<PAGE> 1
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
OR
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 0-27357
ASHFORD.COM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 76-0617905
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
3800 BUFFALO SPEEDWAY, SUITE 400
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77098
(Address of principal executive offices)
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(713) 369-1300
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Indicate by check |X| whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Sections 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
(1) Yes |X| No
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(2) Yes No |X|
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As of September 30, 1999 there were 36,864,429 shares of the Company's
common stock outstanding.
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ASHFORD.COM, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
PART I. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE
ITEM 1. Consolidated Financial Statements................................................................ 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1999 and March 31, 1999............................. 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended September
30, 1999 and 1998 ............................................................................... 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and six months ended September
30, 1999 and 1998 ............................................................................... 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements....................................................... 6
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations....................................................................................... 8
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk....................................... 15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION................................................................................ 27
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings................................................................................ 27
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................................................. 27
SIGNATURES..................................................................................................... 29
</TABLE>
2
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PART I. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ASHFORD.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, March 31,
1999 1999
------------------ ------------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $93,488 $893
Certificate of deposit 100 100
Accounts receivable 773 136
Merchandise inventory 15,102 3,273
Prepaids and other 3,575 453
------------------ ------------------
Total current assets 113,038 4,855
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $187 and $49 at 2,036 253
September 30, 1999 and March 31, 1999, respectively
Other assets 5,813 --
================== ==================
Total assets $120,887 $5,108
================== ==================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities:
Accounts payable 2,026 977
Accrued liabilities 1,824 322
Note payable -- 1,000
------------------ ------------------
Total current liabilities 3,850 2,299
------------------ ------------------
Other long-term liabilities 34 --
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock, $.001 par value per share, no shares
authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 1999;
19,166,250 shares authorized, 9,500,000 shares issued and outstanding
at March 31, 1999 -- 9
Preferred stock, $.001 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized,
no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 1999; no shares authorized,
issued or outstanding at March 31, 1999 -- --
Common stock, $.001 par value per share, 54,150,000 shares authorized,
36,864,429 and 10,687,500 shares issued and outstanding at September
30, 1999 and March 31, 1999, respectively 37 11
Additional paid-in capital 148,553 4,467
Subscription receivable (780) --
Deferred compensation (17,811) (414)
Accumulated deficit (12,996) (1,264)
------------------ ------------------
Total stockholders' equity 117,003 2,809
================== ==================
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $120,887 $5,108
================== ==================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
3
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ASHFORD.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended Six months ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------------------- ---------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
--------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $4,400 $798 $8,023 $1,094
Cost of sales 3,648 651 6,645 931
--------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------
Gross profit 752 147 1,378 163
Operating expenses:
Marketing and sales 5,607 81 8,008 104
General and administrative 2,605 52 3,658 143
Depreciation and amortization 136 -- 197
Amortization of distribution and marketing
agreements 287 -- 287 --
Amortization of deferred compensation 1,133 -- 1,725 --
--------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------
Total operating expenses 9,768 133 13,875 247
--------------- --------------- ---------------- --------------
Income (loss) from operations (9,016) 14 (12,497) (84)
Interest income (expense), net 463 -- 765 --
=============== =============== ================ ==============
Net income (loss) $(8,553) $14 $(11,732) $(84)
=============== =============== ================ ==============
Net loss per share, basic and diluted $(0.57) -- $(0.88) $ (0.01)
=============== =============== ================ ==============
Pro forma net loss per share, basic and diluted $(0.27) -- $(0.40) $(0.01)
=============== =============== ================ ==============
Shares used to compute net loss per share:
Basic and diluted (1) 14,920 10,688 13,271 10,688
Pro forma basic and diluted (2) 31,117 10,688 29,068 10,688
</TABLE>
(1) Includes shares associated with the conversion of preferred stock into
common stock as of the closing of the Company's initial public offering.
See Note 3.
(2) Includes shares associated with the conversion of preferred stock into
common stock as if the conversion occurred on April 1, 1999. See Note 3.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
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ASHFORD.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended Six months ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
---------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $(8,553) $14 $(11,732) $(84)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense 136 -- 197 --
Amortization of distribution and marketing
agreements 287 -- 287 --
Amortization of deferred compensation related to
common stock options 1,133 -- 1,725 --
Compensation expense related to issuance of common
stock -- -- -- 54
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (597) (43) (638) (43)
Merchandise inventory (8,857) (140) (11,829) (274)
Prepaids and other (3,161) 3 (3,122) --
Other assets (698) -- (737) --
Accounts payable 512 187 1,050 354
Accrued liabilities 1,711 19 1,558 64
---------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities (18,087) 40 (23,241) 71
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (1,630) (32) (1,967) (39)
Internet domain purchases (1,564) -- (1,564) --
---------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------
Net cash used in investing activities (3,194) (32) (3,531) (39)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of common stock 73,963 -- 73,963 2
Issuance of Series B preferred stock -- -- 29,100 --
Issuance of Series C preferred stock 16,304 -- 16,304 --
---------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 90,267 -- 119,367 2
---------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 68,986 8 92,595 34
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period 24,502 26 893 --
================ ============== ================ ==============
End of period $93,488 $34 $93,488 $34
================ ============== ================ ==============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
5
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ASHFORD.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been
prepared by Ashford.com, Inc. (the "Company") pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information
and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion
of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair
presentation of these financial statements have been included. These
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Form S-1
Registration Statement declared effective September 22, 1999. Results for
the three months and six months ended September 30, 1999 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
ending March 31, 2000.
2. SIGNIFICANT ASSET PURCHASES
In September 1999, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement
to purchase an Internet domain name and related trademarks from a luxury
goods retailer. In connection with this agreement, the Company paid $1.6
million in cash upon execution for the domain name, related trademarks and
non-competition covenants. The asset purchase agreement further provides
that the Company will pay an additional $20,000 of cash consideration for
each authorized dealer relationship successfully transitioned to the
Company by the luxury goods retailer. The aggregate total of such cash
consideration shall not exceed $160,000. In connection with the asset
purchase agreement, the Company and the luxury goods retailer also entered
into a separate supply agreement providing the Company with the right to
purchase merchandise inventory directly from the luxury goods retailer for
a period of one year from the execution of the supply agreement. The
Company is not committed to any minimum purchase requirements in connection
with the supply agreement.
In August 1999, the Company entered into an option agreement to
purchase two Internet domain names and related trademarks (the "Purchased
Assets") from a product information Internet site (the "Option Agreement").
In connection with the Option Agreement, the Company paid $300,000 in cash
upon execution of the Option Agreement for the exclusive right to acquire
the Purchased Assets. In October 1999, the Company exercised its option to
acquire the Purchased Assets. The Company paid an aggregate purchase price
of $4.3 million representing $940,000 of cash (including the aforementioned
payment in connection with the Option Agreement) and 332,500 shares of the
Company's common stock.
3. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock Financing
In July 1999, the Company increased the number of authorized shares of
its convertible preferred stock to 19,166,250 shares with a par value of
$.001 per share. In addition, 2,066,250 shares of the Company's convertible
preferred stock was designated as Series C convertible preferred stock.
Also in July 1999, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with
six investors whereby the Company issued 1,425,679 shares of Series C
convertible preferred stock in exchange for approximately $16.3 million in
cash. Each share of convertible preferred stock converted into common stock
upon the Company's completion of its initial public offering on September
22, 1999.
Stock Split
In August 1999, the Company's Board of Directors declared a stock split
of 4.75 shares for every 1 share of common stock or preferred stock then
outstanding. The stock split became effective on September 21, 1999.
Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements and footnotes have been
restated to reflect the stock split, including an assumed increase in
authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock.
6
<PAGE> 7
Initial Public Offering
On September 22, 1999, the Company completed its initial public
offering of 6,250,000 shares of its common stock. Net proceeds before
expenses to the Company were approximately $75.6 million. As of the closing
date of the offering, all of the convertible preferred stock was converted
into an aggregate of 18,074,429 shares of common stock.
Net Loss Per Share
Net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding. Shares associated with stock options and
warrants are not included because they are antidilutive. The shares of
convertible preferred stock automatically converted into common stock
effective upon the closing of the Company's initial public offering and are
included in the calculation of weighted average number of shares as of that
date.
Pro Forma Net Loss Per Share
Pro forma net loss per share is computed using the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding, including the pro forma effects of the
automatic conversion of the Company's convertible preferred stock into
shares of the Company's common stock effective upon the closing of the
Company's initial public offering as if such conversion occurred on April
1, 1998, or at the date of original issuance, if later.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and pro forma
net loss per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per
share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------- --------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
--------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Net income (loss) $ (8,553) $ 14 $ (11,732) $ (84)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares 14,920 10,688 13,271 10,688
--------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------
Denominator for basic and diluted 14,920 10,688 13,271 10,688
calculation
Series A convertible preferred stock 8,570 - 9,033 -
Series B convertible preferred stock 6,449 - 6,172 -
Series C convertible preferred stock 1,178 - 592 -
--------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------
Denominator for pro forma calculation 31,117 10,688 29,068 10,688
Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.57) $ - $ (0.88) $ (0.01)
=============== =============== =============== ================
Pro forma net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.27) $ - $ (0.40) $ (0.01)
=============== =============== =============== ================
</TABLE>
7
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ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The discussion in this Report contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from
those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors
That May Affect Future Results" as well as those discussed in this section and
elsewhere in this Report, and the risks discussed in the "Risk Factors" section
included in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as declared
effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 23, 1999 (Reg.
No. 333-82759).
OVERVIEW
We were incorporated on March 6, 1998 and commenced operations and
began offering products for sale on our Web site in April 1998. Accordingly, the
results for the 1999 fiscal year are the same as those for the period from our
inception through March 31, 1999. We initially focused exclusively on the sale
of new and vintage watches. Since inception, we have focused on broadening our
product offerings, establishing relationships with luxury and premium brand
owners, generating sales momentum and expanding our operational and customer
service capabilities. We have grown rapidly since launching our site in April
1988. Our net sales totaled $5.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 31,
1999 and $4.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 1999. Our cost of
sales and operating expenses have increased significantly since inception with
cost of sales and total operating expenses in the quarter ended September 30,
1999 of $3.6 million and $9.8 million, respectively. This trend reflects
increased product costs associated with net sales grown and additional marketing
and sales costs to attract new customers and build brand awareness. In addition,
general and administrative expenses increased in connection with building
infrastructure and developing our Web site and associated systems to process
customer orders and payments and manage our anticipated growth in revenue.
The market for luxury and premium products is highly seasonal, with a
disproportionate amount of net sales occurring during the fourth calendar
quarter. Although less significant, seasonal sales periods occur in May and June
due to graduation gift giving, Mother's Day and Father's Day. We expect that
these trends will continue in future periods. In addition, since a
disproportionate amount of our net sales are realized during the fourth calendar
quarter, we significantly increase our purchases of inventory during and in
advance of that quarter. Accordingly, we expect that our accounts payable will
be at their highest levels during the fourth calendar quarter. Our gross margin
was 14% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 and 17% for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999. Our gross margin will fluctuate in future periods based on
factors such as:
o product sales mix;
o the mix of direct and indirect sources of inventory;
o pricing strategy;
o promotional activities;
o inventory management; and
o inbound and outbound shipping costs.
Since inception, we have significantly increased the depth of our
management team in order to implement our growth strategy. Key additions to the
senior management team include a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer, Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of Business Development and
Vice President of Merchandising.
8
<PAGE> 9
Since inception, we have incurred significant net losses of $1.3
million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, and $8.6 million for the
quarter ended September 30, 1999. We expect our net losses to increase and to
generate negative cash flows for the foreseeable future. We expect operating
expenses and net losses will continue to rise as we pursue and aggressive
marketing and advertising campaign to attract new customers and build our brand
identity, develop new strategic partnerships, invest in new operational and
customer service infrastructure and recruit additional employees.
We have a limited operating history upon which to base an evaluation of
our business and prospects. As a result of our limited operating history, it is
difficult to accurately forecast our net sales and we have limited meaningful
historical financial data upon which to base projected operating expenses. We
base our current and future expense levels on our operating plans and estimates
of future net sales, and our expenses are fixed to a large extent. Sales and
operating results are difficult to forecast because they generally depend on the
volume and timing of the orders we receive. As a result, we may be unable to
adjust our spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue
shortfall. This inability could cause our net losses in a given quarter to be
greater than expected.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In the following table, we show certain unaudited statement of
operations data both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of net sales for
the three months and six months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
In the opinion of management, the unaudited quarterly information includes all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a
fair presentation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The operating results for any period are not necessarily indicative of the
operating results for any future period.
9
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------ ------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales $ 4,400 $ 798 $ 8,023 $ 1,094
Cost of sales 3,648 651 6,645 931
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Gross profit 752 147 1,378 163
Operating expenses:
Marketing and sales 5,607 81 8,008 104
General and administrative 2,605 52 3,658 143
Depreciation and amortization expense 136 - 197 -
Amortization of distribution and marketing
agreements 287 - 287 -
Amortization of deferred compensation 1,133 - 1,725 -
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total operating expenses 9,768 133 13,875 247
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Income (loss) from operations (9,016) 14 (12,497) (84)
Interest income (expense), net 463 - 765 -
============== ============== =============== ==============
Net income (loss) $ (8,553) $ 14 $ (11,732) $ (84)
============== ============== =============== ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------ ------------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AS PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES:
Net sales 100% 100% 100% 100%
Cost of sales 83% 82% 83% 85%
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Gross profit 17% 18% 17% 15%
Operating expenses:
Marketing and sales 127% 10% 100% 10%
General and administrative 59% 7% 46% 13%
Depreciation and amortization expense 3% 0% 2% 0%
Amortization of distribution and marketing
Agreements 7% 0% 4% 0%
Amortization of deferred compensation 26% 0% 22% 0%
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total operating expenses 222% 17% 173% 23%
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Income (loss) from operations -205% 2% -156% -8%
Interest income (expense), net 11% 0% 10% 0%
============== ============== =============== ==============
Net income (loss) -194% 2% -146% -8%
============== ============== =============== ==============
</TABLE>
NET SALES
Net sales consist of product sales and are net of product returns and
promotional discounts. Net sales increased from $798,000 during the quarter
ended September 30, 1998 to $4.4 million during the quarter ended September 30,
1999 and from $1.1 million during the six months ended September 30, 1998 to
$8.0 million during the six months ended September 30, 1999. The growth in net
sales is principally due to increased site traffic and awareness resulting from
advertising expenditures and additional product offerings and availability that
we financed through our convertible preferred and common stock offerings.
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<PAGE> 11
COST OF SALES
Cost of sales consists primarily of the cost of products sold, inbound
and outbound shipping costs and warranty and inventory obsolescence costs. Cost
of sales increased as net sales increased. Gross profit increased from $147,000
to $752,000 during the quarter ended September 30, 1999 compared to the quarter
ended September 30, 1998. Gross profit increased from $163,000 to $1.4 million
during the six months ended September 30, 1999 compared to the six months ended
September 30, 1998. Gross margin decreased from 18% during the quarter ended
September 30, 1998 to 17% during the quarter ended September 30, 1999. The
decrease in gross margin is principally due to the mix of products sold net of
additional reserves for warranty and inventory obsolescence costs. Gross margin
increased from 15% during the six months ended September 30, 1998 to 17% during
the six months ended September 30, 1999. The increase in gross margin is
principally due to abnormally low margins during the prior year resulting from
start-up activities.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Marketing and Sales. Marketing and sales expenses consist primarily of
advertising costs, credit card fees, product distribution expenses and related
employee salaries and benefits expenses. Our advertising is intended to build
brand awareness, generate site traffic and increase overall sales. Marketing and
sales expenses increased from approximately $81,000 during the quarter ended
September 30, 1998 compared to $5.6 million for the quarter ended September 30,
1999. Marketing and sales expenses increased from $104,000 during the six months
ended September 30, 1998 to $8.0 million during the six months ended September
30, 1999. The increase during the quarter ended September 30, 1999 is primarily
due to incremental advertising expenditures of $2.8 million related to direct
mail and newspaper campaigns and incremental online advertising expenditures of
$1.6 million related to promotion agreements with Yahoo!, America Online and
other providers. The increase during the six months ended September 30, 1999 is
primarily attributed to incremental advertising expenditures of $3.3 million
related to direct mail and newspaper campaigns and incremental online
advertising expenditures of $2.9 million related to promotion agreements with
Yahoo!, America Online and other providers.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses include
administrative employee salaries and benefits, professional fees, Web site
design and maintenance, office lease expenses and other costs. General and
administrative expenses increased to $2.6 million during the quarter ended
September 30, 1999 compared to $52,000 during the quarter ended September 30,
1998 and to $3.7 million during the six months ended September 30, 1999 compared
to $143,000 during the six months ended September 30, 1998. The increase during
the quarter ended September 30, 1999 is primarily due to incremental salary and
benefits costs of $1.7 million related to increased staffing levels in
operations, marketing, finance and development, incremental professional fees of
$309,000 associated with technology and employment consultants and incremental
operating expenses of $289,000 associated with Web site design and maintenance.
The increase during the six months ended September 30, 1999 is primarily due to
incremental salary and benefits costs of $2.3 million related to increased
staffing levels in operations, marketing, finance and development, incremental
professional fees of $445,000 associated with technology and employment
consultants and incremental operating expenses of $477,000 associated with Web
site design and maintenance.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense
includes depreciation related to property and equipment as well amortization
related to certain intangible assets. Depreciation and amortization expense was
$136,000 during the quarter ended September 30, 1999 and increased to $197,000
during the six months ended September 30, 1999. The increase in expense is
principally due to costs associated with the purchases of technology equipment
beginning in the latter half of fiscal 1999 and continuing through the quarter
ended September 30, 1999.
During the quarter ended March 31, 1999, we recorded deferred stock
compensation of $431,000 in connection with stock options granted during the
period. Also, additional deferred compensation charges of $16.1 million and $3.0
million were recorded during the quarters ended June 30, 1999 and September 30,
1999, respectively, in connection with stock options during those periods. These
amounts will be amortized to expense over the vesting periods of the applicable
options, generally four years, resulting in expense of $591,912 during the
quarter ended June 30, 1999 and $1.1 million during the quarter ended September
30, 1999. Amortization of the deferred compensation expense for each of the next
five fiscal years is expected to be as follows:
11
<PAGE> 12
Year Ended Amount
- --------------------------- -------------------------
(in thousands)
March 31, 2000 $ 4,304
March 31, 2001 4,978
March 31, 2002 4,798
March 31, 2003 4,781
March 31, 2004 675
During the quarter ended September 30, 1999, we entered into fourteen
distribution and marketing agreements with luxury brand owners and
representatives. The agreements provide that for periods up to twenty-four
months, we (i) will be the exclusive online distributor of products for the
brands and will be authorized to use the related trademarks and images in
connection with our marketing, advertising and promotional activities
("Marketing Activities"), (ii) will make aggregate merchandise inventory
purchases of at least $1.1 million during fiscal 2000 and (iii) will fund
certain Marketing Activities during the terms of the agreements. The agreements
further provide that we are obligated to issue the brand owners and
representatives warrants to purchase an aggregate of 414,930 shares of our
common stock for a weighted average purchase price of $8.63 per share which are
exercisable through September 2004. We recorded approximately $3.8 million in
deferred marketing expense during the quarter relating to these fully vested
warrants for the excess of the estimated fair value of the warrants on the date
of grant over the purchase price. Deferred marketing cost of $1.7 million, $1.7
million and $400,000 will be amortized in fiscal 2000, 2001 and 2002,
respectively, related to these warrants.
Interest Income (Expense), Net. Interest income (expense), net consists
of earnings on cash and cash equivalents net of interest expense on borrowings.
Interest income (expense), net increased during the quarter and six months ended
September 30, 1999 due to interest earned on cash balances resulting for our
Series B and Series C convertible preferred stock offerings in April 1999 and
July 1999, respectively, and interest earned on cash balances resulting from our
initial public offering in late September 1999.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
General. We have financed our operations primarily through the private
sales of convertible preferred stock and an initial public offering during
September 1999. In April 1999, we sold $30.1 million of Series B convertible
preferred stock, including the conversion of a $1.0 million note payable that
was made in March 1999. In July 1999, we sold $16.3 million of Series C
convertible preferred stock. In September 1999, we sold 6.25 million shares of
common stock in connection with an initial public offering. Net of underwriting
expenses, we realized proceeds of $75.6 million in connection with this
offering. The proceeds from these offerings have generally been used to fund
inventory purchases, marketing and advertising campaigns, employee salaries and
equipment purchases.
During the six months ended September 30, 1999, net cash used in
operating activities was $23.2 million. Net cash used in operating activities
primarily consisted of increases in merchandise inventories, net losses and
prepaid expenses and, to a lesser extent, increases in other assets and accounts
receivable. These uses were partially offset by increases in accrued liabilities
and accounts payable and non-cash charges for deferred compensation,
distribution and marketing agreements and depreciation and amortization.
Advertising and Promotion Agreements. In February 1999, we entered into
a 12-month advertising and promotion agreement with Yahoo! that provides for the
display of banner advertisements when one of several hundred watch-related
search words is entered by a Yahoo! user. In connection with this agreement, we
are obligated to make aggregate payments of $1.3 million during the term, $1.05
million of which has been paid as of September 30, 1999.
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<PAGE> 13
In July 1999, we entered into a 22-month marketing agreement with
America Online, Inc. pursuant to which we will be one of three anchors in the
jewelry and watches department and in the accessories department. In connection
with this agreement, we are obligated to make aggregate payments of $7.7 million
during the term, $2.0 million of which has been paid as of September 30, 1999.
In August 1999, we entered into an additional 12-month advertising and
promotion agreement with Yahoo! that provides for the display of banner
advertisements when one of almost two hundred fashion and accessory-related
search words is entered by a Yahoo! user. In connection with this agreement, we
are obligated to make aggregate payments of $2.0 million during the term,
$725,000 of which has been paid as of September 30, 1999.
Asset Purchases. During the six months ended September 30, 1999, we
made capital expenditures of approximately $2.0 million related to the purchase
of computer and office equipment as well as leasehold improvements associated
with new leased office and warehouse facilities.
In August 1999, we entered into an option agreement to purchase two
Internet domain names and related trademarks (the "Purchased Assets") from a
product information Internet site (the "Option Agreement"). In connection with
the Option Agreement, we paid $300,000 in cash upon execution of the Option
Agreement for the exclusive right to acquire the Purchased Assets. In October
1999, we exercised our option to acquire the Purchased Assets. We paid an
aggregate purchase price of $4.3 million representing $940,000 of cash
(including the aforementioned payment in connection with the Option Agreement)
and 332,500 shares of our common stock.
In September 1999, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to
purchase an Internet domain name and related trademarks from a luxury goods
retailer. In connection with this agreement, we paid $1.6 million in cash upon
execution for the domain name and related trademarks. The asset purchase
agreement further provides that we will pay an additional $20,000 of cash
consideration for each authorized dealer relationship successfully transitioned
to the Company by the luxury goods retailer. The aggregate total of such cash
consideration shall not exceed $160,000.
Credit Facility. In August 1999, we entered into a revolving credit
agreement with a financial institution. The Revolving Credit Facility provides
for borrowings of up to $5.0 million for working capital needs under a revolving
line of credit, the availability of which equals 50% of available merchandise
inventory, as defined in the agreement. The Revolving Credit Facility matures in
August 2000 and bears interest at the prime rate. Commitment fees equal to 0.33%
per annum are payable on the unused portion of the facility. At September 30,
1999, there are no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Many existing computer programs use only two digits to identify a year.
These programs were designed and developed without addressing the impact of the
upcoming change in the century. If not corrected, many computer software
applications could fail or create erroneous results by, at or beyond the year
2000. We use software, computer technology and other services internally
developed and provided by third-party vendors that may fail due to the year 2000
phenomenon. For example, we are dependent on the financial institutions involved
in processing our customers' credit card payments for Internet services and a
third party that hosts our servers. We are also dependent on telecommunications
vendors to maintain our network and the United States Postal Service and other
third-party carriers to deliver orders to customers.
We have assessed the year 2000 readiness of our third-party supplied
software, computer technology and other services and of our vendors, and we will
continue to assess year 2000 readiness of products and services from
third-parties. In particular, we recently purchased a new phone system in
connection with the relocation of our Houston facilities, as well as new
servers, routers and other critical communications equipment, all of which we
believe are year 2000 compliant based on representations by our vendors and
labeling on the equipment. We have not independently verified the year 2000
compliance of this particular equipment and do not consider it necessary to do
so. Further, we have discussed year 2000 compliance with our major third-party
vendors, UPS, Federal Express and Chase Bank of Texas, all of which assured us
that their systems are year 2000 compliant. Based upon the results
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of this assessment we have not needed and do not expect to need to develop a
remediation plan. We will develop and implement, if necessary, a remediation
plan with respect to third-party software, third-party vendors and computer
technology and services that may fail to be year 2000 compliant. At this time,
the expenses associated with this assessment and potential remediation plan have
been immaterial, although expenses that we may have to incur in the future
cannot be determined. Although we believe it to be unlikely, the failure of our
software and computer systems and of our third-party suppliers to be year 2000
compliant would have a material adverse effect on us.
Since inception, we have internally developed substantially all of the
systems for the operation of our Web site. These systems include the software
used to provide our Web site's search, customer interaction, and
transaction-processing and fulfillment functions, as well as firewall, security,
monitoring and back-up capabilities. We have reviewed the year 2000 compliance
of our internally developed proprietary software. Based upon our assessment to
date, we believe that our internally developed proprietary software is year
2000compliant. We have also assessed the year 2000 readiness of our information
systems, including our phone systems, servers, switches, routers and other
communications equipment, as well as our third-party vendors, and have found
these systems to be year 2000 compliant.
The year 2000 readiness of the general infrastructure and
non-information technology such as electrical supply and hardware, heating and
air conditioning systems and the public-switched telephone network necessary to
support our operations is difficult to assess. Our business could be seriously
harmed by the interruption of services provided by general infrastructure
service providers, such as telecommunications firms and power supply companies,
and the wide spread failure of non-information technology resources. In
particular, we depend on the integrity and stability of the Internet to provide
our services. We also depend on the year 2000 compliance of the computer systems
and financial services used by consumers. We have not independently assessed all
of the general infrastructure and non-information technology on which we rely.
Our ability to assess the reliability of this infrastructure is limited and we
can rely solely on generally available new reports, surveys and industry data.
Based on these sources, we do not believe we face material risks of failure of
these systems. However, we believe that our most likely worst-case year 2000
scenario would be a significant disruption in the ability of consumers to
reliably access the Internet or portions of it or to use their credit cards.
This scenario, if not quickly remedied, would have an adverse effect on demand
for our services and would have a material adverse effect on our sales and
operating results.
At this time, we have not yet developed a contingency plan to address
situations that may result if our vendors, including critical service providers
such as telecommunications firms and power supply companies, or we are unable to
achieve year 2000 compliance because we currently do not believe that a
contingency plan is necessary. The cost of developing and implementing a plan,
if necessary, could be material and we may not have enough time to implement it
before 2000. Any failure of our material systems, our vendors' material systems
or the Internet to be year 2000 compliant could include difficulties in
operating our Web site effectively, taking product orders, making product
deliveries or conducting other fundamental parts of our business.
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ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We operate in a rapidly changing environment that involves a number of
risks, some of which are beyond our control. The following discussion highlights
some of these risks. These risks should be read in conjunction with the "Risk
Factors" section included in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 as declared
effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 23, 1999 (Reg.
No. 333-82759).
RISK FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
You should carefully consider the following risks before making an
investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones that we
face. Our business, operating results or financial condition could be materially
adversely affected by any of the following risks. The trading price of our
common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you as an investor may
lose all or part of your investment. You should also refer to the other
information set forth in this report, including our financial statements and the
related notes.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Our Limited Operating History Makes Future Forecasting Difficult. Because Most
of our Expenses Are Fixed Based on Planned Operating Results, Failure to
Accurately Forecast Revenue Could Cause Net Losses in a Given Quarter to be
Greater than Expected.
We were incorporated in March 1998. We began selling products on our
Web site in April 1998 and the results for the 1999 fiscal year are the same as
those for the period from inception, March 6, 1998, through March 31, 1999.
Accordingly, we have an extremely limited operating history upon which to base
an evaluation of our business and prospects. Our business and prospects must be
considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently
encountered by companies in their early stage of development, particularly
companies in new and rapidly evolving markets such as online commerce. As a
result of our limited operating history, it is difficult to accurately forecast
our net sales and we have limited meaningful historical financial data upon
which to base planned operating expenses. We base our current and future expense
levels on our operating plans and estimates of future net sales, and our
expenses are to a large extent fixed. Sales and operating results are difficult
to forecast because they generally depend on the volume and timing of the orders
we receive, which is uncertain. As a result, we may be unable to adjust our
spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue shortfall.
This inability could cause our net losses in a given quarter to be greater than
expected.
We Anticipate Future Losses and Negative Cash Flow, which May Limit or Delay Our
Ability to Become Profitable.
Since our formation, we have made significant expenditures on our
technology, Web site development, advertising, hiring of personnel and startup
costs. As a result, we have incurred losses since our inception and expect to
experience operating losses and negative cash flow for the foreseeable future.
We anticipate our losses will continue to increase from current levels because
we expect to incur additional costs and expenses related to:
o brand development, marketing and other promotional activities;
o the expansion of our fulfillment operations, which includes
supply procurement, warehousing, order receipt, packaging and
shipment;
o the addition of customer service personnel;
o the continued development of our Web site, the systems and staff
that process customer orders and payments, and our computer
network;
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o the expansion of our product offerings and Web site content; and
o development of relationships with strategic business partners.
Our ability to become profitable depends on our ability to generate and
sustain substantially higher net sales while maintaining reasonable expense
levels. If we do achieve profitability, we cannot be certain that we would be
able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the
future. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
Our Operating Results are Volatile and Difficult to Predict. If We Fail to Meet
the Expectations of Public Market Analysts and Investors, the Market Price of
Our Common Stock May Decline Significantly.
Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past, and we
expect both our quarterly and annual operating results to fluctuate
significantly in the future. Because our operating results are volatile and
difficult to predict, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our
operating results are not a good indication of our future performance. In some
future quarter our operating results may fall below the expectations of
securities analysts and investors. In this event, the trading price of our
common stock may decline significantly. The following are material factors that
may harm our business or cause our operating results to fluctuate:
o our inability to obtain new customers at reasonable cost, retain
existing customers or encourage repeat purchases;
o seasonality;
o our inability to manage inventory levels or control inventory
theft;
o our inability to manage our fulfillment operations;
o our inability to adequately maintain, upgrade and develop our Web
site, the systems that we use to process customer orders and
payments or our computer network;
o the ability of our competitors to offer new or enhanced Web
sites, services or products;
o our inability to obtain product lines from our suppliers;
o the availability and pricing of merchandise from vendors; and
o increases in the cost of online or offline advertising.
A number of factors will cause our gross margins to fluctuate in future
periods, including the mix of watches and other products sold by us, inventory
management, marketing and supply decisions, inbound and outbound shipping and
handling costs, the level of product returns and the level of discount pricing
and promotional coupon usage. Any change in one or more of these factors could
reduce our gross margins in future periods. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
We Expect to Experience Seasonal Fluctuations in Our Net Sales, which Will Cause
Our Quarterly Results to Fluctuate and Could Cause Our Annual Results to Be
Below Expectations.
We expect to experience significant seasonal fluctuations in our net
sales that will cause quarterly fluctuations in our operating results. In
particular, we realized approximately 40% of our net sales for fiscal year 1999
during the fourth calendar quarter primarily due to gift purchases made during
the holiday season and this trend may continue in the future.
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In anticipation of increased sales activity during the fourth calendar
quarter, we expect to hire a significant number of temporary employees to
bolster our permanent staff and significantly increase our inventory levels. For
this reason, if our net sales are below seasonal expectations during this
quarter, our annual operating results could be below the expectations of
securities analysts and investors.
Due to our limited operating history, it is difficult to predict the
seasonal pattern of our sales and the impact of seasonality on our business and
financial results. In the future, our seasonal sales patterns may become more
pronounced, may strain our personnel and warehousing and order shipment
activities and may cause a shortfall in net sales as compared to expenses in a
given period. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations".
If We Are Unable to Purchase or Continue to Purchase Products, Particularly
Watches, Directly from the Brand Owners, Our Net Sales Could Decrease.
We currently purchase watches and writing instruments directly from the
brand owner on in excess of 75% of the brands that we sell. Watches purchased
directly from brand owners accounted for approximately 80% of all watches that
we sold in the quarter ended September 30, 1999. We are negotiating with some of
the remaining brand owners to purchase those brands directly, in watches and
other product categories. We believe that purchasing directly from the brand
owners will provide us with a more predictable supply of products, as well as a
lower cost of goods. As a result, we believe that part of our success is
contingent on attaining or maintaining our ability to buy directly from the
brand owners. If we lose our ability to buy directly from the brand owners, our
net sales or margins may decrease.
Our Ability to Meet Consumer Demand is in Part Dependent upon the Availability
of Products Purchased Indirectly from Sources Other than the Brand Owners. If We
Are Unable to Obtain Popular Products Through Indirect Sources, Our Net Sales
Will Decline.
We purchase brands indirectly from distributors and other third parties
that we do not purchase directly from the brand owners. The availability of
products purchased indirectly depends on many factors, including consumer
demand, manufacturer production and fashion trends. Since there are no
guarantees that we will be able to obtain a sufficient supply of products
indirectly from third-party distributors and other suppliers, customer demand
may, at times, exceed our supply of those products. If this occurs we could lose
customers and our net sales would decline. In addition, the luxury goods brand
owners could establish procedures to limit or control our ability to purchase
products indirectly and several brand owners in the U.S. have distinctive legal
rights rendering them the only legal importer of their respective brands into
the U.S. In the event we acquire such products indirectly from distributors and
other third parties who may not have complied with applicable Customs laws and
regulations, such goods can be subject to seizure from our inventory by U.S.
Customs, and the importer may have a civil action for damages against us. As it
is often difficult to ascertain the original circumstances of importation of
certain goods offered to us by our distributors and other third parties, this
could impact our ability to obtain sufficient quantities of popular luxury
goods, such as watches, and cause customer dissatisfaction.
If We Are Unable to Obtain Sufficient Quantities of Popular Luxury and Premium
Products, Our Net Sales Could Decrease.
If we are not able to offer our customers a sufficient supply and
selection of products in a timely manner, we could lose customers and our net
sales could be below expectations. Our success depends on our ability to
purchase products in sufficient quantities at competitive prices, particularly
for the holiday shopping season. As is common in the industry, we generally do
not have long-term or exclusive arrangements with brand owners, distributors or
brokers that guarantee the availability of products for resale.
In the luxury goods market, a product or fashion style periodically
becomes intensely popular. From time to time, we may have trouble obtaining
sufficient product allocations of particularly popular brands. In addition, we
believe that some of our suppliers may establish their own online retailing
efforts, which may impact our ability to get sufficient product allocations from
suppliers. In several cases, the brands that we wish to carry have delayed
establishing a relationship with us until they have their own Web site up and
running. In other cases, the brand
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owners distribute only a small amount of product and rely partially on the
scarcity of that product to provide a merchandising mystique. It is unlikely
that we will obtain product for our Web site from brands who follow the scarcity
mystique, and there is no assurance that we will actually obtain relationships
within all sectors that we have planned to offer. Therefore, we do not have a
predictable or guaranteed supply of products.
Because We Carry Almost All of the Products We Sell in Inventory, if We Are
Unable to Accurately Predict and Plan for Changes in Consumer Demand Our Net
Sales and Gross Margins May Decrease.
At September 30, 1999, we held approximately $15.1 million of products
in inventory and we expect this number will increase in the future in order to
support possible higher sales levels. As a result, the rapidly changing trends
in consumer tastes in the market for luxury and premium products subject us to
significant inventory risks. It is critical to our success that we accurately
predict these trends and do not overstock unpopular products. The demand for
specific products can change between the time the products are ordered and the
date of receipt. We are particularly exposed to this risk because we derive a
majority of our net sales in the fourth calendar quarter of each year. Our
failure to sufficiently stock popular products in advance of the fourth calendar
quarter would harm our operating results for the entire fiscal year. In the
event that one or more products do not achieve widespread consumer acceptance,
we may be required to take significant inventory markdowns, which could reduce
our net sales and gross margins. This risk may be greatest in the first calendar
quarter of each year, after we have significantly increased inventory levels for
the holiday season. We believe that this risk will increase as we begin to offer
additional luxury items due to our lack of experience in purchasing these items.
In addition, to the extent that demand for our products increases over time, we
may be forced to increase inventory levels. Any increase would subject us to
additional inventory risks. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
If We Experience Significant Inventory Theft, Our Gross Profit Margin Would
Decrease.
Although immaterial to date, in the past we have experienced theft of
merchandise shipments in route from our facility to our customers. In the
future, we expect that we may also experience theft of merchandise while it is
being held in our fulfillment facility. We have worked with our shipping
carriers and have taken steps aimed at preventing theft. If these steps are
inadequate or if security measures fail at our fulfillment facility, we could
incur significant inventory theft, which could cause gross profit margins and
results of operations to decrease significantly.
Sales of Luxury Goods Are Particularly Susceptible to General Economic
Downturns. If General Economic Conditions Deteriorate, Our Sales Could Suffer.
Purchases of luxury products are typically discretionary for consumers
and may be particularly affected by negative trends in the general economy. The
success of our operations depends to a significant extent on a number of factors
relating to discretionary consumer spending and affecting disposable consumer
income, such as employment, wages and salaries, business conditions, interest
rates, exchange rates, availability of credit and taxation. In addition, because
the purchase of luxury products is relatively discretionary, any reduction in
disposable income in general may affect us more significantly than companies in
other industries.
To Manage Our Growth and Expansion, We Need to Improve and Implement Financial
and Managerial Controls and Improve Our Reporting Systems and Procedures. If We
Are Unable to Do So Successfully, We May Not Be Able to Manage Growth
Effectively and Our Operating Results Would Be Harmed.
Our rapid growth in personnel and operations has placed, and will
continue to place, a significant strain on our management, information systems
and resources. In order to manage this growth effectively, we need to continue
to improve our financial and managerial controls and reporting systems and
procedures. Our management team has been assembled recently and has not worked
together extensively in the past. There can be no assurance that the management
team can work together effectively and can implement our internal growth and
acquisition strategies. Any inability of our management to integrate additional
companies, customer databases, merchandise lines, categories of merchandise,
technology advances, fulfillment systems, and customer service into operations
and to eliminate unnecessary duplication may have a materially adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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If We Are Unable to Successfully Implement Our New Accounting and Financial
Reporting Systems, Our Stock Price Could Decline.
We anticipate expanding our financial and management information
systems to accommodate new data. If we fail to successfully implement and
integrate our new financial reporting and management information systems with
our existing systems or if we are not able to expand these systems to
accommodate our growth, we may not have adequate, accurate or timely financial
information. Our failure to have adequate, accurate or timely financial
information would hinder our ability to manage our business and operating
results. If we grow rapidly, we will face additional challenges in upgrading and
maintaining our financial and reporting systems.
We May Not Be Able to Compete Successfully Against Current and Future
Competitors.
We expect competition in the online sale of luxury and premium products
to intensify in the future. Increased competition is likely to result in price
pressure, reduced gross margins and loss of market share, any of which could
seriously harm our net sales and operating results. In addition, the retail
watch industry is intensely competitive. We currently or potentially compete
with a variety of other companies, including:
o traditional retailers of luxury and premium products;
o brand owners of the products we sell;
o other online retailers of luxury and premium products; and
o catalog retailers.
Many of our competitors have advantages over us including longer
operating histories, greater brand recognition and significantly greater
financial, sales and marketing and other resources. In addition, traditional
store-based retailers offer customers benefits that are not obtainable over the
Internet, such as enabling customers to physically inspect a product before
purchase and not incurring costs associated with maintaining a Web site.
If We Are Unable to Build Awareness of the Ashford.Com Brand, We May Not Be Able
to Compete Effectively Against Competitors with Greater Name Recognition and Our
Sales Could Be Adversely Affected.
If we are unable to economically achieve or maintain a leading position
in online commerce or to promote and maintain our brand, our business, results
of operations and financial condition could suffer. We believe that the
importance of brand recognition will increase as more companies engage in
commerce over the Internet. Development and awareness of our brand will depend
largely on our success in increasing our customer base. If the leading brand
owners do not perceive us as an effective marketing and sales channel for their
merchandise, or consumers do not perceive us as offering a desirable way to
purchase merchandise, we may be unsuccessful in promoting and maintaining our
brand. Furthermore, in order to attract and retain customers and to promote and
maintain our brand in response to competitive pressures, we plan to increase our
marketing and advertising budgets and otherwise to increase substantially our
financial commitment to creating and maintaining brand loyalty among vendors and
consumers.
If We Enter New Business Categories That Do Not Achieve Market Acceptance, Our
Brand and Reputation Could Be Damaged and We Could Fail to Attract New
Customers.
If we launch or acquire a new department or product category that is
not favorably received by consumers, our brand or reputation could be damaged.
This damage could impair our ability to attract new customers, which could cause
our net sales to fall below expectations. An expansion of our business to
include other luxury goods will require significant additional expenses, and
strain our management, financial and operational resources. This type of
expansion would also subject us to increased inventory risk. We may choose to
expand our operations by developing other new departments or product categories,
promoting new or complementary products, expanding the breadth and depth of
products and services offered or expanding our market presence through
relationships with third parties. In addition, we may pursue the acquisition of
other new or complementary businesses, products or technologies.
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If Our Strategy to Sell Products Outside of the United States is Not Successful,
Our Increases in Operating Expenses May Not Be Offset by Increased Sales.
If we are not able to successfully market, sell and distribute our
products in foreign markets or if certain risks and uncertainties of doing
business in foreign markets prove insurmountable then these factors could have a
material adverse effect on our future global operations, and consequently, on
our operating margins. Although we currently may not sell merchandise to
customers outside the United States, we intend to do so in the future. We do not
currently have any overseas fulfillment or distribution facility or arrangement
or any Web site content localized for foreign markets, and we cannot be certain
that we will be able to establish a global presence. In addition, there are
certain risks inherent in doing business on a global level, including:
o regulatory requirements;
o export restrictions;
o tariffs and other trade barriers;
o difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;
o difficulties in protecting intellectual property rights;
o longer payment cycles;
o problems in collecting accounts receivable;
o political instability;
o fluctuations in currency exchange rates; and
o potentially adverse tax consequences.
If We Do Not Successfully Expand Our Fulfillment Operations, Our Net Sales May
Fall Below Expectations.
We must be able to quickly and efficiently fill customer orders. If we
do not successfully expand our fulfillment operations to accommodate increases
in demand, particularly during the fourth calendar quarter of each year, we will
not be able to increase our net sales in accordance with the expectations of
securities analysts and investors. In the retail industry, fourth quarter sales
are often as much as 50% of total annual sales. Our success depends on our
ability to rapidly expand our fulfillment operations and information systems in
order to accommodate increases in customer orders, whether due to seasonal
factors or growth of our business. Our planned expansion may cause disruptions
in our business.
If We Experience Problems with Our Third-Party Shipping Services, We Could Lose
Customers.
We rely upon third-party carriers, primarily Federal Express and UPS,
for product shipments, including shipments to and from our warehouse. We are
therefore subject to the risks, including employee strikes and inclement
weather, associated with these carriers' ability to provide delivery services to
meet our shipping needs. In addition, failure to deliver products to our
customers in a timely manner would damage our reputation and brand.
Our Operating Results Depend on Our Internally Developed Web Site, Network
Infrastructure and Transaction-Processing Systems. If We Do Not Successfully
Expand Our Web Site and the Systems That Process Customer Orders, We Could Lose
Customers and Net Sales Could be Reduced.
The satisfactory performance, reliability and availability of our Web
site, transaction-processing systems and network infrastructure are critical to
our operating results, as well as to our ability to attract and retain customers
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and maintain adequate customer service levels. Any system interruptions that
result in the unavailability of our Web site or reduced performance of the
transaction systems would reduce the volume of sales and the attractiveness of
our service offerings. This would seriously harm our business, operating results
and financial condition.
We use internally developed systems for our Web site and substantially
all aspects of transaction processing, including customer profiling and order
verifications. We have experienced periodic systems interruptions due to server
failure, which we believe will continue to occur from time to time. If the
volume of traffic on our Web site or the number of purchases made by customers
increases by more than 20 times our current sales levels, we will need to
further expand and upgrade our technology, transaction processing systems and
network infrastructure. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience
temporary capacity constraints due to sharply increased traffic during sales or
other promotions, which cause unanticipated system disruptions, slower response
times, degradation in levels of customer service, impaired quality and delays in
reporting accurate financial information.
If we fail to rapidly upgrade our Web site or toll-free call center in
order to accommodate increased traffic, we may lose customers, which would
reduce our net sales. Furthermore, if we fail to rapidly expand the computer
systems that we use to process and ship customer orders and process payments, we
may not be able to successfully fulfill customer orders. As a result, we could
lose customers and our net sales could be reduced. In addition, our failure to
rapidly upgrade our Web site or expand these computer systems without system
downtime, particularly during the fourth calendar quarter, would further reduce
our net sales. We may experience difficulty in improving and maintaining our
systems if our employees or contractors that develop or maintain our computer
systems become unavailable to us. We have experienced periodic systems
interruptions, which we believe will continue to occur, while enhancing and
expanding these computer systems.
Our Facilities and Systems are Vulnerable to Natural Disasters and Other
Unexpected Problems. The Occurrence of a Natural Disaster or Other Unexpected
Problem Could Damage Our Reputation and Brand and Reduce Our Net Sales.
The occurrence of a natural disaster or unanticipated problems at our
leased or offsite hosting facilities that house substantially all of our
computer and communications hardware systems could cause interruptions or delays
in our business, destroy data or render us unable to accept and fulfill customer
orders. Any of these interruptions or delays at these facilities would reduce
our net sales. In addition, our systems and operations are vulnerable to damage
or interruption from fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failure,
break-ins, earthquake and similar events. We have not established specific
procedures for handling damage or interruptions caused by these events and our
business interruption insurance may not adequately compensate us for losses that
may occur. In addition, the failure by the third-party facility to provide the
data communications capacity required by us, as a result of human error, natural
disaster or other operational disruptions, could interrupt our service. The
occurrence of any or all of these events could damage our reputation and brand
and impair our business.
Our Net Sales Could Decrease if Our Online Security Measures Fail.
Our relationships with our customers may be adversely affected if the
security measures that we use to protect their personal information, such as
credit card numbers, are ineffective. If, as a result, we lose many customers,
our net sales could decrease. We rely on security and authentication technology
that we license from third parties. With this technology, we perform real-time
credit card authorization and verification with our bank. We cannot predict
whether events or developments will result in a compromise or breach of the
technology we use to protect a customer's personal information. Furthermore, our
servers may be vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins
and similar disruptions. We may need to expend significant additional capital
and other resources to protect against a security breach or to alleviate
problems caused by any breaches. We cannot assure that we can prevent all
security breaches.
Our Net Sales and Gross Margins Would Decrease If We Experience Significant
Credit Card Fraud.
A failure to adequately control fraudulent credit card transactions
would reduce our net sales and our gross margins because we do not carry
insurance against this risk. We have developed procedures to help us to detect
the
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fraudulent use of credit card information. Under current credit card practices,
we are liable for fraudulent credit card transactions because we do not obtain a
cardholder's signature.
If We Do Not Respond to Rapid Technological Changes, Our Services Could Become
Obsolete and We Could Lose Customers.
If we face material delays in introducing new services, products and
enhancements, our customers may forego the use of our services and use those of
our competitors. To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve
the functionality and features of our online store. The Internet and the online
commerce industry are rapidly changing. If competitors introduce new products
and services, or if new industry standards and practices emerge, our existing
Web site and proprietary technology and systems may become obsolete. To develop
our Web site and technology entails significant technical and business risks. We
may use new technologies ineffectively or we may fail to adapt our technology to
meet customer requirements or emerging industry standards.
Intellectual Property Claims Against Us Can Be Costly and Could Impair Our
Business.
Other parties may assert infringement or unfair competition claims
against us. We cannot predict whether they will do so, or whether any future
assertions or prosecutions will harm our business. If we are forced to defend
against any infringement claims, whether they are with or without merit or are
determined in our favor, then we may face costly litigation, diversion of
technical and management personnel, or product shipment delays. Further, the
outcome of a dispute may be that we would need to develop non-infringing
technology or enter into royalty or licensing agreements. Royalty or licensing
agreements, if required, may be unavailable on terms acceptable to us, or at
all.
If the Protection of Our Trademarks and Proprietary Rights is Inadequate, Our
Brand and Reputation Could Be Impaired and We Could Lose Customers.
The steps we take to protect our proprietary rights may be inadequate.
We regard our copyrights, service marks, trademarks, trade dress, trade secrets
and similar intellectual property as critical to our success. We rely on
trademark and copyright law, trade secret protection and confidentiality or
license agreements with our employees, customers, partners and others to protect
our proprietary rights. In April and in May 1999, we filed applications with the
United States Patent and Trademark Office for registration of the trademarks
"ASHFORD" and "Ashford.com" for multiple classes of goods. In September 1999, we
filed applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for
registration of the Ashford.com design mark and the stylized "A" design mark for
multiple classes of goods. Effective trademark, service mark, copyright and
trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which we will
sell our products and services online. Furthermore, the relationship between
regulations governing domain names and laws protecting trademarks and similar
proprietary rights is unclear. Therefore, we may be unable to prevent third
parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to, infringe upon or
otherwise decrease the value of our trademarks and other proprietary rights.
The Loss of the Services of One or More of Our Key Personnel, or Our Failure to
Attract, Assimilate and Retain Other Highly Qualified Personnel in the Future,
Could Disrupt Our Operations and Result in Loss of Net Sales.
Our future performance will depend on the continued services of our
management and key personnel and the ability to attract additional management
and key personnel. The loss of the services of one or more of our key personnel
could seriously interrupt our business. We depend on the continued services and
performance of our senior management and other key personnel. Our future success
also depends upon the continued service of our executive officers and other key
sales, marketing and support personnel. Several of our senior management joined
us in the last twelve months, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of Business
Development, Vice President of Merchandising and Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary. Our future success depends on these officers effectively working
together with our original management team. Our relationships with these
officers and key employees are at will and none of our officers or key employees
is bound by an employment agreement for any specific term. We currently have key
person life insurance policies covering Kenneth E. Kurtzman and James H.
Whitcomb, Jr. While the proceeds of these policies might assist us in recruiting
executive officers, the proceeds would not address the potential disruption to
our business of recruiting and integrating new senior management.
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We May Not Achieve Expected Benefits of Any Investments or Acquisitions That We
Complete.
As we identify appropriate opportunities, we intend to make
acquisitions of or investments in complementary companies, products or
technologies. We may not correctly identify or realize the anticipated benefits
of any acquisition or investment. For example, we may not be able to
successfully assimilate the additional personnel, operations, acquired
technology and products into our business. Acquisitions may further strain our
existing financial and managerial controls and reporting systems and procedures.
In addition, key personnel of acquired companies may decide not to work for us.
These difficulties could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management
and employees or increase our expenses. Further, any physical expansion in
facilities due to an acquisition may result in disruptions that seriously impair
our business. We are not experienced in managing facilities or operations in
geographically distant areas. Finally, in connection with any future
acquisitions, we may incur debt or issue equity securities as part or all of the
consideration for the acquired company's assets or capital stock. We may be
unable to obtain sufficient additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.
Equity issuances could be dilutive to our existing stockholders or us.
Consumer Demand for Our Products and Services Would Decrease if the Software,
Computer Technology and Other Systems We Use Are Not Year 2000 Compliant.
Any failure of our material systems, our suppliers' material systems or
the Internet to be year 2000 compliant would materially impact our operating
expenses and sales. Other consequences would include difficulties in operating
our Web site effectively, taking product orders, making product deliveries or
conducting other fundamental parts of our business. The cost of developing and
implementing a plan, if necessary, could be material. We also depend on the year
2000 compliance of the computer systems and financial services used by
consumers. A significant disruption in the ability of consumers to reliably
access the Internet or portions of it or to use their credit cards would have an
adverse effect on demand for our services, our net sales and our gross profit.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Year 2000 Issues."
Executive Officers, Directors and Entities Affiliated with Them Have Substantial
Control over Ashford.com which Could Delay or Prevent a Change in Our Corporate
Control Favored by Our Other Stockholders.
Executive officers, directors and entities affiliated with them, if
acting together, would be able to significantly influence all matters requiring
approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and the
approval of mergers or other business combination transactions.
It May Be Difficult for a Third Party to Acquire Us Even if Doing So Would Be
Beneficial to Our Stockholders.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation, our by-laws and
Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even
if doing so would be beneficial to our stockholders. In particular, our
certificate of incorporation provides for a board of directors that is divided
into three classes which may issue preferred stock without any stockholder
action. Our certificate of incorporation also does not allow stockholders to act
by written consent or for cumulative voting in the election of directors. In
addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law places
restrictions on business combinations with interested stockholders.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
We Depend on Increasing Use of the Internet and on the Growth of Online
Commerce.
Our future revenues substantially depend upon the increased acceptance
and use of the Internet and other online services as a medium of commerce. Rapid
growth in the use of the Internet, the Web and online services is a recent
phenomenon. As a result, acceptance and use may not continue to develop at
historical rates and a sufficiently broad base of customers may not adopt,
and/or continue to use, the Internet and other online services as a medium of
commerce. Demand and market acceptance for recently introduced services and
products over the Internet are subject to a high level of uncertainty and there
exist few proven services and products.
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In addition, the Internet may not be accepted as a viable long-term
commercial marketplace for a number of reasons, including potentially inadequate
development of the necessary network infrastructure or delayed development of
enabling technologies and performance improvements. If the Internet continues to
experience significant expansion in the number of users, frequency of use or
bandwidth requirements, the infrastructure for the Internet may be unable to
support the demands placed upon it. In addition, the Internet could lose its
viability as a commercial medium due to delays in the development or adoption of
new standards and protocols required to handle increased levels of Internet
activity, or due to increased governmental regulation. Changes in, or
insufficient availability of, telecommunications services to support the
Internet also could result in slower response times and adversely affect usage
of the Internet generally.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations would be
seriously harmed if:
o use of the Internet, the Web and other online services does not
continue to increase or increases more slowly than expected;
o the infrastructure for the Internet, the Web and other online
services does not effectively support expansion that may occur;
o the Internet, the Web and other online services do not become a
viable commercial marketplace; or
o traffic to our Web site decreases or fails to increase as
expected or if we spend more than we expect to attract visitors to
our Web site.
If We Are Unable to Acquire the Necessary Web Domain Names, Our Brand and
Reputation Could Be Damaged and We Could Lose Customers.
We may be unable to acquire or maintain Web domain names relating to
our brand in the United States and other countries in which we may conduct
business. As a result, we may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring
and using domain names relating to our brand, which could damage our brand and
reputation and take customers away from our Web site. We currently hold the
"Ashford.com," "newwatch.com," "sunglasses.com" and "TimeZone.com" domain names
and may seek to acquire additional domain names. Governmental agencies and their
designees generally regulate the acquisition and maintenance of domain names.
The regulation of domain names in the United States and in foreign countries is
subject to change in the near future. The changes in the United States are
expected to include a transition from the current system to a system that is
controlled by a non-profit corporation and the creation of additional top-level
domains. Governing bodies may establish additional top-level domains, appoint
additional domain name registrars or modify the requirements for holding domain
names.
We May Need to Change the Manner in Which We Conduct Our Business if Government
Regulation Increases.
The adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to the
Internet could adversely affect the manner in which we currently conduct our
business. In addition, the growth and development of the market for online
commerce may lead to more stringent consumer protection laws, both in the United
States and abroad, that may impose additional burdens on us. Laws and
regulations directly applicable to communications or commerce over the Internet
are becoming more prevalent. The United States Congress recently enacted
Internet laws regarding children's privacy, copyrights, taxation and the
transmission of sexually explicit material. The European Union recently enacted
its own privacy regulations. Laws regulating the Internet, however, remain
largely unsettled, even in areas where there has been some legislative action.
It may take years to determine whether and how existing laws such as those
governing intellectual property, privacy, libel, and taxation apply to the
Internet. In order to comply with new or existing laws regulating online
commerce, we may need to modify the manner in which we do business, which may
result in additional expenses. For instance, we may need to spend time and money
revising the process by which we fulfill customer orders to ensure that each
shipment complies with applicable laws. We may need to hire additional personnel
to monitor our compliance with applicable laws. We may also need to modify our
software to further protect our customers' personal information.
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We May Be Subject to Liability for the Internet Content That We Publish.
As a publisher of online content, we face potential liability for
defamation, negligence, copyright, patent or trademark infringement, or other
claims based on the nature and content of materials that we publish or
distribute. If we face liability, then our reputation and our business may
suffer. In the past, plaintiffs have brought these types of claims and sometimes
successfully litigated them against online companies. In addition, we could be
exposed to liability with respect to the unauthorized duplication of content or
unauthorized use of other parties' proprietary technology. Although we carry
general liability insurance, our insurance currently does not cover claims of
these types. We cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain insurance to
cover the claims on reasonable terms or that it will be adequate to indemnify us
for all liability that may be imposed on us. Any imposition of liability that is
not covered by our insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage could
decrease our gross profit.
Our Net Sales Could Decrease if We Become Subject to Sales or Other Taxes.
If one or more states or any foreign country successfully asserts that
we should collect sales or other taxes on the sale of our products, our net
sales and results of operations could be harmed. We do not currently collect
sales or other similar taxes for physical shipments of goods into states other
than Texas. However, one or more local, state or foreign jurisdictions may seek
to impose sales tax collection obligations on us. In addition, any new operation
could subject our shipments in other states to state sales taxes under current
or future laws. If we become obligated to collect sales taxes, we will need to
update our system that processes customer orders to calculate the appropriate
sales tax for each customer order and to remit the collected sales taxes to the
appropriate authorities. These upgrades will increase our operating expenses. In
addition, our customers may be discouraged from purchasing products from us
because they have to pay sales tax, causing our net sales to decrease. As a
result, we may need to lower prices to retain these customers.
Risks Related to Securities Markets We May Be Unable to Meet Our Future Capital
Requirements.
We cannot be certain that financing will be available to us on
favorable terms when required, or at all. If we raise funds through the issuance
of equity, equity-related or debt securities, the securities may have rights,
preferences or privileges senior to those of the rights of our common stock and
our stockholders may experience dilution. We require substantial working capital
to fund our business. Since our inception, we have experienced negative cash
flow from operations and expect to experience significant negative cash flow
from operations for the foreseeable future. We have sufficient funds for our
anticipated needs for working capital and capital expenditures through at least
the next 12 months. After that, we may need to raise additional funds.
Our Common Stock Price May Be Volatile, which Could Result In Substantial Losses
for Individual Stockholders.
The market price for our common stock may become highly volatile and
subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following,
some of which are beyond our control:
o actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating
results;
o announcements of technological innovations or new products or
services by us or our competitors;
o changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
o conditions or trends in the Internet and/or online commerce
industries;
o changes in the economic performance and/or market valuations of
other Internet, online commerce or retail companies;
o announcements by us or our competitors of significant
acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital
commitments;
o additions or departures of key personnel;
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o release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our
outstanding shares of common stock or sales of additional shares
of common stock; and
o potential litigation.
In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced extreme
price and volume fluctuations. These broad market fluctuations may adversely
affect the market price of our common stock.
If Our Stock Price Becomes Volatile, We Could Face a Securities Class Action
Lawsuit.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of
their stock, many companies have been the subject of securities class action
litigation. If we were sued in a securities class action, it could result in
substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and resources and
would cause our stock price to fall.
30,614,429, Or 83%, of Our Total Outstanding Shares is Restricted from Immediate
Resale but May Be Sold into the Market in the Near Future. This Could Cause the
Market Price of Our Common Stock to Drop Significantly, even if Our Business Is
Doing Well.
We have outstanding 36,864,429 shares of common stock. 30,614,429
shares of our total outstanding shares are available for resale in the public
market from time to time beginning 180 days after September 23, 1999. As
restrictions on resale end, the market price could drop significantly if the
holders of these restricted shares sell them or are perceived by the market as
intending to sell them.
Some Shares in Our Initial Public Offering May Have Been Offered or Sold in
Violation of the Securities Act of 1933.
Prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement covering the
shares of our common stock, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown provided written materials
to approximately 485 persons that we had designated as potential purchasers of
up to 437,500 shares of common stock in the offering through a directed share
program. These materials may constitute a prospectus that does not meet the
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.
If the distribution of these materials by Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown did
constitute a violation of the Securities Act of 1933, the recipients of these
materials who purchased common stock in the offering through the directed share
program would have the right, for a period of one year from the date of their
purchase of common stock, to obtain recovery of the consideration paid in
connection with their purchase of common stock or, if they had already sold the
stock, sue us for damages resulting from their purchase of common stock. These
damages could total up to approximately $5.7 million, plus interest, based on
the initial public offering price of $13.00 per share, if these investors seek
recovery or damages after an entire loss of their investment. If this occurs,
our business, results of operations and financial condition would be harmed.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are, and from time to time may be, involved in litigation relating
to claims arising out of our ordinary course of business. We believe that there
are no claims or actions pending or threatened against us, the ultimate
disposition of which would materially adversely affect us.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Exhibits under Item 601 of Regulation S-K
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
2.1** Option Agreement dated August 17, 1999 by and between the
Company and Power Reserve, Inc. and Richard E. Paige
2.2** Asset Acquisition Agreement dated October 26, 1999 by and
between the Company and Power Reserve, Inc.
2.3** Asset Acquisition Agreement dated October 26, 1999 by and
between the Company and Richard E. Paige
3.1* Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company
3.2* By-laws of the Company
4.1* Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement, dated July 9,
1999, among the Company and the investors and founders named
therein
4.2* Specimen Certificate of the Company's common stock
4.3 See Exhibit 3.1 for provisions of the Company's Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation defining the rights of the
holders of common stock
4.4 See Exhibit 3.2 for provisions of the Company's By-laws
defining the rights of holders of common stock
10.1* Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the
Company and its directors and officers
10.2* 1998 Stock Incentive Plan
10.3* 1999 Equity Incentive Plan
10.4* 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
10.5* Watch Merchant Program Advertising and Promotion Agreement
dated February 26, 1996 between the Company and Yahoo!, Inc.
10.6* Office Lease dated July, 1999 between the Company and Crescent
Real Estate Funding III, L.P.
10.7* Employment Agreement dated May 10, 1999 between the
Registrant and Kenneth E. Kurtzman
10.8* Employment Agreement dated November 28, 1998 between the
Registrant and James H. Whitcomb, Jr.
10.9* Fashion Accessories Program Advertising and Promotion
Agreement dated August 11, 1999 between the Registrant and
Yahool, Inc.
10.10* Advertising Agreement dated July 30, 1999 between Registrant
and America Online, Inc.
10.11* Credit Agreement dated August 9, 1999 between the Registrant
and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association
21.1* List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.2* Consent of Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin &
Hachigian, LLP, counsel to the Company
24.1* Power of Attorney
27.1* Financial Data Schedule
99.1** Text of Press Release dated October 27, 1999
* Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No. 333-82759).
** Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A
filed on November 12, 1999.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No Reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended September
30, 1999. Report on Form 8-K/A filed on November 12, 1999 containing (i) the
Option Agreement dated August 17, 1999 between the Company and Power Reserve,
Inc. and Richard E. Paige, (ii) the Asset Acquisition Agreement date October 26,
1999 between the Company and Power Reserve, Inc. and (iii) the Asset Acquisition
Agreement dated October 26, 1999 between the Company and Richard E. Paige and
text of press release dated October 27, 1999, announcing that the Company
acquired the TimeZone.com and paris1925.com Internet
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domain names as well as the related trademarks and content in exchange for
$940,000 cash and 332,500 shares of the Company 's common stock.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 15, 1999 ASHFORD.COM, INC.
By: /s/ David F. Gow
---------------------------
David F. Gow
Chief Financial Officer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
2.1** Option Agreement dated August 17, 1999 by and between the
Company and Power Reserve, Inc. and Richard E. Paige
2.2** Asset Acquisition Agreement dated October 26, 1999 by and
between the Company and Power Reserve, Inc.
2.3** Asset Acquisition Agreement dated October 26, 1999 by and
between the Company and Richard E. Paige
3.1* Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company
3.2* By-laws of the Company
4.1* Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement, dated July 9,
1999, among the Company and the investors and founders named
therein
4.2* Specimen Certificate of the Company's common stock
4.3 See Exhibit 3.1 for provisions of the Company's Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation defining the rights of the
holders of common stock
4.4 See Exhibit 3.2 for provisions of the Company's By-laws
defining the rights of holders of common stock
10.1* Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the
Company and its directors and officers
10.2* 1998 Stock Incentive Plan
10.3* 1999 Equity Incentive Plan
10.4* 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
10.5* Watch Merchant Program Advertising and Promotion Agreement
dated February 26, 1996 between the Company and Yahoo!, Inc.
10.6* Office Lease dated July, 1999 between the Company and Crescent
Real Estate Funding III, L.P.
10.7* Employment Agreement dated May 10, 1999 between the
Registrant and Kenneth E. Kurtzman
10.8* Employment Agreement dated November 28, 1998 between the
Registrant and James H. Whitcomb, Jr.
10.9* Fashion Accessories Program Advertising and Promotion
Agreement dated August 11, 1999 between the Registrant and
Yahool, Inc.
10.10* Advertising Agreement dated July 30, 1999 between Registrant
and America Online, Inc.
10.11* Credit Agreement dated August 9, 1999 between the Registrant
and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association
21.1* List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.2* Consent of Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin &
Hachigian, LLP, counsel to the Company
24.1* Power of Attorney
27.1* Financial Data Schedule
99.1** Text of Press Release dated October 27, 1999
* Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No. 333-82759).
** Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A
filed on November 12, 1999.
30
