JCOM 2014.06.30 10-Q


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014

OR

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 0-25965
 

j2 GLOBAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
47-1053457
(State or other jurisdiction
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, California 90028
(Address of principal executive offices)

(323) 860-9200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes ý    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  o   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ý
Accelerated filer o
Non-Accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o        No ý

As of August 5, 2014, the registrant had 47,732,610 shares of common stock outstanding.

 




j2 GLOBAL, INC.
 
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2014

INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.  
Financial Statements
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.  
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.  
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.  
Risk Factors
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.  
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.  
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.  
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.  
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.  
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature
 
 
 
 

-2-



PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)

June 30,
2014

December 31,
2013
ASSETS
 

 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
591,881


$
207,801

Short-term investments
61,687


90,789

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,937 and $4,105, respectively
70,830


67,245

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
33,841


20,064

Deferred income taxes
3,232


3,126

Total current assets
761,471


389,025

Long-term investments
54,934


47,351

Property and equipment, net
40,662


31,200

Trade names, net
82,045


83,108

Patent and patent licenses, net
28,257


28,530

Customer relationships, net
133,629


100,980

Goodwill
514,539


457,422

Other purchased intangibles, net
10,902


10,915

Deferred income taxes


1,845

Other assets
13,378


3,413

Total assets
$
1,639,817


$
1,153,789

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 


 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
65,586


$
69,570

Income taxes payable
4,727


1,569

Deferred revenue, current
57,315


36,326

Liability for uncertain tax positions


5,535

Deferred income taxes
1,683


1,892

Other current liabilities
909

 

Total current liabilities
130,220


114,892

Long-term debt
589,603


245,670

Liability for uncertain tax positions
42,650


38,329

Deferred income taxes
66,095


35,833

Deferred revenue, non-current
11,742


11,189

Other long-term liabilities
5,915


1,458

Total liabilities
846,225


447,371

Commitments and contingencies



Preferred stock - Series A, $0.01 par value. Authorized 6,000; total issued and outstanding 5,064



Preferred stock - Series B, $0.01 par value. Authorized 20,000; total issued and outstanding 4,155



Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 95,000,000; total issued and outstanding 46,797,466 and 46,105,076 shares, respectively
468


461

Additional paid-in capital
266,122


216,872

Retained earnings
520,351


484,850

Accumulated other comprehensive income
6,651


4,235

Total stockholders’ equity
793,592


706,418

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,639,817


$
1,153,789

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

-3-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$
144,744

 
$
141,361

 
$
278,868

 
$
254,978

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues (including share-based compensation of $27 and $181 for the three and six months of 2014, respectively, and $205 and $419 for the three and six months of 2013, respectively)
25,558

 
22,679

 
48,947

 
42,914

Gross profit
119,186

 
118,682

 
229,921

 
212,064

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales and marketing (including share-based compensation of $426 and $917 for the three and six months of 2014, respectively, and $432 and $850 for the three and six months of 2013, respectively)
35,329

 
35,213

 
68,288

 
64,851

Research, development and engineering (including share-based compensation of $222 and $362 for the three and six months of 2014, respectively, and $102 and $208 for the three and six months of 2013, respectively)
7,600

 
6,388

 
14,814

 
13,134

General and administrative (including share-based compensation of $1,288 and $2,887 for the three and six months of 2014, respectively, and $1,596 and $3,206 for the three and six months of 2013, respectively)
31,419

 
24,474

 
60,397

 
48,485

Total operating expenses
74,348

 
66,075

 
143,499

 
126,470

Operating income
44,838

 
52,607

 
86,422

 
85,594

Interest expense (income), net
5,682

 
4,859

 
10,630

 
9,736

Other expense (income), net
(185
)
 
(42
)
 
(505
)
 
(203
)
Income before income taxes
39,341

 
47,790

 
76,297

 
76,061

Income tax expense
4,292

 
11,823

 
12,483

 
17,323

Net income
$
35,049

 
$
35,967

 
$
63,814

 
$
58,738

Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 
(73
)
 

 
(224
)
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
35,049

 
$
36,040

 
$
63,814

 
$
58,962

Net income per common share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.73

 
$
0.78

 
$
1.34

 
$
1.28

Diluted
$
0.73

 
$
0.77

 
$
1.33

 
$
1.26

Weighted average shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
46,745,596

 
45,428,230

 
46,556,428

 
45,294,925

Diluted
47,067,767

 
46,018,245

 
46,911,574

 
45,881,465

Cash dividends paid per common share
$
0.27

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.53

 
$
0.47

 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

-4-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
35,049

 
$
35,967

 
$
63,814

 
$
58,738

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit) of $498 and $699 for three and six months of 2014, respectively, and ($264) and ($978) for the three and six months of 2013, respectively
1,334

 
(363
)
 
2,171

 
(2,116
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense of $1,665 and $135 for the three and six months of 2014, respectively, and $1,287 and $2,915 for the three and six months of and 2013, respectively
2,885

 
2,180

 
245

 
5,001

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
4,219

 
1,817

 
2,416

 
2,885

Comprehensive income
39,268

 
37,784

 
66,230

 
61,623

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 
(73
)
 

 
(224
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax expense (benefit) of $0 for the three and six months of 2014 and ($11) and ($17) for the three and six months of 2013, respectively

 
(15
)
 

 
(22
)
Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$
39,268

 
$
37,872

 
$
66,230

 
$
61,869


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


-5-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
  (Unaudited, in thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
63,814

 
$
58,738

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
28,455

 
18,241

Amortization of discount or premium on investments
654

 
820

Amortization of financing costs and discounts
641

 
300

Share-based compensation
4,347

 
4,683

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
(4,803
)
 
(1,581
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
1,810

 
1,279

Deferred income taxes
(780
)
 
(542
)
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investments
(40
)
 

Decrease (increase) in:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
5,691

 
2,886

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(3,151
)
 
929

Other assets
37

 
487

(Decrease) increase in:
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(3,616
)
 
4,998

Income taxes payable
(320
)
 
212

Deferred revenue
364

 
14,049

Liability for uncertain tax positions
(1,213
)
 
3,512

Other
(84
)
 
10

Net cash provided by operating activities
91,806

 
109,021

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Maturity of certificates of deposit
14,520

 
31,120

Purchase of certificates of deposit

 
(13,861
)
Sales of available-for-sale investments
51,929

 
67,261

Purchase of available-for-sale investments
(45,043
)
 
(91,729
)
Purchases of property and equipment
(4,631
)
 
(5,989
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
608

 

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received
(79,546
)
 
(81,150
)
Purchases of intangible assets
(3,899
)
 
(1,261
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(66,062
)
 
(95,609
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Issuance of long-term debt
402,500

 

Debt issuance costs
(11,069
)
 
(47
)
Repurchases of common stock and restricted stock
(4,733
)
 
(2,266
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
123

 
106

Exercise of stock options
5,247

 
6,524

Dividends paid
(25,302
)
 
(21,762
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
4,803

 
1,581

Deferred payments for acquisitions
(13,473
)
 

Other
(217
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
357,879

 
(15,864
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
457

 
(1,302
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
384,080

 
(3,754
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
207,801

 
218,680

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
591,881

 
$
214,926

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

-6-



NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2014
(UNAUDITED)
1.
Basis of Presentation

j2 Global, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“j2 Global” or the "Company"), is a leading provider of Internet services. Through its Business Cloud Services Division, the Company provides cloud services to businesses of all sizes, from individuals to enterprises, and licenses its intellectual property ("IP") to third parties. The Digital Media Division operates a portfolio of web properties providing technology, gaming and lifestyle content and an innovative data-driven platform connecting advertisers with visitors to those properties and to visitors of third party websites that are part of the Digital Media Division's advertising network.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of j2 Global and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements although the Company believes that that disclosures made are adequate to make that information not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these interim financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014. Accordingly, significant accounting policies and other disclosures normally provided have been omitted since such items are disclosed therein.
 
The results of operations for this interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year or for any future period.

Holding Company Reorganization
On June 10, 2014, j2 Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation, completed a corporate reorganization (the “Holding Company Reorganization”) pursuant to which j2 Global, Inc., (the “Predecessor”) merged with j2 Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Predecessor, and changed its name to “j2 Cloud Services, Inc.” The Predecessor surviving the merger became a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of a new public holding company, j2 Global Holdings, Inc. (the “Holding Company”), which in connection with the merger changed its name to j2 Global, Inc.
At the effective time of the merger and in connection with the Holding Company Reorganization, all outstanding shares of common stock and preferred stock of the Predecessor were automatically converted into identical shares of common stock or preferred stock, as applicable, of the Holding Company on a one-for-one basis, and the Predecessor’s existing stockholders and other equity holders became stockholders and equity holders, as applicable, of the Holding Company in the same amounts and percentages as they were in the Predecessor prior to the Holding Company Reorganization.
Further information related to the merger and the Holding Company Reorganization is contained in the Agreement and Plan of Merger set forth as an exhibit to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 10, 2014.
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, including judgments about investment classifications, and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates based on historical experience and on various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

j2 Global reserves for receivables it may not be able to collect. The reserves for the Company's Business Cloud Services segment are typically driven by the historical volume of credit card declines, an evaluation of current market conditions and past due invoices based on historical experience. The reserves for the Company's Digital Media segment are typically driven by past due invoices based on historical experience. Management evaluates the adequacy of these reserves on an ongoing basis.

-7-




Revenue Recognition

Business Cloud Services

The Company's Business Cloud Services revenues substantially consist of monthly recurring subscription and usage-based fees, which are primarily paid in advance by credit card. In accordance with GAAP, the Company defers the portions of monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually recurring subscription and usage-based fees collected in advance and recognizes them in the period earned. Additionally, the Company defers and recognizes subscriber activation fees and related direct incremental costs over a subscriber's estimated useful life.

j2 Global's Business Cloud Services also include patent license revenues generated under license agreements that provide for the payment of contractually determined fully paid-up or royalty-bearing license fees to j2 Global in exchange for the grant of non-exclusive, retroactive and future licenses to our intellectual property, including patented technology. Patent revenues may also consist of revenues generated from the sale of patents. Patent license revenues are recognized when earned over the term of the license agreements. With regard to fully paid-up license arrangements, the Company recognizes as revenue in the period the license agreement is executed the portion of the payment attributable to past use of the intellectual property and amortizes the remaining portion of such payments on a straight-line basis over the life of the licensed patent(s). With regard to royalty-bearing license arrangements, the Company recognizes revenues of license fees earned during the applicable period. With regard to patent sales, the Company recognizes as revenue in the period of the sale the amount of the purchase price over the carrying value of the patent(s) sold.

The Business Cloud Services business also generates revenues by licensing certain technology to third parties. These licensing revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement. Generally, revenue is recognized as the third party uses the licensed technology over the period.

Digital Media

The Company's Digital Media revenues primarily consist of revenues generated from the sale of advertising campaigns that are targeted to the Company's proprietary websites and to those websites operated by third parties that are part of the Digital Media business's advertising network. Revenues for these advertising campaigns are recognized as earned either when an ad is placed for viewing by a visitor to the appropriate web page or when the visitor "clicks through" on the ad, depending upon the terms with the individual advertiser.

Revenues for Digital Media business-to-business operations consist of lead-generation campaigns for IT vendors and are recognized as earned when the Company delivers the qualified leads to the customer.

j2 Global also generates Digital Media revenues through the license of certain assets to clients, for the clients' use in their own promotional materials or otherwise. Such assets may include logos, editorial reviews, or other copyrighted material. Revenues under such license agreements are recognized when the assets are delivered to the client. The Digital Media business also generates other types of revenues, including business listing fees, subscriptions to online publications, and from other sources. Such other revenues are recognized as earned.

Fair Value Measurements

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, interest receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, interest payable, customer deposits and long-term debt are reflected in the financial statements at cost. With the exception of long-term debt, cost approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The fair value of the Company's senior unsecured notes was determined using the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms and maturities. As of the same dates, the carrying value of other long-term liabilities approximated fair value as the related interest rates approximate rates currently available to j2 Global.


-8-



Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discount

j2 Global capitalizes costs incurred with borrowing and issuance of debt securities and records debt discounts as a reduction to the debt amount. j2 Global capitalized costs incurred in connection with its sale of senior unsecured notes within long-term other assets and recorded the original purchase discount as a reduction to such notes (See Note 7 - Long Term Debt). These costs and discounts are amortized and included in interest expense over the life of the borrowing or term of the credit facility using the interest method.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk

All of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are invested primarily at major financial institutions within the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland, with cash and cash equivalents also held at financial institutions within several other countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Poland. These institutions are required to invest the Company’s cash in accordance with the Company’s investment policy with the principal objectives being preservation of capital, fulfillment of liquidity needs and above market returns commensurate with preservation of capital. The Company’s investment policy also requires that investments in marketable securities be in only highly rated instruments, with limitations on investing in securities of any single issuer. However, these investments are not insured against the possibility of a total or near complete loss of earnings or principal and are inherently subject to the credit risk related to the continued credit worthiness of the underlying issuer and general credit market risks.

At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were maintained in accounts that are insured up to the limit determined by the applicable governmental agency. The Company's deposits held in qualifying financial institutions in Ireland are fully insured through March 28, 2018 to the extent on deposit prior to March 28, 2013. With respect to the Company's deposits with financial institutions in other jurisdictions, the insured amount is immaterial in comparison to the total amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held by these institutions which is not insured.

Income Taxes

The Company must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the following areas, among others: (i) calculation of tax credits, benefits and deductions; (ii) calculation of tax assets and liabilities arising from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes; and (iii) interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Significant changes to these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to the Company’s tax provision in the current or a subsequent period.

The Company must assess the likelihood that it will be able to recover its deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, the Company must increase its provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that the Company estimates will not ultimately be recoverable. The Company believes that it will ultimately recover a substantial majority of the deferred tax assets recorded on its condensed consolidated balance sheets. However, should there be a change in the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company’s tax provision would increase in the period in which j2 Global determined that the recovery was not likely.

The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. j2 Global recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If the Company determines that a tax position will more likely than not be sustained on audit, then the second step requires j2 Global to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as j2 Global has to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. j2 Global reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.

Earnings Per Common Share

EPS is calculated pursuant to the two-class method as defined in ASC Topic No. 260, Earnings per Share (“ASC 260”), which specifies that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and should be included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method.

-9-




Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders, excluding participating securities and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The Company's participating securities consist of its unvested share-based awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents.

Diluted EPS includes the determinants of basic EPS and, in addition, reflects the impact of other potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period.  The dilutive effect of participating securities is calculated under the more dilutive of either the treasury method or the two-class method. In connection with the Company's issuance of convertible senior notes (See Note 7 - Long Term Debt) during the second quarter of 2014, the Company currently intends to satisfy the conversion obligation by paying and delivering a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, where cash will be used to settle each $1,000 of principal and the remainder, if any, will be settled via the Company's common shares. As a result, the potential common shares to satisfy the excess conversion value will be included in the presentation of diluted EPS only to the extent that the conversion features are in-the-money and the effect is dilutive.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2014 presentation.

2.
    Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. This new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606.  The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized.  The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and shall be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption.  The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance upon the Company's results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

3.
    Business Acquisitions

The Company completed the following acquisitions during the first six months of fiscal 2014, paying the purchase price in cash in each transaction: (a) share purchase of City Numbers®, a UK-based provider of inbound DIDs in over 80 countries; (b) share and asset purchase of Securstore®, an Iceland-based provider of cloud backup and recovery services; (c) share purchase of Livedrive®, a UK-based provider of online backup with added file synchronization features; (d) asset purchase of Faxmate, an Australia-based provider of Internet fax services; (e) share purchase of Critical Software Ltd., a UK-based email security and management company operating under the brand name iCriticalTM; (f) share and asset purchase of Online Backup Company Norway AS and a subsidiary, a Nordic-based provider of online backup services; (g) share and asset purchase of emedia Communications LLC, a US and UK-based provider of research to information technology (IT) buyers and leads to IT vendors; and (h) other smaller share and asset acquisitions in the Business Cloud Services segment.

The condensed consolidated statement of income, since the date of each acquisition, and balance sheet, as of June 30, 2014, reflect the results of operations of all 2014 acquisitions. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, these acquisitions contributed $14.9 million to the Company's revenues. Net income contributed by these acquisitions was not separately identifiable due to the Company's integration activities. Total consideration for these transactions was $129.2 million, net of cash acquired and including $42.4 million in assumed liabilities consisting primarily of deferred revenues, trade accounts payable, and other accrued liabilities.


-10-



The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase consideration for these acquisitions (in thousands):
 Asset
Valuation
Accounts Receivable
$
10,127

Property and Equipment
8,560

Other Assets
3,030

Deferred Tax Asset
1,877

Software
3,107

Trade Names
1,335

Customer Relationships
44,082

Other Intangibles
282

Goodwill
56,842

 Total
$
129,242


The initial accounting for these acquisitions is incomplete and subject to change, which may be significant. j2 Global has recorded provisional amounts for certain intangible assets (including trade names, software and customer relationships), preliminary working capital and related tax items. Actual amounts recorded upon finalization of the purchase accounting may differ materially from the information presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and represents intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. Goodwill recognized associated with these acquisitions during the six months ended June 30, 2014 is $56.8 million, of which $3.3 million is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Pro Forma Financial Information for 2014 Acquisitions

The following unaudited pro forma supplemental information is based on estimates and assumptions, which j2 Global believes are reasonable. However, this information is not necessarily indicative of the Company's consolidated financial position or results of income in future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had j2 Global and the acquired businesses been combined companies during the periods presented. These pro forma results exclude any savings or synergies that would have resulted from these business acquisitions had they occurred on January 1, 2013 and do not take into consideration the exiting of any acquired lines of business. This unaudited pro forma supplemental information includes incremental intangible asset amortization and other charges as a result of the acquisitions, net of the related tax effects.

The supplemental information on an unaudited pro forma financial basis presents the combined results of j2 Global and its 2014 acquisitions as if each acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Revenues
$
293,269

 
$
280,521

Net Income
$
63,926

 
$
59,291

EPS - Basic
$
1.34

 
$
1.29

EPS - Diluted
$
1.33

 
$
1.27


4.
    Investments

Short-term investments consist generally of corporate and governmental debt securities and certificates of deposits, which are stated at fair market value. Realized gains and losses of short and long-term investments are recorded using the specific identification method.


-11-



The following table summarizes j2 Global’s debt securities designated as available-for-sale, classified by the contractual maturity date of the security (in thousands):
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31, 2013
Due within 1 year
$
31,284

 
$
46,339

Due within more than 1 year but less than 5 years
52,456

 
44,865

Due within more than 5 years but less than 10 years

 

Due 10 years or after
2,479

 
2,486

Total
$
86,219

 
$
93,690


The following table summarizes the Company’s investments designated as available-for-sale (in thousands):
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31, 2013
Available-for-sale
$
116,621

 
$
123,737

Total
$
116,621

 
$
123,737

 
The following table summarizes the gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for the Company's available-for-sale investments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 aggregated by major security type (in thousands):
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt Securities
$
86,072

 
$
184

 
$
(37
)
 
$
86,219

Equity Securities
20,610

 
9,903

 
(111
)
 
30,402

Total
$
106,682

 
$
10,087

 
$
(148
)
 
$
116,621

December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Debt Securities
$
93,569

 
$
158

 
$
(37
)
 
$
93,690

Equity Securities
20,610

 
9,558

 
(121
)
 
30,047

Total
$
114,179

 
$
9,716

 
$
(158
)
 
$
123,737


At June 30, 2014, corporate and governmental debt securities, which have a fixed interest rate, were recorded as available-for-sale. There have been no significant changes in the maturity dates and average interest rates for the Company’s investment portfolio and debt obligations subsequent to June 30, 2014. At June 30, 2014, equity securities were recorded as available-for-sale and represent a strategic equity investment. At June 30, 2014, the Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders’ equity.
 
Investments in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, but in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months had a fair value of $38.6 million and $37.3 million, respectively. Investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months and longer as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 had a fair value of zero and $2.0 million, respectively, of which loss positions are determined to be temporary in nature.

Recognition and Measurement of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

j2 Global regularly reviews and evaluates each investment that has an unrealized loss. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses that are determined to be temporary in nature are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income for available-for-sale securities.

Regardless of the classification of the securities, the Company has assessed each position for impairment.

Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include:

the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost;

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the severity of the impairment;
the cause of the impairment and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer;
activity in the market of the issuer which may indicate adverse credit conditions; and
the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.

j2 Global’s review for impairment generally entails:

identification and evaluation of investments that have indications of possible impairment;
analysis of individual investments that have fair values less than amortized cost, including consideration of the length of time the investment has been in an unrealized loss position and the expected recovery period;
discussion of evidential matter, including an evaluation of factors or triggers that could cause individual investments to qualify as having an other-than-temporary impairment and those that would not support an other-than-temporary impairment;
documentation of the results of these analyses, as required under business policies; and
information provided by third-party valuation experts.

For these securities, a critical component of the evaluation for other-than-temporary impairments is the identification of credit impairment, where management does not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Credit impairment is assessed using a combination of a discounted cash flow model that estimates the cash flows on the underlying securities and a market comparables method, where the security is valued based upon indications from the secondary market of what discounts buyers demand when purchasing similar securities. The cash flow model incorporates actual cash flows from the securities through the current period and then projects the remaining cash flows using relevant interest rate curves over the remaining term. These cash flows are discounted using a number of assumptions, some of which include prevailing implied credit risk premiums, incremental credit spreads and illiquidity risk premiums, among others.
 
Securities that have been identified as other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to their current fair value. For debt securities that are intended to be sold or that management believes it more-likely-than-not that will be required to sell prior to recovery, the full impairment is recognized immediately in earnings.
 
For available-for-sale securities that management has no intent to sell and believes that it more-likely-than-not will not be required to sell prior to recovery, only the credit loss component of the impairment is recognized in earnings, while the rest of the fair value impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security.

5.
Fair Value Measurements

j2 Global complies with the provisions of ASC 820, which defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value and expands the disclosures required for fair value measurements of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
 
l
Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
 
 
 
 
l
Level 2 – Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
 
 
 
 
l
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The Company's cash equivalents and investments are primarily classified within Level 1. The Company values Level 1 investments primarily using quoted market prices utilizing market observable inputs. The fair value of the Senior Notes and

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Convertible Notes (See Note 7 - Long-Term Debt) are determined using recent quoted market prices or dealer quotes, if available, for instruments with similar terms, which is a Level 2 input, credit rating (if applicable) and maturities. If such information is not available, their fair value is determined using cash-flow models of the scheduled payments and, for the Convertible Notes, discounted at market interest rates for comparable debt without the conversion feature, which are considered Level 2 inputs. The total carrying value of long-term debt was $589.6 million and $245.7 million, and the corresponding fair value was approximately $692.3 million and $283.3 million, at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
 
The following tables present the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
June 30, 2014
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Money market and other funds
$
417,091

 
$

 
$

 
$
417,091

   Time deposits
52,156

 

 

 
52,156

   Corporate commercial papers
8,998

 

 

 
8,998

Certificates of deposit

 

 

 

Equity securities
30,403

 

 

 
30,403

Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
26,015

 

 

 
26,015

Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states
2,143

 

 

 
2,143

Debt securities issued by foreign governments
2,041

 

 

 
2,041

Corporate debt securities
56,018

 

 

 
56,018

Total
$
594,865

 
$

 
$

 
$
594,865

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Fair Value
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Money market and other funds
$
101,232

 
$

 
$

 
$
101,232

   Time deposits
22,773

 

 

 
22,773

Certificates of deposit
14,402

 

 

 
14,402

Equity securities
30,047

 

 

 
30,047

Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
23,702

 

 

 
23,702

Debt securities issued by states of the U.S. and political subdivisions of the states
3,296

 

 

 
3,296

Corporate debt securities
66,692

 

 

 
66,692

Total
$
262,144

 
$

 
$

 
$
262,144


Losses associated with other-than-temporary impairments are recorded as a component of other income (expenses). Gains and losses not associated with other-than-temporary impairments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. 


-14-



6.
    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Intangible assets resulting from the acquisitions of entities accounted for using the purchase method of accounting are recorded at the estimated fair value of the assets acquired. Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of purchased customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, developed technologies and other intangible assets. The fair values of these identified intangible assets are based upon expected future cash flows or income, which take into consideration certain assumptions such as customer turnover, trade names and patent lives. These determinations are primarily based upon the Company’s historical experience and expected benefit of each intangible asset. If it is determined that such assumptions are not accurate, then the resulting change will impact the fair value of the intangible asset. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized over the period of estimated economic benefit, which ranges from one to 20 years.

The changes in carrying amounts of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
Balance as of January 1, 2014
$
457,422

Goodwill acquired (Note 3)
56,842

Purchase accounting adjustments
(978
)
Foreign exchange translation
1,253

Balance as of June 30, 2014
$
514,539


The Company's goodwill balance was $514.5 million as of June 30, 2014, of which $366.2 million and $148.3 million were recorded in the Business Cloud Services and Digital Media segment, respectively. Purchase accounting adjustments relate to adjustments to goodwill in connection with prior year business acquisitions.

Intangible assets are summarized as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as follows (in thousands):

Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives:
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Trade name
$
27,379

 
$
27,379

Other
5,432

 
5,432

Total
$
32,811

 
$
32,811


Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization:

As of June 30, 2014, intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to the following (in thousands):
 
 
Weighted-Average
  Amortization
Period
 
Historical
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Tradenames
16.6 years
 
$
68,147

 
$
(13,481
)
 
$
54,666

Patent and patent licenses
7.8 years
 
62,137

 
(33,880
)
 
28,257

Customer relationships
9.0 years
 
185,783

 
(52,154
)
 
133,629

Other purchased intangibles
5.2 years
 
19,719

 
(14,249
)
 
5,470

Total
 
 
$
335,786

 
$
(113,764
)
 
$
222,022



-15-



As of December 31, 2013, intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to the following (in thousands):
 
Weighted-Average
  Amortization
Period
 
Historical
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Tradenames
17.0 years
 
$
66,911

 
$
(11,182
)
 
$
55,729

Patent and patent licenses
8.1 years
 
58,446

 
(29,916
)
 
28,530

Customer relationships
8.1 years
 
139,362

 
(38,382
)
 
100,980

Other purchased intangibles
5.0 years
 
18,149

 
(12,666
)
 
5,483

Total
 
 
$
282,868

 
$
(92,146
)
 
$
190,722


Amortization expense, included in general and administrative expense, approximated $11.5 million and $7.3 million for the three month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $21.5 million and $14.0 million for the six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Amortization expense is estimated to approximate $43.9 million, $41.3 million, $34.9 million, $29.1 million and $20.6 million for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 respectively, and $73.7 million thereafter through the duration of the amortization period.

7.
Long-Term Debt

8.0% Senior Notes

On July 26, 2012, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. (formerly j2 Global, Inc.), a subsidiary of j2 Global, Inc., issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% senior unsecured notes (the "Senior Notes") due August 1, 2020. j2 Cloud Services, Inc. received proceeds of $245 million in cash, net of initial purchaser's discounts and commissions of $5 million. As of June 30, 2014, the unamortized discount on the Senior Notes was approximately $4.1 million. Unamortized other fees of approximately $1.2 million were incurred in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes and recorded in long-term other assets. The net proceeds were available for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year beginning on February 1, 2013. j2 Cloud Services, Inc. has the option to call the Senior Notes in whole or in part after August 1, 2016, subject to certain premiums as defined in the indenture governing the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time before August 1, 2016, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a "make-whole" redemption price specified in the indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the redemption date. Also, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes using proceeds from certain public offerings of our equity securities at a price equal to 108% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, prior to August 1, 2015. Upon a change in control, the holders may put the Senior Notes at 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date. The Senior Notes are not guaranteed by any of j2 Cloud Services, Inc.'s subsidiaries as of June 30, 2014, because, as of such date, all of j2 Cloud Services, Inc.'s existing domestic restricted subsidiaries are deemed insignificant subsidiaries (as that term is defined in the indenture) or are designated as unrestricted subsidiaries.  If j2 Cloud Services, Inc. or any of its restricted subsidiaries acquires or creates a domestic restricted subsidiary, other than an insignificant subsidiary, after the issue date, or any insignificant restricted subsidiary ceases to fit within the definition of insignificant subsidiary, such restricted subsidiary is required to unconditionally guarantee, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis, j2 Cloud Services, Inc.'s obligations under the Senior Notes. In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes (defined below), j2 Global, Inc. unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, the obligations of j2 Cloud Services, Inc. under the Senior Notes,

The indenture to the Senior Notes contains certain restrictive and other covenants applicable to j2 Cloud Services, Inc. and subsidiaries designated as restricted subsidiaries, including but not limited to limitations on debt and disqualified or preferred stock, restricted payments, liens, sale and leaseback transactions, dividends and other payment restrictions, asset sales and transactions with affiliates. As of June 30, 2014, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. was in compliance with all such covenants. Violation of these covenants could result in a default which could result in the acceleration of outstanding amounts if such default is not cured or waived within the time periods outlined in the indenture agreement.

As of June 30, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Senior Notes was approximately $289.8 million and was based on the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms, credit rating and maturities of the Senior Notes as of June 30, 2014.


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3.25% Convertible Senior Notes

On June 10, 2014, j2 Global issued $402.5 million (including the subsequent exercise of the underwriters option) aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2029 (the “Convertible Notes”). j2 Global received proceeds of $391.4 million in cash, net of initial purchaser's discounts and commissions. The net proceeds were available for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, acquisitions, retirement of debt and other business opportunities. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.25% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2014. Beginning with the six-month interest period commencing on June 15, 2021, the Company must pay contingent interest on the Convertible Notes during any six-month interest period if the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for each of the five trading days immediately preceding the first day of such interest period equals or exceeds $1,300. Any contingent interest payable on the Convertible Notes will be in addition to the regular interest payable on the Convertible Notes.

Holders may surrender their Convertible Notes for conversion at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date only if one or more of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the closing sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the calendar quarter immediately preceding the calendar quarter in which the conversion occurs is more than 130% of the applicable conversion price of the Convertible Notes on each such trading day; (ii) during the five consecutive business day period following any ten consecutive trading day period in which the trading price for the Convertible Notes for each such trading day was less than 98% of the product of (a) the closing sale price of our common stock on each such trading day and (b) the applicable conversion rate on each such trading day; (iii) if j2 Global calls any or all of the Convertible Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the redemption date; (iv) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events; or (v) during either the period beginning on, and including, March 15, 2021 and ending on, but excluding, June 20, 2021 or the period beginning on, and including, March 15, 2029 and ending on, but excluding, the maturity date. j2 Global will settle conversions of Convertible Notes by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof at our election. The Company currently intends to satisfy our conversion obligation by paying and delivering a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, where cash will be used to settle each $1,000 of principal and the remainder, if any, will be settled via the Company's common shares.

The initial conversion rate is 14.4159 shares of our common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $69.37 per share of our common stock based on our closing stock price at issuance. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for certain events as set forth in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes and described in the Prospectus Supplement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 13, 2014 ("Prospectus Supplement") in connection with the offer and sale of the Convertible Notes, but will not be adjusted for accrued interest. In addition, following certain corporate events that occur on or prior to June 20, 2021, j2 Global will increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such a corporate event.

j2 Global may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to June 20, 2021. On or after June 20, 2021, j2 Global may redeem for cash all or part of the Convertible Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. No sinking fund is provided for the Convertible Notes.

Holders have the right to require j2 Global to repurchase for cash all or part of their Convertible Notes on each of June 15, 2021 and June 15, 2024 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the relevant repurchase date. In addition, if a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes, occurs prior to the maturity date, holders may require j2 Global to repurchase for cash all or part of their Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

The Convertible Notes will be the Company's general senior unsecured obligations and will rank: (i) senior in right of payment to any of the Company's future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes; (ii) equal in right of payment to the Company's existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated, including in respect of our guarantee of the obligations of our subsidiary, j2 Cloud Services, Inc., with respect to its outstanding Senior Notes; (iii) effectively junior in right of payment to any of the Company's secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by the Company's subsidiaries.


-17-



Accounting for the Convertible Senior Notes

In accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, convertible debt that can be settled for cash is required to be separated into the liability and equity component at issuance, with each component assigned a value. The value assigned to the liability component is the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of similar debt without the conversion feature. The difference between the cash proceeds and estimated fair value of the liability component, representing the value of the conversion premium assigned to the equity component, is recorded as a debt discount on the issuance date. This debt discount is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the period from the issuance date through the first stated repurchase date on June 15, 2021.

j2 Global estimated the straight debt borrowing rates at origination to be 5.79% for the Convertible Notes and determined the debt discount to be $59.0 million. As a result, a conversion premium after tax of $37.7 million was recorded in additional paid-in capital. As of June 30, 2014, the carrying value of the Convertible Notes was $343.7 million, which consisted of $402.5 million outstanding principal amount net of $58.8 million unamortized debt discount. The aggregate debt discount is amortized as interest expense over the period from the issuance date through the first stated repurchase date on June 15, 2021 using an interest rate of 5.81%. As of June 30, 2014, the remaining period over which the unamortized debt discount will be amortized is 7.0 years.

In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company incurred $11.7 million of issuance costs, which primarily consisted of the initial purchasers' discount and legal and other professional service fees. Deferred issuance costs of $10.0 million attributable to the liability component are being amortized to interest expense through June 15, 2021, and $1.7 million ($1.1 million net of tax) of transaction costs attributable to the equity component were netted with the equity component in additional paid-in capital at the issuance date. The deferred debt issuance costs are recorded within other assets in accordance with short- and long-term classification.

For the second quarter ended June 30, 2014, the Company recognized interest expense of $0.7 million related to the Convertible Notes, comprised of $0.4 million for the contractual coupon interest, $0.2 million related to the amortization of debt discount and $0.1 million related to the amortization of deferred debt issuance costs.

The Convertible Notes are carried at face value less any unamortized debt discount. The fair value of the Convertible Notes at each balance sheet date is determined based on recent quoted market prices or dealer quotes for the Convertible Notes, if available. If such information is not available, the fair value is determined using cash-flow models of the scheduled payments discounted at market interest rates for comparable debt without the conversion feature. As of June 30, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes was approximately $402.5 million.

Cash paid for interest on debt for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $10.0 million.

Long-term debt as of June 30, 2014 consists of the following (in thousands):
 
Notes
$
245,923

Convertible Notes
343,680

Total long-term debt
589,603

Less: current portion

Total long-term debt, less current portion
$
589,603


8.
    Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

From time-to-time, j2 Global or its affiliates are involved in litigation and other disputes or regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Many of these actions involve or are filed in response to patent actions filed by j2 Global or its affiliates against others. The number and significance of these disputes and inquiries has increased as our business has expanded and j2 Global has grown. Any claims or regulatory actions against j2 Global and its affiliates, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant management time and result in diversion of significant operational resources.

-18-



As part of the Company’s continuing effort to prevent the unauthorized use of its intellectual property, j2 Global or its affiliates have brought claims against several companies for infringing its patents relating to online fax, voice and other messaging technologies, including, among others, Vitelity Communications, Inc. (“Vitelity”), EC Data Systems, Inc. (“EC Data”), Integrated Global Concepts, Inc. (“IGC”), and RPost Holdings, Inc. (“RPost”) and its affiliates.

On September 23, 2011, two j2 Global affiliates filed suit against Vitelity in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (the “Central District of California”), alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,208,638 (the “‘638 Patent”) and U.S. Patent No. 6,350,066 (the “‘066 Patent”). On June 15, 2012, Vitelity filed counterclaims for invalidity and non-infringement of the ‘638 and ‘066 Patents. On September 13, 2013, the Court entered its Claim Construction Order. On April 3, 2014, this action was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.

On February 21, 2012, EC Data filed a complaint against two j2 Global affiliates in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, seeking declaratory judgment of non-infringement of the ‘638 and ‘066 Patents. On April 9, 2012, the j2 Global affiliates filed an answer to the complaint and counterclaims asserting that EC Data infringes these and other patents. On October 25, 2013, EC Data filed an amended complaint asserting claims for declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity of the ‘638 and ‘066 Patents, U.S. Patent No. 6,597,688 (the “‘688 Patent”) and U.S. Patent No. 7,020,132 (the “‘132 Patent”). On August 29, 2012, the Court granted the j2 Global affiliates’ motion to transfer the case to the Central District of California. On April 3, 2014, this action was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.

On June 28, 2013, a j2 Global affiliate filed suit against EC Data in the Central District of California, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,020,980 (the “‘980 Patent”). On October 4, 2013, EC Data filed its amended answer and counterclaims for non-infringement and invalidity of the ‘980 Patent. On April 3, 2014, this action was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.

On October 16, 2013, one of j2 Global’s affiliates entered its appearance as a plaintiff in a multi-district litigation proceeding entitled In re: Unified Messaging Solutions LLC and Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc. Patent Litigation (N.D. Ill. Master Docket No. 12 C 6286). In that litigation, a company with certain rights to assert patents owned by the j2 Global affiliate has asserted those patents against a number of defendants, and those defendants have filed counterclaims for, inter alia, non-infringement, unenforceability, and invalidity of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,857,074 (the “‘074 Patent”); 7,836,141 (the “‘141 Patent”); 7,895,306 (the “‘306 Patent”); 7,895,313 (the “‘313 Patent”); and 7,934,148 (the “‘148 Patent”). On December 20, 2013, the Court issued a claim construction ruling, construing certain terms of the patents-in-suit and, on June 13, 2014, entered a final judgment of non-infringement for the defendants based on that claim construction. The company asserting the patents and the j2 Global affiliate filed a notice of appeal on June 27, 2014.
On August 28, 2013, Phyllis A. Huster (“Huster”) filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (the “Northern District of Illinois”) against Unified Messaging Solutions, LLC, Acacia Patent Acquisition LLC (“Acacia”), Charles R. Bobo, II (“Bobo”), and two j2 Global affiliates for correction of inventorship of the ‘066, ‘074, ‘141, ‘306, ‘313, and ‘148 Patents, as well as U.S. Patents Nos. 5,675,507; 5,870,549; and 6,564,321. Huster seeks a declaration that she was an inventor of the patents at issue, an order directing the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office to substitute or add Huster as an inventor of the patents at issue, an order that the defendants pay to Huster at least half of all earnings from licensing and sales of rights in the patents at issue, costs, and attorneys’ fees. On October 28, 2013, the j2 Global affiliates and the other defendants in the case filed a motion to dismiss Huster’s action on the basis of improper venue and on the basis that Huster’s action is barred by laches. The defendants also filed a motion to strike certain portions of Huster’s prayer for relief. On the same day, one of the j2 Global affiliates filed a motion to dismiss on the basis that it is not a proper party to Huster’s action; Bobo filed a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction; and Acacia filed a motion to dismiss on the basis of lack of subject matter jurisdiction. These motions remain pending.
On September 15, 2006, a j2 Global affiliate filed a patent infringement suit against IGC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (the “Northern District of Georgia”). On May 13, 2008, IGC filed counterclaims alleging violations of Section 2 of the Sherman Act and breach of contract. IGC is seeking damages, including treble and punitive damages, an injunction against further violations, divestiture of certain assets, attorneys’ fees, and costs. On February 18, 2009, the Court granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to stay the case pending the conclusion of the j2 Global affiliate’s appeal of a summary judgment ruling of non-infringement in another case involving the same patents and issues. On January 22, 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the non-infringement ruling in the other case and on June 7, 2010, the Northern District of Georgia lifted the stay. On September 2, 2011, the Northern District of Georgia granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to dismiss IGC’s breach of contract counterclaim and one portion of IGC’s antitrust counterclaim. On July 26, 2012, the Northern District of Georgia granted in part IGC’s motion to strike certain affirmative defenses asserted by the j2 Global affiliate. On July 27, 2012, the Northern District of Georgia granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to dismiss the infringement claims and IGC’s related declaratory judgment counterclaims. On April 30, 2014, the Court denied IGC’s motion for leave to file amended counterclaims to assert a

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breach of contract claim. On March 12, 2014, the j2 Global affiliate moved for summary judgment on IGC’s remaining antitrust claims, which remains pending.
On July 2, 2012, IGC filed suit against two j2 Global affiliates in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (“Northern District of California”), alleging that the j2 Global affiliates - through filing suit in the Central District of California - breached a contract not to sue IGC. IGC seeks monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, injunctive relief and specific performance of the alleged covenant not to sue IGC. On April 12, 2013, the j2 Global affiliates filed an answer and asserted counterclaims for infringement of the ‘638, ‘066, ‘688, and ‘132 Patents. On May 3, 2013, IGC asserted counterclaims seeking declaratory judgments of invalidity, unenforceability and non-infringement of the ‘638, ‘066, ‘688, and ‘132 Patents, implied license and exhaustion, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. On June 28, 2013, the Court granted in part and denied in part the j2 Global affiliates’ motion to dismiss IGC’s counterclaims for declaratory judgment, exhaustion and punitive damages. On March 21, 2014, the Court granted the j2 Global affiliates’ summary judgment motion, dismissing IGC’s breach of contract claims. On June 27, 2014, the Court granted the j2 Global affiliates’ motion to transfer the case to the Central District of California.
On June 27, 2013, a j2 Global affiliate filed suit against IGC in the Northern District of California, alleging infringement of the ‘980 Patent. On August 29, 2013, IGC filed counterclaims for declarations of invalidity, unenforceability, and non-infringement of the ‘980 Patent; an implied license to the ‘980 Patent; and breach and specific enforcement of an alleged covenant not to sue IGC. On February 26, 2014, the Court granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to dismiss in part, dismissing IGC’s claim for declaratory judgment of unenforceability of the ‘980 Patent and striking related affirmative defenses. On October 18, 2013, the Court consolidated IGC’s breach of contract counterclaim with the other case pending in the Northern District of California and stayed the j2 Global affiliate’s patent infringement claims pending resolution of the breach of contract claims. On March 21, 2014, the Court granted summary judgment, dismissing IGC’s breach of contract counterclaims. On June 27, 2014, the Court granted the j2 Global affiliate’s motion to transfer the case to the Central District of California.
On February 17, 2011, Emmanuel Pantelakis (“Pantelakis”) filed suit against j2 Global Canada, Inc., carrying on business as Protus IP Solutions (“j2 Canada”), in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alleging that j2 Canada breached a contract with Pantelakis in connection with j2 Canada’s e-mail marketing services. Pantelakis is seeking damages, attorneys’ fees, interest, and costs. j2 Canada filed a responsive pleading on March 23, 2011. On July 16, 2012, j2 Canada filed its responses to undertakings. On November 6, 2012, Pantelakis filed his second amended statement of claim reframing his lawsuit as a negligence action. j2 Canada filed its amended statement of defense on April 8, 2013. A pre-trial conference was held on October 23, 2013, at which time the Court allowed additional discovery and set a new time table. Discovery is ongoing.
On January 18, 2013, Paldo Sign and Display Company (“Paldo”) filed an amended complaint adding two j2 Global affiliates and a former j2 Canada employee, Tyler Eyamie (“Eyamie”), as additional defendants in an existing purported class action pending in the Northern District of Illinois. The amended complaint alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”), the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (“ICFA”), and common law conversion, arising from a customer’s alleged use of the j2 Canada system to send unsolicited facsimile transmissions. On August 23, 2013, Paldo filed a second amended complaint to add a second plaintiff, Sabon, Inc. (“Sabon”). The j2 Global affiliates filed a motion to dismiss the ICFA and conversion claims, which was granted. Paldo and Sabon seek statutory damages, costs, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief for the remaining TCPA claims. Eyamie filed a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, which was granted on March 11, 2014. The discovery period commenced on April 17, 2014, and will close in August 2015. The case is set for trial in late January 2016.
On February 19, 2013, Asher & Simons, P.A. (“Simons”) and Dr. Stuart T. Zaller, LLC (“Zaller”) filed suit against two j2 Global affiliates in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, alleging violations of the TCPA. On April 10, 2014, Simons and Zaller filed an amended complaint, adding a cause of action for violation of the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. Simons and Zaller seek statutory damages, costs, attorney’s fees and injunctive relief. One j2 Global affiliate removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the other j2 Global affiliate was dismissed from the lawsuit for lack of personal jurisdiction. Subsequently, the entire case was dismissed pursuant to a settlement agreement.
On December 16, 2013, Anthony Jenkins filed a purported class action against a j2 Global affiliate “carrying on business as eFax” in the Central District of California. An amended complaint was filed on March 18, 2014 adding two additional named plaintiffs. The amended complaint includes causes of action for breach of contract, several state statutory violations, and conversion. The claims arose either out of alleged difficulties some users encountered in canceling their eFax® online fax accounts or from the j2 Global affiliate allegedly being unjustly enriched and converting users’ funds. The potential class representatives are seeking damages, attorneys’ fees, interest, costs, and injunctive relief on behalf of themselves and a purported nationwide class of persons allegedly similarly situated. On May 23, 2014, the Court dismissed with prejudice the plaintiffs’ breach of contract, conversion, and certain statutory claims. Other statutory claims were dismissed without prejudice.

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On February 19, 2014, two j2 Global affiliates filed suit against RPost and two RPost affiliates, alleging infringement of the ‘980 and ‘148 Patents, and seeking a declaration of non-infringement and/or invalidity of nine RPost patents that had been asserted against the j2 Global affiliates in an RPost patent assertion letter. An amended complaint was filed on June 20, 2014, adding j2 Canada as a plaintiff. The j2 Global affiliates are seeking damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees. RPost and its affiliates filed an answer to the complaint on July 14, 2014, and are asserting counterclaims of infringement for the nine RPost patents. RPost and its affiliates are seeking damages, costs, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief.
On June 23, 2014, Andre Free-Vychine (“Free-Vychine”) filed a purported class action against a j2 Global affiliate in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Los Angeles. The complaint alleges two statutory violations involving the late fees levied in certain eVoice® accounts. Free-Vychine is seeking damages and injunctive relief on behalf of himself and a purported nationwide class of persons allegedly similarly situated. The j2 Global affiliate has not yet filed an answer to the complaint.
On January 7, 2011 the Department of Revenue for the State of Washington (“Washington Department of Revenue”) issued assessments to j2 Cloud Services (formerly j2 Global) for business and occupations and retail sales tax for the periods January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2008 and January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. On February 4, 2011, j2 Cloud Services filed a petition for correction with the Washington Department of Revenue. On November 16, 2012 the Washington Department of Revenue issued a determination denying j2 Cloud Service’s petition. j2 Cloud Services paid the assessments on or about December 13, 2012 and on June 21, 2013 filed a complaint against the Washington Department of Revenue in the Superior Court of Washington for Thurston County, seeking a refund of the entire amount paid and asserting various declarations that the State improperly imposed tax. On September 27, 2013, the Court issued its Case Schedule Order. Discovery is ongoing.
j2 Global does not believe, based on current knowledge, that the foregoing legal proceedings or claims, including those where an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible, after giving effect to existing reserves, are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect j2 Global’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in a particular period. The Company has not accrued for a loss contingency relating to these legal proceedings because unfavorable outcomes are not considered by management to be probable or the amount of any losses reasonably estimable.
Non-Income Related Taxes

As a provider of cloud services for business, the Company does not provide telecommunications services. Thus, it believes that its business and its users (by using our services) are not subject to various telecommunication taxes. Moreover, the Company does not believe that its business and its users (by using our services) are subject to other indirect taxes, such as sales and use tax, value added tax (“VAT”), goods and services tax, business tax and gross receipt tax. However, several state and municipal taxing authorities have challenged these beliefs and have and may continue to audit and assess our business and operations with respect to telecommunications and other indirect taxes.

The current U.S. federal government moratorium on states and other local authorities imposing access or discriminatory taxes on the Internet, which is set to expire November 2014, does not prohibit federal, state or local authorities from collecting taxes on our income or from collecting taxes that are due under existing tax rules.

The Company is currently under audit for indirect taxes in several states and municipalities. The Company currently has no reserves established for these matters, as the Company has determined that the liability is not probable and estimable. However, it is reasonably possible that such a liability could be incurred, which would result in additional expense, which could materially impact our financial results.


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9.
    Income Taxes

The Company’s tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of the Company’s annual effective tax rate. Each quarter the Company updates its estimated annual effective tax rate and, if the estimate changes, makes a cumulative adjustment. j2 Global’s annual effective tax rate is normally lower than the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate and applicable apportioned state tax rates primarily due to anticipated earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries outside of the U.S. in jurisdictions where the Company’s effective tax rate is lower than in the U.S. For the quarter ended June 30, 2014, the effective tax rate was 10.9%.  j2 Global does not provide for U.S. income taxes on the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations because the Company intends to reinvest such earnings in foreign jurisdictions.  Income before income taxes included income from domestic operations of $38.8 million and $33.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and income from foreign operations of $37.5 million and $42.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $42.7 million and $43.9 million, respectively, in liabilities for uncertain income tax positions. The decrease in liabilities for uncertain income tax positions resulted from j2 Global effectively settling its California Franchise Tax Board ("FTB") 2004 through 2008 income tax audits. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of income.

Cash paid for income taxes net of refunds received was $14.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Certain taxes are prepaid during the year and included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s prepaid taxes were $19.5 million and $11.3 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Income Tax Audits:

The Company is under income tax audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for tax years 2009 and 2011. The Company has appealed the IRS tax examiner's decision regarding transfer pricing for tax years 2009 and 2010 to the IRS appeals office, and that process remains on-going.

j2 Global is currently under income tax audit by the FTB for tax years 2009 through 2011, by the Illinois Department of Revenue for tax years 2008 and 2009, by the New York City Department of Finance for tax years 2009 through 2011 and by the Canada Revenue Agency for tax years 2010 through 2011.

It is reasonably possible that these audits may conclude in the next 12 months and that the uncertain tax positions the Company has recorded in relation to these tax years may change compared to the liabilities recorded for these periods. If the recorded uncertain tax positions are inadequate to cover the associated tax liabilities, the Company would be required to record additional tax expense in the relevant period, which could be material. If the recorded uncertain tax positions are adequate to cover the associated tax liabilities, the Company would be required to record any excess as reduction in tax expense in the relevant period, which could be material. However, it is not currently possible to estimate the amount, if any, of such change.

10.
    Stockholders’ Equity

Non-Controlling Interest

Non-controlling interests represent equity interests in consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to j2 Global (i.e., minority interests). Non-controlling interests include the minority equity holders' proportionate share of the equity of Ziff Davis, LLC (formerly Ziff Davis, Inc.) and its subsidiaries ("Ziff Davis").

Ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the Company are presented as non-controlling interests within stockholders' equity, separately from the equity held by the Company. Revenues, expenses, net income and other comprehensive income are reported in the consolidated financial statements at the consolidated amounts, which includes amounts attributable to both the Company's interest and the non-controlling interests in Ziff Davis. Net income and other comprehensive income is then attributed to the Company's interest and the non-controlling interests. Net income (loss) to non-controlling interests is deducted from net income in the condensed consolidated statements of income to determine net income (loss) attributable to the Company's common stockholders.

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Common Stock Repurchase Program

In February 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of our common stock through February 20, 2013 (the "2012 Program") and on February 11, 2014 extended the 2012 Program through February 20, 2015.  During the six month period ended June 30, 2014, no shares were repurchased under this program.

Periodically, participants in j2 Global’s stock plans surrender to the Company shares of j2 Global stock to pay the exercise price or to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted stock. During the three month period ended June 30, 2014, the Company purchased 13,205 shares from plan participants for this purpose.

Dividends
 
The following is a summary of each dividend declared during fiscal year 2014:
Declaration Date
Dividend per Common Share
Record Date
Payment Date
February 11, 2014
$
0.2625

February 24, 2014
March 10, 2014
May 7, 2014
$
0.27

May 19, 2014
June 3, 2014

Future dividends are subject to Board approval.

11.
    Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan

j2 Global’s share-based compensation plans include the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”), 2007 Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”) and 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). Each plan is described below.

The 1997 Plan terminated in 2007. A total of 12,000,000 shares of common stock were authorized to be used for 1997 Plan purposes. An additional 840,000 shares were authorized for issuance upon exercise of options granted outside the 1997 Plan. As of June 30, 2014, 238,429 shares underlying options and zero shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 1997 Plan, all of which continue to be governed by the 1997 Plan.

The 2007 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other share-based awards. 4,500,000 shares of common stock are authorized to be used for 2007 Plan purposes. Options under the 2007 Plan may be granted at exercise prices determined by the Board of Directors, provided that the exercise prices shall not be less than the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the date of grant for incentive stock options and not less than 85% of the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the date of grant for non-statutory stock options. As of June 30, 2014, 653,946 shares underlying options and 100,604 shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 2007 Plan.

All stock option grants are approved by “outside directors” within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).
 

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Stock Options
 
The following table represents stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
1,175,657

 
$
21.21

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(368,886
)
 
14.71

 
 
 
 
Canceled
(15,000
)
 
31.07

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2014
791,771

 
24.05

 
4.4
 
$
21,226,157

Exercisable at June 30, 2014
666,357

 
23.46

 
3.9
 
$
18,256,962

Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2014
774,450

 
$
23.97

 
4.3
 
$
20,823,380


The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $12.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
 
As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, unrecognized stock compensation related to non-vested stock options granted under the 1997 Plan and the 2007 Plan approximated $1.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Unrecognized stock compensation expense related to non-vested stock options granted under these plans is expected to be recognized ratably over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years (i.e., the remaining requisite service period).

Fair Value Disclosure
 
j2 Global uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of each option grant. The expected volatility for the six months ended June 30, 2014 is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The Company estimates the expected term based upon the historical exercise behavior of our employees. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a term equal to the expected term of the option assumed at the date of grant. The Company uses an annualized dividend yield based upon the per share dividends declared by its Board of Directors.  Estimated forfeiture rates were 11.59% and 15.68% as of June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 Restricted Stock
 
j2 Global has awarded restricted stock and restricted stock units to its Board of Directors and senior staff pursuant to the 1997 Plan and the 2007 Plan. Compensation expense resulting from restricted stock and restricted unit grants is measured at fair value on the date of grant and is recognized as share-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting period. Beginning in fiscal year 2012, vesting periods are approximately one year for awards to members of the Company's Board of Directors and five years for senior staff. The Company recognized $3.6 million and $3.2 million of compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to restricted stock and restricted stock units. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had unrecognized share-based compensation cost of approximately $24.8 million and $20.2 million, respectively, associated with these awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.4 years for awards and 3.6 years for units.
 

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Restricted stock award activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014 is set forth below:
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2014
1,178,371

 
$
17.86

Granted
176,864

 
44.65

Vested
(405,535
)
 
16.23

Canceled
(15,509
)
 
33.66

Nonvested at June 30, 2014
934,191

 
$
23.38

  
Restricted stock unit award activity for the six months ended June 30, 2014 is set forth below:

 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
109,725

 
 
 
 
Granted
16,737

 
 
 
 
Vested
(10,858
)
 
 
 
 
Canceled
(15,000
)
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2014
100,604

 
2.1
 
$
5,116,719

Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2014
79,246

 
1.9
 
$
4,030,433


Share-Based Compensation Expense
 
The following table represents share-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Cost of revenues
$
27

 
$
205

 
$
181

 
$
419

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Sales and marketing
426

 
432

 
917

 
850

Research, development and engineering
222

 
102

 
362

 
208

General and administrative
1,288

 
1,596

 
2,887

 
3,206

Total
$
1,963

 
$
2,335

 
$
4,347

 
$
4,683


Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
The Purchase Plan provides for the issuance of a maximum of two million shares of the Company's common stock. Under the Purchase Plan, eligible employees can have up to 15% of their earnings withheld, up to certain maximums, to be used to purchase shares of j2 Global’s common stock at certain plan-defined dates. The price of the common stock purchased under the Purchase Plan for the offering periods is equal to 95% of the fair market value of the common stock at the end of the offering period. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 2,824 and 3,158 shares were purchased under the plan, respectively. Cash received upon the issuance of common stock under the Purchase Plan was $123,000 and $106,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As of June 30, 2014, 1,637,375 shares were available under the Purchase Plan for future issuance.


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12.
    Earnings Per Share
 
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator for basic and diluted net income per common share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
35,049

 
$
36,040

 
$
63,814

 
$
58,962

Net income available to participating securities (a)
(701
)
 
(565
)
 
(1,418
)
 
(1,020
)
Net income available to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
34,348

 
$
35,475

 
$
62,396

 
$
57,942

Denominator:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock
46,745,596

 
45,428,230

 
46,556,428

 
45,294,925

Dilutive effect of:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans
322,171

 
590,015

 
355,146

 
586,540

Common stock and common stock equivalents
47,067,767

 
46,018,245

 
46,911,574

 
45,881,465

Net income per share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.73

 
$
0.78

 
$
1.34

 
$
1.28

Diluted
$
0.73

 
$
0.77

 
$
1.33

 
$
1.26


(a)
Represents unvested share-based payment awards that contain certain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid).

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, there were zero options outstanding, which were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

13.Segment Information

The Company's business segments are based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. j2 Global's reportable business segments are: (i) Business Cloud Services and (ii) Digital Media. Segment accounting policies are the same as described in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation.

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Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to consolidated income from operations is presented below (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues by segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
$
106,523

 
$
108,768

 
$
207,353

 
$
199,507

Digital Media
38,274

 
32,778

 
71,642

 
55,685

Elimination of inter-segment revenues
(53
)
 
(185
)
 
(127
)
 
(214
)
Total revenues
144,744

 
141,361

 
278,868

 
254,978

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct costs by segment(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
60,156

 
48,489

 
115,768

  
94,571

Digital Media
32,717

 
33,290

 
61,433

  
60,193

Direct costs by segment(1):
92,873

 
81,779

 
177,201

 
154,764

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services operating income
46,367

 
60,279

 
91,585

 
104,936

Digital Media operating income (loss)
5,556

 
(513
)
 
10,208

 
(4,509
)
Segment operating income
51,923

 
59,766

 
101,793

 
100,427

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global operating costs(2)
7,085

 
7,159

 
15,371

 
14,833

Income from operations
$
44,838

 
$
52,607

 
$
86,422

 
$
85,594

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Direct costs for each segment include cost of revenues and other operating expenses that are directly attributable to the segment such as employee compensation expense, local sales and marketing expenses, engineering and operations, depreciation and amortization and other administrative expenses.
 
 
 
 
(2) Global operating costs include general and administrative and other corporate expenses that are managed on a global basis and that are not directly attributable to any particular segment.
 
 
 
 

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June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Assets:
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
$
907,848

 
$
818,722

Digital Media
337,554

 
333,286

Total assets from reportable segments
1,245,402

 
1,152,008

Corporate
394,415

 
1,781

Elimination of intersegment receivables

 

Elimination of inter-segment note receivable

 

Total assets
$
1,639,817

 
$
1,153,789

 
 
 

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
$
2,803

 
$
2,661

Digital Media
1,618

 
3,022

Total from reportable segments
4,421

 
5,683

Corporate
210

 
306

Total capital expenditures
$
4,631

 
$
5,989


 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Cloud Services
$
10,026

 
$
5,906

 
$
18,058

 
$
11,362

Digital Media
5,105

 
3,415

 
10,023

 
6,567

Total from reportable segments
15,131

 
9,321

 
28,081

 
17,929

Corporate
186

 
158

 
374

 
312

Total depreciation and amortization
$
15,317

 
$
9,479

 
$
28,455

 
$
18,241


j2 Global maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Japan and other countries. Geographic information about the U.S. and all other countries for the reporting periods is presented below. Such information attributes revenues based on jurisdictions where revenues are reported (in thousands).
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
United States
$
96,847

 
$
103,619

 
$
188,274

 
$
179,997

Canada
17,436

 
18,587

 
34,944

 
37,145

Ireland
11,414

 
10,307

 
22,509

 
20,405

All other countries
19,047

 
8,848

 
33,141

 
17,431

 
$
144,744

 
$
141,361

 
$
278,868

 
$
254,978



-28-



 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Long-lived assets:
 

 
 

United States
$
166,668

 
$
170,247

All other countries
96,015

 
51,675

Total
$
262,683

 
$
221,922


14.
Unrestricted Subsidiaries

As of June 30, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors had designated the following entities as “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” under the indenture governing j2 Cloud Services' Senior Notes:

Ziff Davis, LLC and subsidiaries
Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries

The financial position and results of operations of these Unrestricted Subsidiaries are included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

-29-




As required by the indenture governing j2 Cloud Services' Senior Notes, information sufficient to ascertain the financial condition and results of operations excluding the Unrestricted Subsidiaries must be presented. Accordingly, the Company is presenting the following tables.

The financial position of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2014
ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,902

Accounts receivable
47,528

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
2,723

Deferred income taxes
4,187

Total current assets
74,340

Property and equipment, net
13,070

Trade names, net
49,128

Patent and patent licenses, net
19,295

Customer relationships, net
52,705

Goodwill
148,301

Other purchased intangibles, net
3,244

Deferred income taxes
196

Other assets
1,741

Total assets
$
362,020

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
14,391

Income taxes payable
7,731

Deferred revenue, current
4,527

Deferred income taxes

Total current liabilities
26,649

Deferred income taxes
23,799

Other long-term liabilities
1,409

Total liabilities
51,857

Additional paid-in capital
316,300

Accumulated deficit
(6,086
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(51
)
Total stockholders’ equity
310,163

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
362,020


-30-



The results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014 (1)
 
2013
 
2014 (1)

2013
Revenues
$
38,907

 
$
32,778

 
$
72,275

 
$
55,685

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues
4,445

 
4,692

 
8,297

 
8,284

Gross profit
34,462

 
28,086

 
63,978

 
47,401

Operating expenses:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Sales and marketing
16,431

 
18,176

 
31,389

 
30,964

Research, development and engineering
1,154

 
1,480

 
2,226

 
3,458

General and administrative
12,959

 
8,943

 
21,793

 
17,488

Total operating expenses
30,544

 
28,599

 
55,408

 
51,910

Income (loss) from operations
3,918

 
(513
)
 
8,570

 
(4,509
)
Interest expense (income), net
(3
)
 
2,367

 
(1
)
 
3,716

Other expense (income), net
(76
)
 
(261
)
 
(418
)
 
(192
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
3,997

 
(2,619
)
 
8,989

 
(8,033
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
2,209

 
(1,128
)
 
4,235

 
(3,460
)
Net income (loss)
$
1,788

 
$
(1,491
)
 
$
4,754

 
$
(4,573
)

(1) Effective in the second quarter of 2014, Advanced Messaging Technologies, Inc. and subsidiaries were classified as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. As a result, the prior period may not be comparable to the current period presentation.

15.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
3,416

 
$
(984
)
 
$
2,432

     Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
2,918

 
1,334

 
4,252

     Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(33
)
 

 
(33
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
2,885

 
1,334

 
4,219

Ending balance
$
6,301

 
$
350

 
$
6,651



-31-



The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
6,056

 
$
(1,821
)
 
$
4,235

     Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
261

 
2,171

 
2,432

     Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(16
)
 

 
(16
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
245

 
2,171

 
2,416

Ending balance
$
6,301

 
$
350

 
$
6,651


The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments
 
(52
)
 
(26
)
 
Other expense (income), net
 
 
(52
)
 
(26
)
 
Total, before income taxes
 
 
19

 
10

 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
(33
)
 
(16
)
 
Total, net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(16
)
 
Total, net of tax

16.
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

In connection with the June 2014 Convertible Note issuance, j2 Global, Inc. entered into a supplemental indenture related to the Senior Notes, pursuant to which j2 Global, Inc. fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, the full and punctual payment of the 8.0% senior unsecured notes due 2020 that were issued by its wholly owned subsidiary, j2 Cloud Services, Inc. j2 Cloud Services, Inc. is subject to restrictions on dividends in its existing indenture with respect to the Senior Notes and the credit facility with Union Bank. While substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than the net cash proceeds from the issuance of the Convertible Notes) are owned directly or indirectly by j2 Cloud Services, Inc., those contractual provisions did not, as of June 30, 2014 meaningfully restrict j2 Cloud Services, Inc.’s ability to pay dividends to j2 Global,Inc.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present, in separate columns, financial information for (i) j2 Global, Inc., (the “Parent”) on a parent only basis, (ii) j2 Cloud Services, Inc. (the “Issuer”), (iii) the non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, (iv) the eliminations and reclassifications necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis, and (v) the Company on a consolidated basis. The condensed consolidating financial statements are presented in accordance with the equity method. Under this method, the investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the Company’s share of subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions, distributions and other equity changes. Intercompany charges (income) between the Parent and subsidiaries are recognized in the condensed consolidating financial statements during the period incurred and the settlement of intercompany balances is reflected in the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows based on the nature of the underlying transactions. Consolidating adjustments include consolidating and eliminating entries for investments in subsidiaries, intercompany activity and balances.




-32-




j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
As of
June 30, 2014
BALANCE SHEET
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
391,483

 
$
29,968

 
$
170,430

 
$

 
$
591,881

Short-term investments

 
56,667

 
5,020

 

 
61,687

Accounts receivable, net

 
11,069

 
59,761

 

 
70,830

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
220

 
30,043

 
3,578

 

 
33,841

Deferred income taxes
100

 

 
3,132

 

 
3,232

Intercompany receivable
387

 
545

 
(1
)
 
(931
)
 

Total current assets
392,190

 
128,292

 
241,920

 
(931
)
 
761,471

Long-term investments

 
54,934

 

 

 
54,934

Property and equipment, net

 
8,416

 
32,246

 

 
40,662

Trade names, net

 
10,315

 
71,730

 

 
82,045

Patent and patent licenses, net

 
8,922

 
19,335

 

 
28,257

Customer relationships, net

 
1,188

 
132,441

 

 
133,629

Goodwill

 
61,524

 
453,015

 

 
514,539

Other purchased intangibles, net

 
4,311

 
6,591

 

 
10,902

Investment in subsidiaries
230,131

 
407,984

 
1,076

 
(639,191
)
 

Other assets
9,956

 
1,444

 
1,978

 

 
13,378

Total assets
$
632,277

 
$
687,330

 
$
960,332

 
$
(640,122
)
 
$
1,639,817

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
1,839

 
$
24,778

 
$
38,969

 
$

 
$
65,586

Income taxes payable

 

 
4,727

 

 
4,727

Deferred revenue - short term

 
23,324

 
33,991

 

 
57,315

Deferred income taxes
7

 
2,502

 
(826
)
 

 
1,683

Other current liabilities

 

 
909

 

 
909


-33-



Intercompany payable

 

 
931

 
(931
)
 

Total current liabilities
1,846

 
50,604

 
78,701

 
(931
)
 
130,220

Long term debt
343,680

 
245,923

 

 

 
589,603

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
42,650

 

 

 
42,650

Deferred income taxes
20,832

 
9,503

 
35,760

 

 
66,095

Deferred revenue - long term

 
9,552

 
2,190

 

 
11,742

Other long-term liabilities

 
940

 
4,975

 

 
5,915

Total liabilities
366,358

 
359,172

 
121,626

 
(931
)
 
846,225

Common stock, $0.01 par value.
468

 

 
34

 
(34
)
 
468

Additional paid-in capital - common
266,122

 
230,131

 
378,986

 
(609,117
)
 
266,122

Retained earnings
(671
)
 
91,890

 
459,172

 
(30,040
)
 
520,351

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 
6,137

 
514

 

 
6,651

Total j2 Global Inc., stockholders’ equity
265,919

 
328,158

 
838,706

 
(639,191
)
 
793,592

Total stockholders’ equity
265,919

 
328,158

 
838,706

 
(639,191
)
 
793,592

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
632,277

 
$
687,330

 
$
960,332

 
$
(640,122
)
 
$
1,639,817


-34-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$

 
$
65,313

 
$
106,042

 
$
(26,611
)
 
$
144,744

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues

 
19,051

 
33,065

 
(26,558
)
 
25,558

Gross profit

 
46,262

 
72,977

 
(53
)
 
119,186

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sales and marketing

 
8,968

 
26,414

 
(53
)
 
35,329

Research, development and engineering

 
3,471

 
4,129

 

 
7,600

General and administrative
400

 
7,646

 
23,373

 

 
31,419

Total operating expenses
400

 
20,085

 
53,916

 
(53
)
 
74,348

Operating income
(400
)
 
26,177

 
19,061

 

 
44,838

Interest expense (income), net
650

 
5,095

 
(63
)
 

 
5,682

Other expense (income), net

 
(40
)
 
(145
)
 

 
(185
)
Income before income taxes
(1,050
)
 
21,122

 
19,269

 

 
39,341

Income tax expense
(379
)
 
(1,818
)
 
6,489

 

 
4,292

Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
(671
)
 
$
22,940

 
$
12,780

 
$

 
$
35,049


-35-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$

 
$
116,507

 
$
202,676

 
$
(40,315
)
 
$
278,868

 


 


 


 


 


Cost of revenues

 
39,004

 
50,131

 
(40,188
)
 
48,947

Gross profit

 
77,503

 
152,545

 
(127
)
 
229,921

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing

 
17,980

 
50,435

 
(127
)
 
68,288

Research, development and engineering

 
7,091

 
7,723

 

 
14,814

General and administrative
400

 
17,215

 
42,782

 

 
60,397

Total operating expenses
400

 
42,286

 
100,940

 
(127
)
 
143,499

Operating income
(400
)
 
35,217

 
51,605

 

 
86,422

Interest expense (income), net
650

 
10,198

 
(218
)
 

 
10,630

Other expense (income), net

 
(71
)
 
(434
)
 

 
(505
)
Income before income taxes
(1,050
)
 
25,090

 
52,257

 

 
76,297

Income tax expense
(379
)
 
1,325

 
11,537

 

 
12,483

Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$
(671
)
 
$
23,765

 
$
40,720

 
$

 
$
63,814


-36-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
(671
)
 
$
22,940

 
$
12,780

 
$

 
$
35,049

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)

 

 
1,334

 

 
1,334

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
2,477

 
408

 

 
2,885

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 
2,477

 
1,742

 

 
4,219

Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$
(671
)
 
$
25,417

 
$
14,522

 
$

 
$
39,268


-37-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
(671
)
 
$
23,765

 
$
40,720

 
$

 
$
63,814

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)

 

 
2,171

 

 
2,171

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
(421
)
 
666

 

 
245

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 
(421
)
 
2,837

 

 
2,416

Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$
(671
)
 
$
23,344

 
$
43,557

 
$

 
$
66,230


-38-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
(671
)
 
$
23,765

 
$
40,720

 
$

 
$
63,814

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

 
 

 
 
 
 
 


Depreciation and amortization

 
3,703

 
24,752

 

 
28,455

Amortization of discount or premium of investments

 
504

 
150

 

 
654

Amortization of financing costs and discounts
265

 
376

 

 

 
641

Share-based compensation

 
3,850

 
497

 

 
4,347

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 
(4,803
)
 

 

 
(4,803
)
Provision for doubtful accounts

 
448

 
1,362

 

 
1,810

Deferred income taxes
(92
)
 
5

 
(693
)
 

 
(780
)
(Gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale investments

 
(40
)
 

 

 
(40
)
Decrease (increase) in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Accounts receivable


(789
)
 
6,480

 

 
5,691

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(2
)
 
(3,845
)
 
696

 

 
(3,151
)
Other assets

 
46

 
(9
)
 

 
37

(Decrease) increase in:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 


Accounts payable and accrued expenses
839

 
1,451

 
(5,906
)
 

 
(3,616
)
Income taxes payable
(286
)
 
(4,849
)
 
4,815

 

 
(320
)
Deferred revenue

 
(247
)
 
611

 

 
364

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
(1,211
)

(2
)
 

 
(1,213
)
Other
(1
)
 
(51
)
 
(32
)
 

 
(84
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
52

 
18,313

 
73,441

 

 
91,806

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity of certificates of deposit

 
8,210

 
6,310

 

 
14,520

Purchase of certificates of deposit

 

 

 

 

Sales of available-for-sale investments

 
40,340

 
11,589

 

 
51,929


-39-



Purchase of available-for-sale investments

 
(45,044
)
 
1

 

 
(45,043
)
Purchases of property and equipment

 
(533
)
 
(4,098
)
 

 
(4,631
)
Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 
608

 

 
608

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received

 
55

 
(79,601
)
 

 
(79,546
)
Purchases of intangible assets

 
(2,804
)
 
(1,095
)
 

 
(3,899
)
Investment in subsidiaries

 
(1,021
)
 

 
1,021

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 
(797
)
 
(66,286
)
 
1,021

 
(66,062
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of long-term debt
402,500

 

 

 

 
402,500

Debt issuance costs
(11,069
)
 

 

 

 
(11,069
)
Repurchases of common stock and restricted stock

 
(4,733
)
 

 

 
(4,733
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 
123

 

 

 
123

Exercise of stock options

 
5,247

 

 

 
5,247

Dividends paid

 
(25,302
)
 

 

 
(25,302
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 
4,803

 

 

 
4,803

Deferred payments for acquisitions

 
(3,996
)
 
(9,477
)
 

 
(13,473
)
Other

 
(54
)
 
(163
)
 

 
(217
)
Intercompany

 
1,958

 
(937
)
 
(1,021
)
 

Net cash provided by financing activities
391,431

 
(21,954
)
 
(10,577
)
 
(1,021
)
 
357,879

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 
457

 

 
457

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
391,483

 
(4,438
)
 
(2,965
)
 

 
384,080

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 
34,406

 
173,395

 

 
207,801

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
391,483

 
$
29,968

 
$
170,430

 
$

 
$
591,881


-40-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
As of
December 31, 2013
BALANCE SHEET
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$
34,406

 
$
173,395

 
$

 
$
207,801

Short-term investments

 
67,848

 
22,941

 

 
90,789

Accounts receivable, net

 
11,541

 
55,704

 

 
67,245

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 
16,662

 
3,402

 

 
20,064

Deferred income taxes

 

 
3,126

 

 
3,126

Intercompany receivable

 
4,433

 

 
(4,433
)
 

Total current assets

 
134,890

 
258,568

 
(4,433
)
 
389,025

Long-term investments

 
47,351

 

 

 
47,351

Property and equipment, net

 
11,232

 
19,968

 

 
31,200

Trade names, net

 
12,119

 
70,989

 

 
83,108

Patent and patent licenses, net

 
15,107

 
13,423

 

 
28,530

Customer relationships, net

 
6,125

 
94,855

 

 
100,980

Goodwill

 
86,025

 
371,397

 

 
457,422

Other purchased intangibles, net

 
5,306

 
5,609

 

 
10,915

Investment in subsidiaries

 
357,057

 

 
(357,057
)
 

Deferred income taxes

 
202

 
1,643

 

 
1,845

Other assets

 
1,576

 
1,837

 

 
3,413

Total assets
$

 
$
676,990

 
$
838,289

 
$
(361,490
)
 
$
1,153,789

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$

 
$
29,419

 
$
40,151

 
$

 
$
69,570

Income taxes payable

 

 
1,569

 

 
1,569

Deferred revenue - short term

 
23,762

 
12,564

 

 
36,326

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
5,532

 
3

 

 
5,535

Deferred income taxes

 
906

 
986

 

 
1,892

Intercompany payable

 

 
4,433

 
(4,433
)
 

Total current liabilities

 
59,619

 
59,706

 
(4,433
)
 
114,892

Long term debt

 
245,670

 

 

 
245,670


-41-



Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
38,329

 

 

 
38,329

Deferred income taxes

 

 
35,833

 

 
35,833

Deferred revenue - long term

 
10,753

 
436

 

 
11,189

Other long-term liabilities

 
989

 
469

 

 
1,458

Total liabilities

 
355,360

 
96,444

 
(4,433
)
 
447,371

Common stock, $0.01 par value

 
461

 
34

 
(34
)
 
461

Additional paid-in capital - common

 
216,871

 
326,984

 
(326,983
)
 
216,872

Retained earnings

 
97,754

 
417,136

 
(30,040
)
 
484,850

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 
6,544

 
(2,309
)
 

 
4,235

Total j2 Global Inc., stockholders’ equity

 
321,630

 
741,845

 
(357,057
)
 
706,418

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 
321,630

 
741,845

 
(357,057
)
 
706,418

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$

 
$
676,990

 
$
838,289

 
$
(361,490
)
 
$
1,153,789


-42-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$

 
$
71,304

 
$
84,240

 
$
(14,183
)
 
$
141,361

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues

 
21,278

 
15,399

 
(13,998
)
 
22,679

Gross profit

 
50,026

 
68,841

 
(185
)
 
118,682

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sales and marketing

 
10,630

 
24,768

 
(185
)
 
35,213

Research, development and engineering

 
3,078

 
3,310

 

 
6,388

General and administrative

 
8,924

 
15,550

 

 
24,474

Total operating expenses

 
22,632

 
43,628

 
(185
)
 
66,075

Operating income

 
27,394

 
25,213

 

 
52,607

Interest expense (income), net

 
2,046

 
2,813

 

 
4,859

Other expense (income), net

 
(183
)
 
141

 

 
(42
)
Income before income taxes

 
25,531

 
22,259

 

 
47,790

Income tax expense

 
9,838

 
1,985

 

 
11,823

Net income
$

 
$
15,693

 
$
20,274

 
$

 
$
35,967

Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(73
)
 
(73
)
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$

 
$
15,693

 
$
20,274

 
$
73

 
$
36,040


-43-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$

 
$
129,570

 
$
156,816

 
$
(31,408
)
 
$
254,978

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues

 
41,908

 
32,200

 
(31,194
)
 
42,914

Gross profit

 
87,662

 
124,616

 
(214
)
 
212,064

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing

 
21,272

 
43,793

 
(214
)
 
64,851

Research, development and engineering

 
6,052

 
7,082

 

 
13,134

General and administrative

 
18,455

 
30,030

 

 
48,485

Total operating expenses

 
45,779

 
80,905

 
(214
)
 
126,470

Operating income

 
41,883

 
43,711

 

 
85,594

Interest expense (income), net

 
5,233

 
4,503

 

 
9,736

Other expense (income), net

 
(99
)
 
(104
)
 

 
(203
)
Income before income taxes

 
36,749

 
39,312

 

 
76,061

Income tax expense

 
14,377

 
2,946

 

 
17,323

Net income
$

 
$
22,372

 
$
36,366

 
$

 
$
58,738

Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(224
)
 
(224
)
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders
$

 
$
22,372

 
$
36,366

 
$
224

 
$
58,962


-44-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$

 
$
15,693

 
$
20,274

 
$

 
$
35,967

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)

 

 
(363
)
 

 
(363
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
2,355

 
(175
)
 

 
2,180

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 
2,355

 
(538
)
 

 
1,817

Comprehensive income

 
18,048

 
19,736

 

 
37,784

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(73
)
 
(73
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax expense (benefit)

 

 
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$

 
$
18,048

 
$
19,751

 
$
73

 
$
37,872


-45-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$

 
$
22,372

 
$
36,366

 
$

 
$
58,738

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit)

 

 
(2,116
)
 

 
(2,116
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax expense (benefit)

 
5,767

 
(766
)
 

 
5,001

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 
5,767

 
(2,882
)
 

 
2,885

Comprehensive income

 
28,139

 
33,484

 

 
61,623

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 
(224
)
 
(224
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax expense (benefit)

 

 
(22
)
 

 
(22
)
Comprehensive income attributable to j2 Global, Inc.
$

 
$
28,139

 
$
33,506

 
$
224

 
$
61,869


-46-



j2 Global, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
j2 Cloud Services, Inc.
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
j2 Global Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$

 
$
22,372

 
$
36,366

 
$

 
$
58,738

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

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization

 
4,336

 
13,905

 

 
18,241

Amortization of discount or premium of investments

 
615

 
205

 

 
820

Amortization of financing costs and discounts

 
301

 
(1
)
 

 
300

Share-based compensation

 
4,683

 

 

 
4,683

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 
(1,581
)
 

 

 
(1,581
)
Provision for doubtful accounts

 
711

 
568

 

 
1,279

Deferred income taxes

 
(556
)
 
14

 

 
(542
)
Decrease (increase) in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable


(983
)
 
3,869

 

 
2,886

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 
21

 
908

 

 
929

Other assets

 
12

 
475

 

 
487

(Decrease) increase in:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 
(2,199
)
 
7,197

 

 
4,998

Income taxes payable

 
4,341

 
(4,129
)
 

 
212

Deferred revenue

 
14,962

 
(913
)
 

 
14,049

Liability for uncertain tax positions

 
3,512



 

 
3,512

Other

 
20

 
(10
)
 

 
10

Net cash provided by operating activities

 
50,567

 
58,454

 

 
109,021

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity of certificates of deposit

 
22,106

 
9,014

 

 
31,120

Purchase of certificates of deposit

 
(8,165
)
 
(5,696
)
 

 
(13,861
)
Sales of available-for-sale investments

 
62,261

 
5,000

 

 
67,261

Purchase of available-for-sale investments

 
(79,661
)
 
(12,068
)
 

 
(91,729
)
Purchases of property and equipment

 
(2,482
)
 
(3,507
)
 

 
(5,989
)

-47-



Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received

 
(1,624
)
 
(79,526
)
 

 
(81,150
)
Purchases of intangible assets

 
(791
)
 
(470
)
 

 
(1,261
)
Investment in subsidiaries

 
(12,498
)
 

 
12,498

 

Other

 
3,281

 
(3,281
)
 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 
(17,573
)
 
(90,534
)
 
12,498

 
(95,609
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt issuance costs

 
(47
)
 

 

 
(47
)
Repurchases of common stock and restricted stock

 
(2,266
)
 

 

 
(2,266
)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 
106

 

 

 
106

Exercise of stock options

 
6,524

 

 

 
6,524

Dividends paid

 
(21,762
)
 

 

 
(21,762
)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 
1,581

 

 

 
1,581

Intercompany

 
(62,851
)
 
75,349

 
(12,498
)
 

Net cash used in financing activities

 
(78,715
)
 
75,349

 
(12,498
)
 
(15,864
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 
3

 
(1,305
)
 

 
(1,302
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 
(45,718
)
 
41,964

 

 
(3,754
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 
76,712

 
141,968

 

 
218,680

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$

 
$
30,994

 
$
183,932

 
$

 
$
214,926



-48-



17.
    Subsequent Events
 
On August 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2775 per share of common stock payable on September 2, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 18, 2014.


-49-



Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Information

In addition to historical information, the foregoing Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not limited to those discussed below, the risk factors discussed in Part II, Item 1A - “Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (if any) and in Part I, Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (together, the “Risk Factors”), and the factors discussed in the section in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q entitled “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the Risk Factors and the risk factors set forth in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC.
 
Some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability and intention to:

Sustain growth or profitability, particularly in light of an uncertain U.S. or worldwide economy and the related impact on customer acquisition and retention rates, customer usage levels and credit and debit card payment declines;
Maintain and increase our cloud services customer base and average revenue per user;
Generate sufficient cash flow to make interest and debt payments and reinvest in our business, and pursue desired activities and businesses plans while satisfying restrictive covenants relating to debt obligations;
Acquire businesses on acceptable terms and successfully integrate and realize anticipated synergies from such acquisitions;
Continue to expand our businesses and operations internationally in the wake of numerous risks, including adverse currency fluctuations, difficulty in staffing and managing international operations, higher operating costs as a percentage of  revenues or the implementation of adverse regulations;
Maintain our financial position, operating results and cash flows in the event that we incur new or unanticipated costs or tax liabilities, including those relating to federal and state income tax and indirect taxes, such as sales, value-added and telecommunication taxes;
Accurately estimate the assumptions underlying our effective worldwide tax rate;
Continue to pay a comparable cash dividend on a quarterly basis;
Maintain favorable relationships with critical third-party vendors whose financial condition will not negatively impact the services they provide;
Create compelling digital media content causing increased traffic and advertising levels; additional advertisers or an increase in advertising spend; and effectively target digital media advertisements to desired audiences;
Manage certain risks inherent to our business, such as costs associated with fraudulent activity, system failure or network security breach; effectively maintaining and managing our billing systems; time and resources required to manage our legal proceedings; or adhering to our internal controls and procedures;
Compete with other similar providers with regard to price, service and functionality;
Cost-effectively procure, retain and deploy large quantities of telephone numbers in desired locations in the United States and abroad;
Achieve business and financial objectives in light of burdensome domestic and international telecommunications, Internet or other regulations including data privacy, security and retention;
Successfully manage our growth, including but not limited to our operational and personnel-related resources, and integration of newly acquired businesses;
Successfully adapt to technological changes and diversify services and related revenues at acceptable levels of financial return;

-50-



Successfully develop and protect our intellectual property, both domestically and internationally, including our brands, patents, trademarks and domain names, and avoid infringing upon the proprietary rights of others; and
Recruit and retain key personnel.

In addition, our financial results could be materially impacted by risks associated with new accounting pronouncements.

Overview

j2 Global, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“j2 Global”, the "Company", “our”, “us” or “we”), is a leading provider of Internet services. Through our Business Cloud Services Division, we provide cloud services to businesses of all sizes, from individuals to enterprises, and license our intellectual property ("IP") to third parties. Our Digital Media Division operates a portfolio of web properties providing technology, gaming and lifestyle content, and an innovative data-driven platform connecting advertisers with visitors to those properties and to visitors of third party websites that are part of the Digital Media Division's advertising network.

Our Business Cloud Services Division generates revenues primarily from customer subscription and usage fees and from IP licensing fees. Our Digital Media Division generates revenues primarily from advertising and IP licensing fees.
In addition to growing our businesses organically, on a regular basis we acquire businesses to grow our customer bases, expand and diversify our service offerings, enhance our technologies and acquire skilled personnel. For additional information on our acquisitions, see Note 3 - Business Acquisitions - in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our consolidated revenues are currently generated from three basic business models, each with different financial profiles and variability. Our Business Cloud Services Division is driven primarily by subscription revenues that are relatively higher margin and stable and predictable from quarter-to-quarter with some seasonal weakness in the fourth quarter. The Business Cloud Services Division also includes the results of our IP licensing business, which can vary dramatically in both revenues and profitability from period-to-period. Our Digital Media Division is driven primarily by advertising revenues, has relatively higher sales and marketing expense and has seasonal strength in the fourth quarter. We continue to pursue additional acquisitions, which may include companies operating under business models that differ from those we operate under today. Such acquisitions could impact our consolidated profit margins and the variability of our revenues.
j2 Global was founded in 1995 and is a Delaware corporation. We manage our operations through two business segments: Business Cloud Services and Digital Media. Information regarding revenue and operating income attributable to each of our reportable segments is included within Note 13 - Segment Information - of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference. IP licensing activities are included within the Business Cloud Services segment.
Our Business Cloud Services revenues are impacted by the number of effective business days in a given period. We traditionally experience lower than average Business Cloud Services usage and customer sign-ups in the fourth quarter. Revenues associated with our Digital Media operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations, becoming most active during the fourth quarter holiday period due to increased online retail activity.

-51-



Business Cloud Services Segment Performance Metrics

The following table sets forth certain key operating metrics for our Business Cloud Services segment as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except for percentages):

  
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Subscriber revenues:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed
$
85,507

 
$
74,555

 
$
165,986

 
$
145,829

Variable
19,633

 
19,196

 
38,006

 
37,424

Total subscriber revenues
$
105,140

 
$
93,751

 
$
203,992

 
$
183,253

Percentage of total subscriber revenues:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed
81.3
%
 
79.5
%
 
81.4
%
 
79.6
%
Variable
18.7
%
 
20.5
%
 
18.6
%
 
20.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average monthly revenue per Cloud Business Customer (1)(2)
$
13.84

 
$
14.07

 
 
 
 
Cancel Rate(3)
2.0
%
 
2.2
%
 
 
 
 
(1)
Quarterly ARPU is calculated using our standard convention of applying the average of the quarter's beginning and ending base to the total revenue for the quarter. We believe ARPU provides investors an understanding of the average monthly revenues we recognize associated with each Cloud Business Customer. As ARPU varies based on fixed subscription fee and variable usage components, we believe it can serve as a measure by which investors can evaluate trends in the types of services, levels of services and the usage levels of those services across our Cloud Business Customer base.
(2)
Cloud Business Customers is defined as paying DIDs for fax and voice services, and direct and resellers’ accounts for other services.
(3)
Cancel Rate is defined as cancels of small and medium business ("SMB") and individual Cloud Business Customers with greater than 4 months of continuous service (continuous service includes Cloud Business Customers which are administratively cancelled and reactivated within the same calendar month), and enterprise Cloud Business Customers beginning with their first day of service. Calculated monthly and expressed here as an average over the three months of the quarter.

Digital Media Segment Performance Metrics

The following table sets forth certain key operating metrics for our Digital Media segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Visits
607

 
558

 
1,202

 
935

Page views
1,963

 
1,897

 
3,985

 
3,146

Sources: Omniture; Google Analytics

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In the ordinary course of business, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of our financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Our critical accounting policies are described in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, there were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates, except the Company measured the liability component of the Convertible Notes at its estimated fair value as of the date of issuance. The fair value of the liability component of the Convertible Notes was calculated by using the straight-debt rate to discount the future principal and interest cash flows associated with the Convertible Notes over the expected life of the Convertible Notes.

-52-




Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Business Cloud Services Segment
Assuming a stable or improving economic environment, subject to our risk factors, we expect the revenue and profits as included in the results of operations below in our Business Cloud Services segment to continue for the foreseeable future (excluding the impact of acquisitions). The main focus of our Business Cloud Services offerings is to reduce or eliminate costs, increase sales and enhance productivity, mobility, business continuity and security of our customers as the technologies and devices they use evolve over time. As a result, we expect to continue to take steps to enhance our existing offerings and offer new services to continue to satisfy the evolving needs of our customers. Through our IP licensing operations, which are included in the Business Cloud Services segment, we seek to make our IP available for license to third parties, and we expect to continue to attempt to obtain additional IP through a combination of acquisitions and internal development in an effort to increase available licensing opportunities and related revenues.
We expect acquisitions to remain an important component of our strategy and use of capital; however, we cannot predict whether our current pace of acquisitions will remain the same within this segment. In a given period, we may close greater or fewer acquisitions than in prior periods. Moreover, future acquisitions of businesses within this segment but with different business models may impact the segment's overall profit margins. Also, as IP licensing often involves litigation, the timing of licensing transactions is unpredictable and can and does vary significantly from period-to-period. This variability can cause the overall segment's financial results to materially vary from period-to-period.
Digital Media Segment
Assuming a stable or improving economic environment, subject to our risk factors, we expect the revenue and profits in our Digital Media segment to improve over the next several quarters as we integrate our recent acquisitions and over the longer term as advertising transactions continue to shift from offline to online. The main focus of our advertising programs is to provide relevant and useful advertising to visitors to our websites and those included within our advertising networks, reflecting our commitment to constantly improve their overall web experience. As a result, we expect to continue to take steps to improve the relevance of the ads displayed on our websites and those included within our advertising networks.
The operating margin we realize on revenues generated from ads placed on our websites is significantly higher than the operating margin we realize from revenues generated from those placed on third-party websites. Growth in advertising revenues from our websites has generally exceeded that from third-party websites. This trend has had a positive impact on our operating margins, and we expect that this will continue for the foreseeable future. However, the trend in advertising spend is shifting to mobile devices and other newer advertising formats which generally experience lower margins than those from desktop computers and tablets. We expect this trend to continue to pressure our margins.
We expect acquisitions to remain an important component of our strategy and use of capital; however, we cannot predict whether our current pace of acquisitions will remain the same within this segment. In a given period, we may close greater or fewer acquisitions than in prior periods. Moreover, future acquisitions of businesses within this segment but with different business models may impact the segment's overall profit margins.
j2 Global Consolidated
We anticipate that the stable revenue trend in our Business Cloud Services segment combined with the improving revenue and profits in our Digital Media segment will result in overall improved revenue and profits for j2 Global on a consolidated basis, excluding the impact of any future acquisitions and revenues associated with licensing our IP which can vary dramatically from period-to-period.
We expect operating profit as a percentage of revenues to generally decline in the future as we expect our less profitable Digital Media segment and the expected increasing pressure on margins as described above to grow at a faster rate than our more profitable Businesses Cloud Services segment, excluding the impact of any future acquisitions and partially offset by improved Digital Media segment margins due to economies of scale.

-53-




Revenues

 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Revenues
$144,744
 
$141,361
 
2%
 
$278,868
 
$254,978
 
9%

Our revenues consist of revenues from our Business Cloud Services segment and from our Digital Media segment. Business Cloud Services revenues primarily consist of revenues from “fixed” customer subscription revenues and “variable” revenues generated from actual usage of our services. We also generate Business Cloud Services revenues from IP licensing. Digital Media revenues primarily consist of advertising revenues, fees paid for generating business leads, and licensing and sale of editorial content and trademarks.

Our revenues have increased over the comparable three and six month period of 2013 primarily due to the following factors:

Organic growth within our Digital Media properties, plus acquisitions in that segment; and

Acquisitions within our Business Cloud Services segment, plus organic growth in that segment.

Cost of Revenues

(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Cost of revenue
$25,558
 
$22,679
 
13%
 
$48,947
 
$42,914
 
14%
As a percent of revenue
18%
 
16%
 
2%
 
18%
 
17%
 
1%

Cost of revenues is primarily comprised of costs associated with data and voice transmission, DIDs, network operations, customer service, editorial and production costs, online processing fees and equipment depreciation. The increase in cost of revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in costs associated with acquisitions within the Business Cloud Services and Digital Media segments.

Operating Expenses

Sales and Marketing.
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Sales and Marketing
$35,329
 
$35,213
 
—%
 
$68,288
 
$64,851
 
5%
As a percent of revenue
24%
 
25%
 
(1)%
 
24%
 
25%
 
(1)%
 
Our sales and marketing costs consist primarily of Internet-based advertising, sales and marketing, personnel costs and other business development-related expenses. Our Internet-based advertising relationships consist primarily of fixed cost and performance-based (cost-per-impression, cost-per-click and cost-per-acquisition) advertising relationships with an array of online service providers. Advertising cost for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $15.6 million and $14.3 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $30.7 million and $28.6 million, respectively.  The increase in sales and marketing expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable period was primarily due to increased advertising partially offset by reduced personnel costs. The increase in sales and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable period was primarily due to due to additional personnel costs associated with acquisitions, as well as increased advertising.


-54-



Research, Development and Engineering.
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
Research, Development and Engineering
$7,600
 
$6,388
 
19%
 
$14,814
 
$13,134
 
13%
As a percent of revenue
5%
 
5%
 
—%
 
5%
 
5%
 
—%

Our research, development and engineering costs consist primarily of personnel-related expenses. The increase in research, development and engineering costs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable period was primarily due to additional personnel costs associated with acquisitions.

General and Administrative.
(in thousands, except percentages)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage
Change
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Percentage Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
General and Administrative
$31,419
 
$24,474
 
28%
 
$60,397
 
$48,485
 
25%
As a percent of revenue
22%
 
17%
 
5%
 
22%
 
19%
 
3%

Our general and administrative costs consist primarily of personnel-related expenses, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, bad debt expense, professional fees and insurance costs. The increase in general and administrative expense for the three months ended June 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable periods was primarily due to additional amortization of intangible assets, personnel costs associated with acquisitions within the Business Cloud Services segment, bad debt expense and professional fees. The increase in general and administrative expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the prior comparable periods was primarily due to additional amortization of intangible assets, personnel costs associated with acquisitions, professional fees, certain taxes and bad debt expense.
 
Share-Based Compensation

The following table represents share-based compensation expense included in cost of revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Cost of revenues
$
27

 
$
205

 
$
181

 
$
419

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales and marketing
426

 
432

 
917

 
850

Research, development and engineering
222

 
102

 
362

 
208

General and administrative
1,288

 
1,596

 
2,887

 
3,206

Total
$
1,963

 
$
2,335

 
$
4,347

 
$
4,683


Non-Operating Income and Expenses

Interest expense (income), net. Our interest expense (income), net is generated primarily from interest expense due to outstanding debt and interest earned on cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments. Interest expense (income), net was $5.7 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $10.6 million and $9.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the three and six month period was primarily due to additional interest expense following the June 2014 issuance of the Convertible Notes.


-55-



Other expense (income), net. Our other expense (income), net is generated primarily from miscellaneous items, gain or losses on currency exchange and the sale of investments. Other expense (income), net was $(0.2) million and $0.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(0.5) million and $(0.2) million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in the three and six month period was primarily due to the sale of investments.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate is based on pre-tax income, statutory tax rates, tax regulations (including those related to transfer pricing) and different tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The tax bases of our assets and liabilities reflect our best estimate of the tax benefits and costs we expect to realize. When necessary, we establish valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized. 

Provision for income taxes amounted to $4.3 million and $11.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Income tax expense for the six month ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $12.5 million and $17.3 million, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 10.9% and 24.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 16.4% and 22.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The decrease in our effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to the following:

1.
a reversal of uncertain income tax positions; and
2.
the recognition of a net operating loss; and
3.
an increase in the portion of our income being taxed in foreign jurisdiction and subject to lower tax rates than in the U.S.; partially offset by:
4.
an increase in subpart F income

The decrease in our effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to the following:

1.    a reversal of uncertain income tax positions; and

2.    the recognition of a net operating loss; partially offset by:

3.    an increase in subpart F income

Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes and in evaluating our tax positions on a worldwide basis. We believe our tax positions, including intercompany transfer pricing policies, are consistent with the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we conduct our business. Certain of these tax positions have in the past been, and are currently being, challenged, and this may have a significant impact on our effective tax rate if our tax reserves are insufficient.

Segment Results
Our business segments are based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. Our reportable business segments are: (i) Business Cloud Services; and (ii) Digital Media.
We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on segment revenues, including both external and inter-segment net sales, and segment operating income. We account for inter-segment sales and transfers based primarily on standard costs with reasonable mark-ups established between the segments. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the respective reportable segment's operations. Corporate assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes and certain other assets. All significant inter-segment amounts are eliminated to arrive at our consolidated financial results.

-56-



Business Cloud Services
The following segment results are presented for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
External net sales
$
106,523

 
$
108,768

 
$
(2,245
)
 
(2.1
)%
 
$
207,353

 
$
199,507

  
$
7,846

  
3.9
 %
Inter-segment net sales

 

 

 
 %
 

  

  

  
 %
Segment net sales
106,523

 
108,768

 
(2,245
)
 
(2.1
)%
 
207,353

  
199,507

  
7,846

  
3.9
 %
Cost of revenues
21,113

 
17,987

 
3,126

 
17.4
 %
 
40,650

 
34,630

  
6,020

  
17.4
 %
Gross profit
85,410

 
90,781

 
(5,371
)
 
(5.9
)%
 
166,703

  
164,877

  
1,826

  
1.1
 %
Operating expenses
39,043

 
30,502

 
8,541

 
28.0
 %
 
75,118

 
59,941

  
15,177

  
25.3
 %
Segment operating income
$
46,367

 
$
60,279

 
$
(13,912
)
 
(23.1
)%
 
$
91,585

  
$
104,936

  
$
(13,351
)
  
(12.7
)%
Segment net sales of $106.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $(2.2) million, or (2.1)%, from the prior comparable period primarily due to a decrease in IP licensing revenues as a result of the patent license we secured during the second quarter of 2013 pursuant to which we received $27 million, approximately $12.6 million of which was recorded during the quarter as associated with past damages (the "Q2 2013 License"); partially offset by an increase in our subscriber base at stable average revenue per user (ARPU) levels. Segment net sales of $207.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $7.8 million, or 3.9%, from the prior comparable period primarily due to an increase in our subscriber base at stable average revenue per user (ARPU) levels; partially offset by a decrease in IP licensing revenues.
Segment gross profit of $85.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $(5.4) million from the prior comparable period primarily due to the decrease in IP licensing revenues which has no related cost of revenues. Segment gross profit of $166.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $1.8 million from the prior comparable period. Excluding the impact of the Q2 2013 License, gross profit as a percentage of revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was consistent with the prior comparable period.
Segment operating expenses of $39.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased $8.5 million from 2013 primarily due to (a) additional amortization of intangible assets and salary costs associated with businesses acquired in and subsequent to the prior comparable period; ; (b) an increase in sales and marketing costs; (c) recognition of certain city user taxes; (d) an increase in professional fees; and (e) additional depreciation due to certain capital expenditures during the current year.
As a result of these factors, segment operating income of $46.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $(13.9) million, or (23.1)%, from the prior comparable period, and segment operating income of $91.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $(13.4) million, or (12.7)%, from the prior comparable period.

-57-



Digital Media
 The following segment results are presented for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
External net sales
$
38,221

 
$
32,593

 
$
5,628

 
17.3
 %
 
$
71,515

 
$
55,471

 
$
16,044

 
28.9
 %
Intersegment net sales
53

 
185

 
(132
)
 
(71.4
)%
 
127

 
214

 
(87
)
 
(40.7
)%
Segment net sales
38,274

 
32,778

 
5,496

 
16.8
 %
 
71,642

 
55,685

 
15,957

 
28.7
 %
Cost of revenues
4,445

 
4,692

 
(247
)
 
(5.3
)%
 
8,297

 
8,284

 
13

 
0.2
 %
Gross profit
33,829

 
28,086

 
5,743

 
20.4
 %
 
63,345

 
47,401

 
15,944

 
33.6
 %
Operating expenses
28,273

 
28,599

 
(326
)
 
(1.1
)%
 
53,137

 
51,910

 
1,227

 
2.4
 %
Segment operating income (loss)
$
5,556

 
$
(513
)
 
$
6,069

 
(1,183.0
)%
 
$
10,208

 
$
(4,509
)
 
$
14,717

 
(326.4
)%
Segment net sales of $38.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased $5.5 million, or 16.8%, from the prior comparable period, and segment net sales of $71.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $16.0 million, or 28.7%, from the prior comparable period, in each case primarily due to additional advertising revenues as a result of acquisitions subsequent to the prior comparable period.
Segment gross profit of $33.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased $5.7 million from the prior comparable period, and segment gross profit of $63.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $15.9 million from the prior comparable period, in each case primarily due to an increase in net sales between the periods.
Segment operating expenses of $28.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and $53.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, were comparable to the prior comparable period.
As a result of these factors, segment operating income of $5.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 increased $6.1 million from the prior comparable period, and segment operating income of $10.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $14.7 million from the prior comparable period.

-58-



Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

At June 30, 2014, we had cash and investments of $708.5 million compared to $345.9 million at December 31, 2013. The increase resulted primarily from the proceeds from our June 2014 issuance of $402.5 million the Convertible Notes, cash provided by operations, sales of investments and the exercise of stock options, partially offset by business acquisitions, dividends paid and the repurchase of stock. At June 30, 2014, cash and investments consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $591.9 million, short-term investments of $61.7 million and long-term investments of $54.9 million. Our investments are comprised primarily of readily marketable corporate and governmental debt securities, money-market accounts and time deposits. For financial statement presentation, we classify our investments primarily as available-for-sale; thus, they are reported as short- and long-term based upon their maturity dates. Short-term investments mature within one year of the date of the financial statements and long-term investments mature one year or more from the date of the financial statements. We retain a substantial portion of our cash and investments in foreign jurisdictions for future reinvestment. As of June 30, 2014, cash and investments held within foreign and domestic jurisdictions were $156.9 million and $551.6 million, respectively. If we were to repatriate funds held within foreign jurisdictions, we would incur U.S. income tax on the repatriated amount at the federal statutory rate of 35% and the state statutory rate where applicable, net of a credit for foreign taxes paid on such amounts.
 
On May 7, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share of common stock payable on June 3, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 19, 2014. On August 5, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2775 per share of common stock payable on September 2, 2014 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 18, 2014. Future dividends are subject to Board approval and certain restrictions within the Credit Agreement, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”), with Union Bank, N.A. and within the Indenture relating to the Notes, a copy of which the Company filed with the SEC as an exhibit to its Current Report on Form 8-K on July 26, 2012.

In exchange for the Convertible Notes, j2 Global received proceeds of $391.4 million in cash, net of initial purchaser's discounts and commissions. The net proceeds are available for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, acquisitions, retirement of debt and other business opportunities.

We currently anticipate that our existing cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated needs for working capital, capital expenditure, stock repurchases and cash dividends for at least the next 12 months.

Cash Flows

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations, together with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Net cash provided by operating activities was $91.8 million and $109.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our operating cash flows resulted primarily from cash received from our customers offset by cash payments we made to third parties for their services, employee compensation and semi-annual interest payments associated with our senior notes. The decrease in our net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to lower deferred revenue, accounts payable and accrued expense balances, lower liability for uncertain tax positions, and increased prepaid assets and increased excess tax benefit from share-based compensation, partially offset by increased depreciation and amortization and lower accounts receivable balances. Certain taxes are prepaid during the year and included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Our prepaid taxes were $19.5 million and $11.3 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. A significant portion of our Cloud Business Services segment subscribers pay us via credit cards and therefore those receivables generally settle quickly. In the Digital Media segment, advertisers generally pay in arrears and receivables generally settle within a range of 90 days.

Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $(66.1) million and $(95.6) million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to business acquisitions, the purchase of available-for-sale investments, property and equipment and intangible assets; partially offset by the sale of available-for-sale investments and maturity of certificates of deposit. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable business acquisitions and the purchase of available-for-sale investments, certificates of deposit, property and equipment and intangible assets; partially offset by the sale of available-for-sale investments and maturity of certificates of deposit. The decrease in our net cash used in investing activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to lower purchases of available-for-sale investments.


-59-



Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was approximately $357.9 million and $(15.9) million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to the proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes, proceeds from the exercise of stock options and excess tax benefit from share-based compensation; partially offset by dividends paid and repurchases of stock. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable dividends paid and repurchases of stock partially offset by the proceeds from the exercise of stock options and excess tax benefit from share-based compensation. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily attributable to the proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes.

Stock Repurchase Program

Effective February 15, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of our common stock through February 20, 2013 (the "2012 Program"). On February 11, 2014, the Board extended the 2012 Program through February 20, 2015.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of June 30, 2014:
 
 
 
Payments Due in
(in thousands)
Contractual Obligations
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Long-term debt - principal (a)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
652,500

 
$
652,500

Long-term debt - interest (b)
 
16,435

 
33,081

 
33,081

 
33,081

 
33,081

 
72,425

 
221,184

Operating leases (c)
 
4,260

 
8,027

 
6,938

 
4,937

 
4,375

 
4,161

 
32,698

Telecom services and co-location facilities (d)
 
972

 
1,612

 
932

 
339

 
34

 

 
3,889

Holdback payment (e)
 
2,384

 
5,080

 
470

 

 

 

 
7,934

Other (f)
 
1,195

 
888

 
277

 
5

 

 

 
2,365

Total 
 
$
25,246

 
$
48,688

 
$
41,698

 
$
38,362

 
$
37,490

 
$
729,086

 
$
920,570

 
(a)
These amounts represent principal on long-term debt.
(b)
These amounts represent interest on long-term debt.
(c)
These amounts represent undiscounted future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable leases.
(d)
These amounts represent service commitments to various telecommunication providers.
(e)
These amounts primarily represent the holdback amounts in connection with certain business acquisitions.
(f)
These amounts primarily represent certain consulting and Board of Directors fee arrangements, software license commitments and others.

As of June 30, 2014, our liability for uncertain tax positions was $42.7 million. Future payments related to uncertain tax positions have not been presented in the table above due to the uncertainty of the amounts and timing of cash settlement with such authorities.
 
Credit Agreement

On January 5, 2009, our subsidiary j2 Cloud Services entered into a Credit Agreement with Union Bank, N.A. in order to further enhance our liquidity in the event of potential acquisitions or other corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement was amended on August 16, 2010, July 13, 2012, November 9, 2012 and November 19, 2013. The July 13, 2012 amendment was entered into in connection with the issuance of senior unsecured notes as discussed in Note 7 - Long-Term Debt, and extended the Revolving Credit Commitment Termination Date (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to November 14, 2013. The November 9, 2012 amendment was entered into in connection with the acquisition of Ziff Davis. The November 19, 2013 amendment extended the revolving credit commitment termination date to November 14, 2016 and amended certain definitions and covenants. 

j2 Cloud Services has not drawn down any amounts under the Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2014.

-60-



Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The following discussion of the market risks we face contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. j2 Global undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in this document and in the other documents incorporated by reference herein, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 as well as in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC, including the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed or to be filed by us in 2014.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities. The primary objectives of our investment activities are to preserve our principal while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve these objectives, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and investments in a mix of instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in our investment policy. Our cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these instruments. As of June 30, 2014, the carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximated fair value. Our return on these investments is subject to interest rate fluctuations.

Our short- and long-term investments are comprised primarily of readily marketable corporate and governmental debt securities and certificates of deposits. Investments in fixed rate interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates. Our interest income is sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. and foreign countries’ interest rates. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates.

As of June 30, 2014, we had investments in debt securities with effective maturities greater than one year of approximately $54.9 million. Such investments had a weighted average yield of approximately 1%. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalent investments in time deposits and money market funds with maturities of 90 days or less of $591.9 million and $207.8 million, respectively. Based on our cash and cash equivalents and short- and long-term investment holdings as of June 30, 2014, an immediate 100 basis point decline in interest rates would decrease our annual interest income to approximately zero.

Our subsidiary, j2 Cloud Services, is a party to the Credit Agreement, as amended, with Union Bank, N.A. If j2 Cloud Services were to borrow under the Credit Agreement, we would be subject to the prevailing interest rates and could be exposed to interest rate fluctuations.

We cannot ensure that future interest rate movements will not have a material adverse effect on our future business, prospects, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. To date, we have not entered into interest rate hedging transactions to control or minimize certain of these risks.

Foreign Currency Risk

We conduct business in certain foreign markets, primarily in Canada, Australia and the European Union. Our principal exposure to foreign currency risk relates to investment and inter-company debt in foreign subsidiaries that transact business in functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, primarily the Canadian Dollar, Euro, British Pound Sterling, Australian Dollar and Japanese Yen. If we are unable to settle our short term inter-company debts in a timely manner, we remain exposed to foreign currency fluctuations.
    
As we expand our international presence, we become further exposed to foreign currency risk by entering new markets with additional foreign currencies. The economic impact of currency exchange rate movements is often linked to variability in real growth, inflation, interest rates, governmental actions and other factors. These changes, if material, could cause us to adjust our financing and operating strategies.

As currency exchange rates change, translation of the income statements of the international businesses into U.S. Dollars affects year-over-year comparability of operating results, the impact of which is immaterial to the comparisons set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

-61-




Historically, we have not hedged translation risks because cash flows from international operations were generally reinvested locally; however, we may do so in the future. Our objective in managing foreign exchange risk is to minimize the potential exposure to changes that exchange rates might have on earnings, cash flows and financial position.

Foreign exchange gains and (losses) were not material to our earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, where net foreign currency gain/(loss) amounted to approximately $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and $(0.2) million and $(0.1) million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, cumulative translation adjustments included in other comprehensive income amounted to approximately $1.3 million and $2.2 million, net of tax, respectively.

We currently do not have derivative financial instruments for hedging, speculative or trading purposes and therefore are not subject to such hedging risk. However, we may in the future engage in hedging transactions to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
j2 Global’s management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, performed an evaluation of j2 Global’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that j2 Global’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management to allow their timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)
Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

-62-



PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

See Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Financial Statements (Part I, Item 1) for information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, before deciding to invest in j2 Global or to maintain or increase your investment, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “10-K Risk Factors”) as well as in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC, including the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any Current Reports on Form 8-K filed or to be filed by us in 2014. If any of these risks occur, our business, prospects, financial condition, operating results and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. The 10-K Risk Factors are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. There have been no material changes from the 10-K Risk Factors, except for the risks described below relating to the Company's June 2014 issuance of Convertible Notes:

Risks Related To Our Business
We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to settle conversions of the Convertible Notes or to repurchase the Convertible Notes upon a fundamental change or on a repurchase date, and our future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversion or repurchase of the Convertible Notes.
Holders of the Convertible Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase their Convertible Notes on each of June 15, 2021 and June 15, 2024 and upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, in each case, at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, unless we elect to deliver solely shares of our common stock to settle such conversion (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we will be required to make cash payments in respect of the Convertible Notes being converted. However, we may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to make repurchases of Convertible Notes surrendered therefor or Convertible Notes being converted. In addition, our ability to repurchase the Convertible Notes or to pay cash upon conversions of the Convertible Notes may be limited by law, by regulatory authority or by agreements governing our future indebtedness. Our failure to repurchase Convertible Notes at a time when the repurchase is required by the indenture or to pay any cash payable on future conversions of the Convertible Notes as required by the indenture would constitute a default under the indenture. A default under the indenture or the fundamental change itself could also lead to a default under agreements governing our future indebtedness. If the repayment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay the indebtedness and repurchase the Convertible Notes or make cash payments upon conversions thereof.
The conditional conversion feature of the Convertible Notes, if triggered, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
In the event the conditional conversion feature of the Convertible Notes is triggered, holders of Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert the Convertible Notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their Convertible Notes, unless we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering solely shares of our common stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we would be required to settle a portion or all of our conversion obligation through the payment of cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity. In addition, even if holders do not elect to convert their Convertible Notes, we could be required under applicable accounting rules to reclassify all or a portion of the outstanding principal of the notes as a current rather than long-term liability, which would result in a material reduction of our net working capital.
Our interest deductions attributable to the Convertible Notes may be deferred, limited or eliminated under certain conditions.
We believe that the Convertible Notes are subject to the contingent payment debt instrument regulations. This conclusion is subject to complex factual and legal uncertainty and is not binding on the IRS or the courts. If the IRS takes a contrary position and a court sustains the IRS’ position, our tax deductions would be severely diminished with a resulting adverse effect on our cash flow and ability to service the Convertible Notes.

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Risks Related To Our Stock
The fundamental change purchase feature of the Convertible Notes may delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial attempt to take over our company.
The terms of the Convertible Notes require us to offer to purchase the Convertible Notes for cash in the event of a fundamental change. A non‑stock takeover of our company may trigger the requirement that we purchase the Convertible Notes. This feature may have the effect of delaying or preventing a takeover of our company that would otherwise be beneficial to investors.
Conversions of the Convertible Notes will dilute the ownership interest of our existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their Convertible Notes.
The conversion of some or all of the Convertible Notes will dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders. Any sales in the public market of our common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. In addition, the existence of the Convertible Notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the Convertible Notes could depress the price of our common stock.
We are a holding company and our operations are conducted through, and substantially all of our consolidated assets are held by, our subsidiaries, which are subject to certain restrictions on their ability to pay dividends to us to fund dividends on our stock, pay interest on the Convertible Notes and fund other holding company expenses.
We are a holding company. We conduct substantially all of our operations through our subsidiaries. A substantial portion of our consolidated assets is held by our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our ability to pay dividends on our stock, service our debt, including the Convertible Notes, and fund other holding company expenses depends on the results of operations of our subsidiaries and upon the ability of such subsidiaries to provide us with cash, whether in the form of dividends, loans or otherwise.

In addition, dividends, loans or other distributions to us from such subsidiaries are subject to contractual and other restrictions and are subject to other business considerations. j2 Cloud Services, which currently conducts all of our operations, is subject to restrictions on dividends in its existing indenture with respect to the Senior Notes and the credit facility with Union Bank. The Senior Notes indenture generally prohibits dividends except out of a basket of 50% of cumulative net income and proceeds from equity offerings, although it permits any dividends if j2 Cloud Services’ pro forma leverage ratio is less than 1.75 to 1. The credit facility prohibits dividends unless that unit is in pro forma compliance with all financial covenants, including maximum leverage of 2 to 1 and minimum EBITDA of $35 million. While j2 Cloud Services is currently in compliance with such covenants, its ability to comply with such covenants is subject to conditions outside its control. If we cannot obtain cash from our subsidiaries, we may not be able to pay dividends, on our stock, pay interest on the Convertible Notes and fund other operating company expenses without additional sources of cash.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
(a)
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
 
None.
 
(b)
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Effective February 15, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a program authorizing the repurchase of up to five million shares of our common stock through February 20, 2013 (the "2012 Program"). On February 11, 2014, the Board extended the 2012 Program through February 20, 2015. During the six month period ended June 30, 2014, we repurchased zero shares under this program.
 

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The following table details the repurchases that were made under and outside the 2012 Program during the three months ended June 30, 2014:
Period
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of a Publicly
Announced
Program
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Publicly
Announced
Program
April 1, 2014 - April 30, 2014
1,630

 
$
49.56

 

 
2,873,920

May 1, 2014 - May 31, 2014
11,575

 
$
47.96

 

 
2,873,920

June 1, 2014 - June 30, 2014

 
$

 

 
2,873,920

Total
13,205

 
 

 

 
2,873,920

(1)
Includes shares surrendered to the Company to pay the exercise price and/or to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with employee stock options and/or the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.

Item 5.
Other Information
None.

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Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 10, 2014, by and among j2 Global, Inc., j2 Global Holdings, Inc. and j2 Cloud Services, Inc.(1)
 
 
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of j2 Global, Inc.(2)
 
 
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of j2 Global Holdings, Inc.(3)
 
 
4.1
Bylaws of j2 Global, Inc.(4)
 
 
4.2
Indenture, dated June 10, 2014 (5)
 
 
4.3
First Supplemental Indenture, dated June 17, 2014 (6)
 
 
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
The following financial information from j2 Global, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014
 
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014
 
 
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014
 
 
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014
 
 
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of j2 Global’s Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014, Registration No. 333-196640.
 
 
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of j2 Global's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 17, 2014.


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SIGNATURE

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.
 
 
 
j2 Global, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 8, 2014
By:
/s/ NEHEMIA ZUCKER
 
 
 
 
Nehemia Zucker
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 8, 2014
By:
/s/ KATHLEEN M. GRIGGS
 
 
 
 
Kathleen M. Griggs
 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 8, 2014
By:
/s/ STEVE P. DUNN
 
 
 
 
Steve P. Dunn
 
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer 
 


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INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 10, 2014, by and among j2 Global, Inc., j2 Global Holdings, Inc. and j2 Cloud Services, Inc.(1)
 
 
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of j2 Global, Inc.(2)
 
 
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of j2 Global Holdings, Inc.(3)
 
 
4.1
Bylaws of j2 Global, Inc.(4)
 
 
4.2
Indenture, dated June 10, 2014 (5)
 
 
4.3
First Supplemental Indenture, dated June 17, 2014 (6)
 
 
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101
The following financial information from j2 Global, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014
 
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014
 
 
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014
 
 
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014
 
 
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of j2 Global’s Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed with the Commission on June 10, 2014, Registration No. 333-196640.
 
 
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of j2 Global's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 17, 2014.


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