee structures and special promotions
that we may implement. Even though we have established a sizeable base of users,
we still may not generate sufficient gross margins to remain profitable. In
addition, our ability to generate revenues or sustain profitability could be
adversely affected by the special promotions or additional changes to our
pricing plans.
If
we do not successfully attract and retain skilled personnel for permanent
management and other key personnel positions, we may not be able to effectively
implement our business plan.
Our
success
depends largely on the skills, experience and performance of the members of
our
senior management and other key personnel. Any of the individuals can terminate
his or her employment with us at any time. If we lose key employees and are
unable to replace them with qualified individuals, our business and operating
results could be seriously harmed. In addition, our future success will depend
largely on our ability to continue attracting and retaining highly skilled
personnel. As a result, we may be unable to successfully attract, assimilate
or
retain qualified personnel. Further, we may be unable to retain the employees
we
currently employ or attract additional qualified personnel to replace those
key
employees that may depart. The failure to attract and retain the necessary
personnel could seriously harm our business, financial condition and results
of
operations.
The
success of our business will depend upon the continued acceptance by customers
of our service.
We
must
minimize the rate of loss of existing customers while adding new customers.
Customers cancel their subscription to our service for many reasons, including
a
perception that they do not use the service sufficiently that the costs for
service are too high, because they are going out of business, or other issues
that are not satisfactorily resolved. We must continually add new customers
both
to replace customers who cancel and to continue to grow our business beyond
our
current customer base. If too many of our customers cancel our service, or
if we
are unable to attract new customers in numbers sufficient to grow our business,
our operating results will be adversely affected. Further, if excessive numbers
of customers cancel our service, we may be required to incur significantly
higher marketing expenditures than we currently anticipate to replace these
customers with new customers.
If
we fail to effectively market and sell our services and products, our business
will be substantially harmed and could fail.
In
order to
acquire customers and achieve widespread distribution and use of our services
and products, we must develop and execute cost-effective marketing campaigns
and
sales programs. We currently rely on a combination of marketing techniques
to
attract new customers including direct mail, online marketing and business
partnerships. We may be unable to continue marketing our services and products
in a cost-effective manner. If we fail to acquire customers in a cost-effective
manner, our results of operations will be adversely affected.
If
we fail to meet the demands of our customers, our business will be substantially
harmed and could fail.
Our
services
and products must meet the commercial demands of our customers, which include
home businesses, small businesses, corporations and individuals. We cannot
be
sure that our services will appeal to or be adopted by an ever-growing range
of
customers. If we are unable to ship products such as items from our Supplies
Store or PhotoStamps in a timely manner to our customers, our business may
be
harmed. Moreover, our ability to obtain and retain customers depends, in part,
on our customer service capabilities. If we are unable at any time to address
customer service issues adequately or to provide a satisfactory customer
experience for current or potential customers, our business and reputation
may
be harmed. If we fail to meet the demands of our customers our results of
operations will be adversely affected.
A
failure to further develop and upgrade our services and products could adversely
affect our business.
Any
delays or
failures in developing our services and products, including upgrades of current
services and products, may have a harmful impact on our results of operations.
The need to extend our core technologies into new features and services and
to
anticipate or respond to technological changes could affect our ability to
develop these services and features. Delays in features or upgrade introductions
could cause a decline in our revenue, earnings or stock price. We cannot
determine the ultimate effect these delays or the introduction of new features
or upgrades will have on our revenue or results of operations.
Third
party assertions of violations of their intellectual property rights could
adversely affect our business.
Substantial
litigation regarding intellectual property rights exists in our industry. Third
parties may currently have, or may eventually be issued, patents upon which
our
products or technology infringe. Any of these third parties might make a claim
of infringement against us. We may become aware of, or we may increasingly
receive correspondence claiming, potential infringement of other parties’
intellectual property rights. We are currently a defendant in two such cases
filed in the fourth quarter of 2004. We could incur significant costs and
diversion of management time and resources to defend claims against us
regardless of their validity. Any associated costs and distractions could have
a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations. In addition, litigation in which we are accused of infringement
might cause product development delays, require us to develop non-infringing
technology or require us to enter into royalty or license agreements, which
might not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. If a successful claim
of
infringement were made against us and we could not develop non-infringing
technology or license the infringed or similar technology on a timely and
cost-effective basis, our business could be significantly harmed or fail. Any
loss resulting from intellectual property litigation could severely limit our
operations, cause us to pay license fees, or prevent us from doing business.
A
failure to protect our own intellectual property could harm our competitive
position.
We
rely on a
combination of patent, trade secret, copyright and trademark laws and
contractual restrictions, such as confidentiality agreements and licenses,
to
establish and protect our rights in our products, services, know-how and
information. We have 54 issued US patents, 78 pending US patent applications,
12
international patents and 20 pending international patent applications. We
also
have a number of registered and unregistered trademarks. We plan to apply for
more patents in the future. We may not receive patents for any of our patent
applications. Even if patents are issued to us, claims issued in these patents
may not protect our technology. In addition, a court might hold any of our
patents, trademarks or service marks invalid or unenforceable. Even if our
patents are upheld or are not challenged, third parties may develop alternative
technologies or products without infringing our patents. If our patents fail
to
protect our technology or our trademarks and service marks are successfully
challenged, our competitive position could be harmed. We also generally enter
into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and other third
parties to control and limit access and disclosure of our confidential
information. These contractual arrangements or other steps taken to protect
our
intellectual property may not prove to be sufficient to prevent misappropriation
of technology or deter independent third party development of similar
technologies. Additionally, the laws of foreign countries may not protect our
services or intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws
of
the United States.
System
and online security failures could harm our business and operating results.
Our
services
depend on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer and
communications hardware systems. In addition, we must provide a high level
of
security for the transactions we execute. We rely on internally-developed and
third-party technology to provide secure transmission of postage and other
confidential information. Any breach of these security measures would severely
impact our business and reputation and would likely result in the loss of
customers. Furthermore, if we are unable to provide adequate security, the
US
Postal Service could prohibit us from selling postage over the Internet.
Our
systems
and operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from a number of
sources, including fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failure,
break-ins, earthquakes and similar events. Our Internet host provider does
not
guarantee that our Internet access will be uninterrupted, error-free or secure.
Our servers are also vulnerable to computer viruses, physical, electrical or
electronic break-ins and similar disruptions. We have experienced minor system
interruptions in the past and may experience them again in the future. Any
substantial interruptions in the future could result in the loss of data and
could completely impair our ability to generate revenues from our service.
We do
not presently have a full disaster recovery plan in effect to cover the loss
of
facilities and equipment. In addition, we do not have a fail-over site that
mirrors our infrastructure to allow us to operate from a second location. We
have business interruption insurance; however, we cannot be certain that our
coverage will be sufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur as a
result of business interruptions.
A
significant
barrier to electronic commerce and communications is the secure transmission
of
confidential information over public networks. Anyone who is able to circumvent
our security measures could misappropriate confidential information or cause
interruptions in our operations. We may be required to expend significant
capital and other resources to protect against potential security breaches
or to
alleviate problems caused by any breach. We rely on specialized technology
from
within our own infrastructure to provide the security necessary for secure
transmission of postage and other confidential information. Advances in computer
capabilities, new discoveries in security technology, or other events or
developments may result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms we use
to
protect customer transaction data. Should someone circumvent our security
measures, our reputation, business, financial condition and results of
operations could be seriously harmed. Security breaches could also expose us
to
a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability for failing to secure
confidential customer information. As a result, we may be required to expend
a
significant amount of financial and other resources to protect against security
breaches or to alleviate any problems that they may cause.
Risks
Related to Our Industry
US
Postal Service regulations or fee assessments may cause disruptions or
discontinuance of our business.
We
are
subject to continued US Postal Service scrutiny and other government
regulations. The availability of our services is dependent upon our service
continuing to meet US Postal Service performance specifications and regulations.
The US Postal Service could change its certification requirements or
specifications for PC Postage or revoke or suspend the approval of one or more
of our services at any time. If at any time our service fails to meet US Postal
Service requirements, we may be prohibited from offering this service and our
business would be severely and negatively impacted. In addition, the US Postal
Service could suspend or terminate our approval or offer services which compete
against us, any of which could stop or negatively impact the commercial adoption
of our service. Any changes in requirements or specifications for PC Postage
could adversely affect our pricing, cost of revenues, operating results and
margins by increasing the cost of providing our service.
The
US Postal
Service could also decide that PC Postage should no longer be an approved
postage service due to security concerns or other issues. Our business would
suffer dramatically if we are unable to adapt our services to any new
requirements or specifications or if the US Postal Service were to discontinue
PC Postage as an approved postage method. Alternatively, the US Postal Service
could introduce competitive programs or amend PC Postage requirements to make
certification easier to obtain, which could lead to more competition from third
parties or the US Postal Service itself. If we are unable to compete
successfully, particularly against large, traditional providers of postage
products like Pitney Bowes who enter the online postage market, our revenues
and
operating results will suffer.
The
US Postal
Service could decide to suspend or cancel the current market test of
PhotoStamps, and may do so in the event that there is sufficient cause to
believe that the market test presents unacceptable risk to US Postal Service
revenues, degrades the ability of the US Postal Service to process or deliver
mail produced by the test participants, exposes the US Postal Service or its
customers to legal liability, or causes public or political embarrassment or
harm to the US Postal Service in any way. If the US Postal Service decides
to
suspend or cancel the market test of PhotoStamps, our revenues and operating
results will likely suffer.
Additionally,
the US Postal Service could decide to amend, renegotiate or terminate our credit
card cost sharing agreement, which is a key agreement that governs the
allocation of credit card fees paid by the US Postal Service and us for the
postage purchased by our customers. If the US Postal Service decides to amend,
renegotiate or terminate our credit card cost sharing agreement, our revenues
and operating results will likely suffer.
In
addition,
US Postal Service regulations may require that our personnel with access to
postal information or resources receive security clearance prior to doing
relevant work. We may experience delays or disruptions if our personnel cannot
receive necessary security clearances in a timely manner, if at all. The
regulations may limit our ability to hire qualified personnel. For example,
sensitive clearance may only be provided to US citizens or aliens who are
specifically approved to work on US Postal Service projects.
If
we are unable to compete successfully, particularly against large, traditional
providers of postage products such as Pitney Bowes, our revenues and operating
results will suffer.
The
PC
Postage segment of the market for postage is relatively new and is competitive.
At present, Pitney Bowes and Endicia.com are authorized PC Postage providers
with commercially available software and Zazzle.com offers a competitive product
to PhotoStamps using Pitney Bowes technology. If any more providers become
authorized, or if Pitney Bowes or Endicia.com provide enhanced offerings, our
operations could be adversely impacted. We also compete with other forms of
postage, including traditional postage meters provided by companies such as
Pitney Bowes, postage stamps and permit mail.
We
may not be
able to establish or maintain a competitive position against current or future
competitors as they enter the market. Many of our competitors have longer
operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition, greater
financial, marketing, service, support, technical, intellectual property and
other resources than us. As a result, our competitors may be able to devote
greater resources to marketing and promotional campaigns, adopt more aggressive
pricing policies and devote substantially more resources to web site and systems
development than us. This increased competition may result in reduced operating
margins, loss of market share and a diminished brand. We may from time to time
make pricing, service or marketing decisions or acquisitions as a strategic
response to changes in the competitive environment. These actions could result
in reduced margins and seriously harm our business.
We
could face
competitive pressures from new technologies or the expansion of existing
technologies approved for use by the US Postal Service. We may also face
competition from a number of indirect competitors that specialize in electronic
commerce and other companies with substantial customer bases in the computer
and
other technical fields. Additionally, companies that control access to
transactions through a network or Web browsers could also promote our
competitors or charge us a substantial fee for inclusion. In addition, changes
in postal regulations could adversely affect our service and significantly
impact our competitive position. We may be unable to compete successfully
against current and future competitors, and the competitive pressures we face
could seriously harm our business.
If
we do not respond effectively to technological change, our services and products
could become obsolete and our business will suffer.
The
development of our services, products and other technology entails significant
technical and business risks. To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance
and improve the responsiveness, functionality and features of our online
operations. The Internet and the electronic commerce industry are characterized
by rapid technological change; changes in user and customer requirements and
preferences; frequent new product and service introductions embodying new
technologies; and the emergence of new industry standards and practices.
The
evolving
nature of the Internet or the postage markets could render our existing
technology and systems obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our
ability to license or acquire leading technologies useful in our business;
enhance our existing services; develop new services or features and technology
that address the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of our current
and
prospective users; and respond to technological advances and emerging industry
and regulatory standards and practices in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Future
advances in technology may not be beneficial to, or compatible with, our
business. Furthermore, we may not be successful in using new technologies
effectively or adapting our technology and systems to user requirements or
emerging industry standards on a timely basis. Our ability to remain
technologically competitive may require substantial expenditures and lead time.
If we are unable to adapt in a timely manner to changing market conditions
or
user requirements, our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be seriously harmed.
Our
operating results could be impaired if we or the Internet become subject to
additional government regulation and legal uncertainties.
Due
to the
increasing popularity and use of the Internet, it is possible that a number
of
laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet, relating
to
user privacy, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution, characteristics and
quality of products and services, and export controls.
The
adoption
of any additional laws or regulations may hinder the expansion of the Internet.
A decline in the growth of the Internet could decrease demand for our products
and services and increase our cost of doing business. Moreover, the
applicability of existing laws to the Internet is uncertain with regard to
many
issues, including property ownership, export of specialized technology, sales
tax, libel and personal privacy. Our business, financial condition and results
of operations could be seriously harmed by any new legislation or regulation.
The application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not
currently apply to our business, or the application of existing laws and
regulations to the Internet and other online services could also harm our
business.
We
have
employees and offer our services in multiple states, and we may in the future
expand internationally. These jurisdictions may claim that we are required
to
qualify to do business as a foreign corporation in each state or foreign
country. Our failure to qualify as a foreign corporation in a jurisdiction
where
we are required to do so could subject us to taxes and penalties. Other states
and foreign countries may also attempt to regulate our services or prosecute
us
for violations of their laws. Further, we might unintentionally violate the
laws
of foreign jurisdictions and those laws may be modified and new laws may be
enacted in the future.
Risks
Related to Our Stock
Changes
in stock option accounting rules will have an adverse affect on our operating
results.
We
use
options to acquire our common stock to attract, incentivize and retain our
employees in a competitive marketplace. Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,”
allowed companies the choice of either using a fair value method of accounting
for options that would result in expense recognition for all options granted,
or
using an intrinsic value method, as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board
Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, with a
pro forma disclosure of the impact on net income (loss) of using the fair value
option expense recognition method. Prior to our adoption of SFAS No. 123
(revised 2004), “Share Based Payment,” or Statement 123R, on January 1,
2006, we had elected to apply APB No.25 and accordingly we generally did not
recognize any expense with respect to employee options to acquire our common
stock in periods ended on or prior to December 31, 2005 as long as such options
were granted at exercise prices equal to the fair value of our common stock
on
the date of grant.
In
December
2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement 123R.
Statement 123R requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based
payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. This cost will
be
measured based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued. We adopted
Statement 123R on January 1, 2006, which is the first day of our 2006
fiscal year. We expect the adoption of Statement 123R to have an adverse effect
on our operating results, as we continue to use options to attract, incentivize
and retain our employees.
The
tax value of our net operating losses could be impaired if we trigger a change
of control pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue
Code.
Under
the
complicated rules of IRC Section 382, a change in ownership can occur
whenever there is a shift in ownership by more than 50% by one or more
five-percent shareholders within a three-year period. If a change of ownership
is triggered, our NOLs may be impaired, which could harm stockholder
value.
Our
charter documents could deter a takeover effort, which could inhibit your
ability to receive an acquisition premium for your shares.
The
provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Delaware law could
make it difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if it would be
beneficial to our stockholders. In addition, we are subject to the provisions
of
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which could prohibit
or delay a merger or other takeover of our Company, and discourage attempts
to
acquire us.
The
US Postal Service may object to a change of control of our common
stock.
The
US Postal
Service may raise national security or similar concerns to prevent foreign
persons from acquiring significant ownership of our common stock or of
Stamps.com. The US Postal Service also has regulations regarding the change
of
control of approved PC Postage providers. These concerns may prohibit or delay
a
merger or other takeover of our Company. Our competitors may also seek to have
the US Postal Service block the acquisition by a foreign person of our common
stock or our Company in order to prevent the combined company from becoming
a
more effective competitor in the market for PC Postage.
Our
stock price is volatile
The
price at
which our common stock has traded since our initial public offering in June
1999
has fluctuated significantly. The price may continue to be volatile due to
a
number of factors, including the following, some of which are beyond our
control:
|
·
|
variations
in our operating results,
|
|
·
|
variations
between our actual operating results and the expectations of securities
analysts,
|
|
·
|
investors
and the financial community,
|
|
·
|
announcements
of developments affecting our business, systems or expansion plans
by us
or others,
|
|
·
|
and
market volatility in general.
|
As
a
result of these and other factors, investors in our common stock may not be
able
to resell their shares at or above their original purchase price. In the past,
securities class action litigation often has been instituted against companies
following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. This
type of litigation, if directed at us, could result in substantial costs and
a
diversion of management’s attention and resources.
Shares
of our common stock held by existing stockholders may be sold into the public
market, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If
our
stockholders sell into the public market substantial amounts of our common
stock
purchased in private financings prior to our initial public offering, or
purchased upon the exercise of stock options or warrants, or if there is a
perception that these sales could occur, the market price of our common stock
could decline. All of these shares are available for immediate sale, subject
to
the volume and other restrictions under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of
1933.
ITEM
2. UNREGISTERED
SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM
3. DEFAULTS
UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not
applicable.
ITEM
4. SUBMISSION
OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM
5. OTHER
INFORMATION
On
April
25, 2006, Stamps.com filed a report on Form 8-K, which reported earnings for
the
quarter ended March 31, 2006.
ITEM
6. EXHIBITS
31.1 Certification
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.3 Certification
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.3 Certification
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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.
STAMPS.COM
INC.
(Registrant)
May
9,
2006 By: /s/
KEN MCBRIDE
Ken
McBride
Chief
Executive Officer
May
9,
2006 By: /s/
KYLE HUEBNER
Kyle
Huebner
Chief
Financial Officer
May
9,
2006 By: /s/
JAMES A. HARPER
James
A. Harper
Chief
Accounting Officer