SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-KSB
Mark One
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
[ ] 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: 0001-22563
PC411, INC.
(Name of issuer as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 95-4463937
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(State of jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
9800 S. LACIENEGA BOULEVARD, INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90301-4440
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(Address) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number: 310-645-1114
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Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
------------------- ----------------------------------------
NONE NONE
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(Title of class)
Redeemable Class A Common Stock Purchase Warrants
(Title of class)
Check whether the issuer: (1) 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 [ ]
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to
Item 405 of Regulation S-B contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of issuer's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to
this Form 10-KSB. [X]
The issuer's revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 were
$143,132.00.
The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the issuer held by
non-affiliates of the issuer on March 25, 1998 based on the average bid and
asked price on such date was $1,119,219.00.
As of March 25, 1998 the issuer had a total of 2,972,500 shares of
Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: The information required by Part III in
Form 10-KSB is incorporated herein by reference to the registrant's definitive
Proxy Statement relating to its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which will
be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the end of the registrant's
fiscal year.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format: Yes [ ] No [X]
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB ARE
"FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" (WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995) REGARDING THE PLANS AND OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT
FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS. SUCH STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS,
UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMPANY TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM ANY FUTURE RESULTS,
PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS. THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDED HEREIN ARE BASED ON CURRENT
EXPECTATIONS THAT INVOLVE NUMEROUS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THE COMPANY'S PLANS
AND OBJECTIVES ARE BASED, IN PART, ON ASSUMPTIONS INVOLVING THE CONTINUED
EXPANSION OF BUSINESS. ASSUMPTIONS RELATING TO THE FOREGOING INVOLVE JUDGMENTS
WITH RESPECT TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FUTURE ECONOMIC, COMPETITIVE AND MARKET
CONDITIONS AND FUTURE BUSINESS DECISIONS, ALL OF WHICH ARE DIFFICULT OR
IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT ACCURATELY AND MANY OF WHICH ARE BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE
COMPANY. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY BELIEVES THAT ITS ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE REASONABLE, ANY OF THE ASSUMPTIONS COULD PROVE
INACCURATE AND, THEREFORE, THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT WILL PROVE TO BE ACCURATE. IN LIGHT OF THE
SIGNIFICANT UNCERTAINTIES INHERENT IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDED
HEREIN PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE COMPANY'S EARLY STAGE OPERATIONS, THE
INCLUSION OF SUCH INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS A REPRESENTATION BY THE
COMPANY OR ANY OTHER PERSON THAT THE OBJECTIVES AND PLANS OF THE COMPANY WILL BE
ACHIEVED.
OVERVIEW
PC411, Inc. ("PC411" or the "Company") is a development stage
enterprise, formed in December 1993 under the laws of the State of Delaware. The
Company offers on-line directory information services (the "PC411 Service") to
personal computer users. The Company licenses a database of listings that
includes over 110 million names, telephone numbers, addresses and ZIP codes in
the United States and Canada. The Company's strategy is to establish itself as
an on-line information publishing and distribution company and to establish
"PC411" as a brand name for the distribution of electronic data and information.
The Company intends to achieve this goal by designing and developing
comprehensive, efficient, and easy-to-use directories and tools to search,
retrieve and manipulate the data in these directories. Such directories are and,
it is anticipated, will continue to be accessible through a direct dial-up
connection, via the Internet or private "intranets", or through other on-line
communications media that may develop in the future.
The Company believes that the growth of the Internet and "intranets"
(private networks using Internet technology and protocols) provides the Company
with an expanding market and new opportunities to generate revenue. The Internet
gives the Company access to a growing, worldwide base of potential users,
consumers and businesses. In addition, large organizations continue to invest
and develop intranets. The Company believes that it can provide on-line
directory information services to such organizations and populate their private
networks with both industry specific as well as general market directory
information. This would allow for greater flexibility in the presentation of
internal and external data, while maintaining connectivity to the PC411 data
center for searches that cannot be fulfilled locally.
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Currently, a customer can access the PC411 Service using a computer by
either dialing directly into the Company's server in which the database is
housed or indirectly via the Internet. Either method requires the use of the
Company's copyrighted, Windows-based software program, PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0. To
date, substantially all of the Company's capital has been invested in software
and systems development to provide the PC411 Service on a commercial basis. The
Company's expenditures for marketing have been insignificant and the Company has
not developed any significant customer base or revenue.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
The Company believes that the traditional methods used to access names,
addresses, ZIP codes and telephone numbers for directory assistance or marketing
purposes are inefficient, antiquated, and expensive. Individuals and businesses
spend a great deal of time and money researching such information, often making
multiple telephone calls or consulting multiple directories. Furthermore,
traditional directories do not provide this information in a digital format,
requiring additional effort by the user to type the information into a computer
if the user wants to use the information in other applications. Organizations
that want to market directly to a group of people or businesses spend a
substantial amount of time and effort compiling lists of names and locating
addresses and telephone numbers for those names.
DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE. Operator directory assistance or telephone books
can only be used to look up a small number of names at a time and are only
effective if one knows the location for the individual or business. Transferring
information obtained from operator directory assistance or the telephone books
to a computer requires additional effort.
YELLOW PAGE DIRECTORIES. Printed "yellow page" telephone books provide
a list of companies in a geographic area ordered by the types of products or
services those companies sell. The yellow pages provide a way for the listed
companies to advertise their services to a local audience.
ON-LINE SERVICES. The growth of communication enabled personal
computers and the publication of on-line databases has resulted in a rapid
increase in the number of businesses and individuals that use computers to
access information on-line. Historically, access to information was slow,
expensive, and required extensive training, but in the 1980s the major consumer
on-line services began to attract substantial numbers of customers by offering
entertainment, communications, and access to general interest content with
relatively easy-to-use interfaces and simple pricing plans.
THE INTERNET. The Internet is a global network linking public and
private computer users. Initially, the Internet was used almost exclusively by
academic institutions and government agencies to exchange information. However,
the proliferation of communication enabled personal computers, computer
databases that present information in a multi-media format, the development of
intuitive, simple to use graphical software programs known as "Web browsers",
and widely available, low-cost Internet access has made the Internet accessible
to non-technical users. Internet access is available through a number of
existing and planned devices and methods. Current access methods for individuals
include using personal computers and standard telephone or ISDN lines.
Businesses, universities, government offices and other organizations can connect
to the Internet using personal computers, midrange computers or mainframes with
high bandwidth telephone lines capable of carrying large amounts of information
at high speeds, such as ISDN, T-1 or T-3 lines. Potential future high bandwidth
access methods include coaxial cable, high-speed, digital ADSL telephone lines,
and wireless connections. Currently, the devices used to connect to the Internet
are generally limited to personal, midrange, or mainframe computers. However,
Internet access may also be available through other devices such as televisions,
Internet enabled telephones with screens for homes and offices, inexpensive
computer terminals often referred to as network computers,
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personal digital assistants (often referred to as palmtop computers), pagers,
cellular telephones, or any other communication enabled electronic device.
INTRANETS. Organizations publish and share internal information on
their private networks using Internet technology and protocols. Such private
networks are referred to as "intranets". Intranets developed as a result of the
fact that different departments within the same organizations may use different
network operating systems. Accordingly, it was virtually impossible for the
computers using different network operating systems to communicate with one
another. Rather than incur the capital cost to make all their internal computers
run on the same network operating system, these organizations elected to install
internal "servers" to link their various computer networks, thereby creating an
"intranet". As a result, people in all departments could view, publish, and
share information across different hardware and operating system platforms. The
use of Internet technology and protocols allows an organization to extend its
internal information systems and enterprise applications to geographically
dispersed facilities, remote offices, and mobile employees. Intranet
connectivity to the Internet allows users easy access to data outside of their
organization that is published on the Internet by third party information
providers such as the Company.
E-MAIL COMMUNICATION. The rapid growth of the Internet has resulted in
increased e-mail communications and the development of the Internet as a new
mass communications medium. The Company believes that the use of e-mail will
continue to grow and will evolve from simple text based messages into a
communication medium incorporating text, sound, voice, graphics, and video.
E-mail provides practically instant delivery of text, sound, images and computer
files, and can be sent to a large number of recipients at costs which are
generally less than mail, telephone or other forms of communication.
CURRENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Currently, the Company has one product -- PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0-- a
copyrighted, Windows-based software program which is distributed through
bundling arrangements with OEM partners as well as through the Company's Web
site on the Internet. In addition, the Company is developing a second product --
PC411 FOR WINDOWS CE -- which is expected to be available commercially by the
end of the second quarter of 1998. Using either product, a subscriber can access
the PC411 Service, which includes over 110 million residential and business
listings in the United States and Canada, by either dialing directly into the
Company's server in which the database is housed or indirectly via the Internet.
PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 released in November 1997, has been upgraded so that it is
now completely Internet compatible. In addition, many new tools and functions
have been added.
The PC411 Service provides functions not possible or practicable with
conventional operator directory assistance services. Such functions include: (a)
searching for one or more listings using a single search parameter (i.e., name,
telephone number, city, etc.); (b) searching for one or more listings using
multiple search parameters (i.e., last name and phone number); (c) performing
multiple searches at one time; (d) batch processing hundreds of names; (e)
automatically searching the areas surrounding a city for a listing; (f)
providing addresses and ZIP codes in addition to telephone numbers; (g)
providing nationwide AT&T 800 numbers; (h) appending telephone numbers to a list
of names and addresses; and (i) supplementing a list of telephone numbers with
names and addresses. The Company's search engine will, among other things,
automatically search up to an entire state if there is no listing in a city,
find alternate spellings of a first name, return names listed with just an
initial, and search AT&T's national 800 directory as part of every business
search. PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 enables users to search for listings one at a time
or to batch process hundreds of listings and allows users to edit, print, sort
and save the information, dial the
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telephone number found, and transfer the information to other applications such
as word processors and databases. PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 does not require a
commercial on-line account or a connection to the Internet.
RESIDENCE SEARCHES. The Company's search engine is designed
specifically to search for name and address information. The Company's data base
contains more than 93 million published residential telephone numbers and
addresses in any city in the United States or Canada. The PC411 Service can
search by just the last name, will search for alternate spellings of the first
name, will bring back listings that have only an initial, and will expand and
search surrounding metropolitan areas up to an entire state if there is no
listing in the specified city. A user can also search a state, a group of states
such as the Southeast, or even the entire United States or Canada for a listing.
BUSINESS SEARCHES. The Company's data base includes more than 17
million published business telephone numbers and addresses in any city in the
United States or Canada. Using the name of the business as the sole search
parameter, the Company's business search engine will search for alternate
business listings and will expand and search surrounding metropolitan areas up
to an entire state if there is no listing in the specified city. In most cases,
the PC411 Service will also produce a description of the target industry. A user
can also search a state, a group of states such as the Northeast, or even the
entire United States or Canada for a listing. Each time a user conducts a
business search, the PC411 Service will automatically search the AT&T nationwide
directory and provide the published nationwide AT&T 800 numbers, if any.
800 SEARCHES. The PC411 Service allows a user to search a database of
AT&T 800 listings for businesses that have nationwide 800 numbers. The PC411
Service also searches this database automatically each time a user looks up a
business listing. For all matching listings, the PC411 800 search provides the
company name, the 800 number, the address, the ZIP code, and a standard business
description.
REVERSE NUMBER SEARCHES. The PC411 Service allows a user to type in a
seven digit telephone number and search a particular area code, state, region,
or even the entire country for all of the residence or business listings with
that number. In the event the PC411 Service cannot locate the telephone number
in a specified area code, it will automatically search all other area codes in
that state for the telephone number.
MULTIPLE SEARCHES. The PC411 Service allows a user conduct multiple
searches simultaneously. This feature allows a user to update a customer list,
append telephone numbers to a list of names and addresses and supplement a list
of telephone numbers with a names and addresses. The results of the searches can
be sorted, edited, saved, printed, transferred to a word processing program, or
used in other database applications.
OTHER FEATURES. A user can work off-line and when the search has been
designed, connect to the database. Once the desired listing is found, the
telephone number can be automatically dialed. The PC411 Service can also be used
to create a personal address book or contact manager.
EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES
NEW MARKETS. At present, the Company believes that most of its
subscribers are individual consumers rather than commercial users. Such
subscribers are generally accessing the PC411 Service directly as opposed to
indirectly via the Internet. All current subscribers to the PC411 Service have
acquired PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 either by purchasing products manufactured by
bundle partners or by
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having downloaded the software from the Company's site (the "Web site") on the
Internet's World Wide Web (the "Web").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company believes that its future
growth lies not in the general consumer market but in the business to business
market. Accordingly, the Company will direct its marketing efforts to the "small
office home office" ("SOHO") market and organizations with private intranets.
SOHO users, generally, are persons who do not work in the traditional corporate
office environment. This segment is made up of firms that employ a limited
number of people, sole proprietors and sole practitioners, corporate employees
that work either full-time or part-time from their home or a satellite office,
and persons whose job requires a substantial amount of travel. Such persons
still require resources for support services and data from their remote
locations that were taken for granted in the centralized corporate office
structure. With the development and accessibility of the Web, services, such as
digital data searches, are now available to such persons.
Private intranets are, generally, large scale computer operations that
support an extended number of employees. A private intranet can take many forms.
The most common forms today are Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks,
Enterprise Networks, Metropolitan Networks and Multinational Networks. Each form
is designed around server technology that interconnects people in real time via
computers, terminals, printers, modems and telephones. Because large
inter-networking operations (connections between networks) extend multiple
sites, it has become a common practice to use digital telephone technology to
connect the different parts of a private intranet. Due to the sensitivity and
the proprietary nature of data being shared across such a network, network
security and integrity have become major issues. Most operators of such networks
today need to establish extensive firewall and encryption technologies to
protect the value of the data being shared. Accordingly, many such organizations
are creating procedures restricting outbound connectivity between their private
intranet and the public Internet. Almost all restrict public Internet users
direct access to their private intranet.
In a private intranet, a single organization or group of organizations
is exchanging information using servers, computers, modems, phone lines, and
telephony systems in some defined combination. Within these organizations or
groups of organizations, directory data is usually being distributed. Most
likely the distribution is in the form of hard copy data. This directory data is
more often than not, expensive to maintain, produce and update. In very large
organizations, it is out-of-date at the immediate point of final distribution.
Additionally, these organizations have a high level of operator assisted
information services. By combining the presentation of the Company's data
listing in a form tailored to the organization's accepted guidelines, populating
it with the human resource listings for the organization and adding routing
controls to the telephone system, the organization can realize an immediate
reduction in bottom line operating costs. Given its experience with on-line
directory services, the Company believes it can create digital directory
databases for these entities either entirely populated on the organization's
private intranet, externally at the Company's data center or a combination of
the two. If the directory is wholly or partially maintained externally, it can
be accessed through a direct dial up connection or through the Internet.
SEARCHING CAPABILITIES. The Company intends to increase its searching
capabilities by allowing the customer to search for addresses using the criteria
listed below. Providing these searches may create opportunities to sell targeted
advertising. Searches by business headings may provide the Company with the
opportunity to sell product specific advertising, while searches by addresses
may provide the Company with the opportunity to sell geographically targeted
advertising.
o Business Heading Searches - The majority of the Company's business listings
contain Standard Industrial Classification codes that can be used to
provide an "on-line yellow pages" service or
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generate mailing lists for the Company's customers. For example, searching
by business headings, a customer could use the PC411 service to search for
all "machine shops" in a state or an individual could look for all
"florists" within a city.
o Reverse Address Searches - By designing search techniques tailored to
address and/or other geographic information, a user can create targeted
geographic mailing lists for areas as small as a single street or building
or search for a type of business, such as "dry cleaners", within a certain
geographic area.
ADDITIONAL DIRECTORIES OF ADDRESS INFORMATION. Currently, the Company
provides name, telephone number, address, and ZIP code information for United
States and Canadian listings in a manner that is designed to be easier, faster,
and more productive than using directory assistance or the telephone book. The
Company expects to enhance the PC411 Service by adding new address information
if such information is available to the Company on favorable economic terms. For
example, the Company added AT&T's nationwide 800 directory in March 1996 so that
the PC411 Service automatically searches the AT&T 800 directory and returns any
matching 800 listings whenever a user looks up a business. The Company may add
census and other demographic information and targeted mailing lists to its
service either independently or by licensing data from other third party
vendors.
The Company may attempt to acquire and/or create additional databases
through a number of means including licensing data from third parties,
collecting addresses from voluntary registrations at the Company's Web site and
from other promotions and services that encourage users to supply their data.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to amass directories of
additional data, maintain the accuracy of such addresses, associate the
addresses with the listings from other sources or add other demographic
information or that a market will develop for any such database.
PROVIDING SERVICES TO OTHER WEB SITES. The Company may enter into
formal and informal arrangements that would allow Internet users to access the
PC411 Service through other Web sites. These arrangements may allow the Company
to offer a branded service, co-brand its service with other services or simply
provide the data without reference to PC411. Informal arrangements may allow Web
sites, unknown to the Company, to display the PC411 logo and initiate searches
that would bring users to the PC411 Web site.
CREATION OF SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS. The Company may enter into formal or
informal relationships with respect to the development of specialized data
delivery for traditional broadcast and/or cable outlets on a syndicated basis.
This business envisions the creation of a product, based on a directory database
of Internet and Web addresses, the content of which would be tailored to meet
the specific on-line preferences of audiences viewing local broadcast/cable
channels who are also users of on-line and internet services. This product may
have nationally branded content as well as content that is custom tailored to
the local outlet and marketed under the local brand of the broadcast or cable
operator.
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
The Company's primary marketing objective is to establish itself as an
Internet/intranet information publishing and distribution company. All marketing
efforts will associate the registered "PC411" service mark with easy, quick,
accurate, and comprehensive directory information and other types of data. The
Company plans to focus its marketing activity on the SOHO market and on
organizations that maintain private intranets. The Company will attempt to
extend the PC411 brand name and identity with computer and computer peripheral
manufacturers, software developers, cable/modem manufacturers, and telephony
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systems manufactures. The Company intends to update and extend its user base
with a newsletter, qualifying its users and obtaining information about their
buying habits and equipment use. All marketing plans will be supported, to the
extent appropriate, by public relations support as well as targeted trade shows,
advertising and creative efforts to build the PC411 brand name as an information
publisher and distributor.
Currently, anyone, whether or not a subscriber to the PC411 Service,
can access the PC411 Service by visiting the Company's Web site. However, use of
the PC411 Service in this fashion is extremely limited; only a single search is
permitted and no tools or functionality are available. In the future, the
Company may offer expanded use of the PC411 Service at its Web site for which it
will charge user fees. Such services may be sold on a per transaction basis or
on a monthly or annual subscription basis.
At the present time, the full benefit of the PC411 Service requires the
installation of PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0. The Company currently provides PC411 FOR
WINDOWS 3.0 for free either by purchasing products manufactured by bundle
partners or by "downloading" the product from the Company's Web site. In either
case, customers are given a 30-day free trial period after which they are
charged an annual subscription fee of $29.95 which entitles them to unlimited
searches. For the SOHO market, the Company will offer a monthly subscription
rate for a fixed number of users and unlimited searches. The actual subscription
rate would depend on the actual number of users. The Company believes that such
a pricing plan will make the PC411 Service highly competitive with current
directory information sources for businesses of all sizes.
The Company has from time to time experienced significant errors in
the processing of subscriber credit card charges resulting in charge-backs to
the Company. In certain situations, these events have created customer
relations issues for the Company including cancellation of the account.
PURSUE BUNDLING AND OEM ARRANGEMENTS. The Company distributes PC411 FOR
WINDOWS 3.0 through "bundling" arrangements with computer and computer equipment
manufacturers as well as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and software
bundlers. The Company has bundling agreements with IBM, 3Com/U.S. Robotics,
Multimedia Labs Media Farm and Silicon Multimedia. Generally, under these
agreements, the manufacturers are responsible for all costs associated with the
duplication and distribution of the software. The Company in turn pays the
manufacturers a commission for each new customer they deliver. The Company
intends to pursue similar arrangements with other personal computer
manufacturers, modem manufacturers, and software developers. There can be no
assurance the any such additional bundling arrangements will be consummated by
the Company or that existing bundling arrangements will be profitable. The
agreement with IBM will expire on June 1, 1998. To date, there have been no
discussions between the Company and IBM concerning renewing or extending that
agreement and there can be no assurance that such agreement will be renewed or
extended.
DEVELOP INTRANET SERVICES. The Company is in the process of adapting
the PC411 Service to the evolving Internet standards for directory structures
and address information formats. Adopting these structures and formats and
distributing the information over the Internet will allow the Company to provide
the data in various formats to organizations that have private intranets. Such
information, distributed via the Internet, can be integrated into third party
applications such as phone systems, internal company directories and other
information systems. The Company will offer its technology and capabilities to
other organizations to help such entities minimize their directory assistance
expenses as well as serving their on-line needs for internal and external
communications. In addition, the Company may provide selected subset directories
(i.e., Standard Industrial Codes) customized for the client's business needs as
a part of extending the branding of the PC411 Service. By developing Internet
and intranet solutions which provide a standard platform for data interchange,
the Company can deliver its services to a diverse group of customers. In
targeting specific industries, the Company will seek to engage sales executives
who are familiar with such industries. Fees would be generated for customization
of the data, maintenance and service and frequency and number of users.
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PUBLISHING PARTNERS. The Company will also explore relationships with
other companies that publish data to specific industry segments. The intent is
to develop alternative revenue streams by enabling the publishers to deliver the
data that they presently distribute to a specific market with the PC411 search
technology. Thus, the Company will penetrate new market segments with a minimum
investment in sales representation.
ADVERTISING. The Company also intends to attempt to sell advertising on
its Web site to generate revenue. Advertising may in the future be targeted and
delivered based upon the type of searches a customer performs.
TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The Company's ability to generate revenue depends on its ability to
define, sort and deliver data in a timely, secure and dependable manner. The
Company's data center is designed to meet this standard. The Company's data
center is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is housed in a secure,
temperature controlled computer room with an emergency power supply. The design
allows for scalability, flexibility, duplication, security, accuracy and
dependability in executing user demands. As users require alternate
configurations to address their individual needs, the system can be easily
reconfigured.
Nevertheless, from time to time, subscribers have experienced
significant delays in contacting, and in receiving responses from the Company's
customer and technical support personnel. In certain situations, these events
have created customer relations issues for the Company including cancellation
of the account.
The Company's server technology encompasses search techniques
specifically designed for names, businesses, telephone numbers and addresses,
and licensed database and other software from third parties. The core design of
the Company's data center is a scaleable, object oriented, distributed,
information search and retrieval system. The Company's graphical user interface
enables users to access and search the database of telephone book listings and
receive rapid responses to their queries. The Company's core technology is
characterized by the following important features:
SEARCH ACCURACY. The search techniques used by the PC411 Service are
designed to mimic the thought process of a very experienced and fast directory
assistance operator. The Company's core technology is designed to find a listing
taking into account that (a) the user most likely does not know exactly how the
business or residence is listed, (b) the myriad of ways people and businesses
choose to be listed in telephone books and (c) the inconsistent formats used in
different telephone books.
FLEXIBLE AND SCALEABLE ARCHITECTURE. The distributed server
architecture consists of independent servers that handle modem communications,
Internet communications, customer usage tracking and management, customer
billing, and the storage and retrieval of over 110 million listings. Multiple
instances of each server software can co-exist and share work loads while system
monitoring software can re-establish connections between different server
programs if necessary. This structure provides for fast access, shared
processing, fault tolerance, and rapid scalability. The servers are housed in a
secure, temperature controlled computer room with an uninterruptable power
supply. The modem communication server can handle multiple modem connections
simultaneously. The Internet communications server connects the PC411 Service to
the Internet through a T-1 line. Additionally, the Company's Web site is hosted
remotely by UUNet/MFS/WorldCom. The customer database establishes, maintains,
and processes accounts for the Company's customers and permits and tracks usage
of the PC411 Service. The billing functions provide real time credit card
verification and electronic, batch credit card processing. The listings database
server provides access to a database of more than 110 million records using the
Company's search techniques. Data is maintained and stored on fault tolerant
hard disk drives.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS. The Company's core technology includes
features for essential business management functions related to the Company's
on-line service. These functions include listing
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management, subscriber management and billing, and commission tracking. For
example, the listing management function permits the Company to charge users by
the listing or by the search and lets the Company provide and track trial usage
by either a dollar limit, a connections limit or a days limit. The Company
believes these functions provide a sophisticated and valuable foundation for
managing relationships with subscribers, data providers and marketing partners.
DATA DIVERSITY. The Company licenses its data from Acxiom, Inc.
pursuant to a three-year license agreement entered into in September 1997. The
Company's systems allow for the integration and delivery of multiple sources of
data. This capability includes software filters that transform third party data
suppliers content into standard formats for loading into the database. As a
result, the Company, if required, can accept multiple data sources.
INTEGRATION. The Company has completed the redesign of PC411 FOR
WINDOWS 3.0 and is now undertaking a redesign of the backend database management
environment. Upon completion of this second step, the Company will be able to
address a number of critical issues for expanding the potential customer base
for the PC411 Service.
The new technical capabilities of PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 have several
important benefits relative to earlier versions. First, PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 is
fully compatible with the Windows 95 operating system. Secondly, it is no longer
necessary to make a long distance call to access the database outside the 310
area code. Access is possible through any local ISP (internet service provider)
or from any network that is connected to the Internet and is serving as its own
ISP.
All the features that were available in earlier versions of PC411 FOR
WINDOWS are incorporated into PC411 FOR WINDOW 3.0. Additionally, several other
key innovations were added. Some of the key additional features are as follows:
o Multiple Search Sessions - PC411 can perform multiple searches at one time,
while other searches are being constructed. It is no longer limited to
performing serial task executions.
o Intelligent Installer - When being installed, PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 will
now search for all Internet connections that are preconfigured on the
workstation and configure the software to allow any of them to be used. It
will also create a dialer that will call directly to the Company's data
center for any users who do not have an Internet connection.
o Smart Connection - The user to select a connection to always be used as a
default or to select method of connecting at the beginning of each search.
If a live connection to the Internet is available, PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0
will always default to that open connection. In the event that the software
does not find an internet connection available, it will automatically
execute a direct dial connection to the PC411 data center.
o Editing - The edit mode of PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 has been expanded to
support auto telephone dialing for voice, fax, and pagers as well as e-mail
messaging. For example, if a user wants to send an e-mail message, PC411
FOR WINDOWS 3.0 will launch an available MAPI enabled mail client to create
the message. If the e-mail address is included in the record, it will be
automatically entered into the appropriate fields in the mail client.
10
PC411 FOR WINDOWS CE is a derivative of PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 and uses
a nearly identical interface. Additionally, both versions can share the same
file data allowing for easy transport of search results.
Additionally, tools are being distributed in the form of an SDK
(Software Development Kit) that allow other manufacturers and
integrators/developers of software to directly link the PC411 Service into their
software without using PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0. A number of companies already have
expressed interest in doing so or have begun the process. These include a "Point
of Sale" system manufacturer/consultant, a major PIM manufacturer, and a company
that designs specialized Web based reservation systems. As the backend redesign
progresses, the corporate intranet client software will become viable. This new
client will be based on the engineering done to develop PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0
and, as such, reduce development time and costs.
The Company also intends to develop its Internet software tools as
"plug-ins" for Web browsers and search engines such as Microsoft Explorer, and
Netscape Navigator and Communicator. Finally, the Company may develop OEM
products for proprietary hardware manufacturers in the telephony and cable modem
markets.
COMPETITION
The on-line services market and the market for listing information and
related services is extremely competitive and there are no substantial barriers
to entry. The Company expects that competition will intensify in the future. The
Company believes that its ability to compete successfully will depend upon a
number of factors, including brand awareness and market presence; the quality
and completeness of its data; the accuracy of its search engine; the pricing
policies of its competitors and suppliers; the features, ease of use and timing
of introductions of new services by the Company and its competitors; and
industry and general economic trends. Competitive pressures could result in
reduced market share, price reductions, and increased spending on marketing and
product development, which could adversely affect the Company's earnings and its
ability to gain market share.
The Company competes, and will in the future compete, with traditional,
widely used directory services such as the printed white pages, yellow pages,
operator assisted directory services, on-line directories, CD-ROM directories,
and with mailing list providers, many of which provide their information both in
electronic and traditional forms. The Company is currently aware of
approximately a dozen Web sites that provide residential and business listings
and/or e-mail addresses, including those belonging to Bigfoot and Four 11.
Generally, all of the Company's competitors have substantially greater
financial, technical, human, and marketing resources than those of the Company
and greater experience than the Company in developing and marketing on-line
services and directory databases. Such companies include local, regional and
long distance telecommunication companies, telephone directory publishers,
on-line or Internet services, a multitude of regional, international and
industry specific directory companies, and a variety of commercial and
institutional search engines and databases. In addition, many of the Company's
competitors provide directory assistance listings for free in order to attract
viewership and advertise their other products. Telephone companies have provided
directory assistance services for many years in conjunction with their common
carrier telephone communication services. They also control the updating,
production and distribution of telephone books which contain telephone numbers
and address information. Traditionally, they have held dominant positions in
their respective markets. Telephone companies may respond to new competition,
including competition from the PC411 Service, by enhancing their services in
ways that cannot be matched by PC411 due to their position in the
telecommunications industry and by linking directory assistance service to other
products and services they offer.
11
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Company believes that it will be critical to establish itself as a
branded supplier of directory assistance services and information. Accordingly,
the Company regards its copyrights, service mark, trade secrets, and similar
intellectual property as important to its success, and relies upon trademark and
copyright law, trade secret protection, and confidentiality and/or license
agreements with its employees, customers, partners, and others to protect its
proprietary rights. "PC411" is a registered service mark on the principal
register of the United States is owned by the Company. In addition, the Company
has copyrighted the PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 software. No assurance can be given
that any copyright or service mark will be enforceable and copyright and
trademark laws afford only limited protection. Furthermore, there can be no
assurance that any copyright or other rights will exclude competitors or provide
competitive advantages to the Company. The Company intends to protect its
service mark and copyright by taking appropriate legal action whenever
necessary, although there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
effectively enforce or protect its proprietary rights and prevent others from
using the same or similar marks or copyrights. The Company's inability or
failure to establish, or adequately protect its intellectual property rights may
have a material adverse effect on the Company. A determination that the
Company's use of the mark "PC411" infringes or otherwise violates the rights of
owners of similar marks may cause the Company to incur significant expense and
may also have a material adverse effect on the Company's growth prospects.
REGULATION
Generally, there are few specific government imposed limitations or
guidelines pertaining to customer privacy or the pricing, service,
characteristics or capabilities, geographic distribution or quality control
features of products and services sold over the Internet. There exists, however,
the risk that a U.S. governmental policy for regulating of the data network
industry could be affected by executive order, legislation regulation or
administrative rules or orders. Any such policy or regulations could have a
material adverse effect on the Company, particularly if it makes use of and
access to the Internet more difficult or costly. The Company cannot predict the
impact, if any, that future regulation, legislation or regulatory changes may
have on its business. From time to time legislation has been introduced which,
if enacted, would grant protection similar to copyright protection to compilers
of data. Such legislation, if enacted, may give telephone companies the right to
preclude others, such as Acxiom, from converting printed telephone directories
into digital format without the consent of the telephone companies. In such
event, the Company would have to seek alternative sources for licensing its
database. There can be no assurance that such alternative sources would be
available or would be willing to enter into a license arrangement with the
Company on terms and conditions acceptable to the Company, if at all. In
addition, recent legislative enactments, such as the Telecommunications Act, and
other proposals aimed at limiting the use of the Internet to transmit certain
information or protect individual privacy may decrease demand for Internet
access, chill the development of Internet content, or have other adverse affects
on Internet service and product providers such as the Company. In light of the
uncertainty attached to interpretation and application of such laws, there can
be no assurance that the Company would not have to modify its operations to
comply with the statute. Finally, although the Company distributes published
information that is already legally available to the public, there can be no
assurance that due to the ease and price at which this information is available
through the PC411 Service that the Company will not face issues regarding
invasion of privacy. Regulatory changes or new regulations relating to the
telecommunications and media industries or with respect to invasion of privacy
could directly effect the Company's business by either placing restrictions on
PC411 or creating opportunities for other competitors.
12
INSURANCE
The Company's operations are dependent on its ability to protect its
data center and network systems against damage from fire, earthquake, power
loss, telecommunications failure, natural disaster and similar events. The
Company does not have redundant, multiple site capacity in the event of such
occurrence. The Company's computer equipment is located at its facilities in
Inglewood, California. Any damage or failure that causes interruptions in the
Company's operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business and results of operations. While the Company carries property and
business interruption insurance, such coverage may not be adequate to compensate
the Company for all losses that may occur.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 25, 1998, the Company had eight full-time employees,
including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Vice President and
Chief Technology Officer. In addition, the Company's Chief Financial Officer is
an employee of New Valley Corporation ("NVC"), an indirect majority owner of the
Company, and works on a part-time basis with the Company. The Company's ability
to develop, manufacture and market its services and products and to establish
and maintain a competitive position in its businesses will depend, in large
part, upon its ability to attract and retain qualified technical, marketing and
managerial personnel, of which there can be no assurance. The Company believes
that its relations with its employees are good. None of the Company's employees
is represented by a collective bargaining agreement.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases approximately 3,400 square feet of office space in
Inglewood, California for its corporate headquarters, data center, sales,
customer service and administrative functions for a term ending in August 31,
2000. The annual rent for the premises will be approximately $35,000 for 1998.
The Company believes that its current facilities are adequate for the
foreseeable future.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings. Please refer to
Note 7 of the Financial Statements for further discussion.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
13
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common
Stock"), and Redeemable Class A Common Stock Purchase Warrants (the "Warrants")
are traded in the over-the-counter market and are quoted through the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("Nasdaq") on the
SmallCap Market System under the symbols PCFR and PCFRW, respectively.
From May 22, 1997 until July 31, 1997 the Common Stock and the Warrants
were traded on the OTC Bulletin Board. Beginning on July 31, 1997 such
securities began trading on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market System. The Company has
recently been advised by Nasdaq that its securities will be delisted on June 10,
1998 unless the minimum bid price for the Common Stock is $1.00.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and
low closing bid quotations per share for the Company's Common Stock and Warrants
as reported by Nasdaq. The sale prices set forth below reflect inter-dealer
quotations, do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions and do not
necessarily represent actual transactions.
COMMON STOCK HIGH LOW
------------ ---- ---
1997
Second Quarter $ 9 1/8 $ 5
Third Quarter 5 1/2 2 3/4
Fourth Quarter 3 3/8 1 1/2
WARRANTS
--------
1997
Second Quarter $ 3 1/2 $ 3
Third Quarter 3 1/4 1 1/4
Fourth Quarter 1 9/16 1/4
As of March 25, 1998, there were 35 holders of record, including
participants in security position listings, of the Company's Common Stock.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has not declared or paid dividends to its stockholders
since its inception and has no intention of paying any dividends to its
stockholders in the foreseeable future. The Company intends to reinvest
earnings, if any, in the developments and expansion of its business.
CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On May 21, 1997, the Company completed an initial public offering
("IPO") of 1,322,500 units (including 172,500 units from the exercise of the
underwriter's over-allotment option), each unit consisting of one share of
Common Stock and one Warrant. The units were sold for $5.75 each and the Company
received, after expenses of the IPO, approximately $5.9 million in net proceeds.
On August 14, 1997, the Company filed its initial report of sales of
securities and use of proceeds therefrom on Form SR. Form SR has been
discontinued and the Company will continue to
14
report the following information in the Company's quarterly and annual filings
until the proceeds have been fully used.
1. The offering commenced May 14, 1997 and all registered
securities were sold.
2. The managing underwriter was Biltmore Securities, Inc.
3. Title of Securities:
a. Units - Each Unit consists of one share of Common
Stock and one Warrant.
b. Common Stock - Common Stock included in Units, par
value $.01.
c. Warrants - Each Warrant is convertible into one share
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $6.10.
d. Common stock issuable upon conversion of the Warrants
("Other Common Stock").
e. Underwriter's Options - The Underwriter's Options are
convertible into Units at an exercise price of $9.49
per Unit.
4. The Amount and Aggregate Offering Price of Securities Registered and
Sold to Date For the Account of the Issuer:
AGGREGATE PRICE OF
AMOUNT OFFERING AMOUNT AMOUNT
TITLE OF SECURITY REGISTERED REGISTERED SOLD
- ----------------- ---------- ------------------ ---------
Units 1,322,500 $ 7,604,375 1,322,000
Common Stock 1,322,500 -- --
Warrants 1,322,500 -- --
Other Common Stock 1,322,500 $ 8,067,250 --
Underwriter's Options 73,600 $ 1,147,424 --
5. Expenses Incurred in Connection with Issuance of Securities:
Underwriting discounts and commissions $760,438
Expenses paid to underwriters $228,131
Other expenses (estimated) $730,880
(All expenses were direct or indirect to others)
6. Net offering proceeds after the total expenses above were
$5,885,000.
15
7. Amount of net offering proceeds used for each of the purposes listed
below:
Amounts paid to affiliates of the Company:
Repayment of Indebtedness;
preferred stock dividends $ 619,016
Amounts paid to others:
Temporary investments:
US Government Obligations $1,620,399
Commercial paper $ 510,111
Bankers acceptance $1,467,606
Cash Equivalents $ 342,166
Purchase of equipment $ 34,899
Employee compensation - estimated $ 370,000
Other working capital - estimated $ 920,803
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The Company currently provides an on-line electronic directory
information service (the "PC411 Service"). The Company licenses a database with
over 110 million U.S. and Canadian residence and business telephone numbers,
addresses and ZIP codes. A customer can access the PC411 Service using a
computer by either dialing directly into the Company's server in which the
database is housed or indirectly via the Internet. Either method requires the
use of the Company's copyrighted, Windows-based software program, PC411 FOR
WINDOWS 3.0. To date, substantially all of the Company's capital has been
invested in software and systems development to provide the PC411 Service on a
commercial basis. The Company's expenditures for marketing have been
insignificant and the Company has not developed any significant customer base or
revenue. In addition, a limited version of the PC411 Service is available for
free over the Internet at the address HTTP://WWW.PC411.COM. In November 1997 the
Company released the current version of its software product, PC411 FOR WINDOWS
3.0 in CD-ROM format. Designed to operate in a Windows 95 environment, PC411 FOR
WINDOWS 3.0 is Internet compatible and has been enhanced to provide a quicker,
easier to use search tool.
To date, the Company has limited revenue and significant operating
losses. The Company will continue to seek to expand its core business and
develop new products. However, in view of the Company's operating results to
date, the Company is reevaluating its commitment to the PC411 Service business.
In connection with such reevaluation and based, in part, on the Company's
performance during the first half of 1998 and the Company's assessment of the
future prospects for the PC411 Service business, the Company may decide to sell
all or a portion of, or terminate, the PC411 Service business. In addition, the
Company will also seek to acquire other businesses and/or properties, which may
or may not be related to its core business. Acquisitions involve numerous risks,
including difficulties in the assimilation of the operations and products or
services of the acquired companies, the expenses incurred in connection with the
acquisition and subsequent assimilation of operations and products or services,
the diversion of management's attention from other business concerns and the
potential loss of key employees of the acquired company. The Company may also
face increased competition for acquisition opportunities which may inhibit its
ability to consummate suitable acquisitions on terms favorable to the Company.
There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully identify, complete
or integrate any future acquisitions, or that acquisitions, if completed, will
contribute favorably to the Company's operations and future financial condition.
The Company has entered into negotiations to acquire a small
development stage company with rights to an inventory control system for tobacco
products which is remotely controlled. The consideration for this proposed
acquisition would be shares of the Company's Common Stock. The issuance of a
substantial number of such shares would be dependent upon the satisfaction of
certain business conditions over a multi-year period. This proposed acquisition
is dependent upon the execution of a definitive purchase agreement as well as
the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. There is no assurance that the
Company will enter into a definitive agreement or that the acquisition
thereunder will be consummated.
Given its limited operating history, the Company and its prospects must
be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently
encountered by companies in the new and rapidly evolving
16
markets for on-line and Internet services. To address these risks, the Company
must, among other things, continue to respond to competitive developments,
attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, implement and successfully
execute its sales and marketing strategy, create and distribute a version of
PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 for other operating systems, develop relationships with
third parties for purposes of general distribution and specific industry
penetration and upgrade its technologies and services. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be successful in addressing such risks.
The limited operating history of the Company makes the prediction of
future results of operations difficult or impossible. The Company believes that
period to period comparisons of its operating results for any period should not
be relied upon as an indication of future performance. The Company currently
expects to significantly increase its operating expenses as it builds its sales
and marketing staff, increases product development spending, and invests in
infrastructure. As a result, the Company expects to continue to incur
significant losses on a quarterly and annual basis for the foreseeable future.
The Company's operating results may fluctuate significantly in the
future as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside the
Company's control. These factors include the level of usage of the Internet,
demand for Internet advertising, the continued growth of private intranets, the
amount and timing of capital expenditures and other costs relating to the
expansion of the Company's operations, the introduction of new products or
services by the Company or its competitors, pricing changes in the industry,
technical difficulties with respect to the use of the PC411 Service, general
economic conditions and economic conditions specific to on-line services and the
Internet. As a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, the
Company may from time to time make certain pricing, service or marketing
decisions that could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, the Company does not have historical financial data for
any significant period of time on which to base planned operating expenses. The
Company's expense levels are based in part on its expectations concerning future
revenue and to a large extent are fixed. Quarterly revenue and operating results
depend substantially upon signing up new customers and retaining such customers
which are difficult to forecast accurately. The Company may be unable to adjust
spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue shortfall,
and any significant shortfall in revenue in relation to the Company's
expectations would have an immediate adverse effect on the Company's business,
results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the Company
currently expects to increase significantly its operating expenses as it builds
its sales and marketing staff, increases product development spending and
invests in infrastructure. To the extent that such expenses precede or are not
subsequently followed by increased revenue, the Company's business, results of
operations and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.
In September 1997 the Company entered into a license agreement with
Acxiom, Inc. ("Acxiom") pursuant to which it licenses the database consisting of
the residential and business listings
17
which are part of the PC411 Service. This license agreement supersedes a
previous license agreement between the Company and Pro CD, Inc. ("Pro CD") which
was acquired by Acxiom. Under the license agreement, Acxiom is entitled to a
royalty payment equal to 12% of the Company's revenue generated from the PC411
Service. The minimum royalty payments for the first, second and third years
under this agreement are $75,000, $125,000 and $175,000, respectively, and is
payable upon the commencement of each such year. In addition, the Company agreed
to pay Acxiom $15,000 no later than March 15, 1998 as a final payment due under
the prior license agreement with Pro CD. Further, the parties agreed that the
minimum royalty payments and terms of payment for the second and third years of
the agreement will be reviewed during the ninth month of the initial year of the
agreement.
The Company generates revenue by charging its customers an annual
subscription fee. To become a subscriber, a user must install PC411 FOR WINDOWS
3.0 on his computer's hard drive. PC411 FOR WINDOWS 3.0 can either be downloaded
from the Company's Web site or can be obtained by purchasing equipment or
software from one of the Company's bundling partners. The Company has entered
into distribution agreements with IBM (Aptiva), Multimedia Labs (representing
3Com), The Media Farm (representing Hayes modems), 3Com/US Robotics and Silicom
Multimedia (representing AST). Pursuant to these distribution agreements, PC411
FOR WINDOWS 3.0 is preinstalled on a computer's hard drive or copy of PC411 FOR
WINDOWS 3.0 is included with the purchase of a modem. The Company pays
distribution fees to these equipment manufacturers for the distribution of PC411
FOR WINDOWS 3.0 either based upon the number of new customers that subscribe to
the PC411 Service or the revenue that such new customers generate. Although the
Company has experienced revenue growth in recent months due to these
distribution agreements, there can be no assurance that the Company's revenue
will continue to increase, that revenue will continue at its current level, that
the Company will be able to maintain these arrangements, or that the Company
will enter into additional bundling agreements with other third parties. The
agreement with IBM will expire on June 1, 1998. To date, there have been no
discussions between the Company and IBM concerning renewing or extending that
agreement and there can be no assurance that such agreement will be renewed or
extended.
RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS. In October 1997, the AICPA issued SOP
97-2, "Software Revenue Recognition". SOP 97-2 provides guidance in recognizing
revenue on software transactions when persuasive evidence of an arrangement
exists, delivery has occurred, the vendor's fee is fixed or determinable and
collectibility is probably. SOP 97-2 is effective for transactions entered into
in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company believes that
adoption of SOP 97-2 will not have a material impact on the Company's financial
statements.
YEAR 2000 COSTS. The Company has evaluated the costs to implement
century date change compliant systems conversions and is in the process of
executing a planned conversion of its systems prior to the year 2000. Although
such costs may be a factor in describing changes in operating profit for any
given reporting period, the Company currently does not believe that the
anticipated costs of year 2000 systems conversions will have a material impact
on its future consolidated results of operations. However, due to the
interdependent nature of computer systems, the Company may be adversely impacted
in the year 2000 depending on whether it or entities not affiliated with the
Company have addressed this issue successfully.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
REVENUE. The Company's revenue is derived from annual subscription fees
and, in some cases, usage charges for the modem dial-up PC411 Service. Usage
charges are based on old pricing models which are no longer available. Beginning
with the 1996 fiscal year, revenue has been recognized over the period in which
the related services are to be provided. Deferred revenue consists of
non-refundable registration fees and annual subscription fees billed in advance.
Had such policy been in effect prior to fiscal year 1996, the effect on the
Company's financial statements would have been immaterial. Revenue for the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 was $143,132 and $55,915, respectively. The
increase
18
resulted from the Release of PC411 FOR WINDOWS VERSION 2 in the first quarter
of 1997. The Company's revenues in the second half of 1997 were only 55% of the
Company's revenues for the first half of 1997. This decline was attributable to
the cancellation of a bundling agreement with an OEM partner, the seasonality of
personal computer sales and the delayed release of PC411 FOR WINDOWS - VERSION
3.
COST OF REVENUE. Cost of revenue consists primarily of the cost of data
and the distribution fees paid pursuant to the distribution agreements. The
Company's contract with Pro CD, which was in effect through the end of August
1997, provided for payments to Pro CD equal to a specified percentage of revenue
that the Company generated from distributing the data, with minimum quarterly
payments. The Company's revenue through such date was not greater than the
minimum quarterly payments and, as such, the cost of revenue exceeded revenue.
Cost of revenue for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 was $119,759 and
$94,773, respectively. This increase was due primarily to the increase in
revenue which increases the distribution fees related to the distribution
arrangements and an increase in the cost of licensing the database of
residential and business listings.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES. Research and development expenses
consist primarily of employee compensation and consulting fees associated with
the design, programming, and testing of the PC411 Service and its software
upgrade. To date, all research and development costs have been expensed as
incurred. Research and development expenses for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 were $168,959 and $248,736, respectively. This decrease was
primarily attributable to the development of the new version of PC411 FOR
WINDOWS in 1996. Research and development expenses are expected to increase as
the Company continues to upgrade its products and services and expands its
products line.
SALES AND MARKETING EXPENSES. Sales and marketing expenses consist
primarily of expenses incurred in connection with public relations, print
advertising, and trade shows. Sales and marketing expenses for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $192,313 and $37,772, respectively. The increase
in sales and marketing expenses is due to the Company's effort in obtaining
additional bundling arrangements. The Company intends to pursue an aggressive
branding strategy and as a result expects an increase in the absolute dollar
level of sales and marketing expenses in future periods.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative
expenses consist primarily of expenses for administration, office operations,
and general management activities, including legal, accounting, and other
professional fees. Such costs relate to management personnel, consulting fees,
professional fees, rent expense and insurance costs. General and administrative
expenses have increased significantly since the Company's inception. This trend
reflects the costs associated with increased efforts to commercialize the
Company's products and services. General and administrative expenses for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $943,883 and $387,571, respectively.
This increase was due to an increase in payroll and other costs as a result of
the IPO and attempts to expand the Company's business. The Company anticipates
that general and administrative expenses will continue to increase as the
Company attempts to expand its business.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE). Other income (expense) consists primarily of
net interest income (expense). Net interest income for the year ended December
31, 1997 was $75,426 consisting of interest income of $169,428 and interest
expense of $94,002. The interest income was attributable to the net proceeds of
the IPO and the interest expense was attributable entirely to a loan from NVC.
Included in interest expense was $70,000 in imputed interest attributable to
stock options granted to Direct Assist Holding Inc. ("DAH"), the majority
stockholder of the Company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
19
NVC, on January 29, 1997. Net interest expense for the year ended December 31,
1996 was $170,445, consisting of interest expense of $174,859 and interest
income of $4,414. The interest expense in 1996 was attributable entirely to the
NVC loan. Of this amount of interest expense, $160,940 represents the imputed
discount on such loan as a result of the change in the conversion ratio with
respect to the Preferred Stock held by DAH, all of which was amortized by
December 31, 1996.
INCOME TAXES; NET OPERATING LOSS. During the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1997, the Company had no income and therefore made no provision for
Federal and state income taxes other than the required annual California state
minimum tax of $800.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $2,500,000 of net
operating loss carryforwards for federal and state tax reporting purposes
available to offset future taxable income, if any, such carryforwards expire in
2010 (federal) and 2002 (state), respectively. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities principally relate to net operating loss carryforwards and aggregate
approximately $1,000,000 before valuation allowance. In assessing the
realizability of the net deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is
more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the
generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary
differences become deductible. As of December 31, 1997, the Company has provided
a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets due to the Company's
uncertainty of future taxable income against which the deferred tax asset may be
utilized. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been recorded on the
accompanying balance sheet.
During May 1997, the Company consummated an initial public offering.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 restricts the amount of future income that may be
offset by losses and credits incurred prior to an ownership change. The
Company's annual limitation on the use of its net operating losses is
approximately $500,000, computed by multiplying the "long-term tax exempt rate"
at time of change of ownership by the fair market value of the Company's
outstanding stock immediately before the ownership change. The limitation is
cumulative; any unused limitation from one year may be added to the limitation
of a following year. Operating losses incurred subsequent to an ownership change
are generally not subject to such restrictions. At December 31, 1997, the
Company's portion of net operating losses subject to this limitation was
approximately $1,200,000.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has not been able to generate sufficient cash from
operations and, as a consequence, financing has been required to fund ongoing
operations. The Company has financed its operations primarily through the sale
of its Preferred Stock to DAH, secured short-term borrowings from NVC and the
proceeds of an initial public offering completed in 1997 (the "IPO"). Two of the
Company's directors and its Chief Financial Officer are or have been executive
officers of NVC.
On May 21, 1997, the Company sold 1,322,500 units (including 172,500
units from the exercise of the underwriter's over-allotment option) in the IPO,
each unit consisting of one share of Common Stock and one Redeemable Class A
Common Stock Purchase Warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock. The units
were sold for $5.75 each and the Company received, after expenses of the IPO,
approximately $5,885,000 in net proceeds. After the repayment of the
indebtedness to NVC, cumulative Preferred Stock dividends in the amount of
$172,000 and an $80,000 consulting fee to the underwriter of the IPO,
approximately $5.4 million remained for the completion of the introduction of
the PC411 Service over the Internet, to expand marketing, sales and advertising,
to develop or acquire new services or databases, and for general corporate
purposes. Cash used in operations for the years
20
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 was $1,061,009 and $670,881, respectively. This
increase in cash used in operations was due primarily to the increase in the net
operating loss for the 1997 year compared to the 1996 year.
Financing for the cash used in operations for the year ended December
31, 1996 was provided through the sale of 1,820 shares of Preferred Stock to DAH
for $1,001,000 on May 28, 1995 and through the loans made by NVC. On January 29,
1997, the Company converted the 1,820 shares of Preferred Stock into 8,626
shares of Common Stock (1,490,000 shares after a stock split).
Cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 was $5,635,982 and $327,065, respectively. Included in the 1997
amount is $5,885,000 of proceeds from the IPO. In addition, on May 22, 1997, the
Company issued warrants to NVC in satisfaction of $250,000 of indebtedness owed
to NVC. The balance of the indebtedness to NVC, $447,064 including accrued
interest, was paid from the net proceeds of the IPO. The Company also paid
preferred stock dividends in arrears of $171,9583 to New Valley in 1997.
Cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 1997
and 1996 was $3,634,421 and $18,406, respectively. Included in the 1997 amount
is $3,598,116 from the net purchases of investments. Capital expenditures for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $36,305 and $18,406,
respectively. These expenditures were primarily for computer equipment.
The Company expects that its cash used in operating activities will
increase in the future. The timing of the Company's future capital requirements,
however, cannot be accurately predicted. The Company's capital requirements
depend upon numerous factors, principally the acceptance and use of the PC411
Service and the Company's ability to generate revenue. If capital requirements
vary materially from those currently planned, the Company may require additional
financing, including, but not limited to the sale of equity or debt securities.
The Company has no commitments for any additional financing, and there can be no
assurance that any such commitments can be obtained. Any additional equity
financing may be dilutive to the Company's existing stockholders, and debt
financing, if available, may involve pledging some or all of the Company's
assets and may contain restrictive covenants with respect to raising future
capital and other financial and operational matters.
The Company believes that the net proceeds from the IPO will be
sufficient to meet the Company's operations and capital requirements for the
next 12 months, although there can be no assurance in this regard. Although
there can be no assurance, management believes that the Company will be able to
continue as a going concern for the next 12 months.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reference is made to the Financial Statements, the report thereon and
notes thereto, commencing on page F-1 to this report.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
(a) On March 11, 1998, the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of
Directors voted to: (i) dismiss the firm of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP ("KPMG"); and
(ii) approve the engagement of the firm of Coopers & Lybrand LLP, as auditors
for fiscal year 1997.
21
(b) During the two most recent fiscal years and through March 11, 1998,
there were no disagreements with KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures,
which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of KPMG, would have
caused KPMG to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in
connection with its report.
(c) The audit report of KPMG on the financial statements of the Company
as of and for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 did not contain an
adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified as to audit
scope or accounting principles; however, such report did contain an explanatory
paragraph stating that "the Company's losses from operations and deficit
accumulated during the development stage raise substantial doubt about the
entity's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to
these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty".
(d) The Company engaged Coopers & Lybrand LLP as its new independent
accountants as of March 11, 1998. During the two most recent fiscal years and
through March 11, 1998, the Company has not consulted with Coopers & Lybrand LLP
on items which (1) were or should have been subject to SAS 50 or (2) concerned
the subject matter of a disagreement or reportable event with the former auditor
(as described in Regulation S-K Item 304(a)(2)).
PART III
Items 9 through 12 inclusive are omitted per General Instruction E. The
information required by Part III shall be incorporated by reference from the
Registrant's definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
22
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Unless otherwise indicated, the following exhibits are incorporated by
reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File
Number 333-21545 referencing the exhibit number used in such Registration
Statement).
EXHIBITS
The Exhibits listed below are filed as part of this Report.
3.1 Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (1)
3.2 Form of By-Laws of the Company (1)
4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate (1)
4.2 Specimen Class A Redeemable Warrant (1)
4.3 Form of Underwriter's Option (1)
4.4 Form of Warrant Agreement (1)
10.1 Form of 1997 Stock Option Plan (1)
10.2 Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and Dean R. Eaker (1)
10.3 Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and Edward A. Fleiss
(1)
10.4 Agreement of Lease between Trizec Properties, Inc. and the Company (1)
10.5 Form of Agreement with DeltaNet (1)
10.6 PC411 Distribution Agreement between the Company and Hewlett-Packard
(1)
10.7 Distribution Agreement between the Company and U.S. Robotics (1)
10.8 License Agreement between the Company and International Business
Machines Corporation (1)
10.9 Aftermarket and Direct Distribution Agreement between the Company and
The Media Farm, Inc.(2)
10.10 License Agreement with Acxiom, Inc. (2)
10.11 Form of PC411, Inc. New Valley Corporation Stock Option Plan and
Agreement (1)
10.12 Distribution Agreement between the Company and Silicom Multimedia
Systems, Inc. (2)
21 Subsidiaries of the Company*
27 Financial Data Schedule*
- ----------------------------
* Filed herewith.
(1) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (File #333-21545). This Exhibit is incorporated herein by
reference.
(2) Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Form 10-QSB filed for
the quarter ended September 30, 1997. This Exhibit is incorporated
herein by reference.
REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
None.
23
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d), the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this Report to be signed on
March 31, 1998, on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PC411, INC.
By: /s/ Dean R. Eaker
------------------------------
Dean R. Eaker, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this Report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in
the capacities indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
---------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ----------------------------
/s/ Dean R. Eaker Director, President and March 31, 1998
----------------------------------
Dean R. Eaker Chief Executive Officer
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III Chief Financial Officer March 31, 1998
---------------------------------- (principal accounting and financial officer)
J. Bryant Kirkland III
/s/ Richard J. Lampen Director March 31, 1998
----------------------------------
Richard J. Lampen
/s/ Henry Morris Director March 31, 1998
----------------------------------
Henry Morris
/s/ Robert Lundgren Director March 31, 1998
----------------------------------
Robert Lundgren
24
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Financial Statements
December 31, 1996 and 1997
(With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon)
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
Independent Auditors' Report F-2
Audited Financial Statements:
Balance Sheet F-4
Statements of Operations F-5
Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency) F-6
Statements of Cash Flow F-7
Notes to Financial Statements F-9
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Stockholders and Board of Directors of
PC411, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of PC411, Inc. (a development
stage company) as of December 31, 1997 and the related statements of operations,
stockholders' equity (deficiency) and cash flows for the year then ended and for
the period from December 29, 1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1997.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audit. We did not audit the financial statements of PC411, Inc. for the
period from December 29,1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1996. Such
statements are included in the cumulative inception to December 31, 1997, totals
of the statements of operations and cash flows and reflect total revenues and
net loss of 26 percent and 31 percent, respectively, of the related cumulative
totals. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been
furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts for the period
from December 29,1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1996, included in the
cumulative totals, is based solely upon the reports of the other auditors.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit and on the report of other auditors, the
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of PC411, Inc. (a development stage company) as of
December 31, 1997 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended and for the period from December 29, 1993 (date of inception) to
December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Miami, Florida
March 24, 1998
F-2
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
PC411, Inc.
We have audited the statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficiency)
and cash flows of PC411, Inc. (a development stage company) for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and for the period from December 29, 1993 (date of inception)
to December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Our report dated March 26, 1997 contained an explanatory paragraph describing
material uncertainties relating to the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern. As disclosed in the second paragraph of note 1, the Company completed
an initial public offering on May 21, 1997 resulting in the Company receiving
net proceeds of $5,885,000. Accordingly, our present opinion on the 1996
financial statements, as presented herein, is different from our previous
report.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations and the cash flows of PC411,
Inc. (a development stage company) for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
the period from December 29, 1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Long Beach, California
March 26, 1997, except for
the second paragraph of note 1,
which is as of May 21, 1997
F-3
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Balance Sheet
DECEMBER 31
1997
-----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 949,157
Investments 3,598,116
Accounts receivable 8,963
Accrued interest receivable 70,233
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 103,232
-----------
Total current assets 4,729,701
Property and equipment, net 128,959
-----------
Total assets $ 4,858,660
===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 178,789
Deferred revenue 54,035
-----------
Total current liabilities 232,824
-----------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; --
no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 25,000,000 shares;
2,972,500 shares issued and outstanding 29,725
Additional paid-in capital 7,409,809
Deficit accumulated during the development stage (2,813,698)
-----------
Total stockholders' equity 4,625,836
-----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 4,858,660
===========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statements of Operations
PERIOD FROM
DECEMBER 29, 1993
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 (DATE OF INCEPTION) TO
----------------------- DECEMBER 31, 1997
1996 1997
----------- ----------- ---------------------
Revenues $ 55,915 $ 143,132 $ 211,543
----------- ----------- -----------
Cost and expenses:
Cost of revenues 94,773 119,759 317,299
Research and development 248,736 168,959 715,092
Sales and marketing 37,772 192,313 335,655
General and administrative 387,511 943,883 1,606,180
----------- ----------- -----------
768,972 1,424,914 2,974,226
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating loss (712,877) (1,281,782) (2,762,683)
----------- ----------- -----------
Other income (expense):
Interest income 4,414 169,428 197,384
Interest expense (174,859) (94,002) (268,861)
Other income 0 0 22,862
----------- ----------- -----------
(170,445) 75,426 (48,615)
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before income taxes (883,322) (1,206,356) (2,811,298)
Income taxes 800 800 2,400
----------- ----------- -----------
Net Loss (884,122) (1,207,156) $(2,813,698)
Dividends on preferred shares (100,100) (132,679)
----------- -----------
Net loss applicable to common stock $ (984,222) $(1,339,835)
=========== ===========
Net loss per share (basic and diluted) $ (0.62) $ (0.53)
=========== ===========
Shares used in computing net loss
per share 1,590,000 2,542,524
=========== ===========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-5
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency)
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK
----------------------------- -----------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Issuance of common stock
for cash -- $ -- 4,240 $ 42
Stockholder cash contribution -- -- -- --
Net loss -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 1994 -- -- 4,240 42
Issuance of preferred stock
for cash 1,820 18 -- --
Net loss -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1995 1,820 18 4,240 42
Discount on indebtedness
associated with preferred
stock conversion -- -- -- --
Net loss -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 1996 1,820 18 4,240 42
Net loss -- -- -- --
Conversion of preferred stock
to common stock (1,820) (18) 8,626 86
Stock split -- -- 2,209,524 22,096
Contribution of common stock
to company -- -- (632,390) (6,324)
Issuance of stock to legal
counsel -- -- 60,000 600
Sale of common stock in
initial public offering -- -- 1,322,500 13,255
Payment of preferred dividends
(at $55 per share) -- -- -- --
Sale of warrants to related
party -- -- -- --
Interest component of stock
option granted -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 1997 -- $ -- 2,972,500 29,725
=========== =========== =========== ===========
DEFICIT
ACCUMULATED TOTAL
ADDITIONAL DURING THE STOCKHOLDERS'
PAID-IN DEVELOPMENT EQUITY
CAPITAL STAGE (DEFICIENCY)
------------ ----------- -------------
Issuance of common stock
for cash $ 152,458 $ -- $ 152,500
Stockholder cash contribution 92,407 -- 92,047
Net loss -- (172,682) (172,682)
------------ ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 1994 244,505 (172,682) 71,865
Issuance of preferred stock
for cash 1,000,982 -- 1,001,000
Net loss -- (549,738) (549,738)
------------ ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1995 1,245,487 (722,420) 523,127
Discount on indebtedness
associated with preferred
stock conversion 160,940 -- 160,940
Net loss -- (884,122) (884,122)
------------ ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 1996 1,406,427 (1,606,542) (200,055)
Net loss -- (1,207,156) (1,207,156)
Conversion of preferred stock
to common stock (68) -- --
Stock split (22,096) -- --
Contribution of common stock
to company 6,324 -- --
Issuance of stock to legal
counsel (600) -- --
Sale of common stock in
initial public offering 5,871,775 -- 5,885,000
Payment of preferred dividends
(at $55 per share) (171,953) -- (171,953)
Sale of warrants to related
Party 250,000 -- 250,000
Interest component of stock
option granted 70,000 -- 70,000
------------ ----------- -----------
Balance at December 31, 1997 $ 7,409,809 $(2,813,698) $ 4,625,836
============ =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-6
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statements of Cash Flow
PERIOD FROM
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 21, 1993
-------------------------- (DATE OF INCEPTION) TO
1996 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1997
----------- ----------- ------------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (884,122) $(1,207,156) $(2,813,698)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation 37,734 40,318 106,791
Amortization of discount on
loan payable 160,940 -- 160,940
Interest component of stock
options granted -- 70,000 70,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (10,947) 1,984 (8,963)
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets (192,865) 89,633 (103,232)
Accrued interest receivable -- (70,233) (70,233)
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses 192,992 (14,203) 178,789
Deferred revenue 25,387 28,648 54,035
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in operating
activities (670,881) (1,061,009) (2,425,571)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment (18,406) (36,305) (235,750)
Sale and maturity of investments -- 2,618,468 2,618,468
Purchase of investments -- (6,216,584) (6,216,584)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing
activities (18,406) (3,634,421) (3,833,866)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from loan payable 327,065 369,998 697,063
Issuance of preferred stock -- -- 1,001,000
Stockholder cash contribution -- -- 92,047
Repayment of loan to related party, net -- (619,016) (619,016)
Issuance of common stock -- 5,885,000 6,037,500
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by
financing activities 327,065 5,635,982 7,208,594
Net (decrease) increase
in cash (362,222) 940,552 949,157
Cash beginning of period 370,827 8,605 --
----------- ---------- -----------
Cash at end of period $ 8,605 $ 949,157 $ 949,157
=========== =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-7
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Statements of Cash Flow - Continued
PERIOD FROM
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 21, 1993
---------------------- (DATE OF INCEPTION) TO
1996 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1997
------- --------- ----------------------
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during year for:
Interest $ -- $37,915 $37,915
Income taxes 800 800 2,400
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-8
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
(1) BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION
PC411, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware on December 29,
1993. The Company provides an on-line service that transmits name,
address, telephone number and other related information digitally to
users of personal computers. The Company is a majority-owned subsidiary
of New Valley Corporation, a publicly held company.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING; STOCK SPLIT
On May 21, 1997, the Company completed an initial public offering ("IPO")
of 1,322,500 units (including 172,500 units from the exercise of the
underwriter's over-allotment option), each unit consisting of one share
of Common Stock and one Redeemable Class A Warrant to purchase a share of
Common Stock. The units were sold for $5.75 each and the Company
received, after expenses of the IPO, approximately $5.9 million in net
proceeds. In addition, the Company issued an additional 60,000 shares of
Common Stock to its legal counsel in connection for services rendered for
the IPO. In connection with the IPO, the Company effected a
172.7336-for-one stock split of the Company's Common Stock. All share and
share amounts have been restated to reflect the stock split.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized over the period services are provided. Deferred
revenue consists of non-refundable registration fees and annual
subscription fees billed in advance. Non-refundable registration fees are
recognized as revenue as services are provided and over the length of the
contract.
DISTRIBUTION COSTS
Fees are paid to manufacturers of computer hardware to distribute the
Company's software product which is "bundled" with the hardware products.
These contractual stipulated fees are charged based on a percentage of
revenues or number of registered customers. Distribution costs are
included in cost of revenues on the statement of operations.
LICENSE COSTS
The Company incurs license fees for the right to use a database of
directory listings. Minimum fees are charged to operations in the related
period as incurred or paid whichever is earlier. Variable fees are
charged to operations based on a percentage of revenue recognized.
License fee expenses are included in cost of revenues on the statement of
operations.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs associated with the design and development
of the Company's services have been charged to operations as incurred.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include money market funds with a weighted
average maturity of three months or less.
F-9
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements - Continued
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The Company's short-term investments comprise readily marketable debt
securities with remaining maturities of more than 90 days at the time of
purchase. The Company has classified all of its short-term investments as
held to maturity under the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities". The amortized cost of debt securities is
adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to
maturity. Such amortization is included in interest income.
As of December, 1997, the Company had approximately $1.6 million in U.S.
Government Obligations and approximately $2.0 million in commercial paper
and bonds with various maturity dates through June 1998. The carrying
value of these investments approximated their market value at December
31, 1997.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of equipment is
calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the assets, generally five years. Upon sale or retirement, the cost of
property and equipment, and related accumulated depreciation, are
eliminated from the accounts. Any results or gains and losses are
reflected in operations for the period.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The fair values of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable and accrued expenses approximate their carrying values due to
the relatively short maturities of these instruments.
INCOME TAXES
The Company provides for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes," which employs an asset and liability approach in
accounting for income taxes payable or refundable at the date of the
financial statements as a result of all events that have been recognized
in the financial statements and as measured by the provisions of enacted
tax laws.
COMPUTATION OF BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE
Basic net loss per share of Common Stock has been computed by dividing
the net loss applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the year. Diluted
loss per share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common
shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding,
increased by assumed conversion of other potentially dilutive securities
during the period. Potentially dilutive shares which have not been
included in the diluted per share calculation include 2,322,500 warrants
and 971,182 options as their effect would be anti-dilutive due to the
loss incurred by the Company. Accordingly, diluted net loss per common
share is the same as basic net loss per common share.
F-10
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements - Continued
In February 1998, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued
Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 98 which changes the calculation of
earnings per share in periods prior to initial public offerings as
previously applied under SAB No. 83 upon a registrant's issuance of
common stock, warrants, options or other potentially dilutive instruments
for consideration or with exercise prices below the initial public
offering price within a one year period prior to the initial filing of a
registration statement relating to an initial public offering. SAB No. 83
required such equity instruments to be treated as outstanding for all
periods presented in the filing using the anticipated initial public
offering price and treasury stock method. Under SAB No. 98, when common
stock options, warrants or other potentially dilutive instruments have
been issued for nominal consideration during the periods covered by
income statements in the filing those nominal instruments are to be
reflected in earnings per share calculations for all periods presented.
Based on the Company's current understanding of the definition of
"nominal consideration," the Company has concluded that during all
periods prior to the Company's initial public offering, no equity
instruments were issued for nominal consideration. Per share results for
periods prior to or including the Company's initial public offering have
been restated in accordance with SAB No. 98.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
CONCENTRATIONS OF RISKS
The Company had no major customers whose receivable balances represented
a concentration of credit risk at December 31, 1997.
The Company is dependent upon a licensor for the names, addresses and
telephone numbers computerized database. If the licensor was to become
unwilling or unable to continue providing the data, the Company would
have to identify and qualify an acceptable alternative licensor. The
inability to develop alternate sources could result in delays or
reductions in services for the Company.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In October 1997, the AICPA issued SOP 97-2, "Software Revenue
Recognition". SOP 97-2 provides guidance in recognizing revenue on
software transactions when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists,
delivery has occurred, the vendor's fee is fixed or determinable and
collectibility is probably. SOP 97-2 is effective for transactions
entered into in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The
Company believes that adoption of SOP 97-2 will not have a material
impact on the Company's financial statements.
F-11
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements - Continued
(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June
27, 1996, as amended (the "Loan Agreement"), with New Valley Corporation
("New Valley"), an indirect majority owner of the Company's shares of
Common Stock, pursuant to which New Valley agreed to provide the Company,
in its sole and absolute discretion, with up to $750,000 in financing.
Amounts advanced under the Loan Agreement were due on demand and bore
interest at 12% per annum. All advances were collateralized by all of the
assets of the Company. In connection with the Loan Agreement, the
conversion ratio of the Preferred Stock (Note 7) was increased from one
share of Common Stock for each share of Preferred Stock to 4.7395 shares.
In May 1997, the Company issued to New Valley 1,000,000 Redeemable Class
A Warrants at the IPO price of $.25 per warrant in satisfaction of
$250,000 of indebtedness under the Loan Agreement and the remaining
balance due under the Loan Agreement, including accrued interest, of
$447,064 was satisfied out of the net proceeds of the IPO. The payment
to New Valley totaled $619,016, which included accrued dividends on
preferred stock of $171,952. The Loan Agreement was subsequently
terminated.
In January 1997, the Company granted to Direct Assist Holding Inc.
("DAH"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Valley, options to acquire
500,000 shares of Common Stock at $5.75 per share, which fully vested
upon the completion of the IPO. The term of the options expire in January
2007. Such options were issued in connection with services provided on
behalf of the Company's IPO, for the 1995 Preferred Stock private
placement by New Valley, and for the Loan Agreement provided to the
Company by New Valley. For financial reporting purposes, the Company has
recorded $125,000 of the value assigned to these options as a dividend on
Preferred Stock for the period January 1, 1997 through May 22, 1997. In
addition, the Company has recorded imputed interest expense of $70,000
arising from the issuance of such options during the period from January
1, 1997 through May 22, 1997.
A stockholder and former director received approximately $26,000 in
exchange for consulting services during 1996 and was reimbursed $10,000
by the Company during 1997 for expenses in connection with the IPO.
Certain accounting and related finance functions are performed on behalf
of the Company by employees of New Valley, Expenses incurred relating to
these functions are allocated to the Company and paid as incurred to New
Valley based on management's best estimate of the cost involved. The
amounts allocated were immaterial for all periods presented herein.
(4) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment at December 31, 1997 is as follows:
DECEMBER 31,
1997
---------
Computer hardware $ 188,858
Computer software 16,685
Other 30,207
---------
235,750
Less accumulated depreciation (106,791)
---------
$ 128,959
=========
Depreciation expense was $37,734 and $40,318 during the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
F-12
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements - Continued
(5) STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has a stock option plan, "1997 Stock Option Plan" (the "1997
Plan"). The 1997 Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase the
Company's stock to the employees and directors of the Company. The term
of the options granted under the 1997 Plan is limited to 10 years.
Subject to certain limitations under the 1997 Plan, the number of awards,
the terms and conditions of any award granted thereunder (including, but
not limited to, the exercise price, grant price or purchase price) are at
the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has
reserved 750,000 shares of the Company's common stock for issuance under
the 1997 Plan. In January 1997, the Company's Board of Directors
authorized the grant of 404,000 stock options at an exercise price of
$4.40 under the 1997 Plan. One third of such options vested upon the
completion of the IPO and one third will vest at the end of each of the
first and second years thereafter. When granted, the Company determined
the fair market value of each of the Company's shares to be $4.40;
accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized for these options. In
April and May 1997, an aggregate of 63,727 stock options were granted at
an exercise price of $5.50 per share, of which 24,395 became exercisable
on the completion of the IPO. All stock options under the 1997 Plan are
subject to an eighteen month lock-up agreement with the underwriter of
the IPO which expires November 1998.
Stock options issued in 1995 and 1996 under a 1994 stock option plan
which was terminated in 1997, vest over a three-year period and have an
exercise price of $11.52 per share. At December 31, 1997, 3,455 of the
granted options were outstanding and exercisable.
The stock option activity for the plans is as follows:
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
NUMBER OF EXERCISE PRICE
SHARES PER SHARE
-------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995 15,546 $ 11.52
Options granted 10,364 11.52
Options terminated (20,728) (11.52)
Options exercised -- --
-------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996 5,182 $ 11.52
Options granted 467,727 4.56
Options terminated (1,727) (11.52)
Options exercised -- --
-------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1997 471,182 $ 4.46
======== =========
The following table summarizes information regarding outstanding and
exercisable options as of December 31, 1997:
EXERCISE NUMBER WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
PRICE OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL LIFE (YEARS) EXERCISABLE
--------- ------------ ------------------------ -----------
$ 4.40 404,000 9.08 134,667
$ 5.50 63,727 9.54 24,395
$ 11.52 3,455 7.00 3,445
---------- ----------
471,182 162,507
========== ==========
F-13
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements - Continued
The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in
accounting for its stock options. In 1995, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation", which, if fully adopted, changes the methods of
recognition of cost on certain stock options. Had compensation cost for
the Company's stock options been determined based on the fair value at
the date of grant consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's net loss and
basic and diluted net loss per share in 1997 would have been $(2,318,721)
and $(0.91), respectively. The amount would have been immaterial in 1996.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted ($3.89 in
1997) was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the
following weighted average assumptions:
1997
-------------
Risk-Free Interest Rate 6.70%
Expected Life 10
Expected Volatility 79.92%
Expected Dividend Yield 0.00%
Additionally, in connection with its IPO, the Company granted to the
underwriter of the offering options to purchase 73,600 units, at the
exercise price of $9.49 per unit. Each unit consists of one share of
Common Stock and one warrant to purchase an additional share at the price
of $6.10.
In addition to the options issued in connection with the stock option
plans, the Company has granted other parties certain stock options as
described in Note 3.
(6) LEASES
The Company is obligated under noncancelable operating leases, primarily
for facilities, that expire at various dates through 2000. The real
property lease requires the Company to pay utilities, insurance, capital
and operating expenses. Total rental expense for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1997 was $33,615 and $31,027, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases at
December 31, 1997 are as follows:
Year ending December 31:
1998 35,112
1999 35,112
2000 18,363
----------
Total minimum lease payments $ 88,587
==========
F-14
PC411, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Financial Statements - Continued
(7) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is not a defendant in any lawsuits; however, it is aware of a
potential severance claim which may be asserted by a former employee in
the amount of $150,000. The Company believes the claim is without merit
and will vigorously contest any such action; however, no assurance can be
given that the Company will prevail in such action.
In September 1997 the Company entered into a license agreement with
Acxiom, Inc. ("Acxiom") pursuant to which it licenses the database
consisting of the residential and business listings which are part of the
PC411 Service. This license agreement supersedes a previous license
agreement between the Company and a prior licensor, which was acquired by
Acxiom. Under the license agreement, Acxiom is entitled to a royalty
payment equal to 12% of the Company's revenue generated from the PC411
Service. The minimum royalty payments for the first, second and third
years under this agreement are $75,000, $125,000 and $175,000,
respectively, and is payable upon the commencement of each such year. The
parties agreed that the minimum royalty payments and terms of payment for
the second and third years of the agreement will be reviewed during the
ninth month of the initial year of the agreement.
(8) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
PREFERRED STOCK
The Company has the authority to issue 5,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, which may be issued from time to time in one or more series. In
May 1995, the Company sold to DAH 1,820 shares of Series A Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value for $1,001,000. Dividends at
an annual rate of $55 per share on the Series A Preferred Stock were
cumulative from the date of original issue and were payable annually in
arrears, when and as declared by the Company's Board of Directors.
On January 29, 1997, all 1,820 outstanding shares of Preferred Stock were
converted by DAH into 1,490,000 shares of Common Stock, and the
cumulative dividends on the Preferred Stock of $171,953 were subsequently
declared and paid on May 22, 1997 out of the net proceeds of the IPO.
REDEEMABLE CLASS A WARRANT
Each Redeemable Class A Warrant (the "Warrant") entitles the holder to
purchase one share of Common Stock at an initial exercise price of $6.10
at any time during the period commencing May 14, 1998 and terminating
four years thereafter. The Warrant exercise price is subject to
adjustment under certain circumstances. The Warrants are subject to
redemption by the Company at $0.01 per Warrant at any time during the
Warrant exercise period if the closing bid price of the Common Stock
exceeds $9.625 for 20 consecutive trading days.
(9) INCOME TAXES
During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company had no
income and therefore made no provision for Federal and state income taxes
other than the required annual California state minimum tax of $800.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $2,500,000 of net
operating loss carryforwards for federal and state tax reporting purposes
available to offset future taxable income, if any; such carryforwards
expire in 2010 (federal) and 2002 (state), respectively. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities principally relate to net operating loss
carryforwards and aggregate approximately $1,000,000 before valuation
allowance. In assessing the realizability of the net deferred tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all
of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization
of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable
income during periods in which those temporary differences become
deductible. As of December 31, 1997, the Company has provided a full
valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets due to the Company's
uncertainty of future taxable income against which the deferred tax asset
may be utilized. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been recorded on
the accompanying balance sheet.
During May 1997, the Company consummated an initial public offering. The
Tax Reform Act of 1986 restricts the amount of future income that may be
offset by losses and credits incurred prior to an ownership change. The
Company's annual limitation on the use of its net operating losses is
approximately $500,000, computed by multiplying the "long-term tax exempt
rate" at time of change of ownership by the fair market value of the
Company's outstanding stock immediately before the ownership change. The
limitation is cumulative; any unused limitation from one year may be
added to the limitation of a following year. Operating losses incurred
subsequent to an ownership change are generally not subject to such
restrictions. At December 31, 1997, the Company's portion of net
operating losses subject to this limitation was approximately $1,200,000.
F-15