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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number: 001-32750

 

 

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   20-8901733

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

8383 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 800

Beverly Hills, California

  90211
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(323) 658-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

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

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller-Reporting Company   x

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

The registrant had 20,771,166 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding as of November 13, 2012.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

Table of Contents to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

 

PART I.

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  Financial Statements      3   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011

     3   
 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

     4   
 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

     5   
 

Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     6   

Item 2.

 

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

     12   

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     19   

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

     19   

PART II.

  OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

     20   

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

     20   

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     20   

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     20   

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

     20   

Item 5.

 

Other Information

     20   

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

     21   
 

Signatures

     22   

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2012     2011  
     (unaudited)        

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,974      $ 15,106   

Restricted cash

     1,175        958   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $0 and $1, respectively

     1,418        1,146   

Deferred tax asset – current

     45        44   

Prepaid expenses and other

     1,093        1,164   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     14,705        18,418   

Property and equipment, net

     3,138        2,839   

Goodwill

     8,576        8,683   

Intangible assets, net

     2,142        1,900   

Deferred tax asset – non-current

     6,950        5,641   

Deposits and other assets

     155        455   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 35,666      $ 37,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 549      $ 952   

Accrued liabilities

     3,375        4,046   

Deferred revenue

     7,773        5,723   

Deferred tax liability- current

     203        203   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     11,900        10,924   

Deferred tax liability

     1,312        1,219   

Other liabilities – non-current

     1,141        1,141   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     14,353        13,284   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Authorized capital stock consists of 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 450,000 of which are designated as Series C Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, with no shares of Preferred Stock issued or outstanding and 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value, with 20,769,471 and 20,594,670 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively:

     21        21   

Additional paid-in-capital

     54,129        53,014   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     669        672   

Accumulated deficit

     (33,506     (29,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     21,313        24,652   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 35,666      $ 37,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

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Table of Contents

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenue

   $ 15,871      $ 12,677      $ 45,472      $ 35,632   

Cost and expenses:

        

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)

     12,901        7,373        35,725        20,535   

Sales and marketing

     1,020        923        2,976        2,660   

Customer service

     652        531        1,887        1,441   

Technical operations

     362        336        1,067        1,086   

Development

     859        643        2,549        2,067   

General and administrative

     2,260        2,435        6,550        6,997   

Depreciation

     426        341        1,242        977   

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          90        13        281   

Impairment of long-lived assets and other assets

     —          45        —          45   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost and expenses

   $ 18,480      $ 12,717      $ 52,009      $ 36,089   

Operating loss

     (2,609     (40     (6,537     (457

Interest (income) expense and other, net

     (36     120        (50     18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (2,573     (160     (6,487     (475

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

     (836     78        (2,036     28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (1,737   $ (238   $ (4,451   $ (503
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share—basic and diluted

   $ (0.08   $ (0.01   $ (0.22   $ (0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted

     20,699        20,595        20,683        20,592   

Comprehensive loss

   $ (1,731   $ (387   $ (4,454   $ (577
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation:

    (in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Cost of revenue

   $ 2       $ 2       $ 6       $ 6   

Sales and marketing

     17         17         55         65   

Customer service

     —           —           1         —     

Technical operations

     29         30         89         88   

Development

     10         10         31         32   

General and administrative

     138         124         417         532   

See accompanying notes

 

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Table of Contents

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited, in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (4,451   $ (503

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     1,255        1,258   

Foreign exchange loss on intercompany loan

     77        205   

Impairment of long-lived assets and other assets

     —          45   

Stock-based compensation

     599        723   

Income from asset received from legal judgment

     (151     (247

Deferred taxes

     (1,217     49   

Other

     19        4   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (272     (115

Restricted cash

     (217     70   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     150        (220

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (1,115     (82

Deferred revenue

     2,050        1,088   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (3,273     2,275   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (1,639     (1,179

Purchases of intangible assets

     (256     (352

Sale of property and other assets

     520        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,375     (1,531
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     516        22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     516        22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash

     (4,132     766   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     15,106        13,901   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 10,974      $ 14,667   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 43      $ 139   

See accompanying notes

 

5


Table of Contents

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1. The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company

The common stock of Spark Networks, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), is traded on the NYSE MKT.

On December 31, 2010, Spark Networks Limited (“SNUK”) distributed its shareholdings in each of HurryDate, LLC; MingleMatch, Inc.; Kizmeet, Inc.; SN Holdco, LLC; SN Events, Inc.; Reseaux Spark Canada Ltd. and Spark SocialNet, Inc. by transferring its shares in those companies to Spark Networks, Inc. Spark Networks, Inc. subsequently transferred all of its shares in the same companies to LOV USA, LLC, a newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary of Spark Networks, Inc. SNUK continues to hold all of the shares of Spark Networks (Israel) Limited, VAP AG and JDate Limited. In addition, SNUK now holds all of the shares of Spark Networks USA, LLC, a newly formed subsidiary into which SNUK has transferred all of its United States based assets.

The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries provide online personals services in the United States and internationally, whereby adults are able to post information about themselves (“profiles”) on the Company’s Web sites and search and contact other individuals who have posted profiles.

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

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

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

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

The consolidated financial statements on this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 was derived from the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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Table of Contents
2. Adoption of New Accounting Principles

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).” The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” The adoption of ASU 2011-05 concerns presentation and disclosure only, and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

3. Net Loss Per Share

The Company calculates and presents the net loss per share of both basic and diluted net loss per share. Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands except per share data)    2012     2011     2012     2011  

Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock– Basic and Diluted

        

Net loss applicable to common stock

   $ (1,737   $ (238   $ (4,451   $ (503

Weighted average shares outstanding-basic and diluted

     20,699        20,595        20,683        20,592   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Loss Per Share – Basic and Diluted

   $ (0.08   $ (0.01   $ (0.22   $ (0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

All stock options for all periods presented, have been excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation because they would have been anti-dilutive.

 

4. Revolving Credit Facility

As of September 30, 2012, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Spark Networks USA, LLC, as well as subsidiaries as guarantors, had a $15.0 million revolving credit facility with Bank of America, which was entered into on February 14, 2008 with subsequent amendments (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement matures on February 14, 2014.

As of September 30, 2012, there were no outstanding amounts under the Credit Agreement.

On May 7, 2012, the parties executed a Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment, among other things, changes the per annum interest rate under the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Amendment, the per annum interest rate under the Credit Agreement is LIBOR, or the Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) under certain circumstances, plus 2.00%. In the event the Company elects to borrow under a base rate loan, the interest rate is increased to the prime rate plus 1.00%. Under the Amendment, the Company pays a 0.25% per annum commitment fee on all funds not utilized under the facility, measured on a daily basis.

The Amendment removed the requirement that the Company maintain a certain consolidated leverage ratio and consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. The Amendment also updated the financial covenants regarding the requirement to maintain a minimum consolidated adjusted EBITDA, Jewish Networks minimum contribution, minimum

 

7


Table of Contents

consolidated net liquidity and minimum consolidated revenue during different periods. The Amendment permits the Company to repurchase or redeem equity interests or issue dividends of up to $4.5 million during the term of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also contains other covenants, with exceptions, including restrictions on debt, liens and investments. A default could cause any outstanding amounts to become immediately due and payable and prohibit the Company from obtaining further credit under the Credit Agreement.

The Company was compliant with the Credit Agreement’s customary affirmative and negative covenants as of September 30, 2012.

In connection with the original Credit Agreement and the first four amendments thereto, the Company paid deferred financing costs of approximately $446,000 and $105,000, respectively. Costs associated with both the original Credit Agreement and the first four amendments thereto were included in prepaid expenses and other, and deposits and other assets. The deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the full term of the Credit Agreement. Amortization expense for the deferred financing costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $7,000 and $17,000, respectively. The amortization of the deferred financing costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $4,000 and $53,000, respectively.

 

5. Stockholders’ Equity

Re-Pricing of Employees Options

In 2009, the Company offered to re-price options for certain employees. These employees could surrender their existing options in exchange for a like number of options with a new grant date, a lower exercise price, a lower number of vested options and a modified vesting schedule. The exchange of options was treated as a synthetic re-pricing, which includes a cancellation and replacement of equity instruments. The incremental expense was approximately $1.0 million and is being recognized over the four year vesting term of the newly issued options. The incremental expenses recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were $43,000 and $129,000, respectively.

Employee Stock Option Plans

On July 9, 2007, pursuant to the completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, the Company adopted the Spark Networks, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) authorizing and reserving 2.5 million options. In connection with the Company’s Scheme of Arrangement, the 2004 Share Option Plan was frozen; however, all outstanding options previously granted thereunder continue in full force and effect.

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

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

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

 

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Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was $755,000. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of two years. The following table describes option activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

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

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     3,583      $ 3.14   

Granted

     100        4.18   

Exercised

     (2     2.37   

Forfeited

     —          —     

Expired

     (4     3.00   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at March 31, 2012

     3,677      $ 3.16   

Granted

     25        4.41   

Exercised

     (78     3.00   

Forfeited

     (11     2.88   

Expired

     (7     5.41   
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at June 30, 2012

     3,606      $ 3.17   

Granted

     —          —     

Exercised

     (94     2.93   

Forfeited

     (2     3.00   

Expired

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at September 30, 2012

     3,510      $ 3.18   

Stockholder Rights Plan

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

 

6. Segment Information

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company’s management modified the internal reporting of its operating segments to: (1) Jewish Networks, which consists of JDate.com, JDate.co.uk, JDate.fr, JDate.co.il, Cupid.co.il, and their respective co-branded Web sites; (2) Christian Networks, which now consists of ChristianMingle.com, ChristianMingle.co.uk, ChristianMingle.com.au, Believe.com, ChristianCards.net, DailyBibleVerse.com and Faith.com; (3) Other Networks, which consists of Spark.com and properties which are primarily made up of sites targeted towards various religious, ethnic, geographic and special interest groups; and (4) Offline & Other Businesses, which consists of revenue generated from offline activities and HurryDate events and subscriptions. The Company believes the new segments will provide investors with greater transparency into the performance of the business. Prior period amounts presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

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Table of Contents

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands)    2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenue

        

Jewish Networks

   $ 6,385      $ 6,724      $ 19,417      $ 20,354   

Christian Networks

     8,495        4,624        22,853        10,790   

Other Networks

     903        1,218        2,929        3,821   

Offline & Other Businesses

     88        111        273        667   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Revenue

   $ 15,871      $ 12,677      $ 45,472      $ 35,632   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Direct Marketing

        

Jewish Networks

   $ 829      $ 936      $ 2,277      $ 2,460   

Christian Networks

     10,920        5,112        29,920        13,053   

Other Networks

     213        432        776        2,113   

Offline & Other Businesses

     29        32        96        463   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Direct Marketing Expenses

   $ 11,991      $ 6,512      $ 33,069      $ 18,089   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unallocated operating expenses

     6,489        6,205        18,940        18,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

   $ (2,609   $ (40   $ (6,537   $ (457
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

7. Income on Possession of Assets

In the third quarter of 2011, the Company became the record title owner of real property purchased in a sheriff’s sale to partially satisfy the Company’s outstanding judgment against Will Knedlik.

On June 15, 2012, the Company sold the real property. Based upon the net proceeds of the transaction, the Company realized a total gain of $398,000, with $247,000 of the gain being recognized in the third quarter of 2011 and $151,000 upon the sale of the real property, in the second quarter of 2012.

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

ISYSTEMS v. Spark Networks, Inc. et al.

On July 11, 2008, ISYSTEMS initiated a lawsuit against Spark Networks, Inc. and Spark Networks Limited (collectively, “Spark Networks”) and other parties in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The lawsuit was filed in response to an arbitration award ordering the transfer of the domain name, JDATE.NET, to Spark Networks Limited from ISYSTEMS. Spark Networks was apprised of the lawsuit after ISYSTEMS unsuccessfully attempted to utilize the filing of the lawsuit to prevent the domain transfer to Spark Networks Limited. On December 1, 2008, Spark Networks filed a Motion to Dismiss the Complaint, or, Alternatively, for Summary Judgment. On September 10, 2009, the Court granted Spark Networks’ motion and dismissed the case with prejudice. On September 22, 2009, ISYSTEMS filed a motion to vacate the order dismissing the action and requesting leave to amend its complaint. On October 26, 2009, the Court granted ISYSTEMS’ motion and ISYSTEMS filed its Amended Complaint on November 25, 2009. On January 19, 2010, Spark Networks filed a Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint, or Alternatively, for Summary Judgment. The Court granted Spark Networks’ Motion to

 

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Dismiss on June 28, 2010 and entered a judgment in favor of Spark Networks. On July 25, 2010, ISYSTEMS filed a motion to vacate the order granting the motion to dismiss, which was denied by the Court on August 11, 2010. On September 10, 2010, ISYSTEMS filed a notice of appeal of the district court’s order and judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. On June 13, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued its opinion affirming the District Court’s judgment. On June 29, 2011, ISYSTEMS filed a Petition for Rehearing with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which was granted. Oral argument was held on December 8, 2011. Per the Fifth Circuit’s request, the parties submitted supplemental briefs on December 16, 2011. On March 21, 2012, the Fifth Circuit issued its opinion affirming the District Court’s dismissal of certain claims and reversing the dismissal of certain other claims. On April 19, 2012, the matter was remanded back to the District Court. On September 4, 2012, Spark Networks filed their Answer to the Complaint. By written order dated August 30, 2012, the Court set the action for trial on February 24, 2014.

B.E. Technology, L.L.C. v. Spark Networks, Inc.

On September 22, 2012, B.E. Technology, L.L.C. commenced a lawsuit against Spark Networks, Inc. in the Western District of Tennessee, B.E. Technology, L.L.C. v. Spark Networks, Inc., Civil Action No. 2:12-cv-02832-cgc, for alleged infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,628,314. The patent is entitled “Computer Interface Method And Apparatus With Targeted Advertising.” The Complaint alleges that “Spark Networks has infringed at least claim 11 of the ‘314 patent by using a method of providing demographically targeted advertising,” and seeks damages and an injunction.

Kirby, et al. v. Spark Networks USA, LLC

On October 16, 2012, Kristina Kirby, Christopher Wagner and Jamie Carper (collectively referred to as “Plaintiffs”), on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated, filed a Complaint in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Los Angeles (Case No. BC493892) alleging claims against Spark Networks USA, LLC for violations of California Business & Professions Code section 17529.5. Plaintiffs allege that certain e-mail communications advertising websites of Spark Networks USA, LLC and received by Plaintiffs violate a California statute prohibiting false and deceptive e-mail communications (namely, California Business & Professions Code section 17529.5). Plaintiffs generally allege that they seek damages in excess of $25,000. No trial date has been set.

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

 

9. Income Taxes

The $2.0 million benefit for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 consists primarily of a $2.2 million tax benefit related to the United States operations offset by a $114,000 deferred tax expense related to an increase in the deferred tax liability associated with our Israeli subsidiary’s tax deductible goodwill amortization and by $39,000 of income tax expense related to interest accrued on its unrecognized tax benefits.

 

10. Related Party Transactions

In December 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Latisys-Irvine, Inc., a colocation and data center provider to provide colocation, cages, connectivity and other related equipment and services. Great Hill Partners, an owner of more than 5% of the Company’s stock, has informed the Company that it has an ownership position in Latisys-Irvine, Inc.

In January 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with Ultra Unlimited Corp., a software development firm, to develop and initially operate a website for the Company and to provide the Company with certain software. The Chief Executive Officer of Ultra Unlimited Corp. is the brother of Michael Kumin, a director of the Company. Michael Kumin and Jonathan Bulkeley, also a director of the Company, have informed the Company that they are individual investors in Ultra Unlimited Corp.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that are included in this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Report”).

Some of the statements contained in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than historical facts contained in this report, including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “continue,” “should,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential” and other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but not limited to our ability to: attract members; convert members into paying subscribers and retain our paying subscribers; develop or acquire new product offerings and successfully implement and expand those offerings; keep pace with rapid technological changes; maintain the strength of our existing brands and maintain and enhance those brands and our dependence upon the telecommunications infrastructure and our networking hardware and software infrastructure; identify and consummate strategic acquisitions and integrate acquired companies or assets; obtain financing on acceptable terms; and successfully implement both cost cutting initiatives and our current long-term growth strategy, and other factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of our 2011 Annual Report.

General

The common stock of Spark Networks, Inc. (the “Company”) is traded on the NYSE MKT. We are a leading provider of online personals services in the United States and internationally. Our Web sites enable adults to meet online, participate in a community and form relationships.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these unaudited Consolidated 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 ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, uncollectible receivables, intangible and other long-lived assets, stock-based compensation and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be 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. There were no significant changes to our critical accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to those policies disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Segment Reclassification

During the first quarter of 2012, we modified the internal reporting of our operating segments to: (1) Jewish Networks, which consists of JDate.com, JDate.co.il, JDate.co.uk, JDate.Fr, Cupid.co.il, and their respective co-branded Web sites; (2) Christian Networks, which now consists of ChristianMingle.com, ChristianMingle.co.uk, ChristianMingle.com.au, Believe.com, ChristianCards.net, DailyBibleVerse.com and Faith.com; (3) Other Networks, which consists of

 

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Spark.com and properties which are primarily made up of sites targeted towards various religious, ethnic, geographic and special interest groups; and (4) Offline & Other Businesses, which consists of revenue generated from offline activities and HurryDate events and subscriptions. We believe the new segments will provide investors with greater transparency into the performance of the business.

For additional segment information, please refer to Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (the “Notes”) elsewhere in this report.

Key Metric - Average Paying Subscribers

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

Unaudited selected statistical information regarding average paying subscribers for our operating segments is shown in the table below. It should be noted that we have excluded Offline and Other Businesses’ average paying subscribers from the table below due to the immaterial size of its average paying subscriber base:

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Average Paying Subscribers

           

Jewish Networks

     84,650         88,976         85,144         90,205   

Christian Networks

     154,747         81,987         138,891         63,961   

Other Networks

     26,678         34,687         28,537         36,814   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     266,075         205,650         252,572         190,980   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average paying subscribers for the Jewish Networks segment decreased 4.9% and 5.6% to 84,650 and 85,144 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 88,976 and 90,205 for the same periods last year, respectively. Average paying subscribers for the Christian Networks segment increased 88.7% and 117.1% to 154,747 and 138,891 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 81,987 and 63,962 for the same periods last year, respectively. Average paying subscribers for the Other Networks segment decreased 23.1% and 22.5% to 26,678 and 28,537 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 34,687 and 36,814 for the same periods last year, respectively.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table presents our operating results as a percentage of revenue:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,     September 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenue

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0

Cost and expenses:

        

Cost of revenue

     81.3        58.2        78.6        57.6   

Sales and marketing

     6.4        7.3        6.5        7.5   

Customer service

     4.1        4.2        4.1        4.0   

Technical operations

     2.3        2.7        2.3        3.0   

Development

     5.4        5.1        5.6        5.8   

General and administrative

     14.2        19.1        14.5        19.6   

Depreciation

     2.7        2.7        2.8        2.7   

Amortization of intangible assets

     —          0.7        —          0.8   

Impairment of goodwill and other assets

     —          0.4        —          0.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost and expenses

     116.4        100.4        114.4        101.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (16.4     (0.4     (14.4     (1.1

Interest (income) expense and other, net

     (0.2     0.9        (0.1     0.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (16.2     (1.3     (14.3     (1.3

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

     (5.3     0.6        (4.5     0.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (10.9 )%      (1.9 )%      (9.8 )%      (1.4 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

Revenue

The vast majority of our revenue is derived from subscription fees. Approximately 4.8% and 4.7% of our revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, is generated through offline social and travel events and advertising sales. Revenue is presented net of credits and credit card chargebacks. Our subscriptions are offered in durations of varying length (typically one, three, six and twelve months). Plans with durations longer than one month are available at discounted monthly rates. Following their initial terms, most subscriptions renew automatically until subscribers terminate them.

Revenue increased 25.2% to $15.9 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $12.7 million in the third quarter of 2011. The increase can be attributed to higher subscription revenue in our Christian Networks segment. Christian Networks revenue increased 83.7% to $8.5 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $4.6 million in the third quarter of 2011. The higher revenue is driven by the 88.7% increase in average paying subscribers, reflecting a 113.6% increase in direct marketing investment, as we leveraged both online and offline marketing channels. Revenue for the Jewish Networks segment decreased 5.0% to $6.4 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2011. The decrease in revenue is driven by lower average paying subscribers. Revenue for our Other Networks segment decreased 25.9% to $903,000 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2011. The decrease in revenue is due to a decrease in average paying subscribers, reflecting the elimination of select inefficient online and offline marketing investments. Revenue for the Offline & Other Businesses segment decreased 20.7% to $88,000 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $111,000 in the third quarter of 2011. The lower revenue primarily reflects slightly lower attendance at our offline events in the third quarter of 2012 versus the comparable period in 2011.

Cost and Expenses

Cost and expenses consist primarily of cost of revenue, sales and marketing, customer service, technical operations, development and general and administrative expenses. Cost and expenses for the third quarter of 2012 were $18.5 million, an increase of 45.3% compared to $12.7 million for the third quarter of 2011. The increase is primarily attributable to a $5.5 million increase in cost of revenue.

Cost of Revenue. Cost of revenue consists primarily of direct marketing costs, compensation and other employee-related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel dedicated to maintaining our data centers, data center expenses and credit card fees. Cost of revenue increased 75.0% to $12.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $7.4 million for the same period in 2011. Direct marketing expenses accounted for the majority of growth, increasing 84.1% to $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $6.5 million

 

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for the same period in 2011. Direct marketing expenses for the Christian Networks segment increased 113.6% to $10.9 million for the third quarter of 2012, compared to $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, reflecting growth in both our online and offline marketing channels. Direct marketing expenses for the Jewish Networks segment decreased 11.4% to $829,000 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $936,000 in the third quarter of 2011. The decrease reflects a reduction in offline marketing investments. Direct marketing expenses for the Other Networks segment decreased 50.7% to $213,000 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $432,000 in the same period in 2011, reflecting the elimination of certain inefficient online marketing investments. Direct marketing expenses for the Offline & Other Businesses segment decreased 9.4% to $29,000 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $32,000 in the same period in 2011.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries for our sales and marketing personnel and other associated costs such as consulting fees. Sales and marketing expenses increased 10.5% to $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $923,000 in the third quarter of 2011. The increase can be primarily attributed to growth in compensation expense and public relations fees. Compensation expense grew as we built out our customer acquisition and mobile teams. The higher public relations expense reflects a higher level of support from public relations firms for the Jewish and Christian Networks segments in the third quarter of 2012.

Customer Service. Customer service expenses consist primarily of personnel costs associated with our customer service centers. Customer service expenses increased 22.8% to $652,000 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $531,000 in the third quarter of 2011. The expense increase is primarily attributed to higher compensation costs, reflecting increased support for our growing Christian Networks segment.

Technical Operations. Technical operations expenses consist primarily of the personnel and systems necessary to support our corporate technology requirements. Technical operations expenses increased 7.7% to $362,000 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $336,000 in 2011. The increase is primarily due to higher compensation expense, reflecting some staffing changes between the third quarter of 2011 and 2012.

Development. Development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in the development, enhancement and maintenance of our Web sites and services. Development expenses increased 33.6% to $859,000 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $643,000 in 2011. The increased costs reflect higher compensation costs, consulting expenses and software licensing fees associated with new product development.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of corporate personnel-related costs, professional fees, occupancy and other overhead costs. General and administrative expenses decreased 7.2% to $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $2.4 million in 2011. The decreased costs are primarily attributable to lower legal fees, reflecting the absence of a patent lawsuit in the third quarter of 2012.

Amortization of Intangible Assets. Amortization expenses consist primarily of amortization of intangible assets related to previous acquisitions. Amortization expenses decreased 100% to $0 in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $90,000 in the third quarter of 2011. The decrease reflects the full amortization of HurryDate intangible assets in the first quarter of 2012.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets. Impairment of long-lived assets primarily represents the write-down of investment balances in businesses and computer software. Long-lived assets impairment expense was $0 in the third quarter of 2012, compared to $45,000 in the third quarter of 2011. In the third quarter of 2011, the company determined that certain Web-based software programs would not be used in the future.

Interest (Income) Expense and Other, Net. Interest (income) expense and other, net consists primarily of interest income associated with temporary investments in interest bearing accounts and foreign exchange gains and losses related to the intercompany loan with our wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary. Interest (income) expense and other, net reflects income of $36,000 for the third quarter of 2012 compared to an expense of $120,000 for the same period in 2011. The change is primarily due to differences in the non-cash foreign exchange rate charges associated with our Israeli subsidiary intercompany loan in the third quarter of 2011 and 2012, and a $247,000 gain recorded in 2011 for assets received from a legal judgment.

 

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Benefit for Income Taxes. The $836,000 benefit for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2012 consists primarily of a $888,000 tax benefit related to the United States operations offset by a $39,000 deferred tax expense related to an increase in the deferred tax liability associated with our Israeli subsidiary’s tax deductible goodwill amortization and by $13,000 of income tax expense related to interest accrued on its unrecognized tax benefits.

Net Loss. Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.7 million compared to a net loss of $238,000 for the same period in 2011. The net loss generated in the third quarter of 2012 was primarily due to increases in our Christian Networks direct marketing investments.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

Revenue

The vast majority of our revenue is derived from subscription fees. Approximately 4.8% and 4.9% of our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, is generated through offline social and travel events and advertising sales. Revenue is presented net of credits and credit card chargebacks. Our subscriptions are offered in durations of varying length (typically one, three, six and twelve months). Plans with durations longer than one month are available at discounted monthly rates. Following their initial terms, most subscriptions renew automatically until subscribers terminate them.

Revenue increased 27.6% to $45.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $35.6 million in the first nine months of 2011. The increase can be attributed to higher subscription revenue from our Christian Networks segment. Christian Networks revenue increased 111.8% to $22.9 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $10.8 million in the first nine months of 2011. The increase in revenue is driven by a 117.1% increase in Christian Networks average paying subscribers, reflecting a 129.2% increase in Christian Networks direct marketing investment. Revenue for the Jewish Networks segment decreased 4.6% to $19.4 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $20.4 million in the first nine months of 2011. The decrease in revenue is driven by a 5.6% drop in average paying subscribers, reflecting a 7.4% reduction in direct marketing investments. Revenue for our Other Networks segment decreased 23.3% to $2.9 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $3.8 million in the first nine months of 2011. The decrease in revenue is due to a decrease in average paying subscribers, reflecting the elimination of select inefficient online and offline marketing investments. Revenue for the Offline & Other Businesses segment decreased 59.1% to $273,000 in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $667,000 in the first nine months of 2011. The lower revenue reflects the absence of a major travel event in 2012, and a reduction in the number of social events hosted in the first nine months of 2012.

Cost and Expenses

Cost and expenses consist primarily of cost of revenue, sales and marketing, customer service, technical operations, development and general and administrative expenses. Cost and expenses for the first nine months of 2012 were $52.0 million, an increase of 44.1% compared to $36.1 million for the first nine months of 2011. The increase is primarily attributable to a $15.2 million increase in cost of revenue.

Cost of Revenue. Cost of revenue consists primarily of direct marketing costs, compensation and other employee-related costs (including stock-based compensation) for personnel dedicated to maintaining our data centers, data center expenses and credit card fees. Cost of revenue increased 74.0% to $35.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $20.5 million for the same period in 2011. Direct marketing expenses accounted for the majority of growth, increasing 82.8% to $33.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $18.1 million for the same period in 2011. Direct marketing expenses for the Christian Networks segment increased 129.2% to $29.9 million in the first nine months of 2012, compared to $13.1 million in the first nine months of 2011, reflecting growth in both our online and offline marketing channels. Direct marketing expenses for the Jewish Networks segment decreased 7.4% to $2.3 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $2.5 million in the first nine months of 2011. The decrease reflects lower investments in offline marketing channels. Direct marketing expenses for the Other Networks segment decreased 63.3% to $776,000 in the first nine months compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2011, reflecting the elimination of select inefficient online and offline marketing investments. Direct marketing expenses for the Offline & Other Businesses segment decreased 79.3% to $96,000 in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $463,000 for the same period in 2011, reflecting the absence of one major travel event in 2012, and a reduction in the number of social events hosted in the first nine months of 2012.

 

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Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries for our sales and marketing personnel and other associated costs such as consulting fees. Sales and marketing expenses increased 11.9% to $3.0 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $2.7 million in the first nine months of 2011. The increase can be primarily attributed to growth in compensation expense and public relations fees. Compensation expense grew as we built out our customer acquisition and mobile teams. The higher public relations expense reflects a higher level of support from public relations firms for the Jewish and Christian Networks segments in 2012.

Customer Service. Customer service expenses consist primarily of personnel costs associated with our customer service centers. Customer service expenses increased 31.0% to $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $1.4 million in the first nine months of 2011. The expense increase is primarily attributable to higher compensation costs, reflecting increased support for our growing Christian Networks segment.

Technical Operations. Technical operations expenses consist primarily of the personnel and systems necessary to support our corporate technology requirements. Technical operations expenses remained virtually flat at $1.1 million in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011.

Development. Development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in the development, enhancement and maintenance of our Web sites and services. Development expenses increased 23.3% to $2.5 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $2.1 million in the first nine months of 2011. The increased costs reflect higher compensation expense, software licensing fees and consulting expenses associated with new product development.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of corporate personnel-related costs, professional fees, occupancy and other overhead costs. General and administrative expenses decreased 6.4% to $6.6 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $7.0 million in the first nine months of 2011. The decreased costs are primarily attributable to lower legal fees, reflecting the absence of a patent lawsuit in the first nine months of 2012.

Amortization of Intangible Assets. Amortization expenses consist primarily of amortization of intangible assets related to previous acquisitions. Amortization expenses decreased 95.4% to $13,000 in the first nine months of 2012 compared to $281,000 in the first nine months of 2011. The decrease reflects the full amortization of HurryDate intangible assets in the first quarter of 2012.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets. Impairment of long-lived assets primarily represents the write-down of investment balances in businesses and computer software. Long-lived assets impairment expense was $0 in the first nine months of 2012, compared to $45,000 in the first nine months of 2011. In the third quarter of 2011, the company determined that certain Web-based software programs would not be used in the future.

Interest (Income) Expense and Other, Net. Interest (income) expense and other, net consists primarily of interest income associated with temporary investments in interest bearing accounts and foreign exchange gains and losses related to the intercompany loan with our wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary. Interest (income) expense and other, net reflects income of $50,000 in the first nine months of 2012 compared to expense of $18,000 for the same period in 2011. The change is primarily due to differences in the non-cash foreign exchange rate charges associated with our Israeli subsidiary intercompany loan in the first nine months of 2011 and 2012, and differences in gains recorded in the first nine months of 2011 and 2012 for assets received from a legal judgment.

Benefit for Income Taxes. The $2.0 million benefit for income taxes in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 consists primarily of a $2.2 million tax benefit related to the United States operations, offset by a $115,000 deferred tax expense related to an increase in the deferred tax liability associated with our Israeli subsidiary’s tax deductible goodwill amortization and by $39,000 of income tax expense related to interest accrued on its unrecognized tax benefits.

Net Loss. Net loss in the first nine months of 2012 was $4.5 million compared to a net loss of $503,000 in the first nine months of 2011. The increase in net loss for the first nine months of 2012 was primarily due to increases in our Christian Networks direct marketing investments.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of Septembers 30, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $11.0 million. We have historically financed our operations with internally generated funds.

Net cash used in operations was $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to net cash provided by operations of $2.3 million for the same period in 2011. An increase in direct marketing investments accounted for the decrease in net cash provided by operations.

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2011. In the first nine months of 2012, we invested $1.6 million in computer hardware and capitalized software versus $1.2 million for the same period in 2011. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2012, we received gross proceeds of $520,000 associated with the sale of real property we received in the third quarter of 2011.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $516,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $22,000 for the first nine months of 2011. In the first nine months of 2012, the Company received a greater amount of cash proceeds from option exercises when compared to the same period in 2011.

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable for a smaller reporting company.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

As of September 30, 2012, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), performed an evaluation of the effectiveness and the operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2012.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this item is contained in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report under Note 8 “Commitments and Contingencies—Legal Proceedings” and is incorporated herein by reference. Also, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for a further description of litigation and claims.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit

No.

 

Description

  31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.1*   Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS**   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

* This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.
** Attached as Exhibits 101 to this report are documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language). Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive date files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject on liability.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

SPARK NETWORKS, INC.

/s/ Brett A. Zane

by: Brett A. Zane
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial officer and duly authorized signatory)
Date: November 13, 2012

 

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