As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 27, 2003
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
[ ]
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
OR
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______
Commission file number 000-30688
_________________________
INTERSHOP COMMUNICATIONS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Intershop Communications Stock Corporation (Translation of registrant’s name into English) | Federal Republic of Germany (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
Intershop Tower
07740 Jena
Federal Republic of Germany
(011) 49-3641-50-0
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)
_________________________
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class American Depositary Shares, each representing one Bearer Ordinary Shares, no par value Bearer Ordinary Shares, no par value* | Name of each exchange on which registered Nasdaq National Market Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Frankfurt Germany |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
19,306,400 Bearer Ordinary Shares
_________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES [X] NO [ ]
Indicate by check mark which financial statements item the registrant has elected to follow.
ITEM 17 [ ] ITEM 18 [X]
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Item 4. Information about Intershop
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Item 10. Additional Information
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
PART III
Item 20. Consolidated Financial Statements
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS
Intershop Communications Aktiengesellschaft, is a German stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) and is referred to in this Annual Report on Form 20-F as "Intershop AG" and, together with its subsidiaries, as "Intershop," unless the context indicates otherwise, or as "we," "us," "our" and similar terms. Intershop AG's U.S. subsidiary Intershop Communications, Inc. is referred to in this Annual Report on Form 20-F as U.S., Inc. Our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 18. Financial Statements" in this Annual Report on Form 20-F have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, referred to as "U.S. GAAP."
References to "U.S.$", "$" and "Dollars" are to U.S. dollars; references to "DM" or "Deutsche marks" are to German Deutsche marks; and references to "E" or "euro" are to the euro, a currency of the countries currently participating in the European Monetary Union ("EMU"). With the introduction of the euro on January 1, 1999, we have elected to present our consolidated financial statements in euros in this report. Percentages and certain amounts contained herein have been rounded for ease of presentation. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of amounts listed are due to rounding.
"Intershop," the Intershop logo, "Enfinity," "Intershop 4" and other Intershop product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Intershop in Germany and in several other countries. This Annual Report on Form 20-F also contains product and service names of companies other than Intershop that are trademarks of their respective owners.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 20-F may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial and operational performance of Intershop. When used in this document, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and "project" and similar expressions, as they relate to Intershop or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or performance may differ materially from those contained or implied in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our, or our industry's, actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, among other things, those discussed under "Key Information - Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. All forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements.
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, and the consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are derived from our consolidated financial statements and are included elsewhere in this report. The consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, and the consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 1998 and 1999 are derived from our consolidated financial statements and are not included in this report. All balances prior to 1999 have been restated from Deutsche marks into euros using the exchange rate at January 1, 1999 of DM 1.95583 = euro 1.
Our consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
When reading our selected consolidated financial data, it is important to also read the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report, as well as the section in this report entitled "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects."
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands of euros, except per share amounts)
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
Licenses | 11,295 | 29,534 | 74,068 | 20,480 | 22,462 |
Services, maintenance and other revenue | 6,577 | 16,732 | 48,926 | 48,174 | 22,635 |
Total revenues | 17,872 | 46,266 | 122,994 | 68,654 | 45,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
Licenses | 1,742 | 4,786 | 5,289 | 2,338 | 1,288 |
Services, maintenance and other revenue | 3,766 | 8,465 | 43,453 | 41,433 | 17,814 |
Total costs of revenues | 5,508 | 13,251 | 48,742 | 43,771 | 19,102 |
Gross Profit | 12,364 | 33,015 | 74,252 | 24,883 | 25,995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development | 4,368 | 7,115 | 10,191 | 15,179 | 7,225 |
Sales and marketing | 18,368 | 34,771 | 75,743 | 60,766 | 29,363 |
General and administrative | 6,729 | 11,206 | 27,590 | 38,108 | 12,760 |
Restructuring costs and asset impairment | - | - | - | 23,276 | 5,326 |
Legal settlement costs | 1,866 | - | - | - | - |
Goodwill and amortization of acquired | - | - | 1,477 | 21,091 | - |
Total operating expenses | 31,331 | 53,092 | 115,001 | 158,420 | 54,674 |
Operating Loss | (18,967) | (20,077) | (40,749) | (133,537) | (28,679) |
Other income (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income | 968 | 515 | 1,591 | 3,759 | 651 |
Interest expense | (797) | (42) | (571) | (76) | (31) |
Impairment of investments | - | - | - | (2,482) | - |
Other income (expense), net | 1,488 | 1,215 | 806 | 538 | 504 |
Total other income | 1,659 | 1,688 | 1,826 | 1,739 | 1,124 |
Net Loss | (17,308) | (18,389) | (38,923) | (131,798) | (27,555) |
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock | (44) | - | - | - |
|
Net Loss attributable to common shareholders | (17,528) | (18,389) | (38,923) | (131,798) | (27,555) |
Basic and Diluted net loss per share | (1.91) | (1.15) | (2.31) | (7.48) | (1.47) |
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share |
9,193 |
15,977 |
16,827 |
17,627 |
18,731 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(in thousands of euros)
| At December 31, | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 34,185 | 12,065 | 84,062 | 9,107 | 11,303 |
Working capital | 31,709 | 10,020 | 121,188 | 22,530 | 15,520 |
Total assets | 47,221 | 53,789 | 209,455 | 79,616 | 52,148 |
Long-term liabilities | 1,978 | 240 | 159 | 280 | 190 |
Accumulated deficit / retained earnings | (27,017) | (45,406) | (84,329) | (60,632) | 4,124 |
Total shareholders' equity (deficit) | 34,225 | 22,864 | 173,968 | 43,873 | 26,372 |
With the introduction of the euro on January 1, 1999, we have elected to present the accompanying consolidated financial statements in euros. Accordingly, the Deutsche mark consolidated financial statements for each period presented have been restated into euros using the Deutsche mark/euro exchange rate at January 1, 1999 of DM 1.95583 = euro 1. Our restated financial statements in euro depict the same trends as would have been presented if we had continued to present our consolidated financial statements in Deutsche marks. The consolidated financial statements will, however, not be comparable to financial statements for periods prior to January 1, 1999 in euro of other companies that previously reported their financial information in a currency other than Deutsche marks.
EXCHANGE RATES
The following table sets forth, for the year 1998, the average, high and low noon buying rates for the Deutsche mark, shown after conversion into euros at the official fixed conversion rate, and for the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, the average, high and low noon buying rate for converting euros to U.S. dollars, expressed in euros per dollar.
Effective January 1, 1999, the euro was introduced in the 11 member states of the European Union currently participating in the EMU as a common legal currency among those states for "paperless" transactions, with the substitution of euro bank notes and coins for the national currencies of the participating member states between January 1, 2002 and July 1, 2002. Effective January 1, 2002, the euro became the official legal tender for the participating member states, and the national currencies of those member states have been withdrawn from circulation. The fixed exchange rate for Deutsche marks converted to euros is DM 1.95583 = euro 1. We do not represent that the Deutsche mark or euro amounts shown below could be or could have been converted into U.S. dollars at any particular rate or at all. The period average is the average of the noon buying rates on the last business day of each full calendar month during the relevant period.
Year | Average | High | Low |
---|---|---|---|
1998 | 1.1120 | 1.2178 | 1.0548 |
1999 | 1.0588 | 1.1812 | 1.0016 |
2000 | 0.9207 | 1.0335 | 0.8270 |
2001 | 0.8909 | 0.9535 | 0.8370 |
2002 | 0.9459 | 1.0497 | 0.8560 |
Month | High | Low |
---|---|---|
2002 |
|
|
January | 0.9031 | 0.8594 |
February | 0.8778 | 0.8613 |
March | 0.8836 | 0.8652 |
April | 0.9028 | 0.8750 |
May | 0.9373 | 0.9022 |
June | 0.9885 | 0.9390 |
July | 1.0156 | 0.9730 |
August | 0.9882 | 0.9640 |
September | 0.9959 | 0.9685 |
October | 0.9881 | 0.9708 |
November | 1.0139 | 0.9895 |
December | 1.0485 | 0.9927 |
2003 |
|
|
January | 1.0861 | 1.0361 |
February | 1.0875 | 1.0708 |
March | 1.1062 | 1.0545 |
April | 1.1180 | 1.0621 |
May (until May 16, 2003) | 1.1457 | 1.1200 |
On May 16, 2003, the noon buying rate for converting dollars to euros was U.S. $1.1542 per euro 1.00.
As of the beginning of 1999, our shares have traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, initially on the Neuer Markt trading segment operated by Deutsche Boerse Aktiengesellschaft, now in the Prime Standard trading segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, in euro. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the euro price of the shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and, as a result, are likely to affect the market price of the American Depositary Shares (referred to as ADSs) on the NASDAQ Stock Market. In addition any cash dividends, if any, are paid in euros, so that such exchange rate fluctuations will also affect the dollar amounts received by the holders of ADSs on the conversion into U.S. dollars of cash dividends paid in euros on the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs. The deposit agreement for the ADSs requires the depositary to convert any dividend payments, other distributions, or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights from euros into U.S. dollars as promptly as practicable upon receipt.
RISK FACTORS
We operate in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment that involves numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. An investor should carefully consider the risks described below before purchasing Intershop AG's ordinary shares or ADSs. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected, and the trading price of our ordinary shares or ADSs could decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment.
SUBSTANTIAL, PROLONGED DECLINES IN THE U.S. AND GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE MARKETS RESULTING FROM GENERAL ADVERSE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE OUR REVENUES AND PROFITABILITY TO SUFFER.
A recession or other difficulty in the economies where we license our products, including North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, operating results or cash flows. Our profitability may be significantly adversely affected by a prolonged economic slowdown in Europe or the United States because we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from software licenses and services in those markets. Various segments of the software industry have experienced significant economic downturns characterized by decreased product demand, price erosion, work slowdowns and layoffs. Concerns have increased throughout the technology industry regarding a continuing economic slowdown and negative growth predictions for the remainder of the calendar year 2003 and beyond. Moreover, there is increasing uncertainty in the enterprise software market attributed to many factors, including global economic conditions. Our future license fee revenue and results of operations may experience substantial fluctuations from period to period as a consequence of these factors, and such conditions may affect the timing of orders from major customers and other factors related to capital spending. Although we have a diverse client base, we have targeted a number of vertical markets. A prolonged economic slowdown may result in our customers requiring us to renegotiate existing contracts, resulting in less advantageous terms than those currently in place.
WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT A VIABLE MARKET FOR OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WILL DEVELOP AND BE SUSTAINABLE.
Our products and services facilitate online commerce and communication over public and private electronic data networks. The market for these products and services is in its relatively early stages of development and is differentiating further. A viable market may fail to emerge or be sustainable. We cannot predict the level of demand for, and market acceptance of, our products and services, especially considering that acquisition of our products and services requires a large capital or other significant resource commitment. If the market for our products and services does not continue to mature, we will be unable to successfully execute our business plan. Adoption of online commerce and knowledge management, particularly by those individuals and companies that have historically relied upon traditional means of commerce and communication, will require a broad acceptance of new and different methods of conducting business and exchanging information. Our future revenues and profits will substantially depend on the Internet being accepted and widely used for commerce and communication. If Internet commerce does not continue to grow, or grows more slowly than expected, our future revenues and profits may not meet our expectations or those of investment analysts. In the emerging marketplace of Internet commerce, our products and services involve an innovative approach to the conduct of online business. As a result, intensive marketing and sales efforts may be necessary to educate prospective customers regarding the uses and benefits of our products and services, thereby generating demand. Companies that have already invested substantial resources in other methods of conducting business may be reluctant to adopt a new approach that may replace, limit or compete with their existing systems. Similarly, purchasers with established patterns of commerce may be reluctant to alter those patterns. In addition, the security and privacy concerns of existing and potential online purchasers may inhibit the growth of online business generally and the market's acceptance of our products and services in particular. Accordingly, a viable market for our products and services may not emerge or be sustainable.
OUR BUSINESS MAY SUFFER IF THE INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE IS UNABLE TO EFFECTIVELY SUPPORT THE GROWTH IN DEMAND PLACED ON IT.
Our success will depend, in large part, upon the maintenance and development of a robust Internet infrastructure, including reliable network backbones with the necessary speed, data capacity and security, as well as the timely development of enabling products, such as high speed modems, for providing reliable Internet access, services and improved content. We cannot assure you that the Internet infrastructure will continue to effectively support the demands placed on it as the Internet continues to experience increased numbers of users, frequency of use and increased bandwidth requirements. Even if the necessary infrastructure or technologies are developed, we may have to spend considerable amounts of money to adapt our solutions accordingly. Furthermore, the Internet has experienced a variety of outages and other delays due to damage to portions of its infrastructure. These outages and delays could impact the Internet sites of customers using our products and services and thereby negatively impact our business.
WE HAVE INCURRED NET LOSSES IN THE PAST AND EXPECT TO INCUR THEM IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. IF WE CONTINUE TO INCUR NET LOSSES FOR A PERIOD LONGER THAN ANTICIPATED, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO CONTINUE OPERATIONS.
While we had two consecutive quarters of profitability in the first and second fiscal quarters of 2000, we have incurred net losses in the past four years and expect to continue to experience net operating losses in the future. Factors that may negatively impact our future profitability include our high levels of expenditures in sales and marketing to support product launches, potential decreases in revenues if these product launches are unsuccessful or if there is little market for our products and our continuing investment in research and development. If we fail to achieve sustainable profitability, we may be unable to continue our operations.
OUR QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS ARE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT FLUCTUATIONS WHICH COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS AND CAUSE THE PRICE OF OUR BEARER ORDINARY SHARES AND ADSs TO FALL.
We expect to experience significant fluctuations in our future quarterly operating results that may be caused by many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to:
the size and timing of orders in one quarter or from quarter to quarter and the fact that the majority of our sales in any given quarter historically occurs in the last few weeks of the quarter;
our ability to implement our software solutions within a given quarter and the timing of our customers' acceptance of our products;
the potential for delay or deferral of customer implementation of our software and changes in customer budgets;
increases in our operating expenses as we continue to expand our product line and fund greater levels of research and development;
our pricing and mix of products and services sold;
the relatively long sales cycles for some of our products;
changes in our pricing policies or those of our competitors;
introduction of new products or product enhancements by our competitors;
our historic tendency to have larger sales revenues in the fourth calendar quarter;
our large percentage of European sales which are adversely affected in the third calendar quarter of each year due to reduced business activity in the summer months; and
our significant dependence on large single customer deals.
Our business and, therefore, the market price of our bearer ordinary shares and ADSs could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to quarter-to-quarter variations in our operating results.
WE FACE INTENSE AND INCREASING COMPETITION IN THE MARKET FOR ONLINE COMMERCE SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS, AND OUR FAILURE TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY COULD DECREASE OUR REVENUES.
The market for our products and services is intensely competitive, evolving and subject to rapid technological change. Since there are relatively low barriers to entry in the market for online commerce applications, competition from other established and emerging companies may develop in the future. We expect competition to intensify as current competitors expand their product offerings and new competitors enter the market. Increased competition is likely to result in price reductions, lower average sales prices, reduced margins, longer sales cycles and loss of market share, any of which could harm our business, operating results or financial condition. Many of our competitors have, and new potential competitors may have, longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do, more experience in developing online commerce software, larger technical staffs, larger customer bases, more established distribution channels, and greater brand recognition than we do. In addition, many of our competitors have well-established relationships with our current and potential customers, especially in the U.S., and have extensive knowledge of our industry. In the past, we have lost potential customers to competitors for various reasons, including lower prices and other incentives not matched by us. Current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase the ability of their products to address customer needs. As a result, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share. We also expect that competition may increase as a result of industry consolidations. Further, as we continue to transform our business model from selling online commerce software platforms to selling complete and standardized enterprise online business software solutions, more companies with which we previously did not compete may emerge as our competitors.
Our current direct competitors are:
Online commerce software providers, including Art Technology Group, Blue Martini, BroadVision and IBM.
Enterprise software providers, including BEA Systems, Microsoft, SAP and Oracle.
Web content management software providers, including Gauss, Interwoven and Vignette.
Online procurement software providers, including Ariba and Commerce One.
Our current indirect competitors are:
Online service providers of online commerce services, including Digital River, iMall, Yahoo! Stores and others.
Our potential future competitors could also include:
Customer Relationship Management ("CRM") vendors such as Siebel Systems, E.piphany and Kana Communications; and
Supply Chain Management ("SCM") suppliers such as i2 Technologies and Manugistics.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors, or that competitive pressures will not reduce our future revenues.
IF WE FAIL TO INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTS AND ENHANCE EXISTING ONES, OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION AND FUTURE BUSINESS PROSPECTS COULD BE HARMED.
To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve the responsiveness, functionality and features of our products and services. The Internet and the market for online commerce software are characterized by rapid technological change, changes in user requirements and preferences, frequent introductions of new products and services embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards and practices that could render our technology and products obsolete. Consequently, we cannot predict the life cycles of our products. Further, we may be unsuccessful or experience delays in developing, acquiring or marketing new or enhanced products or services. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to both internally develop and license leading technologies to enhance our existing products and services and develop new products and services. We must continue to address the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of our customers and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a cost-effective and timely basis. In addition, as we continue to increase our focus on providing products and services directly to individual enterprises, as opposed to application service providers ("ASPs"), we will face additional concerns that could hinder our ability to respond in a timely manner to changes in market demand. These concerns include trying to accommodate the requirements of a larger pool of customers with more specialized needs and responding to the dynamics of a different market with different product cycles. The development of our proprietary technology involves significant technical and business risks. We may fail to use new technologies effectively or to adapt our proprietary technology and systems to customer requirements or emerging industry standards. If we are unable to adapt to changing market conditions, client requirements or emerging industry standards, we may not be able to increase our revenues and expand our business. Any delay or failure in implementing or marketing new or enhanced products or services could harm our competitive position and our future business prospects.
LENGTHY SALES AND IMPLEMENTATION CYCLES COULD CAUSE DELAYS IN REVENUE GROWTH.
The period between our initial contact with a potential customer and the purchase of our products and services is often long and subject to delays associated with the lengthy budgeting and approval process of our customers. Therefore, the historic sales cycle associated with the license and implementation of many of our products has been lengthy and beyond our control. As we continue to launch new products and increase our focus on providing products and services directly to individual enterprises, the length of these sales cycles could be increased temporarily or permanently. In addition, the slowdown in general economic conditions may cause customers to defer purchase decisions for even greater periods. These delays may have a negative impact on the timing of our revenues and, if they occur, may be expected to cause our operating results to vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
OUR FUTURE REVENUES DEPEND ON THIRD PART IES WHO MARKET, SELL AND DEPLOY OUR PRODUCTS.
We rely on third parties to market, sell and deploy our products. In addition, our customers rely on professional services organizations, such as consulting firms, systems integrators and design firms to assist with the development, integration and implementation of our products. If we cannot adequately train a sufficient number of these firms in the use of our products or if for any reason a large number of them support or promote competing products or technologies, our business might be seriously harmed. Many of these relationships are not subject to formal agreements and none of these firms is under any obligation to provide services to us or our customers. If we fail to develop and maintain relationships with leading consulting firms, system integrators, ASPs and design firms, our ability to successfully market, sell and deploy our products could be reduced.
WE HAVE A LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY, AND OUR SUCCESS MAY BE LIMITED BY FACTORS OFTEN ENCOUNTERED BY COMPANIES WITH A LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY.
We have only been selling our products and services (or their predecessor versions) for 11 years. Our original predecessor company, NetConsult Computersysteme GmbH, was founded in 1992, and we were incorporated in our current form under German law on April 23, 1998. Accordingly, we have only a limited operating history. Factors that may negatively impact our future profitability include our high levels of expenditures in sales and marketing to support upcoming product launches, potential decreases in revenues if these product launches are unsuccessful and our high ongoing levels of research and development expenses. Any or all of these factors could limit our success.
A BREACH OF OUR ONLINE COMMERCE SECURITY MEASURES COULD REDUCE FUTURE DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.
A requirement of the continued growth of online commerce and communications is the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks. We rely on a combination of a secure socket layer, the most common encryption standard used on the Internet, and digital encryption standard, which is commonly used for the encryption of financial information, to provide the security necessary for the secure transmission of our customers' data. A third party who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or interrupt our operations. Any such compromise or elimination of our security could reduce future demand for our products and services. In addition, we may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against such security breaches or to address problems they may cause. Finally, since our activities involve the storage and transmission of proprietary information, such as credit card numbers, security breaches could damage our reputation and expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability.
WE CANNOT PREDICT WHETHER DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY A RECENT SHIFT IN OUR DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY
We have recently shifted the focus of our distribution strategy away from a reliance on direct sales by our internal sales force and toward a greater reliance upon indirect sales via, in addition to direct sales by our internal sales force. We cannot predict whether or not the shift in our distribution strategy will generate greater demand for our products and services than had been the case previously when we relied heavily upon a direct sales force to sell services based on our products. Our focus on direct sales of our products through an internal sales force generated certain increased costs, and we cannot guarantee that such costs will be offset by an increased demand for our products.
WE DEPEND ON THIRD PARTIES FOR LICENSED TECHNOLOGY THAT WE MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN FROM OTHER SOURCES.
We rely on certain externally developed technology that we license from third parties, including database software from Oracle, Sybase, Persistence Software and Sun Microsystems, and other software that is integrated with our own software, to perform key functions. Our third-party technology licenses may not continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all. The loss or inability to maintain any of these technology licenses could prevent use of our products and services until equivalent technology, if available, is identified, licensed and integrated. We cannot assure you that we will be able to acquire new third party licenses that may be necessary for our business. Further, these externally developed technologies, if suffering from defects, quality issues or the lack of product functionality required to make our solutions successful in the marketplace, may seriously impact and harm our business.
LOSING SOME OR ALL OF OUR KEY PERSONNEL COULD HARM OUR ABILITY TO MANAGE OUR BUSINESS.
Our business depends substantially on the performance of our officers and key employees, especially our chief executive officer, Stephan Schambach, our chief financial officer, Juergen Schoettler, and the member of the management board Werner Fuhrmann. We are dependent upon our ability to retain and motivate high quality personnel, especially for our management and development teams. Losing the services of our officers or other key employees could seriously harm our business, operating results and financial condition. Our future success and ability to expand operations also depends upon our ability to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified technical and managerial personnel. Competition for top personnel is intense as these personnel are in limited supply, and we might not be able to hire or retain sufficient numbers of other highly qualified technical and managerial personnel to support our business.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS IN THE VARIOUS MARKETS IN WHICH WE DO BUSINESS MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT OUR OVERALL OPERATING RESULTS, WHICH ARE REPORTED IN EUROS.
We conduct many of our operations through subsidiaries in several countries, primarily Germany, the United Kingdom, the U.S., France and Sweden. The operating and financial results of our subsidiaries are reported in the relevant foreign currencies and then translated into euros at the applicable foreign currency exchange rates for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. The exchange rates between these currencies and the euro may fluctuate. We have not entered into any hedging or other arrangements for the purpose of guarding against the risk of currency fluctuations. Therefore, the translation effect of such fluctuations may have a harmful effect on our results of operations and financial position as reported in euros. In general, appreciation of the euro relative to another currency in which we earn revenue has an adverse effect on euro-denominated revenues and operating income, while depreciation of the euro against such other currency has a positive effect on euro-denominated revenues and operating income.
IF WE FAIL TO MEET THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH MANAGING AND GROWING OUR INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS, OUR BUSINESS MAY SUFFER.
Our products are currently marketed in over 15 countries in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia/Pacific regions. Our future revenue growth is dependant on leveraging the existing infrastructure and partnerships that we have built in the past as well as the successful continuance of our sales, marketing, support and service organizations, through direct or indirect channels, in the countries in which we are located. In maintaining our international strategy, we face several additional risks which include, but are not limited to:
uncertainty of market acceptance in new regions due to language, cultural or other factors;
lower levels of Internet usage and online commerce usage in the countries outside of the U.S. and Europe;
unexpected changes and differences in regulatory requirements, particularly as applied to online commerce;
our inability to manage our international growth, which we began before we were able to firmly establish our business model or infrastructure in a single market or a small number of markets;
difficulty in collecting accounts receivable in some jurisdictions;
export controls relating to encryption technology and other export restrictions, or tariffs and other trade barriers;
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;
fluctuations in currency exchange rates or reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
seasonal reductions in business activity during the summer months in Europe and certain other parts of the world;
potentially adverse tax consequences;
political and economic instability; and
our ability to find and develop relationships with international companies.
If we are unable to manage the potential effects of any of these risks, we may not be able to grow our business in the future.
OUR CUSTOMER BASE IS CONCENTRATED AND OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO RETAIN CERTAIN EXISTING CUSTOMERS.
Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 27% of net sales for year ended December 31, 2000, 41% of net sales and services for the year ended December 31, 2001, and 76% of net sales and services for the year ended December 31, 2002. We expect to continue to derive a significant portion of our revenues from sales and services to a limited number of customers. The loss or a substantial decrease in the volume of orders from any of our other top customers may harm our business.
IF WE ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL COMPANIES, PRODUCTS OR TECHNOLOGIES, WE MAY FACE RISKS SIMILAR TO THOSE FACED IN OUR OTHER ACQUISITIONS.
We may continue to make other investments in complementary companies, products or technologies. We may not realize the anticipated benefits of any other acquisition or investment. If we acquire another company, we will likely face the same risks, uncertainties and disruptions as discussed above with respect to our other acquisitions. In addition, our profitability may suffer because of acquisition-related costs or amortization costs for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO NUMEROUS TAXING AUTHORITIES WHICH COULD LEVY TAX ASSESSMENTS AGAINST US FOR PRIOR YEARS.
Since some of our subsidiaries operate outside of the U.S., we are subject to the jurisdiction of numerous foreign tax authorities. These tax authorities monitor the income generated in their jurisdictions and regulate various corporate transactions, including intercompany transfers. We cannot assure you that intercompany transfers and various corporate transactions will not be challenged by foreign tax authorities or that such challenges will not harm our business.
NEW AND EXISTING LAWS COULD EITHER DIRECTLY RESTRICT OUR BUSINESS OR INDIRECTLY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS BY LIMITING THE GROWTH OF INTERNET COMMERCE.
The adoption of any laws or regulations that restrict our methods of doing business or limit the growth of the Internet could decrease demand for our products and services and increase our cost of doing business. In particular, the U.S. government regulates the export of technology, including encryption technology, which our products incorporate. Export regulations, either in their current form or as may be subsequently enacted, may limit our ability to distribute our software outside of Germany. Any revocation or modification of our export authority or adoption of new laws or regulations relating to the export of software and encryption technology could limit our international operations. The unlawful export of our software could also harm our reputation. Although we take precautions against unlawful export of our software, the global nature of the Internet makes it difficult to effectively control the distribution of software.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
Our success depends, in part, upon our proprietary technology and other intellectual property rights. To date, we have relied primarily on a combination of copyright, patent, trade secret and trademark laws, in addition to nondisclosure and other contractual restrictions on copying and distribution to protect our proprietary technology. We cannot assure you that our means of protecting our intellectual property rights in the U.S. or abroad will be adequate or that others, including our competitors, will not use our proprietary technology without our consent. In addition to our existing trademarks and patents, we have a number of pending trademark and patent applications in several jurisdictions. These trademark and patent applications are subject to review by the applicable governmental authority, may be opposed by private parties and may ultimately not be issued. In addition, our intellectual property rights may not survive legal challenges by third parties.
WE MAY FACE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS THAT ARE COSTLY TO RESOLVE.
We cannot assure you that third parties will not claim that our current or future products and services infringe upon their intellectual property rights. For example, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted, and may continue to grant, patents for inventions that represent traditional methods of doing business, but are adapted for use on the Internet. If a claim of patent infringement by any company were made against us, we would likely incur significant expenses in defending against the claim, which could harm our business. In addition, if a claim of infringement is made against us and we are not successful in defending against the claim, we could be liable for substantial damages. We may also be required to make royalty payments, which could be substantial, to the holder of the patent rights. These events could harm our business and limit our prospects for growth. From time to time, other third parties may assert exclusive patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights to technologies that are important to us. In addition, third parties may assert claims or initiate litigation against us or our manufacturers, suppliers or customers with respect to existing or future products, trademarks or other proprietary rights. We are obligated under certain agreements to indemnify other parties and our customers as a result of claims that we infringe on the proprietary rights of third parties. If we are required to indemnify parties under these agreements, our operating results could be harmed.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SECURE NECESSARY FUNDING IN THE FUTURE OR MAY ONLY BE ABLE TO DO SO ON TERMS DISADVANTAGEOUS TO US OR OUR CURRENT SHAREHOLDERS.
We require substantial working capital to fund our business. With the exception of two consecutive quarters of profitability in the six months ended June 30, 2000 and a positive cash flow in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, we have had significant operating losses and negative cash flow from operations since inception. We expect that this may continue in the future especially if the current market conditions prevail. Our capital requirements depend on several factors, including the rate of market acceptance of our products and services, the ability to expand our customer base, our ability to control costs and other factors. If capital requirements vary materially from those currently planned, we may require additional financing sooner than anticipated. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, the percentage ownership of our shareholders will be reduced, shareholders may experience additional dilution or such equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the holders of our bearer ordinary shares and ADSs. Additional financing may not be available when needed on terms favorable to us or at all. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to develop new products or services, enhance our existing products and services, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures.
CONCENTRATION OF OWNERSHIP OF OUR BEARER ORDINARY SHARES AND ADSs MAY LIMIT THE VALUE OF OUR BEARER ORDINARY SHARES AND ADSs.
Stephan Schambach, our Chief Executive Officer, is a direct shareholder of Intershop AG. He acquired 1,666,800 bearer ordinary shares of Intershop AG at a price of E6.00 per share, in a private transaction on March 12, 2002. The shares have been formally registered and were admitted for trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on September 6, 2002. Furthermore, both he and Burgess Jamieson, a member of our Supervisory Board hold shares in U.S., Inc. which may be converted into the bearer ordinary shares of Intershop AG. On January 23, 2002, Intershop AG announced that Mr. Schambach would exchange his remaining shares in U.S., Inc. for Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares. In the proposed transaction, Intershop AG will issue 2,500,000 Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares, in exchange for Mr. Schambach's 4,166,667 shares in U.S., Inc. After completion of the share exchange, which has yet to be formally consummated, Mr. Schambach will own approximately 19.1% of Intershop AG's capital stock, based on 21,806,400 bearer ordinary shares then outstanding. In the event that Mr. Jamieson's remaining shares in U.S., Inc. were converted into our bearer ordinary shares, Messrs. Schambach and Jamieson together would own approximately 20.0% of our capital stock, as of March 31, 2003, based on 22,035,300 Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares then outstanding. In this event, Messrs. Schambach and Jamieson, along with other members of our supervisory board, management board, executive officers, and our co-founder and former Chief Operating Officer Wilfried Beeck, would own approximately 28.02% of our capital stock. As a result, this group of shareholders will be able to exercise significant influence over all matters requiring shareholder approval, and if some or all of this group of shareholders choose to act or vote together, they will have the power to control matters requiring shareholder approval, including supervisory board elections, amendments to our articles of association and approval of significant corporate transactions such as mergers or sales of all of our assets. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of discouraging third parties from making a tender offer or bid to acquire us at a price per share that is above the then-current market price and thereby limit the value of the bearer ordinary shares or ADSs to you.
WE COULD BE SUBJECT TO POTENTIAL PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS AND COULD BE FORCED TO PAY DAMAGES ON THOSE CLAIMS.
Software products as complex as ours may contain undetected errors or defects when first introduced or when new versions are released. Customers or third parties might detect other errors once they have started using our software. They might also use our software for purposes for which it was not intended. Our license agreements with customers and distribution partners often contain provisions designed to limit our exposure to potential product liability claims, such as disclaimers of warranties and limitations on liability for special, consequential and incidental damages. In addition, our contracts often limit the amounts recoverable by others for damages to the amounts paid to us by the customer for the product or service which gives rise to the claim. Although we have been subject to no such claims as of the date of this annual report, the continued sale and support of our products may result in our being subject to those claims. Moreover, customers who bring liability claims may seek damages beyond the scope of these contracts and subject us to losses which may not be covered by our product liability insurance. If we were required to pay those damages, our operating margins would be reduced.
CERTAIN ANTITAKEOVER PROVISIONS UNDER GERMAN LAW AND IN OUR ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION MAY DISCOURAGE ACQUISITIONS OF US THAT MAY BE BENEFICIAL TO YOU.
We are subject to the German Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Uebernahmegesetz) which became effective January 1, 2002. These provisions, along with the provisions of our articles of association, may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying or preventing changes in our control or management. As a result, transactions that might award you a premium for your bearer ordinary shares or ADSs over the current market prices may not be completed. In addition, these provisions may limit your ability to approve transactions that you believe to be in your best interest.
OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS MAY BE HARMED BY THE OUTCOME OF ONE OR MORE PENDING LEGAL MATTERS.
Intershop AG is a defendant in various legal matters arising in the normal course of business. It is possible that an adverse ruling in any such matter individually, or some or all of the matters collectively, may have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations. Currently, we are involved in the following legal matters:
At the beginning of 2001, several securities class action lawsuits were filed in the U.S. against Intershop AG, our chairman of the management board and certain other officers and the underwriters of our September 2000 public offering. The complaints have been consolidated and allege that the defendants made material misrepresentations and omissions of material facts concerning our business performance. The consolidated complaint seeks an unspecified amount of damages. The court has dismissed certain allegations, allowed other allegations to proceed past the pleading stage, and granted plaintiffs leave to amend other allegations. On May 13, 2003 defendants moved with a third motion to dismiss to dismiss the amended allegations. A ruling on the motion to dismiss is expected in the summer or fall of 2003 and no trial date has yet been set in this case.
The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesamt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht BaFin, formerly Office for Securities Trading Bundesaufsichtsamt für den Wertpapierhandel - BAWe) announced in January 2001 that it had initiated an investigation regarding a possible violation of the duty to disclose material information in connection with the release on January 2, 2001 of Intershop AG's Preliminary results for 2000. BaFin has handed this case over to the public prosecutor in Hamburg and the prosecutor's office in Hamburg initiated an investigation into complaints about stock price manipulations in May of 2001. We have been cooperating with these investigations and, to our knowledge, have never previously been the subject of such investigations. To date, these investigations have resulted in no formal charges brought against Intershop AG or our officers.
THE PRICE OF OUR ADSs AND BEARER ORDINARY SHARES MAY FLUCTUATE DRAMATICALLY AND YOUR INVESTMENT IN BOTH OUR ADSs AND OUR BEARER ORDINARY SHARES COULD SUFFER A DECLINE IN VALUE.
The worldwide equity markets in recent years, and in particular the market for Internet stocks, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility affects the market prices of the stock of many high technology and Internet companies and is often unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. In addition, negative changes in financial estimates of our performance by securities analysts could cause volatility in the price of our ADSs and our bearer ordinary shares. These fluctuations, as well as general economic and market conditions, may negatively affect the market price for our bearer ordinary shares and ADSs without regard to any changes in our results of operations or financial condition. The trading price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile. Our stock price is subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors, including, but are not limited to:
quarterly variations in operating results;
announcements of technological innovations;
announcements of new software or services by us or our competitors;
changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; or
other events or factors that are beyond our control.
FUTURE SALES OF OUR SHARES MAY CAUSE OUR SHARE PRICES TO DECLINE.
If our shareholders sell substantial amounts of our bearer ordinary shares, including any bearer ordinary shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants, in the public market, the market price of our ADSs could fall. In addition, such sales, especially if executed by our Chief Executive Officer Stephan Schambach, could create the perception to the public of difficulties or problems with our products and services. As a result, these sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.
Due to these and other factors, we may not meet expectations of securities analysts or investors with respect to revenues or other operating results of the combined company, which could adversely affect our stock price.
WE AND OUR SHAREHOLDERS FACE CERTAIN RISKS RELATED TO OUR FORMER EMPLOYMENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
Arthur Andersen Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH ("Arthur Andersen"), our former independent auditors, ceased operations as a foreign associated firm of the Securities and Exchange Commission Practice Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 2002.
Arthur Andersen did not participate in the preparation of this Annual Report, reissue its audit report with respect to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, or consent to the inclusion in this Annual Report of its audit report. As a result, investors in Intershop may have no effective remedy against Arthur Andersen in connection with a material misstatement or omission in the financial statements to which its audit report relates. In addition, even if such investors were able to assert such a claim, Arthur Andersen may fail or otherwise have insufficient assets to satisfy claims made by investors that might arise under Federal securities laws or otherwise with respect to its audit report.
ISSUES RELATED TO ARTHUR ANDERSEN MAY IMPEDE OUR ABILITY TO ACCESS THE CAPITAL MARKETS.
SEC rules and regulations require us to present historical audited financial statements in various SEC filings, such as registration statements, along with Arthur Andersen's consent to our inclusion of its audit report in those filings. If the SEC ceased accepting financial statements audited by Arthur Andersen LLP and its affiliates, we would be unable to access the public capital markets unless another independent auditor is able to re-audit the financial statements originally audited by Arthur Andersen. In addition, investors in any future offerings we make for which we use Arthur Andersen audit reports will not be entitled to recovery against Arthur Andersen under Section 11 of the Securities Act for any material misstatements or omissions in those financial statements. Furthermore, Arthur Andersen will be unable to participate in the "due diligence" process that would customarily be performed by potential investors in our securities, which process includes having Arthur Andersen perform procedures to assure the continued accuracy of its report on our audited financial statements and to confirm its review of unaudited interim periods presented for comparative purposes. As a result, we may not be able to bring to the market successfully an offering of our securities. Consequently, our financing costs may increase or we may miss attractive market opportunities.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF INTERSHOP
Intershop AG is the successor to both U.S., Inc. and Intershop Communications GmbH ("Intershop GmbH"). Intershop GmbH was originally founded in 1992 as "NetConsult Computersysteme GmbH," a German limited liability company, later re-named "NetConsult Communications GmbH." In March 1996, NetConsult Communications GmbH established a wholly owned subsidiary, NetConsult Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation. These companies were subsequently re-named "Intershop Communications GmbH" and "Intershop Communications, Inc.," respectively. In December 1996, U.S., Inc. entered into a share exchange agreement with Intershop GmbH to acquire 100% of Intershop GmbH's outstanding shares. The holders of Intershop GmbH's common shares received common shares in U.S., Inc. Holders of existing debt (worth approximately E1.1 million) and capital (worth approximately E200,000) in Intershop GmbH, totaling approximately E1.3 million, received 6,720,000 shares of preferred stock in U.S., Inc. The fair value of the preferred stock issued was equal to the carrying value of the debt and capital for which it was exchanged. The share exchange did not alter the relative ownership interest of the parent company. Upon completion of the transaction, U.S., Inc. became the parent company of Intershop GmbH and our other subsidiaries. On June 23, 1998, the holders of 79.26% of the shares of U.S., Inc. exchanged their shares of preferred and common stock of U.S., Inc., totaling 20,591,348 shares, into 61,729,050 shares of Intershop AG. As a result of this transaction, U.S., Inc. became a majority-owned subsidiary of Intershop AG, with Intershop AG holding 79.26% of U.S., Inc. Two stockholders, Stephan Schambach, our founder and Chief Executive Officer, and Burgess Jamieson, an investor in U.S., Inc. and a current member of our Supervisory Board, did not contribute all of their shares of U.S., Inc. due to certain tax considerations. At December 31, 2002, we held 82.5% of U.S., Inc.'s outstanding common stock and Messrs. Schambach and Jamieson held 16.0% and 1.5%, respectively, of U.S., Inc.'s outstanding common stock.
These two stockholders are entitled to exchange their shares in U.S., Inc. for shares in Intershop AG, using conditional capital specifically approved for this purpose. The interests held by these individuals are considered to be part of the majority interest in Intershop AG because of the related party nature of the holdings, their conversion rights and their probable conversion, given the fact that their U.S., Inc. shares are subject to repurchase at US $0.01 per share if not converted by 2004. Accordingly, the cost basis of such shares is included in additional paid-in capital in our consolidated financial statements. Conversions of U.S., Inc. shares to Intershop AG shares subsequent to the initial conversion in June 1998 are treated as an increase to the stated value of the common stock and a corresponding decrease to additional paid-in capital. During the year ended December 31, 1999, Messrs. Schambach and Jamieson together converted an aggregate of 744,500 common shares of U.S., Inc. into 446,700 shares of Intershop AG. During the year ended December 31, 2000, they converted an aggregate of 93,333 common shares of U.S., Inc. into 56,000 shares of the Intershop AG.
On January 23, 2002, Intershop AG announced that Mr. Schambach would exchange his remaining shares in U.S., Inc. for Intershop AG ordinary shares. Under the transaction, Intershop AG will issue 2,500,000 Intershop AG common bearer shares, using conditional capital specifically approved for this purpose, in exchange for Mr. Schambach's 4,166,667 shares in Intershop Communications, Inc. In addition, Mr. Schambach acquired 1,666,800 shares of bearer ordinary shares of Intershop AG from the company, at a price of E6.00 per share, in a private transaction on March 12, 2002. After completion of the share exchange, which has yet to be formally consummated, Mr. Schambach will own approximately 19.1% of our capital stock. In the event that Mr. Jamieson's remaining shares in U.S., Inc. were converted into our bearer ordinary shares, Messrs. Schambach and Jamieson together would own approximately 19.95% of our capital stock, based on 21,800,000 Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares then outstanding.
At March 31, 2003, Mr. Schambach held 1,744,300 shares of Intershop AG. At March 31, 2003, Messrs. Schambach and Jamieson collectively held 4,548,167 shares in U.S., Inc., with such shares being convertible into 2,728,900 shares of Intershop AG at any time prior to 2004.
As part of Intershop's initiative to strengthen its balance sheet and increase its financial flexibility, on October 30, 2002 Intershop's stockholders approved the reduction of Intershop's capital by E77,225,600, or a ratio of five to one, from E96,532,000 to E19,306,400. This reduction in share capital took legal effect on December 12, 2002, when a resolution on a simplified reduction of capital was entered in the commercial register of Gera, Germany, local court, in accordance with sections 229 ff. of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz). The new shares began trading on a consolidated basis on January 20, 2003.
In July 2000, we acquired Owis GmbH of Ilmenau, Germany, a company specializing in the development of tools for object-oriented software engineering. The purchase price of approximately E4.9 million was paid half in cash and half in shares of Intershop AG. In December 2000, we also acquired 100% of Subotnic GmbH, a specialist developer of content management software headquartered in Berlin. The purchase price of approximately E20.3 million was paid in shares of Intershop AG. In December 2000, Subotnic was merged with Intershop Software Entwicklungs GmbH and integrated into the product development group.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Intershop AG is a global provider of online commerce software, with operations in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East. Intershop software enables enterprises to develop and deploy dynamic online commerce sites for purchasing and selling products and services over the Internet.
During fiscal 2002, Intershop transformed its provider model from selling online commerce software to selling a unified commerce platform which is compatible with other standard enterprise online business software solutions. This shift was aimed at aligning Intershop's product portfolio more directly with current corporate IT spending behavior and prevailing customer preferences. Intershop strives to provide complete and fully integrated software solutions that offer high returns on investment ("ROI"), fast time-to-market, and low total cost of ownership ("TCO"). At the same time, by focusing our sales efforts on large multinational companies, Intershop intends to remain well-positioned to take advantage of a future upturn in the IT spending market.
Our software provides both basic online commerce functionality and advanced features, including intelligent merchandising capabilities, workflow processing and channel integration. Our products are designed to support a wide range of business models, from basic business-to-consumer and business-to-business sales to more advanced business models, including online procurement and purchasing and sales through online marketplaces. With the unveiling of our industry-specific and cross-industry business solutions, we enable global enterprises to optimize profit margins and strengthen key business relationships. Our industry-specific solutions are designed to meet the online business needs of certain vertical markets - markets in which we have successful, established customers, including retail, high-tech and manufacturing. Our cross-industry solutions include Business-to-Business ("B2B"), Business-to-Consumer ("B2C"), Procurement Solutions and Content Management Solutions. These selected segments indicate the highest demand for Intershop products and correspond to the industries where Intershop has a strong track record for solution implementation and execution.
Our products allow us to serve not only our customers' present online commerce needs, but they also offer an upgrade path to the emerging online commerce business models of tomorrow. In addition, our software works in conjunction with a company's existing technology infrastructure, integrating front-office and back-office systems such as enterprise resource planning ("ERP") and customer relationship management ("CRM").
INTERSHOP'S STRATEGIC FOCUS
Our Unified Commerce Management is an innovative framework of best practices for online commerce, which guide the design and delivery of Enfinity Multisite solutions. These feature-rich solutions, combining content management, procurement, and sell-side applications in a single body of code, provide enterprise-scale benefits across a range of industries.
Our customers around the world have successfully deployed Enfinity Multisite solutions in order to:
Automate and web-enable strategic buying and selling processes;
Dynamically integrate online transactions and web content;
Centralize the management of multiple, distributed online commerce and brand initiatives; and
Integrate back-end and legacy systems (the existing customer infrastructure).
Among the many unique advantages of Intershop's Unified Commerce Management solutions are:
The ability to connect multiple business partners, regardless of which commerce platform they currently use;
Central management of dynamic content across all channels with pinpoint accuracy;
Integration with other e-business systems across the enterprise supply chain; and
Low cost-of-ownership and early return-on-investment commerce.
Taken together, these benefits allow our customers to sustain their competitive edge by accelerating their time-to-market and providing a superior all-round customer experience.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Our products enable businesses to purchase and sell products and services online, leverage new commerce channels to reduce costs and increase profits, and allow application service providers ("ASPs") and online marketplaces to facilitate online selling by hosting sites for other businesses and by developing online marketplaces. We supplement our products with consulting and customer services throughout the process of implementation and ongoing maintenance.
Products
Our products are designed to work individually or in conjunction with one another in order to address customers' specific needs and particular business models.
Solid Online Business Platform Plus Packaged Components
Intershop AG's offering consists of a scalable and flexible online business platform, built around Enfinity and complemented by packaged components that simplify application development and implementation. Our scalable platform positions our solutions against infrastructure players such as BEA Systems, Art Technology Group and IBM. Our packaged components position our solutions against online commerce application vendors such as Blue Martini and Broadvision.
Solution Bundles for Key Vertical Markets
Intershop AG's industry-specific solutions are designed to meet the online business needs of certain vertical markets - markets in which we have successful, established customers, including high-tech and engineering as well as multi-channel retail. Our solutions focus on supply-chain deficiencies in specific vertical industries. We have developed the vertical expertise and deep understanding of specific industries and their applications, and have built our solution bundles with these unique requirements in mind.
Cross-Industry Solution Bundles
Intershop AG's cross-industry solutions are designed to provide select online commerce functionality for specific business models and market strategies, such as procurement and marketplaces. Our solutions focus on streamlining and web-enabling all buying and selling processes, integrating existing and content management systems, and managing multiple online commerce initiatives on a single platform.
The table below provides additional details on our products:
Product | Description | Business models supported | Target customers | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Enfinity | Platform | An advanced online commerce platform, developed to meet the diverse needs of global enterprises, whether it is for a dynamic direct-to-customer online business site or a more complex, multi-channel solution |
| Large enterprises Small- and mid-sized companies |
MultiSite | A next generation online commerce platform which enables large enterprises to deploy and manage multiple online commerce initiatives across different business units from one platform |
| Large enterprises | |
Cross-Industry Solutions | Extends the platform with packaged business components to provide select online commerce functionality for specific business models |
| Large enterprises | |
Industry Solutions | Extends the platform with packaged business components to address the needs of specific industries and key businesses |
| Large enterprises | |
Content Management | Extends the platform by enabling enterprises to more effectively manage and integrate product and company content and data into every online transaction |
| Large enterprises | |
Intershop 4 | Merchant | Sophisticated sites for small- to medium-sized businesses hosted on individuals' servers |
| ASPs; Small- and mid-sized companies |
Hosting | Sophisticated sites for small- to medium-sized businesses that share a single server |
| ASPs; Small- and mid-sized companies | |
ePages | Entry-level storefronts for small businesses |
| ASPs; Small- and mid-sized companies |
Our product Intershop 4 is an online commerce solution targeted at small and medium-sized companies demanding easy-to-use software solutions that can be hosted by Internet or application service providers ("ISP"/"ASP"). In January 2002, we introduced this product line's latest version, Intershop 4.3, which features enhanced data management and currency conversion capabilities. In order to strategically focus on our high-end Enfinity product line, we entered into a comprehensive collaborative agreement with ePages Software GmbH headquartered in Hamburg, Germany and Jena, Germany, on the future development and worldwide distribution of the Intershop 4 product line on November 20, 2002. The cooperation agreement covers sales and marketing, customer and partner assistance, software development, technical support, consulting and training.
Our products include key components from third-party software vendors, including database software, application servers, integration technologies and search engines. In most cases, the software supplier has the right to terminate its supplier agreement in the event that we materially breach the license agreement.
Services
We support our software products with a full set of services, including consulting services, customer support and training. We provide these services directly and through a network of affiliated service providers. The table below details the services we provide:
Service | Principal Attributes |
Technical support packages | Variety of technical support packages such as maintenance and developer support contracts which may include free upgrades and no limits on inquiries |
Training and product education | Comprehensive series of classes to provide the knowledge and skills to successfully deploy, use and maintain our products and solutions |
Consulting services | Assessment and implementation of online commerce business models, marketing plans and technical needs |
Software development | Deployment of technology into customer systems and integration into existing enterprise resource planning and infrastructure systems |
Outsourced project management | Evaluation, execution, testing and roll-out of projects |
SALES AND MARKETING
Sales
Our sales and distribution strategy comprises:
Direct sales to large enterprises in the retail, high-tech and manufacturing industries.
Sales and distribution through strategic partners and value-added resellers.
Sales to ASPs who offer hosted application solutions to small and medium-sized businesses and merchants.
Intershop sells its products through a network of worldwide sales and distribution offices located in North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. We sell directly through an internal sales force and we also sell indirectly through a worldwide network of partners. Our partner programs cover the complete enabling cycle of a project (market, sell, integrate, implement & maintain). We are committed to our partners and have dedicated employees within all project-related functions (marketing, sales, consulting, support, training, R&D) to keep our partners informed, involved and provided with the necessary knowledge and tools to implement world-class online business solutions. The majority of our software license sales are influenced by our partners and delivered by one of these partners in cooperation with our internal sales force. We intend to further focus on indirect sales channels.
Marketing
Our marketing efforts include identifying appropriate target markets and customers for our products, building appropriate sales and distribution channels to supply our products and services to those markets and customers, promoting and advertising our company and products in order to create brand awareness in target markets, and pricing our products in line with customer expectations. Within the enterprise market, we target the key business decision makers, including chief executive officers, chief information officers, vice-presidents of procurement, line of business owners and directors of online commerce strategies. Within the ASP market, we target product managers and product line managers responsible for the online commerce line of business.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Our product development activities are conducted in large part through our operations in Jena, Germany, and are coordinated closely with our product management resources. Our research and development teams share information among themselves in order to more efficiently resolve a similar problem and provide comprehensive solutions.
Our software and Internet applications development teams include a number of key employees who have developed Internet applications and services and have extensive experience with Java programming. Our research and development team has extensive experience in developing secure, scalable and high-performing business processes for online commerce applications. Our comprehensive product portfolio is based on leading technologies, including J2EE, XML, .Net and Web-Services.
In developing updates of our standard software to meet our customers' needs, we take into account experience gathered in our support to our existing customers. In addition, the research and development groups in Jena, Germany focus on the continuous development of existing products, as well as development of next generation products, by anticipating the upcoming demands for online commerce software. Following the development stage, enhancements to the existing products and the next generation products are tested by a separate group of programmers with expertise and experience in locating defects and "bugs."
We expect that most of our enhancements to existing and future products will be developed internally. However, we currently license certain externally-developed technologies and will continue to evaluate externally-developed technologies to integrate with our solutions. These externally developed technologies, if suffering from defects, quality issues or the lack of product functionality required to make our solutions successful in the marketplace, may seriously impact and harm our business.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND OTHER RIGHTS
We depend on our ability to develop and maintain the proprietary aspects of our technology. To protect our proprietary technology, we rely primarily on a combination of contractual provisions, confidentiality procedures and trade secrets, in addition to patent, copyright and trademark laws.
We license rather than sell our products and require our customers to enter into license agreements that impose restrictions on their ability to utilize the software. In addition, we seek to avoid disclosure of our trade secrets through a number of means, including, but not limited to, requiring those persons with access to our proprietary information to execute confidentiality agreements with us and restricting access to our source code. We seek to protect our software, documentation and other written materials under trade secret and copyright laws, which afford only limited protection. We currently have several U.S. and European patent applications pending, as well as issued patents.
"Intershop" is a registered trademark in the U.S. and Germany. The Intershop logo, "Enfinity", and other marks are approved trademarks, or are subject of pending trademark applications in several jurisdictions. The above mentioned trademark applications are subject to review by the applicable governmental authorities, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and may be opposed by private parties and may ultimately not be issued.
In 1998, we entered into a settlement agreement with the Swiss company Intershop Holding AG which limits our use of the name "Intershop" as part of our business name and of our various trademarks and product names. We do not consider these restrictions to have a material adverse effect on our present and future business activities. The restrictions are designed to avoid confusion of the Swiss company with Intershop AG. In particular, as part of the settlement arrangement, we may not set up operations in Switzerland using "Intershop" as a business name or as part of a business name, nor may we use "Intershop" as a formal business name without an addition such as "Communications."
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 2002, we had a total of 479 employees, a net reduction of 254 positions or a decline of 35% year on year. The total number of employees includes 252, or 53% in technical departments such as research and development, and services, 155, or 32% in sales and marketing, and 72, or 15% in administration and finance. Of these employees, 39 were located in the U.S. and 440 were located outside the U.S. None of our employees is represented by a collective bargaining agreement, nor have we experienced any work stoppages. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
The laws governing Internet transactions remain largely unsettled. The adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to the Internet could harm our business, operating results and financial condition by increasing our costs and administrative burdens. It may take years to determine whether and how existing laws such as those governing intellectual property, privacy, libel, consumer protection and taxation apply to the Internet. Laws and regulations directly applicable to communications or commerce over the Internet are becoming more prevalent. We must comply with new regulations in both Europe and the U.S., as well as any regulations adopted by other countries where we do business. The growth and development of the market for online commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection laws, both in the U.S. and abroad, as well as new laws governing the taxation of online commerce.
Our software products are sold by U.S., Inc. and other Intershop AG subsidiaries. The software products currently sold and distributed by U.S., Inc. do not contain any encryption technology which is subject to U.S., German or European Union export controls. However, this may change in the future. Export controls either in their current form or as may be subsequently enacted, may delay the introduction of new products or limit our ability to distribute products outside of the U.S. or electronically. While we intend to take precautions against unlawful exportation, the global nature of the Internet makes it difficult to effectively control the distribution of our products. In addition, governmental legislation or regulation may further limit levels of encryption or authentication technology. Further, various countries regulate the import of certain encryption technology and have adopted laws relating to personal privacy issues which could limit our ability to distribute products in those countries.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Intershop AG is a holding company that directly and indirectly owns 12 subsidiaries that conduct all of our business worldwide. We were incorporated in our current form under German law on April 23, 1998. Our original predecessor company, which was founded in 1992 as NetConsult Computersysteme GmbH, is now called Intershop Communications GmbH and is currently a subsidiary of U.S., Inc.
The following table lists our current subsidiaries:
Subsidiary | Ownership % |
---|---|
Intershop Communications, Inc., San Francisco, U.S.A | 82.5 |
Intershop Software Entwicklungs GmbH, Jena. Germany | 100 |
Intershop Communications Ventures GmbH, Hamburg, Germany | 100 |
Intershop (U.K.) Ltd., London, United Kingdom | 100 |
Intershop Communications S.a.r.l., Paris, France | 100 |
Intershop Communications AB, Stockholm, Sweden | 100 |
Intershop Communications Hong Kong Co. Ltd., Hong Kong, China | 99.99 |
Intershop Communications Singapore Pte Ltd., Singapore | 100 |
Intershop Communications Australia Pte Ltd., Sydney, Australia | 100 |
Intershop Communications Taiwan Co. Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan | 100 |
Intershop Communications Korea Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea | 99.98 |
Intershop Communications K.K., Tokyo, Japan | 100 |
PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
Our principal executive, administrative, marketing and sales, consulting, training, customer support and research and development facilities are located in Jena, Germany, 160 miles southwest of Berlin.
All of our facilities in the U.S. and Europe are leased from third parties. Our principal U.S. sales, marketing, customer service and administrative office occupies approximately 10,028 square feet in San Francisco, California, after moving to new office space on April 1, 2002. A lease termination agreement for office space occupying 39,522 square feet in San Francisco, California was reached on March 31, 2002. During 2002 we also maintained 19,838 square feet of office space on Long Island, New York. A lease termination agreement was reached effective January 1, 2003. Our corporate headquarters in Jena, Germany occupies approximately 250,000 square feet with approximately 33% currently subleased. We also maintain sales and services operations in Hamburg, Germany, and Stuttgart, Germany, which occupy approximately 9,000 square feet in each city. In addition, we also lease sales and services offices in the metropolitan areas of Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Paris, and Stockholm.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
OVERVIEW
Founded in 1992 in Jena, Germany, Intershop has a long tradition as an innovator in the evolution of online commerce a tradition that continues today. We derive a majority of our revenues through licensing of our software products. The balance of our revenues is derived from complementary education, support, and consulting services.
We have previously prepared and reported our consolidated financial statements in Deutsche marks. With the introduction of the euro on January 1, 1999, we elected to present the accompanying consolidated financial statements in euros. Accordingly, the Deutsche mark consolidated financial statements for each period presented have been restated into euros using the Deutsche mark/euro exchange rate at January 1, 1999 of euro 1 = DM 1.95583. Our restated euro financial statements depict the same trends as would have been presented if we had continued to present our consolidated financial statements in Deutsche marks. The consolidated financial statements will, however, not be comparable to the euro financial statements of other companies that previously reported their financial information in currency other than Deutsche marks.
OPERATING RESULTS FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 2001 AND 2002
REVENUES
Licenses. License revenues were E74.1 million in fiscal 2000, E20.5 million in fiscal 2001, and E22.5 million in fiscal 2002, representing a decrease of 72% from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 and an increase of 10% from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002. The most significant factor for the decrease in license revenue from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 was the considerable reduction in corporate IT spending levels on a worldwide basis. Revenue was also impacted by a transition in our sales efforts. This occurred as Intershop completed a strategic shift in its business model from selling online commerce platforms to offering complete standard online business software solutions. Despite continued weakness in corporate IT spending, the license revenue increased from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 which is primarily attributable to Intershop's focusing of its sales efforts on strategically important high-margin license revenue while moving some of the low-margin service business to our partners and reducing our own service personnel headcount.
Service, maintenance and other revenues. Service, maintenance and other revenues were E48.9 million for fiscal 2000, E48.2 million for fiscal 2001 and E22.6 million for fiscal 2002 representing a negligible decrease from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001, and a decrease of 53% from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002. Service revenues from professional services consulting fees were E35.8 million for fiscal 2000, E36.6 million for fiscal 2001 and E15.3 million for fiscal 2002. Service revenues from software maintenance and support agreements were E8.1 million for fiscal 2000, E9.3 million for fiscal 2001 and E6.2 million for fiscal 2002. Other revenues, consisting primarily of revenues related to education and training services, were E5.1 million for fiscal 2000, E2.2 million for fiscal year 2001 and E0.5 million for fiscal 2002. The stabilization in fiscal 2001 in service, maintenance and other revenues was primarily attributable to the increased licensing activity described above, which resulted in increased revenues from customer implementations and maintenance contracts. The decrease from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 is primarily attributable to Intershop's strategic decision to move some parts of its service business to its partners in order to enhance license business generation through partners.
Revenues by Region. Europe contributed revenue totaling E75.5 million for fiscal 2000, E58.2 million for fiscal 2001 and E35.1 million in fiscal 2002, representing 61%, 85% and 78% of global revenues, respectively. The increase in the European to global revenue ratio from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 was attributable to the overall decline in the U.S. and Asian economies, particularly during the end of fiscal 2000. Furthermore, the increase from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 was attributable to high customer confidence and a large installed base across the European region. The decrease from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 was attributable to the weak European market during 2002.
Asia contributed revenue totaling E7.9 million for fiscal 2000, E2.3 million for fiscal 2001 and E1.1 million for fiscal 2002, representing 6%, 3% and 2% of global revenues. Fiscal 2000 was our first full year of operations in Asia after entering the market in the fall of 1999. During fiscal 2001 as well as fiscal 2002, our business in Asia was affected by a slowdown in the market for online business solutions that occurred in the final quarter of 2000 and worsening economic conditions in the region. As a result, revenues in Asia declined considerably from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 as well as fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002. During 2002 we moved to a full distributor model in Asia supported by our global partners for the most efficient customer support.
The U.S. contributed revenue totaling E39.6 million for fiscal 2000, E8.2 million for fiscal 2001 and E9.0 million for fiscal 2002, representing 32%, 12% and 20% of global revenues, respectively. The decrease in the U.S. to global revenue ratio from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 was attributable to the overall decline in the U.S. economy, particularly during the end of fiscal 2000 and during fiscal 2001. During fiscal 2001, our U.S. business was hit by a reluctance of many companies to make IT investments in view of the worsening overall economic outlook, coupled with our weaker market penetration compared to our U.S. competitors. As a result, revenues in the U.S. were considerably lower than planned in fiscal 2001. The increase from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 was primarily attributable to Intershop's ability to leverage global accounts in the US market and to increasingly utilize indirect sales channels in the US despite a weak U.S. economy during 2002.
COST OF REVENUES
Licenses. Cost of revenues includes product license costs which include royalties to third party software vendors for software embedded in our product suite, as well as documentation and other informational media associated with our products. Cost of license revenues was E5.3 million for fiscal 2000, E2.3 million for fiscal 2001 and 1.3 million for fiscal 2002. The decrease from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 is attributable to lower overall revenues due to the downturn in market conditions. The decrease from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 is attributable primarily to an improved revenue mix, in particular the relative decline in license sales for Intershop 4 products as compared to Enfinity products, with Intershop 4 products incurring a relatively larger portion of third party royalty costs than Enfinity products.
Service, maintenance and other revenues. Cost of service, maintenance and other revenues include salary and other related costs for our professional services and support staff, as well as third party contractor expenses. Total headcount in our professional services, training and support departments was 380 at December 31, 2000, 282 at December 31, 2001 and 177 at December 31, 2002. Cost of service, maintenance and other revenues was E43.4 million for fiscal 2000, E41.4 million for fiscal 2001 and E17.8 for fiscal 2002. The stabilization in fiscal 2001 is attributable to the increase in the number of employees providing consulting, education and technical support services. The decrease from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 is attributable to the reduction in service headcount between fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2002.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit was E74.3 million for fiscal 2000, E24.9 million in fiscal 2001 and E26.0 million in fiscal 2002. The decrease from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 is attributable to a smaller share of high-margin license revenue in total revenue. The increase from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 was primarily due to the increased level of high-margin license revenue as a percentage of total revenue, as well as improved license and service margins.
Gross margin percentages are impacted by product mix and variable labor costs. Fixed costs and variable material costs have a minimal impact on gross margin. The gross margin on license sales increased from 89% in fiscal 2001 to 94% in fiscal 2002. This increase is primarily attributable to the streamlining of our sales organization during fiscal 2002 by decreasing the number of non-quota carrying sales representatives. Gross margins on service, maintenance and other revenues increased from 14% in fiscal 2001 to 21% in fiscal 2002 as we reduced our service workforce and improved the utilization rates of the remaining service personnel.
As a result of the larger contribution of higher-margin license revenue to overall revenue as well as improved license and service margins, gross margin generated increased from 36% in 2001 to 58% in 2002.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Following a systematic review of our cost structure and strict spending control policies, we reduced operational costs (cost of revenue and operating expenses) from E202.2 million in fiscal 2001 to E73.8 million in fiscal 2002.
Research and development. Research and development expenses were E10.2 million for fiscal 2000, E15.2 million in fiscal 2001 and E7.2 million in fiscal 2002. The increase from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 reflects our efforts in developing our new product line and our commitment to remain at the forefront of technological advances in this industry. Our new product line includes the offering of cross-industry solutions, solutions for key vertical markets, Enfinity MultiSite as well as a comprehensive content management system. The decrease from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 was attributable to a significant headcount reduction. Total headcount in our research and development department was 243 at December 31, 2000, 154 at December 31, 2001 and 75 at December 31, 2002. As a percentage of total revenue, research and development expenses were 8.3%, 22.1% and 16% in fiscal years 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The increase in the ratio from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 was mainly attributable to the decline of total revenue while investing in the development of a comprehensive online business product portfolio continued at roughly the same level. We launched our new Enfinity cross-industry and industry-specific solutions at CeBIT, a world-famous tradeshow for information and telecommunications technology in Germany in March of 2001. Enfinity MultiSite, the Enfinity Procurement Solution and the Enfinity Content Management Solution were introduced in Berlin in November of 2001. The decrease from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 was primarily attributable to headcount reductions and efficiency gains in our research and development department.
Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses were E75.7 million for fiscal 2000, E60.8 million in fiscal 2001 and E29.4 million in 2002. The decrease from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 as well as from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 is attributable to lower commission payments to sales representatives, due to lower overall sales. It is also indicative of the benefits from our cost structure review and the strict spending control policy imposed as part of the restructuring. Total headcount in our marketing department was 118 at December 31, 2000, 64 at December 31, 2001 and 18 at December 31, 2002. Marketing expenses were E31.1 million for fiscal 2000, E23.7 million for fiscal 2001 and E7.0 million for fiscal 2002. The marketing expenses in fiscal 2000 were primarily attributable to Intershop Open 2, Intershop's annual trade show, as well as a television advertising campaign. The marketing expenses in fiscal 2001 and 2002 were primarily attributable to our participation at CeBIT, an annual computer trade show in Hannover, Germany, as well as smaller print advertising campaigns. As a percentage of total revenue, sales and marketing expenses were 61.5%, 88.5% and 65.2% of total revenue in fiscal 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The increase in the ratio from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 reflects the decline in total revenue while supporting a large expense base created during our expansionary phase in 2000. The decrease in the ratio from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 is primarily attributable to marketing headcount reductions and efficiency gains throughout fiscal 2002.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses were E27.6 million for fiscal 2000, E38.1 million in fiscal 2001 and E12.8 million for fiscal 2002. The increase from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 is attributable to increased legal costs and bad debts. Intershop AG has been defending itself in a number of legal proceedings. The increase in bad debt expenses reflected the difficult economic environment during 2001. The reduction from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 is primarily attributable to the significantly reduced company infrastructure as well as lower bad debts. The number of administrative personnel was 210 at December 31, 2000, 104 at December 31, 2001 and 73 at December 31, 2002. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expenses were 22.4%, 55.5% and 28.4% of total revenue in fiscal 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The increase in the ratio from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 is attributable to the decline in revenue in 2001 while at the same time keeping an infrastructure created in the expansionary phase of the business. The decrease from fiscal 2001 to 2002 is primarily attributable to general and administrative headcount reductions and efficiency gains throughout fiscal 2002. The legal costs increased from E1.6 million in fiscal 2000 to E3.8 million in fiscal 2001 primarily due to several lawsuits, such as the shareholder class action lawsuit and a patent infringement lawsuit, and decreased to E2.6 million in fiscal 2002 primarily due to fewer lawsuit and the settlement of the patent infringement lawsuit in fiscal 2001.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Other income (expense), net consists of interest income, interest expense and other non-operating expenses, such as the write-down of investments. Other income, net was E1.8 million for fiscal 2000, E1.7 million for fiscal 2001 and E1.1 million for fiscal 2002.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
From inception through December 31, 2002, we incurred net losses for U.S. federal and state tax purposes and have not recognized any tax provision or benefit. Given our losses incurred and the difficulty in accurately forecasting our future results, management does not believe that the realization of the related deferred income tax asset meets the criteria required by generally accepted accounting principles. Therefore, we have recorded a 100% valuation allowance against the deferred income tax asset. See Note 13 of the Notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 in this report for a description of the components of the deferred income tax asset.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Since our inception in April 1998, we have financed our operations through private placements of preferred stock and bridge loans from investors as well as funds raised from our initial public offering in Germany in July 1998 and a public offering of American Depositary Shares in the U.S. in September 2000. At December 31, 2002, we had E15.5 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities and E15.5 million in working capital. Intershop has planned measures to improve its results of operations and cash flows. If Intershop fails to implement its 2003 business plan, additional financing resources might be required to support our operations. If, in this case, no such financing is available on a timely basis, the ability of Intershop to continue operations might be endangered.
Net cash used in operating activities was E41.9 million in fiscal 2000, E71.0 million in fiscal 2001 and E22.7 million in fiscal 2002. Net cash flows used in operating activities in fiscal 2000, fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2002 reflect net losses and in fiscal 2000 the increase in accounts receivable from increased revenues. Net cash usage in 2002 was driven primarily by operating losses as well as the cash impacts from restructuring charges incurred from the third quarter of 2001 through the fourth quarter of 2002.
Net cash used in investing activities was E49.4 million in fiscal 2000, E4.3 million in fiscal 2001 and E(15.7) million in fiscal 2002. Cash used in investing activities primarily reflects purchases of property and equipment in each period and the purchase of marketable securities. Cash used for the purchase of marketable securities amounted to E27.0 million in fiscal 2000, E83.9 million in fiscal 2001 and E32.5 million in fiscal 2002. Additionally, the increase in fiscal 2000 can be attributed to the E2.5 million cash used in the acquisition of Owis GmbH. In 2001 cash used in investing activities decreased primarily due to significant proceeds from sales of marketable securities. In addition, in 2001 Intershop invested less in property and equipment when compared with 2000 as Intershop in 2001 was not required to invest at the same rate as in the previous year due to depressed market conditions in 2001. Net cash generated in fiscal 2002 was primarily due to proceeds from the sale of marketable securities. Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities amounted to E0.0 in fiscal 2000, E92.6 million in fiscal 2001 and E47.5 million in fiscal 2002. At December 31, 2002, we had available-for-sale marketable securities with a fair market value of approximately E4.2 million and a cost basis of approximately E4.2 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was E161.8 million in fiscal 2000, E0.5 million in fiscal 2001 and E10.0 million in fiscal 2002. In fiscal 2000, financing cash flows were primarily proceeds from the sale of common stock of E112.0 million in September 2000. Cash generated from financing activities in 2001 stems from the issuance of shares due to the exercise of employee stock options. All cash generated from financing activities in 2002 stems from the cash investment by our Chief Executive Officer, Stephan Schambach, through a private equity placement.
Restricted cash was E7.8 million as of December 31, 2001 and E7.1 million as of December 31, 2002. The restricted cash is primarily used as collateral for the lease for our headquarters in Jena, Germany. The level of restricted cash will reduce as the lease term on the property reduces. The lease has been contracted for until November 2013. The restricted cash will be released by 10% of the original amount every year, beginning October 10, 2003.
Capital expenditures, net of capital leases, were E20.6 million in fiscal 2000, E5.7 million in fiscal 2001 and E0.7 million in fiscal 2002. Our capital expenditures consisted of purchases of resources to manage our operations, including computer hardware and software, office furniture and equipment and leasehold improvements. Since our inception, we have generally funded capital expenditures either through the use of working capital or with capital leases. We did not have any equipment under capital lease at December 31, 2002.
Facilities and certain furniture and equipment are leased under operating leases. As of December 31, 2002, future minimum annual lease payments were as follows:
Year Ended December 31 | Lease Payments |
2003 | E5.0 million |
2004 | E4.3 million |
2005 | E4.0 million |
2006 | E3.9 million |
2007 | E3.6 million |
Subsequent years | E17.2 million |
Total | E38.0 million |
There was no rental income in fiscal 2000 and 2001. The future sublease rental income secured by contract as of December 31, 2002 totaled E2.4 million.
Total deferred revenue was E6.8 million in fiscal 2000, E5.6 million in fiscal 2001, and E6.3 million in fiscal 2002. The decline from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 is attributable to a smaller revenue base. The increase in deferred revenues from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 reflects certain large projects with extended implementation cycles.
Allowance for doubtful accounts were E5.2 million in fiscal 2000, E13.9 million in fiscal 2001, and E7.5 million in fiscal 2002. Gross trade receivables decreased to E18.6 million in fiscal 2002 due to a smaller revenue base and improved receivables collection management, the latter of which reduced Intershop's days sales outstanding ("DSO") by 5 days, to 86 as of December 31, 2002, compared with 91 days as of December 31, 2001. The increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 is attributable to collection difficulties with the trade receivables from resellers in the Asia-Pacific region which accounted for approximately 40% of the net consolidated increase as well as from so-called "dot com" customers, i.e., start-up companies associated with the Internet industry in the late 1990s, who faced cash flow problems and reductions in capital funding during 2001. The decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 is primarily attributable to extraordinary write-offs, notably in the Asia-Pacific region.
Depreciation and amortization charges were E9.1 million in fiscal 2002, compared with E37.7 million in fiscal 2001. Fiscal 2001 depreciation and amortization charges included E21.1 million in amortization of goodwill and E2.5 million in impairment of investments. Goodwill resulting from the acquisitions of Owis Software GmbH in July 2000 and Subotnic GmbH in December 2000 combined to total E25.4 million in fiscal 2000. The goodwill arising from these transactions was being depreciated over a three-year period. As a result of new accounting guidelines, effective January 1, 2002, we have ceased to amortize goodwill over the useful life of the asset. Instead, we will be obligated to conduct annual asset impairment tests. In fiscal 2001, E21.1 million in amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets was recorded. This reflects normal amortization charges of E9.1 million as well as impairment charges of E12.0 million.
Restructuring costs totaled E5.3 million in fiscal 2002, compared with E23.3 million in fiscal 2001. These charges reflect the restructuring measures announced on February 12, 2002 and relate primarily to the consolidation of office space and employee severance payments.
When it became transparent that the market revival expected by the third quarter of 2002 would not occur, the management board revised its forecasts and also examined the carrying amounts of the investments. This led the Board to decide that particular carrying amounts could not be maintained under the current conditions. Due to the exceptional write-downs to be charged and the operating losses already incurred, the shareholders' equity of Intershop AG dropped below 50% of the capital stock, whereupon the Management Board immediately convoked a Special Stockholders' Meeting in September 2002 in accordance with section 92 (1) of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz).
The Special Stockholders' Meeting on October 30, 2002 approved a simplified reduction of capital to a new capital stock of E19,306,400, which took effect on its entry in the commercial register on December 12, 2002. At the close of business on January 17, 2003, a five-for-one reverse stock split of our listed shares took place, with the converted shares being traded for the first time on January 20, 2003. The reverse stock split resulted in the reduction of Intershop's capital by E77.2 million, or by a ratio of five to one, from E96.5 million to E19.3 million in order to compensate for value depreciations, to cover further losses for an aggregate amount of E75.3 and form a new, previously dissolved capital surplus of E1.9 million.
Alongside the capital adjustment measures, we adjusted our strategic business planning for the Intershop Group to the changed conditions and launched a financial realignment. In this context, the investment bank ING Barings was retained as our strategic financial consultant to support it in potential measures to raise capital. This is particularly important for key accounts, for which investment certaintyparticularly in relation to medium- and long-term IT projectsis a major consideration when deciding whether or not to place an order.
The management board is confident that the current level of cash and cash equivalents is sufficient for financing future business development. If losses persist, we may have to seek new funds in the form of equity financing or debt. If losses still persist and if it is impossible to acquire sufficient capital in this case, Intershop AG could be forced to delay, reduce, or completely discontinue operations.
The continued existence of Intershop is heavily dependent on the economic performance of its subsidiaries. For 2003, the management board expects revenues for the subsidiaries and the Group as a whole will remain at last year's levels. The management board believes that the measures introduced in the first quarter of 2003 to reduce costs will have a positive impact on consolidated operating results in the second quarter of 2003. Due to the loss carryforwards at all subsidiary companies, Intershop does not intend to collect any dividends from its subsidiaries or distribute dividends to its shareholders in the medium term. All central management and administrative functions are concentrated at Intershop AG. Expenses incurred for internal services provided by Intershop AG are charged to the subsidiaries. The management board therefore expects Intershop AG to break even in the fiscal year 2003.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments or assumptions and actual results, our financial statements will be affected. The significant accounting policies that we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
Revenue Recognition
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Legal Contingencies
Accounting for Income Taxes
Goodwill and Other Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
Impairment of Property and Equipment
In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. GAAP and does not require management's judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management's judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. Our senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and related disclosures with our Finance and Audit Committee. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which contain additional information regarding our accounting policies and other disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Intershop derives revenues from two primary sources: (1) software license revenues and (2) services revenues, which include maintenance, consulting, and education. While the basis for software license revenue recognition is substantially governed by the provisions of Statement of Position No. 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, as amended by SOP 98-4 and SOP 98-9 and related Interpretations (collectively, "SOP 97-2") issued by the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, we exercise judgment and uses estimates in connection with the determination of the amount of software license and services revenues to be recognized in each accounting period.
For software license arrangements that do not require significant modification or customization of the underlying software, we recognize revenue when: (1) it enters into a legally binding arrangement with a customer for the license of software; (2) it delivers the products or perform the services; (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties; and, (4) collection is probable. Substantially all of the our license revenues are recognized in this manner.
Some of the our software arrangements include implementation services sold separately under consulting engagement contracts. Revenues from these arrangements are generally accounted for separately from the license revenue because the arrangements qualify as "service transactions," as defined in SOP 97-2. The more significant factors considered in determining whether the revenue should be accounted for separately include the nature of services (i.e., consideration of whether the services are essential to the functionality of the licensed product), degree of risk, availability of services from other vendors, timing of payments, and impact of milestones or acceptance criteria on the realizability of the software license fee.
If an arrangement does not qualify for separate accounting of the license and service transactions, then license revenue is generally recognized together with the consulting services based on contract accounting using either the percentage-of-completion or completed-contract method as described below. Contract accounting is also applied to any arrangements: (1) that include milestones or customer specific acceptance criteria, which may affect collection of the license fees; (2) where services include significant modification or customization of the software; (3) where significant consulting services are provided for in the contract without additional charges; or, (4) where the license payment is tied to the performance of consulting services.
For arrangements with multiple elements, we allocate revenue to each element of a transaction based upon its fair value as determined in reliance on "vendor specific objective evidence." Vendor specific objective evidence of fair value for all elements of an arrangement is based upon the normal pricing and discounting practices for those products and services when sold separately and, for support services, is additionally measured by the renewal rate. If we cannot objectively determine the fair value of any undelivered element included in bundled software and service arrangements, it defers revenue until all elements are delivered, services have been performed, or until fair value can objectively be determined. When the fair value of a license element has not been established, we use the residual method to record license revenue if the fair value of all undelivered elements is determinable. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered elements and is recognized as revenue.
Intershop's license arrangements generally do not include acceptance provisions. If uncertainty exists about customer acceptance of the software, license revenue will not be recognized until acceptance occurs.
Intershop assesses whether fees are fixed or determinable at the time of sale and recognizes revenue if all other revenue recognition requirements are met. Our standard payment terms are net 30 days; however, terms may vary based on the country in which the agreement is executed. Payments that extend beyond the country's standard payment terms are generally deemed not to be fixed or determinable, and thereby do not satisfy the required criteria for revenue recognition. Revenues for these agreements are deferred and recognized upon cash payment by the customer.
Revenue for consulting services is generally recognized as the services are performed. If there is a significant uncertainty about the project completion or receipt of payment for the consulting services, revenue is deferred until the uncertainty is sufficiently resolved.
Intershop estimates the percentage-of-completion on contracts with fixed or "not to exceed" fees on a monthly basis utilizing hours incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated hours to complete the project. If we do not have a sufficient basis to measure progress towards completion, revenue is recognized when we receive final acceptance from the customer. When total cost estimates exceed revenues, we accrue for the estimated losses immediately based upon an average fully burdened daily rate applicable to the consulting organization delivering the services.
The complexity of the estimation process and issues related to the assumptions, risks, and uncertainties inherent with the application of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting affect the amounts of revenues and related expenses reported in our consolidated financial statements. A number of internal and external factors can affect Intershop's estimates, including labor rates, utilization and efficiency variances, and specification and testing requirement changes.
ALLOWANCES FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
We make judgments as to its ability to collect outstanding receivables and provide allowances for the portion of receivables when collection becomes doubtful. Provisions are made based upon a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices. For those invoices not specifically reviewed, provisions are provided at differing rates, based upon the age of the receivable. In determining these percentages, Intershop analyzes its historical collection experience and current economic trends. If the historical data we use to calculate the allowance provided for doubtful accounts does not reflect the future ability to collect outstanding receivables, additional provisions for doubtful accounts may be needed and the future results of operations could be materially affected.
LEGAL CONTINGENCIES
We are currently involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Periodically, we review the status of each significant matter and assess our potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Because of uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the best information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending claims and litigation and may revise our estimates. Such revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. In addition, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our material legal proceedings.
ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES
Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax expense provision. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise as a consequence of revenue sharing and cost reimbursement arrangements among related entities, the process of identifying items of revenue and expense that qualify for preferential tax treatment and segregation of foreign and domestic income and expense to avoid double taxation. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different than that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material effect on our income tax provision and net income in the period in which such determination is made.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using enacted tax rates for the effects of net operating losses and temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, there is no assurance that the valuation allowance would not need to be increased to cover additional deferred tax assets that may not be realizable. Any increase in the valuation allowance could have a material adverse impact on our income tax provision and net income in the period in which such determination is made.
In addition, we operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audits in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues that may require an extended period of time for resolution. In management's opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INDEFINITE LIFE INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Effective January 1, 2002, Intershop adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized but remain subject to annual impairment tests in accordance with the statement.
Intershop conducts its annual test of impairment for goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets in the fourth quarter. In addition, we test for impairment periodically whenever events or circumstances occur subsequent to our annual impairment tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Indicators we considered important which could have triggered an impairment included, but were not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, a significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period and our market capitalization relative to net book value.
The goodwill impairment test, which is based on fair value, is to be performed on a reporting unit level. A reporting unit is defined by SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," as an operating segment or one level lower. Intershop markets its products and services in one segment and thus allocates goodwill to one reporting unit. Therefore, impairment is tested at the enterprise level using our market capitalization as fair value. Accordingly, in conducting the first step of this impairment test, we compare the carrying value its assets and liabilities to its market capitalization. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are potentially impaired and we then complete the second step in order to measure the impairment loss. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, the second step in order to measure the impairment loss is not required.
In the second step of the impairment test, the fair value of all the unit's balance sheet assets and liabilities, as well as Intershop's identifiable intangible assets, excluding goodwill, must be determined at the valuation date. Intershop estimates the future cash flows to determine the fair value of these assets and liabilities. These cash flows are then discounted at rates reflecting the respective specific industry's cost of capital. The discounted cash flows are then compared to the carrying amount of Intershop's assets and liabilities to determine if an impairment exists. If, upon review, the fair value is less than the carrying value, the carrying value is written down to estimated fair value.
The expected future cash flows used for impairment reviews and related fair value calculations are based on judgmental assessments of future production volumes, prices and costs, considering all available information at the date of review. These accounting estimates are highly susceptible to change from period-to-period because it requires management to make estimates of future cash flows and changes in cost of capital. There is potential for economic, regulatory, or other conditions that could adversely affect the ability to generate future cash flows. Should these conditions deteriorate, there is the potential for impairment losses to be incurred, and such losses could be material to our consolidated financial statements.
IMPAIRMENT OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Intershop periodically evaluates property equipment for potential impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." The impairment review process requires significant management estimates and judgments regarding the future cash flows expected to result from the use and, if applicable, the eventual disposition of the respective assets and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. The key variables which management must estimate in determining these expected future cash flows and fair values include sales volumes, sale prices, sales growth, production and operating costs, capital expenditures, market conditions, and other economic factors. Significant management judgment is involved in estimating these variables, and such estimates are inherently uncertain; however, the assumptions used are consistent with our internal planning. Management periodically evaluates and updates the estimates based on the conditions that influence these variables. If such assets are considered impaired, they are written down to fair value as appropriate.
The assumptions and conditions for determining impairments of property and equipment, reflect management's best assumptions and estimates, but these items involve inherent uncertainties as described above, many of which are not under management's control. As a result, the accounting for such items could result in different estimates or amounts if management used different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future accounting periods.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 requires companies to record an appropriate charge in connection with the retirement or disposal of property and equipment in the period in which this took place, provided that the fair value can be reasonably determined. The costs incurred in the retirement or disposal of assets are netted against the carrying amount of the long-lived assets. Companies will calculate the changes over time in the amount of the anticipated expenses to be incurred for the retirement or disposal of an asset by discounting the amount calculated at the beginning of the period. The interest rate used in the calculation of this change corresponds to the risk-adjusted rate to be fixed in accordance with the company's credit rating the first time the expenses are recognized. The carrying amount of the related property and equipment increases by the amount calculated, which is then written down over the objects' remaining useful lives and recorded as operating expenses in the income statement. SFAS No. 143 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We believe that adopting SFAS No. 143 will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In June 2002, the FASB published SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. "This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and supersedes the preliminary provisions of the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." This statement requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity must be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under Issue 94-3, the liability for an exit cost was recognized as the date of an entity's commitment to a concrete exit or disposal plan. The new standard holds that a company's commitment to a plan does not represent a direct obligation to another party that would be defined as a liability. SFAS No. 146 therefore rescinds the definitions and requirements for the accounting of exit costs contained in Issue 94-3 until a liability is actually incurred and stipulates that the amount of the liability be initially measured at the current fair value. However, this standard does not apply to expenses arising in connection with the retirement of activities in divisions acquired by way of a combination or covered by SFAS No. 144. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 146 to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN 45 requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken by it in issuing the guarantee. It also expands the disclosure requirements in the financial statements of the guarantor with respect to its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. We are required to adopt the initial recognition and initial measurement accounting provisions of this interpretation on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. We do not anticipate the adoption to have a material effect on our financial position, or results of operations, or cash flows.
In December 2002, SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation--Transition and Disclosure," was issued. SFAS No. 148 supplements SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and offers alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting of stock-based employee compensation recommended in SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 148 also supplements the disclosure obligations contained in SFAS No. 123 and APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting." The transition and disclosure obligations contained in SFAS 148 apply to the fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002; earlier application is also permitted. We have adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 in 2002. We continue to account for employee stock based compensation under the intrinsic value method as prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretations No. 46 ("FIN 46"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." This interpretation clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements," to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective February 1, 2003 for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and July 31, 2003 for variable interest entities created prior to February 1, 2003. We do not anticipate the adoption of FIN 46 to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
MARKET RISK
The following discusses our exposure to market risk related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity prices. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially as a result of a number of factors including those set forth in the Risk Factors under Item 3 of this Annual Report.
INTEREST RATE RISK
At December 31, 2002, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities valued at approximately E15.5 million which consists of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. The marketable securities are composed primarily of money market funds. These investments may be subject to interest rate risk and will decrease in value if market interest rates increase. Declines in interest rates over time will reduce our interest income.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK
Our international sales are primarily made through our subsidiaries in their respective regions and are generally denominated in the local currency. Expenses incurred by our subsidiaries are also denominated in the local currency. Accordingly, the functional currency of our subsidiaries is the local currency with a translation of these business transactions into the reporting currency, the euro, at the end of the period. The largest portion of Intershop AG's fiscal 2002 business was conducted in currencies that are part of the EMU exchange rate mechanism and are thus pegged to the euro. Our foreign exchange exposure was therefore limited to business transactions conducted in currencies that were not part of the European Monetary Union exchange rate mechanism, notably the U.S. dollar and the British pound sterling. However, period-to-period changes in the average exchange rate in a particular currency can significantly affect revenues and operating income denominated in that currency. In general, appreciation of the euro relative to another currency in which we earn revenue has an adverse effect on euro-denominated revenues and operating income, while depreciation of the euro against such other currency has a positive effect on euro-denominated revenues and operating income.
We have not entered into any foreign exchange hedging transactions and therefore have no risk from using derivative financial instruments. We have not entered into any forward foreign exchange contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
SECURITY PRICE RISK
We are exposed to market risk as it relates to changes in the market value of our investments in publicly held companies and marketable securities. We have invested in these securities for purposes other than trading and have classified them as available-for-sale. At December 31, 2002, we had available-for-sale marketable securities, all money market funds, with a fair market value of approximately E4.2 million and a cost basis of approximately E4.2 million. The net unrealized gain of E1,000 has been recorded in a separate component of shareholders' equity.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Our product development activities are conducted in large part through our operations in Jena, Germany, and are coordinated closely with our product management resources. Our research and development teams share information amongst themselves in order to more efficiently resolve a similar problem and provide comprehensive solutions.
Our software and Internet applications development teams include a number of key employees who have developed Internet applications and services and have extensive experience with Java programming. Our research and development team is working with the leading technologies and standards, including XML, Enterprise Java Beans, Java Server Pages and LDAP, to help ensure our software applications are compatible with the newest online commerce technology.
In developing updates of our standard software to meet our customers' needs, we take into account experience gathered in our support to our existing customers. In addition, the research and development groups in Jena, Germany focus on the continuous development of existing products, as well as development of next generation products, by anticipating the upcoming demands for online commerce software. Following the development stage, enhancements to the existing products and the next generation products are tested by a separate group of programmers with expertise and experience in locating defects and "bugs."
We expect that most of our enhancements to existing and future products will be developed internally. However, we currently license certain externally-developed technologies and will continue to evaluate externally-developed technologies to integrate with our solutions. These externally developed technologies, if suffering from defects, quality issues or the lack of product functionality required to make our solutions successful in the marketplace, may seriously impact and harm our business.
INFLATION
The rates of inflation on an average basis in Germany during 2000, 2001 and 2002 were 1.9%, 2.5% and 1.4%, respectively. The inflation rates on an annual average basis in the United States for those years were 3.4%, 2.8% and 1.6%, respectively. The effects of inflation on our operations have not been significant in recent years.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Effective January 1, 2003, our bearer ordinary shares were admitted to the new Prime Standard trading segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The newly created Prime Standard trading segment essentially replaced the Neuer Markt trading segment on which our common bearer shares had previously been traded. With admission, we comply with the comprehensive transparency standards of the Prime Standard trading segment, including quarterly financial reporting, use of internationally accepted accounting standards (e.g., US GAAP), publication of a financial calendar, at least one analyst conference per year, ad-hoc disclosures and ongoing financial communication in both German and English.
On January 14, 2003, we announced an effective date of January 17, 2003 for the technical execution of the reverse stock split approved at the Special Stockholders' Meeting held on October 30, 2002. As a result of the reverse stock split, five Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares were exchanged for one new Intershop bearer ordinary share. The reverse split was implemented after the close of trading on January 17, 2003 and the converted shares were traded for the first time on January 20, 2003. Following the stock split, the International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) of Intershop AG's bearer ordinary shares changed from ISIN DE 0006227002 (equivalent to German Securities Identification Number WKN 622700) to ISIN DE 0007472920 (equivalent to German Securities Identification Number WKN 747292), and the ticker symbol on the Prime Standard changed from ISH to ISH1. The reverse stock split resulted in the reduction of Intershop's capital by E77.2 million, or by a ratio of five to one, from E96.5 million to E19.3 million in order to compensate for value depreciations, to cover further losses for an aggregate amount of E75.3 and form a new, previously dissolved capital surplus of E1.9 million. Subsequent to the reverse stock split of Intershop AG's bearer ordinary shares traded in Germany, a change of the ratio of Intershop AG's American Depositary Shares (ADS) quoted on the Nasdaq National Market to the underlying bearer ordinary shares became effective February 6, 2003. The ratio change changed from one ADS evidencing five bearer ordinary shares to one ADS evidencing one bearer ordinary share.
On January 21, 2003, we announced that we planned to reduce our total operational cost base (cost of revenue and operating cost) to a quarterly run rate of approximately E13 million. In light of the ongoing volatility in the software market, our cost saving plan is aimed at re-deploying Intershop's resources to better execute our business plan by, among other things, reducing the global workforce to approximately 450 employees. The cost-saving actions were largely completed in the first quarter of 2003.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
MANAGEMENT BOARD AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Intershop AG established its management board in April 1998. The management board is responsible for the management of Intershop AG, the exercise of its business activities and the supervision of its property. The following table lists the current member of the management board:
Name | Age |
| Member |
| Position |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stephan Schambach | 32 |
| 1998 |
| Chairman of the Management Board (Vorstandsvorsitzender), Chief Executive Officer and Founder |
Dr. Juergen Schoettler | 55 |
| 2002 |
| Member of the Management Board (Vorstandsmitglied) and Chief Financial Officer |
Werner Fuhrmann | 51 |
| 2002 |
| Member of the Management Board (Vorstandsmitglied) and President Europe, Middle-East and Africa |
Stephan Schambach. Since April 1998, Mr. Schambach has served as Chairman of the Management Board and our Chief Executive Officer. In March 1996, Mr. Schambach co-founded Intershop Communications, Inc., our subsidiary. In October 1992, Mr. Schambach co-founded Intershop Communications GmbH, formerly known as NetConsult Computersysteme GmbH, our subsidiary and a technology-consulting firm.
Dr. Juergen Schoettler. Mr. Schoettler joined us in April 2002 as Chief Financial Officer. Before joining Intershop he held executive positions at Philips and Alcan and most recently served as CFO and Managing Director at Messer Griesheim, a leading company in the technical gases industry.
Werner Fuhrmann. Mr. Fuhrmann joined us in July 2002 as President Europe, Middle-East and Africa (EMEA) and Member of the Management Board (Vorstandsmitglied). He joined Intershop from Groupe Bull/Integris, a leading European IT services provider. During the course of his management career at Bull, he most recently held the position of Chief Operating Officer of Integris and was a member of the Groupe Bull senior management team. Previously he served as the Bull AG General Manager for Central Europe and as a member of the German management board for Bull AG.
Effective February 8, 2002, Wilfried Beeck resigned as our Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Under our Articles of Association, our supervisory board may adjust the number of members of the management board at any time. Currently, there are three members serving on the management board. The members of the management board are appointed by the supervisory board for a term of no more than five years.
In addition to the management board, we currently employ the following executive officers:
Name | Age | Principal Occupation |
---|---|---|
Frank Gessner | 34 | Senior Vice President Engineering |
Gary DiOrio | 42 | President, Americas |
Dr. Ludger Vogt | 42 | Vice President Services, EMEA |
Stephen Kirchoff | 57 | Senior Vice President Strategic Marketing |
Felix Ko | 36 | President, Asia Pacific |
Frank Gessner. Since November 2000, Mr. Gessner has served as our Senior Vice President, Engineering. Mr. Gessner joined Intershop in 1996 as Software Engineer and from 1997 to October 2000 served as VP Engineering of our subsidiary, Intershop Software Entwicklungs GmbH.
Gary DiOrio joined Intershop on October 1, 2002 as President Americas. He is responsible for implementing Intershop's business strategies in this region and will concentrate on ensuring continuous growth and profitability. DiOrio reports directly to the CEO, Stephan Schambach. Prior to joining Intershop, DiOrio was CEO North America for Plaut AG, a leading SAP Integrator. He was responsible for the successful restructuring and return to growth and profitably of Plaut's North American operations. DiOrio has also held senior management positions at Accenture and Ernst & Young.
Dr. Ludger Vogt. Since September 2000, Dr. Vogt has served as our Vice President Consulting, Europe and Asia. From February 1999 to August 2000, Dr. Vogt served as our Director Project Management. From 1992 until 1998, Dr. Vogt served as Manager Consulting for Oracle Corporation, a provider of business-to-business software and services. Before joining Intershop in 1999, Dr. Vogt served as Senior Practice Director for Debis, formerly the IT and Services subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler Group, an automobile manufacturer and distributor.
Stephen Kirchoff joined Intershop on October 1, 2002 as Senior Vice President Strategic Marketing at Intershop and is responsible for Intershop's global product strategies, business development and marketing. In this capacity, he will drive these strategies with Europe, U.S. and Asia Pacific operations and report directly to CEO Stephan Schambach. In his most recent position as head of business strategy, sales and marketing, Kirchoff was instrumental in a very successful turn around of U.S. online business service provider NaviSite, Inc. Mr. Kirchoff has a BS and MBA and is a graduate of the Harvard Executive program. Kirchoff brings 33 years of experience to Intershop. He was with Compaq for 24 years in senior management positions as General Manager of Software and Service Business Unit, Strategy Development, Marketing and Sales. His career is most noted for building three very successful software and services businesses.
Felix Ko joined Intershop on February 1, 2003 as President Asia Pacific and is responsible for implementing Intershop's business strategies in this region. Prior to joining Intershop, Felix Ko held many senior management posts including General Manager for Compaq Computers East & Central China Region, Managing Director for BMC Software China Region and other management posts in NCR, Tandem and Sun Microsystems. Felix Ko is currently the vice chairman of Chamber of Commerce of Shanghai Pudong and member of the Shanghai political consultative congress. Felix Ko graduated with B.SC from McMaster University of Canada and has a Master Certificate in Commercial Project Management from George Washington University.
SUPERVISORY BOARD
Our supervisory board oversees the leadership of the management board. The following table lists the current members of the supervisory board:
Name | Age | Member since | Principal Occupation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eckhard Pfeiffer, Chairman | 60 | 1999 | Consultant, Investor | |
Theodore J. Smith, Vice Chairman | 72 | 1998 | Investor | |
Hans W. Gutsch | 59 | 2001 | Director | |
Peter Mark Droste | 56 | 2002 | Graduate Engineer | |
Burgess Jamieson | 72 | 2002 | Engineer and Investor | |
Dr. Harald Rieger | 64 | 2003 | Lawyer |
The following list identifies the members of our supervisory board who serve as directors for other companies:
Eckhard Pfeiffer:
- General Motors Corporation
- Hughes Electronics Corporation
- L.M. Ericsson AB
- Biogen, Inc.
- IFCO Systems NV
- Synetc Capital AG
Theodore J. Smith:
- FileNET Corporation
Hans Gutsch:
- Eye Ticket Corporation
- Rynex Holdings, Ltd.
- EI-Nets, Ltd.
Peter Mark Droste
- NxN Software AG
- Infor Business Solution AG
Dr. Harald Rieger
- KirchMedia AG i.L.
- Gontard & MetalBank i.L.
COMPENSATION
In fiscal 2002, the annual aggregate compensation for the management board was E691,841, of which E293,000 in unpaid performance related remuneration was set aside. The members of the management board received 120,000 stock options under the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan. In fiscal 2001, the annual aggregate accrued but unpaid compensation for the supervisory board was E100,000. In accordance with the Articles of Association, the compensation for the supervisory board consists solely of fixed, not performance-related remuneration.
By way of a unanimous vote by the supervisory board in which he did not take part, Hans W. Gutsch, a supervisory board member since 2001, was engaged to advise the management board during the Intershop's difficult restructuring phase. He was chosen for this task because of his in-depth knowledge of the industry. His annual remuneration amounts to E200,000 plus a lump-sum compensation of E10,000 per month.
BOARD PRACTICES
All supervisory board members are elected for one-year terms ending at the date of the annual shareholders' meeting. The above members were elected or re-elected for one-year terms at the last shareholders' meeting on June 6, 2002. Our audit committee is comprised of Theodore J. Smith while our HR and Compensation Committee is comprised of Hans W. Gutsch.
EMPLOYEES
To support operational realignment efforts within Intershop during 2002, we centralized much of our business by moving the corporate headquarters to existing offices in Jena, Germany, while at the same time streamlining organizational processes and structures. These measures resulted in a more cost-effective, simplified organizational structure that is better equipped to adapt to volatility in the software sector and broader economic environment. Ongoing headcount reductions across all functional areas resulted in Intershop's total employee count ending December 31, 2002 at 479 employees, a net reduction of 254 positions or a decline of 35% year on year. As of December 31, 2002, we employed 53% of our global workforce in technical departments such as research and development as well as services; 30% were employed in sales and marketing; and 15% were employed in general and administrative functions. At the end of fiscal 2002, approximately 91% of our employees were deployed in Europe, 8% in the U.S., and 1% in Asia/Pacific.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our bearer ordinary shares at March 31, 2003 for:
each member of the supervisory board.
each member of the management board (all of whom are also members of the senior management); and
each executive officer;
Name of Beneficial Owner | Bearer Ordinary Shares(1) | Percentage Owner (2) |
---|---|---|
SUPERVISORY BOARD |
|
|
Eckhard Pfeiffer | 80,000 | (3) |
Theodore J. Smith | 21,458 | (3) |
Hans W. Gutsch | 70,000 | (3) |
Peter Mark Droste | - |
|
Burgess Jamieson | - |
|
Dr. Harald Rieger | - |
|
MANAGEMENT BOARD |
|
|
Stephan Schambach | 4,244,300(4) | 19.1% |
Dr. Juergen Schoettler | 14,000 | (3) |
Werner Fuhrmann | 66 | (3) |
SENIOR MANAGEMENT |
|
|
Frank Gessner | 175,144(5) | (3) |
Gary DiOrio | 10,800(6) | (3) |
Dr. Ludger Vogt | 11,710(7) | (3) |
Stephen Kirchoff | - | - |
Felix Ko | - | - |
(1) All information post one-for-five reverse stock split effective January 17, 2003. |
INTERSHOP COMMUNICATIONS, INC. 1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The Intershop Communications, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (the "1997 Plan") was first approved by U.S., Inc. shareholders on December 30, 1996, and 2,000,000 shares of Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares (adjusted according to the 5 to 1 reverse stock split) have been reserved for issuance under the 1997 Plan. Intershop AG continues to maintain the 1997 Plan, pursuant to which selected employees, officers, directors and consultants who joined one of our subsidiaries prior to June 21, 1999 were granted stock options ("U.S. Options"). Since June 21, 1999, no options have been granted under the 1997 Plan. Each U.S. Option is exercisable for Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares at a ratio of 1:3.
The U.S. Options include both incentive stock options and non-incentive stock options. Incentive stock options were granted only to employees and had exercise prices equal to or greater than the fair market value of the U.S., Inc. shares on the date of the grant. The non-statutory stock options were granted to employees, consultants or directors and had exercise prices not less than 85% of the fair market value of the U.S., Inc. shares on the date of the grant. The 1997 Plan was administered by the management board. Generally, the U.S. Options vest with respect to 17% of the shares on the six-month anniversary of the date of grant and thereafter in 30 equal monthly installments with respect to the remaining 83% of the shares. Vested options may be exercised at any time following their vesting date and prior to the 10th anniversary of the date of grant; however, an individual optionholder may not exercise stock options more than four times in any calendar year.
Upon the termination of an optionholder's status as employee, director or consultant for any reason other than death or disability, the unvested portion of the option will be forfeited and the vested portion will remain exercisable for a maximum of three months. U.S. Options are not transferable except by will or the laws of intestate succession.
INTERSHOP COMMUNICATIONS AG STOCK OPTION PLAN 1999
At the shareholders' meeting on June 21, 1999, our shareholders adopted the Intershop Communications AG Stock Option Plan 1999 (the "1999 Plan"), which became effective on June 21, 1999, and authorized the grant of stock options, which we refer to as 1999 AG Options, to employees, officers and directors of Intershop AG and its affiliates, including members of the management board. An aggregate of 1,633,000 Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares are reserved for issuance under the 1999 Plan, with 133,000 Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares reserved for grants to members of the management board and general managers of our subsidiaries and 1,500,000 Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares reserved for grants to all other employees. Each 1999 AG Option is exercisable for one Intershop AG bearer ordinary share.
The 1999 Plan is administered by the management board, except in the case of 1999 AG Options granted to members of the management board, whereby the supervisory board shall determine the terms of the awards. The supervisory board can also determine additional performance targets that must be met prior to the grant of a 1999 AG Option to any participant.
The vesting schedules of the 1999 AG Options generally provide full vesting within four years from the date of grant. However, pursuant to German law, no 1999 AG Options shall be exercisable, even though a portion may be vested, prior to the second anniversary of the date of grant. The exercise prices of a 1999 AG Option shall be equal to 120% of the fair market value of the Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares on the date of grant, where the fair market value is determined to be the average closing sales price as quoted on the Prime Standard for the ten trading days prior to the date of grant. The exercise price may be reduced by a shareholders' resolution if, at any time, we issue shares or securities convertible into shares at a price lower than the exercise price of an outstanding 1999 AG Option.
Upon the termination of an optionholder's status as employee, officer or consultant for cause, the 1999 AG Option will be immediately terminated. In the event of death or disability, the 1999 AG Option may be exercised within six months of the date of such death or disability. The 1999 AG Options are not transferable except by will or the laws of intestate succession.
INTERSHOP COMMUNICATIONS AG STOCK OPTION PLAN 2001
At the shareholders' meeting on June 27, 2000, our shareholders adopted the Intershop Communications AG Stock Option Plan 2001 (the "2001 Plan"), which became effective January 1, 2001. The 2001 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options, which we refer to as 2001 AG Options, to current and former employees of Intershop AG and its affiliates, as well as to the members of the management board and the board of directors of an affiliated enterprise if they currently are or formerly were employed by us or one of our affiliates. 1,930,500 Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2001 Plan. Each 2001 AG Option is exercisable for one Intershop AG bearer ordinary share.
As with the 1999 Plan, the 2001 Plan is administered by the management board, except in the case of 2001 AG Options granted to members of the management board, whereby the supervisory board shall determine the terms of the awards. The supervisory board can also determine additional performance targets that must be met prior to the grant of a 2001 AG Option to any participant.
The vesting schedules for the 2001 AG Options generally provide for vesting in 50 equal monthly installments from the date of grant. However, no 2001 AG Option will be exercisable, even though a portion may be vested, prior to the end of the first six months after date of grant. Each AG Option shall be exercised within five years of the date of grant. The exercise price of the 2001 AG Options shall be equal to the fair market value of the Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares on the date of grant, where the fair market value is determined to be the closing sales price as quoted on the Prime Standard for the date of the grant.
Upon termination of the employment agreement between the optionholder and either Intershop AG or an affiliated enterprise, or upon the optionholder's death or disability, the vested portion of a 2001 AG Option will remain exercisable for a maximum of six months. Generally, if an employee is terminated by either Intershop AG or an affiliated enterprise for cause, all exercisable 2001 AG Options expire immediately. The 2001 AG Options are not transferable except by will or the laws of intestate succession.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our bearer ordinary shares at March 31, 2003 by each person, or group of affiliated persons, who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our bearer ordinary shares.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting power or investment power with respect to securities. Mr. Schambach holds 16% of the shares of our subsidiary U.S., Inc. which he may exchange at any time for Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares at a pre-determined ratio. Mr. Schambach announced his intention to exchange all of his U.S., Inc. shares on January 23, 2002. The table below assumes that the exchange has been completed. We believe that the persons named in this table, based on information provided by such persons, have sole voting and investment power with respect to the bearer ordinary shares indicated.
Name of Beneficial Owner | Bearer Ordinary Shares (1) | Percentage Owner (2) |
---|---|---|
Stephan Schambach | 4,244,300(3) | 19.26% |
Wilfried Beeck | 1,347,000 | 6.11% |
(1) Ownership of Intershop AG shares as of March 31, 2003. |
At April 15, 2003, based upon information provided by the Depositary, there were 56,660 ADSs, representing 56,660 bearer ordinary shares, held of record by 8 registered holders. The bearer ordinary shares underlying such ADSs represented 0.29% of the then-outstanding bearer ordinary shares. Because our bearer ordinary shares are issued in bearer form only, we are unable to determine the number of bearer ordinary shares directly held by persons resident in the U.S.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal 1999, we entered into a secured loan agreement for E7 million with Wilfried Beeck, our Chief Financial Officer at that time and a member of our management board at that time. Interest on the note was payable quarterly at a rate of six percent, and we repaid the note in full in November 2000.
During fiscal 2000, we entered into a secured loan agreement for $10 million with Stephan Schambach, our Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the management board. Interest on the note was payable quarterly at a rate of 6.13%, and we repaid the note in full in October 2000.
On March 13, 2002, our CEO, Stephan Schambach, invested approximately E10 million in cash to purchase Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares. In a private equity placement, Intershop AG issued 1,666,800 new Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares from authorized capital. Pricing is based on the XETRA daily closing price at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on March 1, 2002. The shares registered with the Local Court (Amtsgericht) in Hamburg, Germany, in the Commercial Register (Handelsregister) on May 2, 2002, were admitted for trading on September 6, 2002 and were included in Intershop's share price quotation for the first time on September 11, 2002. The transaction was dilutive to basic earnings per share by approximately 9%.
Mr. Wilfried Beeck was our Chief Operating Officer until February 8, 2002. On November 20, 2002 we entered into a license and cooperation agreement with ePages Software GmbH, a company which is majority-owned by Mr. Beeck. In exchange for Intershop 4 license and distribution rights, we received E1.0 million.
We enter or may enter into transactions in the ordinary course of business with entities with which certain members of the supervisory board, management board or their relatives are affiliated. We do not consider the amount involved in such transactions to be material to the business of Intershop or the entities involved.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Pursuant to the General Instructions to Form 20-F, our audited consolidated financial statements are set forth under "Item 18. Financial Statements" and are incorporated herein by reference.
LEGAL MATTERS
Intershop is a defendant in various legal matters, either asserted or unasserted, arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material effect on the attached consolidated financial statements. Any litigation, however, involves potential risk and potentially significant litigation costs, and therefore there can be no assurance that any litigation which is now pending or which may arise in the future would not have such a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In addition, we are a party to, or involved in, the following legal matters:
In the first quarter of 2001 several securities class action lawsuits were filed in the U.S. against Intershop AG, our chairman of the management board, and certain other officers as well as the underwriters of our September 2000 public offering. The complaints allege that the defendants made material misrepresentations and omissions of material facts concerning our business performance. The lawsuits have been consolidated and the consolidated complaint seeks unspecified damages. The court has dismissed certain allegations, allowed other allegations to proceed past the pleading stage, and granted plaintiffs leave to amend other allegations. On May 13, 2003 defendants moved with a third motion to dismiss the amended allegations. A ruling on the motion to dismiss is expected in the summer or fall of 2003 and no trial date has yet been set in this case. We believe there is no merit to the case and are vigorously defending against the claims. However, it is not possible to predict the outcome of these proceedings nor is it possible to estimate a probable loss, if any that might result from an adverse outcome. Accordingly, no provisions have been made in our consolidated financial statement relating to these proceedings.
The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht BaFin, formerly known as Office for Securities Trading (Bundesaufsichtsamt für den Wertpapierhandel BAWe)) announced in January 2001 that it had initiated an investigation regarding a possible violation of the duty to disclose material information in connection with the release on January 2, 2001 of our preliminary results for 2000. The prosecutor's office in Hamburg initiated an investigation into complaints about stock price manipulations in May of 2001. We are cooperating with these investigations. Although the outcome of such investigations cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that any resulting adverse judgments would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
DIVIDEND POLICY
Paragraphs 21 and 22 of our articles of association set forth our policy regarding the use of net profits. Paragraph 21 states that the management board at the end of each fiscal year is to prepare a proposal for the appropriation of net profits to be submitted to the shareholders, which is then reviewed by the supervisory board. Paragraph 22 states that net profits (after certain adjustments) "shall be distributed amongst the shareholders, unless the general meeting of the shareholders decides on another form of appropriation." Paragraph 22 further states that if the general meeting of the shareholders approves the year-end financial statements, "up to half the profit for the year may be transferred to the earnings reserve," and if the management and supervisory boards approve the year-end financial statements, "a larger or smaller portion of the profit for the year may be transferred to the earnings reserve." We have not paid dividends in the past and do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Please see the section entitled "Subsequent Events" under "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects," which is incorporated herein by reference.
Our bearer ordinary shares are listed on the Prime Standard trading segment of the Frankfurt stock exchange ("Prime Standard") which essentially replaced the former Neuer Markt after the restructuring of the Frankfurt stock exchange. Our bearer ordinary shares are issued only in bearer form and are also traded at regional stock exchanges in Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Duesseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich, Stuttgart) as well as through Freiverkehr ("OTC") and on XETRA, a computerized trading system.
Effective September 29, 2000, 3,350,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), each representing one-half of one bearer ordinary share, were listed on the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq"). The ratio of ADS to Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares changed on February 28, 2002 to one ADS representing five bearer ordinary shares. The ratio changed once more as a result of the bearer ordinary shares' reverse stock split effective January 17, 2003 whereas one ADS now represents one bearer ordinary share. The ADSs trade on Nasdaq under the symbol "ISHP." The Depositary for the ADSs pursuant to the Deposit Agreement is Citibank N.A.
Trading on the Prime Standard
The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales prices for the bearer ordinary shares on the Prime Standard until December 31, 2002 as well as the prime Standard thereafter, as provided by Deutsche Börse AG, together with the closing highs and lows of the NEMAX 50 Performance Index. Since January 4, 1999, the first official trading day of 1999, the share prices of shares traded on the German stock exchanges have been quoted in euros.
| PRICE PER BEARER | NEMAX 50 (3) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIGH | LOW | HIGH | LOW | ||
| (IN E) |
| ||||
ANNUAL HIGHS AND LOWS |
|
|
|
| ||
1998 | 42.45 | 26.40 | 3343.63 | 1875.00 | ||
1999 | 300.00 | 33.20 | 5212.13 | 3350.75 | ||
2000 | 677.00 | 156.00 | 9631.53 | 2734.98 | ||
2001 | 69.50 | 6.40 | 2920.90 | 683.82 | ||
2002 | 9.60 | 1.45 | 1286.44 | 313.67 | ||
QUARTERLY HIGHS AND LOWS |
|
|
|
| ||
2000 |
|
|
|
| ||
First Quarter | 677.00 | 241.00 | 9631.53 | 4789.8 | ||
Second Quarter | 550.00 | 366.00 | 7567.21 | 5589.95 | ||
Third Quarter | 525.00 | 369.00 | 6443.87 | 5212.58 | ||
Fourth Quarter | 382.00 | 156.00 | 5151.36 | 2734.98 | ||
2001 |
|
|
|
| ||
First Quarter | 69.50 | 19.50 | 2920.90 | 1450.25 | ||
Second Quarter | 29.40 | 14.90 | 1980.94 | 1309.70 | ||
Third Quarter | 20.85 | 6.40 | 1435.54 | 683.82 | ||
Fourth Quarter | 12.85 | 6.55 | 1335.25 | 778.73 | ||
2002 |
|
|
|
| ||
First Quarter | 9.60 | 5.15 | 1286.44 | 949.79 | ||
Second Quarter | 7.05 | 4.20 | 1027.91 | 576.68 | ||
Third Quarter | 5.05 | 1.90 | 590.54 | 341.93 | ||
Fourth Quarter | 5.80 | 1.45 | 460.44 | 313.67 | ||
2003 |
|
|
|
| ||
First Quarter | 4.20 | 1.80 | 397.68 | 309.55 | ||
MONTHLY HIGHS AND LOWS |
|
|
|
| ||
2002 |
|
|
|
| ||
January | 9.60 | 7.85 | 1286.44 | 1129.09 | ||
February | 7.95 | 5.15 | 1152.32 | 949.79 | ||
March | 7.80 | 5.80 | 1078.14 | 996.42 | ||
April | 7.05 | 5.55 | 1027.91 | 838.23 | ||
May | 6.55 | 4.90 | 882.93 | 785.49 | ||
June | 5.10 | 4.20 | 793.98 | 576.68 | ||
July | 5.05 | 4.00 | 590.54 | 515.26 | ||
August | 4.60 | 3.65 | 536.07 | 474.71 | ||
September | 4.15 | 1.90 | 485.72 | 341.93 | ||
October | 5.80 | 1.45 | 443.48 | 313.67 | ||
November | 4.70 | 3.45 | 460.44 | 411.11 | ||
December | 4.00 | 2.70 | 451.56 | 358.66 | ||
2003 |
|
|
|
| ||
January | 4.20 | 2.55 | 397.68 | 355.46 | ||
February | 2.75 | 2.47 | 359.51 | 328.51 | ||
March | 2.55 | 1.80 | 355.78 | 309.55 | ||
April | 2.05 | 1.63 | 390.46 | 337.62 | ||
May (through May 9, 2003) | 1.77 | 1.56 | 413.77 | 385.24 | ||
(1)
All bearer ordinary share prices as per Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse ("FWB"), or
XETRA. |
The average daily volumes of our bearer ordinary shares traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange during the fiscal years 2001 and 2002 were approximately E396,415 and E199,871, respectively. These numbers are based on total yearly turnover statistics quoted by Deutsche Börse AG.
On May 9, 2003, the closing sales price per bearer ordinary share on the Prime Standard was E1.58, as provided by the Deutsche Börse AG.
Trading on Nasdaq
On September 29, 2000, 1,675,000 bearer ordinary shares in the form of 3,350,000 ADSs were listed on Nasdaq and trading in our ADSs commenced. The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales prices for the ADSs on Nasdaq, as reported on the Nasdaq National Market.
| PRICE PER ADS(1) | |
---|---|---|
| HIGH | LOW |
| (IN U.S. $) | |
ANNUAL HIGHS AND LOWS |
|
|
2000 | 324.38 | 123.75 |
2001 | 63.75 | 5.00 |
2002 | 9.00 | 1.01 |
QUARTERLY HIGHS AND LOWS |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
Fourth Quarter (commencing October 4, 2000) | 324.38 | 123.75 |
2001 |
|
|
First Quarter | 63.75 | 16.87 |
Second Quarter | 26.40 | 13.50 |
Third Quarter | 19.00 | 5.00 |
Fourth Quarter | 11.50 | 5.60 |
2002 |
|
|
First Quarter | 9.00 | 4.80 |
Second Quarter | 6.30 | 4.11 |
Third Quarter | 4.84 | 1.69 |
Fourth Quarter | 5.46 | 1.01 |
2003 |
|
|
First Quarter | 4.09 | 2.20 |
MONTHLY HIGHS AND LOWS |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
January | 9.00 | 6.40 |
February | 7.10 | 5.00 |
March | 6.80 | 4.80 |
April | 6.30 | 4.72 |
May | 5.80 | 4.58 |
June | 5.04 | 4.11 |
July | 4.84 | 3.91 |
August | 4.42 | 3.59 |
September | 3.90 | 1.69 |
October | 5.46 | 1.01 |
November | 4.34 | 3.42 |
December | 4.00 | 2.76 |
2003 |
|
|
January | 4.09 | 2.90 |
February | 3.60 | 2.52 |
March | 2.67 | 2.20 |
April | 2.30 | 1.90 |
May (through May 9, 2003) | 2.30 | 2.30 |
(1) Adjusted to reflect the change of the ratio of Intershop AG's ADS to the underlying Intershop AG bearer ordinary shares from 2 ADSs' equaling 1 ordinary share, to 1 ADS equaling 5 bearer ordinary shares, on February 28, 2002 as well as the change of the ratio to 1 ADS equaling 1 bearer ordinary share as a result of the reverse stock split of the bearer ordinary shares effective February 6, 2003. |
On May 9, 2003, the closing sales price per ADS on Nasdaq was U.S.$2.30, as reported on Nasdaq.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
ORGANIZATION AND REGISTER
Intershop AG is a stock corporation organized in the Federal Republic of Germany under the Stock Corporation Law (Aktiengesetz) and is registered in the Commercial Register (Handelsregister) maintained by the local court in Gera, Germany, under the entry number "HRB 9419." Intershop AG's official notices are published in the Bundesanzeiger.
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL
Intershop AG currently has 48,262,500 bearer ordinary shares authorized for issuance. The ordinary shares are issued only in bearer form.
Intershop AG's shareholders approved at the annual general shareholders' meeting on June 6, 2002 the resolutions presented by the management board and supervisory board. The core resolutions included formally approving the actions of the members of the Management Board (Vorstand) and the Supervisory Board (Aufsichtsrat), authorizing the increase of the share capital by a total of up to E38,610,000 on one or several occasions by issuing a maximum of 38,610,000 new no-par value bearer ordinary shares until November 11, 2007 (authorized capital I). The Management Board is also authorized to exclude the shareholders' subscription rights with the approval of the Supervisory Board. Furthermore, the shareholders approved the increase of the share capital by a total of up to E9,652,500 for purposes approved by the shareholders' meeting by issuing a maximum of 9,652,500 new no-par value bearer ordinary shares on one or several occasions until November 11, 2007 (authorized capital II); shareholders' subscription rights have been excluded. All resolutions were accepted by at least 98% of the capital represented at the meeting.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In contrast to corporations organized in the U.S., Intershop AG, as a German stock corporation, is governed by two separate bodies: the supervisory board and the management board, the actions of whom are approved at the annual shareholders' meeting. Their roles are defined by German law and by Intershop AG's articles of association (Satzung), and may be described generally as follows:
The Supervisory Board
The supervisory board appoints and removes the members of the management board and oversees the management of the corporation. Although prior approval of the supervisory board may be required in connection with certain significant matters, the law prohibits the supervisory board from making management decisions. The supervisory board is also responsible for representing us in connection with transactions involving a member of the management board.
The supervisory board currently consists of six members. Any supervisory board member elected by the shareholders at the general shareholders' meeting may be removed by a three-fourths majority of the votes cast at a general shareholders' meeting.
The supervisory board chooses a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman from among its members by a majority vote of its members. Unless otherwise provided for by law, the supervisory board acts by simple majority. In the case of any deadlock, the Chairman has the deciding vote.
The members of the supervisory board are each elected for the same fixed terms ending on the adjournment of the annual general shareholders' meeting after the fourth fiscal year following the year in which the supervisory board was elected, unless the general shareholders' meeting determines a shorter period of service at the time of their election. Reelection is possible. The remuneration of the members of the supervisory board is determined by the articles of association.
The supervisory board may appoint committees from among its members and may, to the extent permitted by law, vest committees with the authority to make decisions. The supervisory board has created an audit committee and a human resource and compensation committee.
The Management Board
The management board manages the corporation's business and represents it in dealings with third parties. The management board submits regular reports to the supervisory board about Intershop AG's operations and business strategies, and prepares special reports upon request. A person may not serve on the management board and the supervisory board of a corporation at the same time.
Pursuant to our articles of association, the management board must consist of at least one member. The management board currently consists of three members. The members of the management board and the holder of a procuration (a power of attorney) may legally represent Intershop AG. Each member of the management board is appointed by the supervisory board for a maximum term of five years and is eligible for reappointment thereafter. Under certain circumstances, such as a serious breach of duty or a vote of no confidence (Vertrauensentzug) by a majority of the shareholders at a general shareholders' meeting, a member of the management board may be removed by the supervisory board prior to the expiration of such term. A member of the management board may not vote on matters relating to certain contractual agreements between such member and us and may be liable to Intershop AG if such member has a material interest in any contractual agreement between a third party and us which was not disclosed to, and approved by, the supervisory board.
Under German law, our supervisory board members and management board member owe a duty of loyalty and care to Intershop AG. They must exercise the standard of care of a prudent and diligent businessman and bear the burden of proving they did so if their actions are contested. Both boards must consider the interests of Intershop AG's shareholders and its workers and, to some extent, the common interest. Those who violate their duties may be held jointly and severally liable for any resulting damages, unless their actions were validly approved by resolution at a shareholders' meeting.
The Annual General Shareholders' meeting
The annual general shareholders' meeting ratifies the actions of Intershop AG's supervisory board and the management board. It approves the amount of the appropriation of retained earnings, the appointment of an independent auditor and certain significant corporate transactions. The annual general meeting must be held within the first eight months after the close of each fiscal year.
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES
Paragraph 2 of Intershop AG's articles of association states that its objectives shall be the development, production and distribution of hardware and software products in the field of computers, as well as the management of its own assets and the acquisition, management and sale of participating interests in other companies and business enterprises with an identical or similar object, as well as all associated services and businesses connected commercially thereto.
VOTING RIGHTS
Unless otherwise regulated by law, one bearer ordinary share represents one vote in all matters subject to a shareholders' vote, including the election of the members of the supervisory board. Cumulative voting is not permitted under German law.
Our articles provide that resolutions are passed at general shareholders' meetings by a majority of votes cast, unless a vote of a two-thirds majority is required by law. Additionally, German law requires that the following matters, among others, be approved by the affirmative vote of 75% of the issued shares present at the general shareholders' meeting at which the matter is proposed:
share capital increases that exclude shareholders' preemptive rights;
changes to the articles of association modifying the corporate purpose;
the creation of authorized or conditional capital;
any decrease of capital;
mergers and similar transactions;
dissolution; and
company agreements (Unternehmensvertraege) such as denomination or profit transfer agreements.
SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
The supervisory board or the management board may call a special meeting of the shareholders. Additionally, our shareholders holding in the aggregate at least E500,000 in nominal value of our issued share capital or shares representing at least 5% of our outstanding shares may call a special meeting of the shareholders.
CHANGE OF CONTROL
There are no provisions in the articles of association that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Intershop AG and that would only operate with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving it or any of its subsidiaries.
On January 1, 2002, the German Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Uebernahmegesetz) became effective. It requires, among other things, that a bidder seeking control of a company with its corporate seat in Germany and traded on a European Union stock exchange must publish advance notice of a tender offer; submit a draft offer statement to the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht BaFin, formerly Federal Supervisory Authority for Securities Trading Bundesaufsichtsamt fur den Wertpapierhandel BAWe) for review; and obtain certification from a qualified financial institution that adequate financing is in place to complete the offer. Once a bidder has acquired shares representing 30% of the voting power, it must make an offer for all remaining shares of the target. The Takeover Act requires the management board of the target to refrain from taking any measures that may frustrate the success of the takeover offer. However, the target management board is permitted to take any action which a prudent and diligent management of a company that is not the target of a takeover bid would also take. Moreover, the target management board may search for other bidders and, with the prior approval of the supervisory board, may take other defensive measures, provided that both boards act within the parameters of their general authority under the German Stock Corporation Law. A management board may also adopt specific defensive measures if such measures have been approved by the supervisory board and were specifically authorized by the shareholders no later than eighteen months in advance of a takeover bid by resolution of 75% of the votes cast.
DISCLOSURE OF SHARE HOLDINGS
Intershop's articles of association do not require shareholders to disclose their share holdings. The Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz), however, requires holders of voting securities of a corporation whose shares are listed on a stock exchange to promptly notify us in writing of the number of shares they hold if that number reaches, exceeds or falls below specified thresholds. These thresholds are 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% of our outstanding voting rights.
DIVIDENDS
Please see the sections entitled "Dividends" under "Item 3. Key Information," and "Dividend Policy" under "Item 8. Financial Information," which are incorporated herein by reference.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
By agreement dated September 30, 1999, among Intershop Software and Entwicklungs GmbH and Fa. Josef Saller Gewerbebau, we entered into a lease for our corporate headquarters in Jena, Germany. It occupies approximately 250,000 square feet with approximately 33% currently subleased. The lease expires in 2013 with an option of renewal for two three-year terms. The remaining financial obligation amounts to E29.41 million. See "Item 5Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsLiquidity and Capital Resources".
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
The euro and the Deutsche mark are fully convertible currencies. At the present time, Germany does not restrict the export or import of capital, except for investments in certain areas in accordance with applicable resolutions adopted by the United Nations and the European Union. However, for statistical purposes only, every individual or corporation residing in Germany ("Resident") must report to the German Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank), subject only to certain immaterial exceptions, any payment received from or made to an individual or a corporation resident outside of Germany ("Non-resident") if such payment exceeds E12,500 (or the equivalent in a foreign currency). In addition, Residents must report any claims against or any liabilities payable to Non-residents if such claims or liabilities, in the aggregate, exceed E5 million (or the equivalent in a foreign currency) during any one month. Residents are also required to report annually to the German Central Bank any shares or voting rights of 10% or more they hold in non-resident corporations with total assets of more than E3 million. Corporations residing in Germany with assets in excess of E3 million must report annually to the German Central Bank any shares or voting rights of 10% held by a Non-Resident. For a discussion of the treatment of remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to Non-resident holders of ADSs or ordinary shares, see "Item 10 -- Taxation -- German Taxation of Holders of ADSs or Ordinary Shares."
There are no limitations imposed by German law or our articles of association on the right of Non-residents or foreign holders to hold or vote bearer ordinary shares or ADSs.
TAXATION
GENERAL
The following is a summary of material U.S. and German tax considerations relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of bearer ordinary shares or ADSs. As noted below, our discussion does not purport to be comprehensive, but we have provided a materially complete description of the tax considerations which may be relevant to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of bearer ordinary shares or ADSs. The discussion is based on tax laws of the U.S. and Germany that are in force at the date hereof and is subject to any changes in these laws occurring after such date, including changes to the Convention Between the United States of America and The Federal Republic of Germany for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion With Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital and to Certain other Taxes, which we refer to as the Income Tax Treaty, and the Convention Between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Estates, Inheritances, and Gifts, which we refer to as the Estate Tax Treaty.
The discussion does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to the ownership and disposition of shares or ADSs, and, in particular, it does not address U.S. federal taxes other than income tax and German taxes other than income tax, gift and inheritance taxes and capital tax. Moreover, the discussion does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a particular U.S. Holder. Some U.S. Holders, including tax-exempt entities, certain insurance companies, traders in securities that elect to mark to market, investors that actually or constructively own 10% or more of the voting shares, holders subject to the alternative minimum tax, securities broker-dealers and certain other financial institutions, holders who hold the shares or ADSs in a hedging transaction or as part of a straddle or conversion transaction or holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, may be subject to special rules.
In general, a "U.S. Holder" is any beneficial owner of shares or ADSs:
who is a resident of the U.S. for the purposes of the Income Tax Treaty;
who is not also a resident of the Federal Republic of Germany for the purposes of the Income Tax Treaty;
who owns the shares or ADSs as capital assets;
who owns, directly or indirectly, less than 10% of the voting stock;
who does not hold shares as part of the business property of a permanent establishment located in Germany or as part of a fixed base of an individual located in Germany and used for the performance of independent personal services; and
who is entitled to benefits under the Income Tax Treaty with respect to income and gain derived in connection with the shares or ADSs.
GERMAN TAXATION OF HOLDERS OF ADSs OR ORDINARY SHARES
The following discussion generally summarizes the principal German tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares to a beneficial owner. In October 2000, the Tax Reduction Act (Steuersenkungsgesetz) was enacted in Germany as part of an extensive tax reform. In December 2001, the Act on Further Development of Company Taxation (Gesetz zur Fortentwicklung des Unternehmenssteuerrechts) was enacted as the second stage of the tax reform. For companies whose fiscal year is the calendar year, such as Intershop AG, most of the regulations with regard to dividends, capital gains and other relevant provisions enter into effect for the tax year beginning in 2002. This discussion is also based, in part, on representations of the Depositary and assumes that each obligation of the Deposit Agreement and any related agreements will be performed in accordance with its terms.
The following discussion is not a complete analysis or listing of all potential German tax consequences to holders of ADSs or Ordinary Shares and does not address all tax considerations that may be relevant to all categories of potential purchasers or owners of ADSs or Ordinary Shares.
OWNERS AND PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF ADSs OR ORDINARY SHARES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE OVERALL GERMAN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION THEREOF.
For purposes of applying German tax law and the double tax conventions to which Germany is a party, a holder of ADSs will generally be treated as owning the ordinary shares represented thereby.
German Taxation of Dividends
With regard to the taxation of dividends, the half-income system applies. Under this system only half of the distributed profits of a corporation will be included in the personal income tax base of an individual shareholder resident in Germany. It is not possible to credit the corporation tax paid by the company against the shareholder's income tax. Dividends received by corporate shareholders domiciled in Germany will be tax-exempt in order to avoid double taxation. These rules have some exceptions, which especially apply to financial institutions.
Based on these considerations the German taxation of dividends can be summarized as follows:
Under German domestic income tax laws, German corporations are required to withhold tax on dividends in an amount equal to 20% of the gross amount paid to resident and non-resident shareholders. As the basis for deduction of the withholding tax is the gross amount, withholding tax will be deducted on the taxable and tax-exempt portion of the dividend received. A 5.5% surtax on the German withholding tax is currently levied on dividend distributions paid by a German corporation, such as Intershop AG. The surtax equals 1.1% (5.5% of 20%) of the gross amount of a cash dividend. Certain persons resident in Germany (e.g., qualifying investment funds or tax-exempt organizations) may obtain a partial or full refund of such taxes.
For an individual holder of ADSs or ordinary shares that is resident in Germany, according to German income tax law, half of the dividends received are subject to German income tax. For such a holder, the taxable amount will be the sum of: (i) half of the cash payment by Intershop AG and (ii) half of the taxes withheld. For a corporate holder of ADSs or ordinary shares that is domiciled in Germany, according to German income tax law, dividends are exempt from corporation tax. These rules have some exceptions, which especially apply to financial institutions.
Subject to certain conditions, the tax withheld on the gross amount will be eligible for credit against the holder's income tax or corporation tax liability. Exceeding amounts are refunded upon filing and assessment of the tax return. For holders subject to German trade tax, such tax is imposed in general only on the amount of the dividends received, which is subject to income tax. On the portion of the dividends received which is exempt from income tax or corporation tax, trade tax will become due if the holder of ADSs or ordinary shares does not own at least 10% of the shares in the distributing corporation at the beginning of the tax year.
Refund of German Tax to U.S. Holders
A partial refund of the 20% withholding tax equal to 5% of the gross amount of the dividend and a full refund of the surtax can be obtained by a U.S. Holder under the U.S.-German income tax treaty (Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States of America for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on Income, German Federal Law Gazette 1991 II, page 355) (the "Treaty"). Thus, for each U.S.$100 of gross dividends paid by Intershop AG to a U.S. Holder, the dividends after partial refund of the 20% withholding tax and a refund of the surtax under the Treaty will be subject to a German withholding tax of U.S.$ 15.
U.S. Holders were entitled to a further refund equal to 5% of the gross amount of the dividend in accordance with the Treaty so long as the German imputation system provided German resident individual shareholders with a tax credit for corporation taxes with respect to dividends paid by German corporations. As mentioned above, the German full imputation system has been repealed, with effect in the tax year 2002 for distributing companies whose fiscal year is the calendar year, such as Intershop AG.
To claim the refund of amounts withheld in excess of the Treaty rate, a U.S. Holder must submit (either directly or, as described below, through the Depositary) a claim for a refund to the German tax authorities, with, in the case of a direct claim, the original bank voucher (or certified copy thereof) issued by the paying entity documenting the tax withheld, within four years from the end of the calendar year in which the dividend is received. Claims for refund are made on a special German claim for refund form, which must be filed with the German tax authorities: Bundesamt für Finanzen, 53221 Bonn, Germany. The German claim for refund form may be obtained from the German tax authorities at the same address where applications are filed, or from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, 4645 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007-1998.
U.S. Holders must also submit to the German tax authorities certification of their most recently filed U.S. federal income tax return, IRS Form 6166. Certification is obtained from the office of the Director of the Internal Revenue Service Center by filing a request for certification with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), Philadelphia Service Center Foreign Certification Request, P.O. Box 16347, Philadelphia, PA 19114-0447. Requests for certification are to be made in writing and must include the U.S. Holder's name, social security number or employer identification number, tax return form number, and tax period for which certification is requested. This certification is valid for three years and need only be resubmitted in a fourth year in the event of a subsequent application for refund.
In accordance with arrangements under the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary, Citibank N.A. (or a custodian as its designated agent) holds the ordinary shares and receives and distributes dividends to the U.S. Holders. The Depositary has agreed, to the extent practicable, to perform administrative functions necessary to obtain the refund of amounts withheld in excess of the Treaty rate for the benefit of U.S. Holders who supply the necessary documentation.
Under the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary has agreed to send to the U.S. Holders of ADSs a notice explaining how to claim a refund, the form required to obtain the IRS Form 6166 certification and the German claim for refund form. The notice will describe how to obtain the certification on IRS Form 6166. In order to claim a refund, the U.S. Holder should deliver the certification provided to it by the IRS to the Depositary along with the completed claim for refund form. In the case of ADSs held through a broker or other financial intermediary, the required documentation should be delivered to such broker or financial intermediary for forwarding to the Depositary. In all other cases, the U.S. Holders should deliver the required documentation directly to the Depositary. The Depositary will forward the certification and the signed authorization to us. With the Depositary's prior authorization, we will prepare and file on behalf of U.S. Holders the German claim for refund form with the Form 6166, as well as other necessary documentation, with the German tax authorities.
The German tax authorities will issue the refunds, which will be denominated in euros, in the name of the Depositary. The Depositary will convert the refunds into Dollars and issue corresponding refund checks to the U.S. Holders or their brokers.
Refund of German Tax to Holders of ADSs or Ordinary Shares in Other Countries
A holder of ADSs or ordinary shares resident in a country other than Germany or the United States that has a double taxation convention with Germany may obtain a partial refund of German withholding taxes. Rates and procedures may vary according to the applicable treaty. For details, such holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors.
Taxation of Capital Gains
Half of a capital gain derived from the sale or other disposition by an individual holder resident in Germany of ADSs or ordinary shares is subject to income tax if the ADSs or ordinary shares are held as part of his or her trade or business or if the ADSs or ordinary shares are sold within a period of one year after acquisition.
A capital gain derived from the sale or other disposition by a corporate holder domiciled in Germany of ADSs or ordinary shares in general is exempt from corporation tax. These rules have some exceptions, which especially apply to financial institutions.
Special rules apply for individual and corporate holders resident in Germany if the shares have been received in the course of a tax-exempt reorganization.
For holders subject to German trade tax, such tax is imposed in general only on the portion of the capital gain that is subject to income tax.
The above mentioned half-income system therefore does apply to the taxation of dividends and capital gains.
A holder resident or domiciled in a country other than Germany is not subject to German income or corporation tax on the capital gain derived from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares.
Other German Taxes
There are no German net worth, transfer, stamp or similar taxes on the holding, purchase or sale of ADSs or ordinary shares.
German Estate and Gift Taxes
A transfer of ADSs or ordinary shares by gift or by reason of the death of a holder will be subject to German gift or inheritance tax, respectively, if one of the following persons is resident in Germany: the donor or transferor or his or her heir, or the donee or other beneficiary. If one of the aforementioned persons is resident in Germany and another is resident in a country having a treaty with Germany, with regard to gift or inheritance taxes, different rules may apply. If none of the aforementioned persons is resident in Germany, the transfer is not subject to German gift or inheritance tax. For persons giving up German residence, special rules apply during the first five years, and under specific circumstances, during the first ten years, after the end of the year in which the person left Germany. In general, in the case of a U.S. Holder, a transfer of ADSs or ordinary shares by gift or by reason of death that would otherwise be subject to German gift or inheritance tax, respectively, will not be subject to such German tax by reason of the U.S.-German estate tax treaty (Convention between the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States of America for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Estate, Gift and Inheritance Taxes, German Federal Law Gazette 1982 II page 847, amended by the Protocol of September 15, 2000, German Federal Law Gazette 2000 II, page 1170 and as published on December 21, 2000, German Federal Law Gazette 2001 II, page 65) (the "Estate Tax Treaty") unless the donor or transferor, or the heir, donee or other beneficiary is domiciled in Germany for purposes of the Estate Tax Treaty between the United States and Germany at the time of the making of the gift or at the time of the donor's or transferor's death.
In general, the Estate Tax Treaty provides a credit against U.S. federal estate and gift tax liability for the amount of inheritance and gift tax paid in Germany, subject to certain limitations, in a case where the ADSs or ordinary shares are subject to the German inheritance or gift tax and U.S. federal estate or gift tax.
U.S. TAXATION OF U.S. HOLDERS OF ORDINARY SHARES OR ADSs
The following discussion generally summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares to U.S. Holders.
This summary deals only with ADSs and ordinary shares that are held as capital assets and does not address tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders that may be subject to special tax rules, such as dealers or traders in securities, financial institutions, life insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, real estate investment trusts, U.S. Holders that hold ordinary shares or ADSs as a part of a straddle, conversion transaction or other arrangement involving more than one position, U.S. Holders that own (or are deemed for U.S. tax purposes to own) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all voting stock of Intershop AG, U.S. Holders that have a principal place of business or "tax home" outside the United States or U.S. Holders whose "functional currency" is not the Dollar.
The discussion below is based upon the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Treaty and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder at the date hereof. Any such authority may be repealed, revoked or modified, perhaps with retroactive effect, so as to result in federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. No assurance can be given that the conclusions set out below would be sustained by a court if challenged by the IRS. The discussion below is based, in part, on representations of the Depositary and assumes that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreements will be performed in accordance with its terms.
For changes caused by the German Tax Reduction Act and the Act on Further Development of Company Taxation especially with regard to withholding taxes on dividends and the taxation of capital gains and foreign tax credits, please refer to the statements above in the section "Taxation -- German Taxation of Holders of ADSs or Ordinary Shares." As mentioned above, in the case of Intershop AG the new rules in principle became effective from the tax year 2002.
THE DISCUSSION SET OUT BELOW IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN ADSs OR ORDINARY SHARES. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE APPLICATION TO THEIR PART ICULAR SITUATION OF THE TAX CONSIDERATIONS DISCUSSED BELOW, AS WELL AS THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAW. THE STATEMENTS OF U.S. TAX LAW SET OUT BELOW ARE BASED ON THE LAWS IN FORCE AND INTERPRETATIONS THEREOF AT THE DATE OF THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F AND ARE SUBJECT TO ANY CHANGES OCCURRING AFTER THAT DATE.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder of ADSs will be considered to own the ordinary shares represented thereby.
Distributions
Subject to the discussion below under "Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations," distributions made by Intershop AG with respect to ordinary shares (other than distributions in liquidation and certain distributions in redemption of stock), including the amount of German tax deemed to have been withheld in respect of such distributions, will be taxed to U.S. Holders as ordinary dividend income to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the current and accumulated earnings and profits of Intershop AG as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As discussed above, a U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of German withholding tax to the extent that the German withholding tax exceeds 15% of the amount of the associated distribution. For example, if Intershop AG distributes a cash dividend equal to U.S.$100 to a U.S. Holder, the distribution currently will be subject to a German withholding tax of U.S.$20 plus a U.S.$1.10 surtax, and the U.S. Holder will receive U.S.$78.90. If the U.S. Holder obtains the Treaty refund, he will receive an additional U.S.$6.10 from the German tax authorities. For U.S. tax purposes, such U.S. Holder will be considered to have received a total distribution of U.S.$100, which will be deemed to have been subject to German withholding tax of U.S.$15 (15% of U.S.$100), resulting in the net receipt of U.S.$85. Distributions, if any, in excess of Intershop AG's current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a non-taxable return of capital to a U.S. Holder and will be applied against and reduce the U.S. Holder's tax basis in his or her ordinary shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the tax basis of the U.S. Holder in his or her ordinary shares, the excess generally will be treated as capital gain.
In the case of a distribution in euros, the amount of the distribution generally will equal the Dollar value of the euros distributed (determined by reference to the spot currency exchange rate on the date of receipt of the distribution or the receipt by the Depositary in the case of a distribution on ADSs), regardless of whether the holder in fact converts the euro into Dollars, and the U.S. Holder will not realize any separate foreign currency gain or loss, except to the extent that such gain or loss arises on the actual disposition of foreign currency received.
Dividends paid by Intershop AG generally will constitute "portfolio income" for purposes of the limitations on the use of passive activity losses (and, therefore, generally may not be offset by passive activity losses) and as "investment income" for purposes of the limitation on the deduction of investment interest expense. Dividends paid by Intershop AG will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations under Section 243 of the Code.
Foreign Tax Credit
In general, in computing its U.S. federal income tax liability, a U.S. Holder may elect for each taxable year to claim a deduction or, subject to the limitations on foreign tax credits generally, a credit for foreign income taxes paid or accrued by it. For U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, subject to the applicable limitations under the foreign tax credit rules, the 15% German tax that is treated as having been withheld from dividends paid to a U.S. Holder will be eligible for credit against the U.S. Holder's federal income tax liability. Thus, in the numerical example set out above, a U.S. Holder who receives a cash distribution of U.S.$85 from Intershop AG (U.S.$100 of the initial distribution net of U.S.$20 of German withholding tax and U.S.$1.10 of surtax plus the Treaty refund of U.S.$6.10) will be treated as having been subject to German withholding tax in the amount of U.S.$15 (15% of U.S.$100) and will be able to claim the U.S. foreign tax credit, subject to applicable foreign tax credit limitations, in the amount of U.S.$15.
For U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, dividends paid by Intershop AG generally will be treated as foreign-source income and as "passive income," or in the case of certain holders, as "financial services income." Gains or losses realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or exchange of ordinary shares generally will be treated as U.S.-source gain or loss.
The availability of foreign tax credits depends on the particular circumstances of each U.S. Holder.
LIMITATIONS AFFECTING SECURITY HOLDERS
The euro is a fully convertible currency. At the current time, Germany does not restrict the export or import of capital, except for investments in certain areas in accordance with applicable resolutions adopted by the United Nations and the European Union. However, for statistical purposes only, every individual or corporation residing in Germany must report to the German Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank), subject only to certain immaterial exceptions, any payment received from or made to an individual or a corporation resident outside Germany if such payment exceeds E12,500 (or the equivalent in a foreign currency). In addition, German residents must report any claims against or any liabilities payable to nonresidents if such claims or liabilities, in the aggregate, exceed DM 3 million (approximately E1.5 million, or the equivalent in a foreign currency) during any one month.
There are no limitations on the rights of non-residents or foreign owners to hold or vote our shares or ADSs imposed by German law or the articles of association.
FOREIGN PERSONAL HOLDING COMPANY CONSIDERATIONS
Intershop AG does not believe that it or any of its subsidiaries currently is a "foreign personal holding company" ("FPHC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Intershop AG is not aware of any changes that would affect this conclusion in the foreseeable future. A foreign corporation is an FPHC for a taxable year if (i) at any time, more than 50% of its stock (by vote or by value) is owned (directly, indirectly or by attribution) by or for not more than five individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States (the "ownership requirement") and (ii) at least 60% (50% in certain cases) of its gross income is FPHC income, which generally includes dividends, interest, royalties (except certain active business computer software royalties) and other types of investment income (the "income requirement"). If Intershop AG or one of its subsidiaries were treated as an FPHC, then each U.S. Holder owning ADSs or ordinary shares on the last day in the taxable year on which the ownership requirement with respect to Intershop AG or its subsidiary is met would be required to include currently in taxable income as a dividend, a pro rata share of Intershop AG's or the subsidiary's undistributed FPHC income, which is, generally, Intershop AG's or the subsidiary's taxable income with certain adjustments and after reduction for certain dividend payments.
Intershop AG does not believe that the ownership requirement is met at the date hereof with respect to Intershop AG or any of its subsidiaries. However, there can be no assurance that the ownership requirement will not be met at some later time. Whether the income requirement would be met with respect to Intershop AG or any of its subsidiaries at any such later date would depend on the nature and sources of Intershop AG's and each subsidiary's income at that time.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANY STATUS
Intershop AG believes that it is not a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC"), for U.S. federal income tax purposes and does not expect to become a PFIC in this or future years. However, because this conclusion is a factual determination made annually and because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules, Intershop AG cannot assure that it will not be considered to be a PFIC for any fiscal year. In general, a non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a PFIC if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income for a taxable year is passive income or (ii) if the average quarterly value of assets held by it during a taxable year which produce, or are held for the production of, passive income represents at least 50% of the value of all of its assets. For this purpose, the corporation must take into account a proportionate share of the income and assets of each corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, at least a 25% interest.
If Intershop AG were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would generally be subject to special rules with respect to (a) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the shares and (b) any "excess distribution" by us to the U.S. Holder. An excess distribution generally consists of distributions to the U.S. Holder on the shares during a single taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by the U.S. Holder in the three preceding taxable years or during the U.S. Holder's holding period for the shares, if shorter. Under these rules:
the gain or excess distribution would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder's holding period for the shares;
the amount allocated to the taxable year in which the gain or excess distribution was realized would be taxable as ordinary income;
the amount allocated to each prior year, with certain exceptions, would be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year; and
the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax would be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. Special rules apply with respect to the calculation of the amount of the foreign tax credit with respect to excess distributions by a PFIC.
In certain circumstances, a U.S. Holder, in lieu of being subject to the PFIC rules discussed above, may make an election to include gain on the stock of a PFIC as ordinary income under a mark-to-market method provided that such stock is regularly traded on a qualified exchange. Under current law, the mark-to-market election may be available to a U.S. Holder since the ADSs will be listed on the Nasdaq National Market, which constitutes a qualified exchange as designated in the Code. There can be no assurances, however, that the ADSs will be "regularly traded" on such exchange. It is intended that only the ADSs will be listed on the Nasdaq National Market. The bearer ordinary shares are listed on the Prime Standard trading segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, which must meet certain trading, listing, financial disclosure and other requirements to be treated as a qualified exchange under applicable Treasury regulations for purposes of the mark-to-market election, and no assurance can be given that the shares will be "regularly traded" for purposes of the mark-to-market election.
If a U.S. Holder makes an effective mark-to-market election, the U.S. Holder will recognize as ordinary income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of the PFIC shares or ADSs and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in such shares or ADSs. Losses would be allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included by the U.S. Holder under the election for prior taxable years. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in PFIC shares or ADSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules.
If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless the shares or ADSs are no longer regularly traded on a national securities exchange or the Internal Revenue Service consents to the revocation of the election. A mark-to-market election is subject to complex and specific rules and requirements, and U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors about the availability of the mark-to-market election and whether making the election would be advisable in their particular circumstances.
If Intershop AG were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would be required to make an annual return on IRS Form 8621 regarding distributions received with respect to shares and any gain realized on the disposition of shares.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
Intershop AG is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In accordance with these requirements, Intershop AG files reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this Annual Report on Form 20-F and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the SEC's regional offices at prescribed rates. The public may obtain information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room by calling the SEC in the U.S. at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding Intershop AG's electronic filings with the SEC. In addition, material filed by Intershop AG can be inspected at the offices of the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York, New York.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to a variety of risks, including changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations. In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency values.
EXCHANGE RATE EXPOSURE
Although our financial accounting and reporting currency is the euro, a significant portion of our business is nevertheless conducted in currencies other than the euro. International sales are primarily made through our subsidiaries in the respective regions and are generally denominated in the local currency, although in certain countries where exchange rate exposure is considered high, some sales may be denominated in euros or Dollars. Expenses incurred by our subsidiaries are generally denominated in the local currency. Accordingly, the functional currency of our subsidiaries is the local currency or the euro for countries that participate in the EMU. Since the launch of Stage III of European Economic and Monetary Union on January 1, 1999, foreign currency risk relating to our activities in the countries of the euro zone has been eliminated. Therefore, our consolidated financial position, results of operation and cash flows may be materially affected by movements in the exchange rate between the euro, on the one hand, and the respective local currencies to which our subsidiaries are exposed, on the other hand. In general, appreciation of the euro relative to another currency has a negative effect on results of operations, while depreciation of the euro has a positive effect.
As a consequence, period-to-period changes in the average exchange rate in a particular currency can significantly affect revenue and operating results. In addition, our international business is subject to risks typical of an international business, including, but not limited to: differing economic conditions; changes in political climate; differing tax structures; other regulations and restrictions; and foreign exchange rate volatility. Accordingly, our future results could be materially adversely impacted by changes in these or other factors. Foreign exchange gains and losses arise from equity consolidation, short-term intercompany loans, accounts receivables, and account payables and foreign currency-denominated transactions with third parties. Our exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations arises primarily from the translation of the financial results of our foreign subsidiaries into euros during consolidation. As exchange rates vary, these results, when translated, may vary from expectations and may adversely impact overall expected profitability. The principal currencies in which our subsidiaries conduct business that are subject to the risks described in this paragraph are the Dollar, the Japanese Yen, the British Pound, the Swiss Frank, and the Australian Dollar.
We have not entered into any foreign exchange hedging transactions and therefore have no risk from using derivative financial instruments. We have not entered into any forward foreign exchange contracts for speculative or trading purposes. Our management believes that inflation has not had a significant impact on the price of our products, the cost of our materials, or our operating results for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
Of Intershop AG's consolidated revenue in fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2002, approximately 27.6% and 22.9%, respectively, were attributable to operations in non-EMU participating countries and translated into euros.
INTEREST RATE EXPOSURE
Intershop AG invests its cash primarily in bank time deposits and marketable securities, including fixed and variable rate marketable debt securities. The majority of such investments are denominated in euros and Dollars. Cash held by foreign subsidiaries is generally held in short-term time deposits denominated in the local currency.
Net interest income was E1.59 million in fiscal 2000, increased to E3.76 million in fiscal year 2001 and decreased to E0.65 million in fiscal 2002. The increase in net interest income from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001 was due primarily to favorable investments. The decrease in net interest income from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002 was largely due to a decrease in liquid funds to invest.
While we are exposed generally to fluctuations in the interest rates of many of the world's leading industrialized countries, our interest income and expense is most sensitive to fluctuations in the level of U.S. and EMU interest rates. The fair market values of both fixed and variable rate investments are exposed to such interest rate risk. To the extent that interest rates rise, fixed interest securities may be adversely impacted, whereas a decline in interest rates may decrease the anticipated interest income for variable rate investments.
We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio. Investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
There have been no material defaults, dividend arrearages or delinquencies.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There are no material modifications to the rights of security holders that are required to be disclosed.
USE OF PROCEEDS
In September 2000, Intershop AG issued 1,675,000 bearer ordinary shares in connection with its registered public offering of 3,350,000 ADSs in the U.S. The shares were sold on the Nasdaq National Market on September 29, 2000 for net proceeds of approximately E112 million.
Intershop AG used the net proceeds primarily for working capital and general corporate purposes, funding product development and expanding our sales and marketing services. In addition, Intershop AG may use a portion of the net proceeds for further development of Intershop AG product lines through acquisitions of products, technologies and businesses. The amount of cash that Intershop AG expects to spend for working capital purposes depends on a number of factors, including future revenue growth, if any, and the amount of cash Intershop AG generates from operations. Thus, management has had, and will continue to have, significant discretion in applying the net proceeds of this offering. Pending the uses described above, Intershop AG will continue to invest the net proceeds in investment grade, interest-bearing securities.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Within 90 days prior to the date of this report, we performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. The evaluation was performed with the participation of our key corporate senior management, senior management of each business group, and under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Stephan Schambach, and our Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), Juergen Schoettler. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, rather than absolute, assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, Intershop's management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that Intershop's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There have been no significant changes in Intershop's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation. Therefore, no corrective actions were taken.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Item 18 hereof.
Our financial statements set forth in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F following Part III and beginning on page F-1 are incorporated herein by this reference. Such consolidated financial statements are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Report of Independent Auditors Ernst & Young.
Report of Independent Public Accountants Arthur Andersen.
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2001 and 2002.
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
1.1 | Articles of Association of Intershop Communications Aktiengesellschaft (as amended). |
2.1 | Form of Share Certificate for Ordinary Shares (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). |
4.1 | Form of Amendment No. 2 to Deposit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-6-2, filed on February 5, 2003). |
4.2 | Amendment No. 1 to Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2002 to Deposit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-6-2, filed on February 5, 2003). |
4.3 | Form of Deposit Agreement including Form of ADR Certificate (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form Registration Statement on Form F-6 (Registration No. 333-11642). |
8 | List of Subsidiaries |
10.1 | Form of Underwriting Agreement (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1/A-1, filed on March 29, 2000). |
10.2 | 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). |
10.3 | 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). |
10.4 | 2001 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form S-8, filed on May 9, 2001). |
10.5 | Summary Translation of Intershop Communications Reorganization Agreement (Post-Formation Acquisition and Capital Contribution Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). |
10.6 | Intershop Communications Reorganization Agreement (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). |
10.7 | Summary of Translation of Trademark Agreement between Intershop Holding AG, Intershop Communications, Inc. and Intershop Communications GmbH (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). |
10.8 | Software License, Services and Support Agreement between Persistence Software and Intershop Communications AG (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). (Intershop has applied for confidential treatment for portions of this agreement. Accordingly, portions thereof have been omitted and, filed separately.) |
10.9 | Cooperation Agreement with Deutsch Telekom AG and Intershop Communications AG (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). (Intershop has applied for confidential treatment for portions of this agreement. Accordingly, portions thereof have been omitted and, filed separately.) |
10.10 | Summary Translation of Reseller Agreement with Sybase GmbH and Intershop Communications AG (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). (Intershop has applied for confidential treatment for portions of this agreement. Accordingly, portions thereof have been omitted and, filed separately.) |
10.11 | Summary Translation of Reseller Agreement with Oracle Deutschland GmbH and Intershop Communications AG (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). (Intershop has applied for confidential treatment for portions of this agreement. Accordingly, portions thereof have been omitted and, filed separately.) |
10.12 | Technology License and Distribution Agreement with Sun Microsystems and Intershop Communications AG (incorporated by reference to Intershop's Form F-1, filed on March 9, 2000). (Intershop has applied for confidential treatment for portions of this agreement. Accordingly, portions thereof have been omitted and, filed separately.) |
10.13 | Consent of Ernst & Young Revisions- und Treuhandgesellschaft mbH, Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Steuerberatungsgesellschaft, Independent Auditors. |
10.14 | Summary Translation of Lease Agreement with Fa. Josef Saller Gewerbebau and Intershop Software Entwicklungs GmbH |
99 | Officers' Certification |
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
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INTERSHOP COMMUNICATIONS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT |
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Date: |
May 27, 2003 |
By: |
/s/ Stephan Schambach |
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Stephan Schambach |
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Title: |
Chairman
of the Management Board and |
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INTERSHOP COMMUNICATIONS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT |
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Date: |
May 27, 2003 |
By: |
/s/ Juergen Schoettler |
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Juergen Schoettler |
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Member of the Management Board and |
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Stephan Schambach, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Intershop Communications Aktiengesellschaft;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
b. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c. presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: May 27, 2003
By:
/s/ Stephan Schambach
Name:
Stephan Schambach
Title:
Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer
I, Juergen Schoettler, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Intershop Communications Aktiengesellschaft;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
d. designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
e. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
f. presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
c. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
d. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: May 27, 2003
By: /s/
Juergen Schoettler
Name:
Juergen Schoettler
Title:
Member of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer
ITEM 20. Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Auditors Ernst & Young
Report of Independent Public Accountants Arthur Andersen
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Management Board and Shareholders of INTERSHOP Communications Aktiengesellschaft:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of INTERSHOP Communications Aktiengesellschaft (the "Company") as of December 31, 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 17(c). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit. The financial statements of INTERSHOP Communications Aktiengesellschaft as of December 31, 2001, and for each of two years in the period ended December 31, 2001 were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations as a foreign associated firm of the Securities and Exchange Commission Practice Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and whose report dated March 13, 2002 expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements before the disclosure and restatement adjustments described in Notes 2, 8 and 12.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the 2002 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of INTERSHOP Communications Aktiengesellschaft at December 31, 2002, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related 2002 financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company's recurring losses from operations and net capital deficiency raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans as to these matters are also described in Note 1. The 2002 financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
As discussed in Notes 2 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets.
As discussed above, the consolidated financial statements of INTERSHOP Communications Aktiengesellschaft as of December 31, 2001, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2001 were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations as a foreign associated firm of the Securities and Exchange Commission Practice Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. As described in Note 8, these financial statements have been revised to include the transitional disclosures required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("Statement") No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2002. Our audit procedures with respect to the disclosures in Note 8 with respect to 2000 and 2001 included (a) agreeing the previously reported net loss to the previously issued financial statements and the adjustments to reported net loss representing amortization expense (including any related tax effects) recognized in those periods related to goodwill and intangible assets that are no longer being amortized as a result of initially applying Statement No. 142 (including any related tax effects) to the Company's underlying records obtained from management, and (b) testing the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliation of adjusted net loss to reported net loss, and the related loss-per-share amounts. In our opinion, the disclosures for 2000 and 2001 in Note 8 are appropriate. As described in Note 12, in 2002 the Company's Management Board approved a five-for-one reverse stock split, and certain references to number of shares and all per share information in the financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split on a retroactive basis. We audited the adjustments that were applied to restate the number of shares and per share information reflected in the 2000 and 2001 financial statements. Our procedures included (a) agreeing the authorization for the five-for-one reverse stock split to the Company's underlying records obtained from management, and (b) testing the mathematical accuracy of the restated number of shares, basic and diluted loss per share and other applicable disclosures such as stock options. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2000 and 2001 financial statements of the Company other than with respect to such disclosures and adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2000 and 2001 financial statements taken as a whole.
Ernst & Young
Revisions- und Treuhandgesellschaft mbH
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
Nendza |
Schneider |
Wirtschaftsprüfer |
Wirtschaftsprüfer |
May 27, 2003
Hamburg, Germany
NOTE: THIS IS A COPY OF THE AUDIT REPORT PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN WIRTSCHAFTSPRUFUNGSGESELLSCHAFT STEUERBERATUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH (A FOREIGN ASSOCIATED FIRM OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PRACTICE SECTION OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS) ("ANDERSEN") IN CONNECTION WITH THE INTERSHOP COMMUNICATIONS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT FORM 20-F FILING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001. THE INCLUSION OF THIS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED ANDERSEN REPORT IS PURSUANT TO THE "TEMPORARY FINAL RULE AND FINAL RULE REQUIREMENTS FOR ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AUDITING CLIENTS," ISSUED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IN MARCH 2002. NOTE THAT THIS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED ANDERSEN REPORT INCLUDES REFERENCES TO CERTAIN FISCAL YEARS, WHICH ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE PRESENTED IN THE ACCOMPANYING CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND 2000. THIS AUDIT REPORT HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY ANDERSEN IN CONNECTION WITH THIS FILING ON FORM 20-F.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Table of Contents Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
To Intershop Communications Aktiengesellschaft:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Intershop Communications Aktiengesellschaft (a German stock corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Intershop Communications Aktiengesellschaft as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH
Nendza |
Bolash |
Wirtschaftsprüfer |
Certified Public Accountant |
Hamburg, March 13, 2002
Table of Contents Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands euro, except share and per-share amounts)
As of December 31, | 2001 | 2002 |
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ASSETS |
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Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents | 9,107 | 11,303 |
Marketable securities | 19,358 | 4,172 |
Restricted cash | 7,873 | 7,073 |
Trade receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of E13,940 in 2001 and E7,511 in 2002 | 11,679 | 11,131 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 9,976 | 7,427 |
Total current assets | 57,993 | 41,106 |
Property and equipment, net | 13,522 | 4,301 |
Intangible assets, net | 203 | - |
Other assets | 3,628 | 2,268 |
Goodwill | 4,270 | 4,473 |
Total assets | 79,616 | 52,148 |
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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Current liabilities |
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Current debt and current maturities of long-term debt | 99 | 98 |
Accounts payable | 3,540 | 840 |
Accrued restructuring costs | 10,653 | 4,881 |
Other accrued liabilities | 15,602 | 13,472 |
Deferred revenue | 5,569 | 6,295 |
Total current liabilities | 35,463 | 25,586 |
Long-term liabilities, net of current portion | 177 | 152 |
Deferred revenue | 103 | 38 |
Total liabilities | 35,743 | 25,776 |
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Shareholders' equity |
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Common share, stated value E1--authorized: 92,211,719 shares; outstanding: 19,306,400 | 88,191 | 19,306 |
Additional paid-in capital | 13,420 | - |
Accumulated deficit/ retained earnings | (60,632) | 4,123 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 2,894 | 2,943 |
Total shareholders' equity | 43,873 | 26,372 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | 79,616 | 52,148 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Table of Contents Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands euro, except per-share amounts)
For the year ended December 31, | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
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Revenues |
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Licenses | 74,068 | 20,480 | 22,462 |
Services, maintenance, and other | 48,926 | 48,174 | 22,635 |
Total revenues | 122,994 | 68,654 | 45,097 |
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Cost of revenues |
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Licenses | 5,289 | 2,338 | 1,288 |
Services, maintenance, and other | 43,453 | 41,433 | 17,814 |
Total costs of revenues | 48,742 | 43,771 | 19,102 |
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Gross profit | 74,252 | 24,883 | 25,995 |
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Operating expenses |
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Research and development | 10,191 | 15,179 | 7,225 |
Sales and marketing | 75,743 | 60,766 | 29,363 |
General and administrative | 27,590 | 38,108 | 12,760 |
Goodwill and acquired intangible asset amortization | 1,477 | 21,091 | - |
Restructuring costs and asset impairment | - | 23,276 | 5,326 |
Total operating expenses | 115,001 | 158,420 | 54,674 |
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Operating loss | (40,749) | (133,537) | (28,679) |
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Other income (expense) |
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Interest income | 1,591 | 3,759 | 651 |
Interest expense | (571) | (76) | (31) |
Impairment of investments | - | (2,482) | - |
Other income (expense), net | 806 | 538 | 504 |
Total other income (expense) | 1,826 | 1,739 | 1,124 |
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Net loss | (38,923) | (131,798) | (27,555) |
Basic and diluted loss per share | (2.31) | (7.48) | (1.47) |
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Shares used in computing |
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For basic and diluted loss per share | 16,827 | 17,627 | 18,731 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Table of Contents Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands euro)
For the year ended December 31, | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
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Net loss | (38,923) | (131,798) | (27,555) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities |
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Depreciation and amortization | 5,637 | 14,146 | 9,115 |
Amortization of goodwill | 1,477 | 21,091 | - |
Impairment of investments | - | 2,482 | - |
Provision for doubtful accounts | 6,130 | 13,712 | (4,686) |
Amortization of deferred compensation | 273 | - | - |
(Gain) loss on disposal of marketable securities | - | (1,552) | 152 |
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 71 | 137 | 689 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
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Accounts receivable | (19,596) | 12,446 | 4,809 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (4,202) | (4,050) | 2,497 |
Other assets | (2,987) | (738) | 1,104 |
Accounts payable | 4,877 | (6,946) | (2,643) |
Deferred revenue | (1,787) | (1,383) | 818 |
Accrued restructuring costs | - | 10,653 | (5,773) |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 7,152 | 824 | (1,270) |
Net cash used in operating activities | (41,878) | (70,976) | (22,743) |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
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Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (3,036) | - | - |
Restricted cash | 1,269 | (7,705) | 800 |
Proceeds on disposal of equipment | - | 456 | 536 |
Purchases of property and equipment, net of capital leases | (20,626) | (5,731) | (670) |
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities | - | 92,605 | 47,541 |
Purchases of marketable securities | (27,039) | (83,875) | (32,498) |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (49,432) | (4,250) | 15,709 |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
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Proceeds from sale of common shares | 168,679 | 519 | 10,005 |
Proceeds from debt issuance | 10,758 | - | - |
Collection on notes receivable from shareholders | 141 | - | - |
Repayment of indebtedness | (17,791) | - | - |
Net cash provided by investing activities | 161,787 | 519 | 10,005 |
Effect of change in exchange rates on cash | 1,520 | (248) | (775) |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 71,997 | (74,955) | 2,196 |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 12,065 | 84,062 | 9,107 |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | 84,062 | 9,107 | 11,303 |
Supplemental cash flow information |
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Interest paid | 561 | 17 | 31 |
Taxes paid | 40 | 30 | 93 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Table of Contents Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity
(In thousands euro, except share data)
| Common | Common | Additional | Notes | Deferred | Accumulated | Accumulated | Total |
Balance, January 1, 2000 | 84,390,520 | 16,878 | 48,169 | (141) | (273) | (45,406) | 3,637 | 22,864 |
Total comprehensive loss: |
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Net loss |
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|
|
|
| (38,923) |
| (38,923) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
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|
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|
| 1,523 | 1,523 |
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net |
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| (3,451) | (3,451) |
Comprehensive loss |
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|
|
|
|
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| (40,851) |
Private placement of common stock, net | 500,000 | 100 | 38,900 |
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|
|
| 39,000 |
Issuance of common stock for secondary offering, net | 1,675,000 | 335 | 111,876 |
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|
| 112,211 |
Conversion of preferred stock of subsidiary to common stock of parent, net of share amounts not converted | 280,000 | 56 | (56) |
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Issuance of common stock for acquisitions | 275,011 | 275 | 22,586 |
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|
|
| 22,861 |
Exercise of stock options | 882,485 | 334 | 4,635 |
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|
|
| 4,969 |
Capital contribution (net of tax) |
|
| 12,500 |
|
|
|
| 12,500 |
Collections on notes receivables from stockholders |
|
|
| 141 |
|
|
| 141 |
Amortization of deferred compensation |
|
|
|
| 273 |
|
| 273 |
Allocation of par value resulting from stock split |
| 70,025 | (70,025) |
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|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2000 | 88,003,016 | 88,003 | 168,585 | - | - | (84,329) | 1,709 | 173,968 |
Total comprehensive loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Net loss |
|
|
|
|
| (131,798) |
| (131,798) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
| 837 | 837 |
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| 348 | 348 |
Comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (130,613) |
Exercise of stock options | 188,306 | 188 | 330 |
|
|
|
| 518 |
Appropriation of additional paid-in capital |
|
| (155,495) |
|
| 155,495 |
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2001 | 88,191,322 | 88,191 | 13,420 | - | - | (60,632) | 2,894 | 43,873 |
Total comprehensive loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
| (27,555) |
| (27,555) |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
| 158 | 158 |
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| (109) | (109) |
Comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (27,506) |
Exercise of stock options | 6,678 | 7 | (3) |
|
|
|
| 4 |
Private placement of common stock, net | 8,334,000 | 8,334 | 1,667 |
|
|
|
| 10,001 |
Allocation of par value resulting from reverse stock split | (77,225,600) | (77,226) | 77,226 |
|
|
|
|
|
Appropriation of additional paid-in capital |
|
| (92,310) |
|
| 92,310 |
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2002 | 19,306,400 | 19,306 | 0 | - | - | 4,123 | 2,943 | 26,372 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Table of Contents Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Operations of the Company
Intershop (Intershop Communications AG together with its subsidiaries and predecessors; hereinafter referred to as the "Company," "Intershop," or the "Group") is a global provider of standard software solutions for global enterprises. The Company's products provide both basic online commerce functionality and advanced features such as intelligent merchandising, workflow management, and channel integration systems. Intershop's Enfinity software is designed to support a large number of online commerce models: sector-specific business models for the automobile industry (Automotive), for the high-tech sector and manufacturing industry (High-Tech and Manufacturing), and for trade (Retail); cross-industry solutions for business transactions between companies (B2B), business transactions between companies and end users (B2C), electronic purchasing solutions (Online Procurement), and centralized content management systems (Content Management). Intershop's software easily integrates into a company's existing infrastructures, enabling seamless transactions between suppliers, distributors, and customers.
Intershop is positioned as a leading supplier of Unified Commerce Management ("UCM") software, software which can provide companies with a strategic competitive advantage by tailoring their online commerce processes to clients' needs. Savings potential is leveraged by simplifying and automating business relationships between companies, and successful purchasing and sales processes can easily be reproduced anywhere in the world. UCM is an IT strategy for companies wanting to realize competitive advantages by integrating all their online commerce processes. In contrast to IT strategies based on traditional, often isolated software solutions, the UCM approach offers enterprise clients a customer-facing strategy to centrally manage all online commerce initiatives and integrate these across disparate countries, markets, business units, applications, and systems. The new UCM approach focuses on increasing clients' returns on investment ("ROI") and lowering the total cost of ownership ("TCO"). The Company's standard Enfinity MultiSite software forms the technical basis of the UCM approach and provides tried and tested reference models for integrating online commerce processes at low cost and managing these from a central point.
In addition to Enfinity-based software solutions for global enterprises, up to November 2002 the Company offered small and medium-sized companies simple e-commerce solutions in the form of its Intershop 4 product line. Intershop has now outsourced the selling and marketing of this product line to ePages Software GmbH.
The Company also offers its customers support, professional consulting services, and education services in relation to its software products.
In December 1996, Intershop Communications, Inc. ("US, Inc.") entered into a share exchange agreement with Intershop Communications GmbH ("GmbH") to acquire 100% of GmbH's outstanding shares. The shareholders of GmbH's common shares received common shares in US, Inc. Holders of existing debt (approximately E1.1 million) and capital (approximately E200,000) in GmbH--approximately E1.4 million in total--received 6,720,000 shares of preferred stock in US, Inc. The fair value of the preferred stock issued was equal to the carrying amount of the debt and capital for which it was exchanged. The share exchange did not alter the relative ownership interest of the parent company. Upon completion of the transaction, US, Inc. became the parent company of GmbH and its subsidiaries.
On June 23, 1998, the holders of 79.26% of the shareholders' equity of US, Inc. exchanged their shares of preferred and common stock of US, Inc. (20,591,348 in total) for 61,729,050 shares of the Company. As a result of this transaction, US, Inc. became a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company. Two stockholders, Stephan Schambach, founder and Chief Executive Officer, and Burgess Jamieson, Supervisory Board member, did not contribute all of their shares of US, Inc. for certain tax reasons, and therefore still hold 16.0% and 1.5%, respectively, of US, Inc.'s common stock as of December 31, 2002. These two stockholders are entitled to exchange their shares in US, Inc. for shares in the Company, using conditional capital specifically approved for this purpose. The interests held by these persons are considered part of the majority interest in the AG since the holdings qualify as related party transactions. These interests are also considered part of the majority interest in the AG because they can be bought back due to their conversion rights and hence their possible conversion at a price of $0.01 per share--if they are not converted by 2004. Accordingly, the cost of such shares is included in the additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Conversions of US, Inc. shares into AG shares subsequent to the initial conversion in June 1998 are treated as an increase in the stated value of the common stock and a corresponding decrease in the capital surplus. During 1999, the two stockholders converted 744,500 common shares of US, Inc. into 2,233,500 shares of the Company. During 2000, these stockholders converted 93,333 common shares of US, Inc. into 280,000 shares of the Company. During calendar years 2001 and 2002, these stockholders did not convert any shares of US, Inc. into shares of the Company. As of December 31, 2002, these stockholders held 4,548,167 shares in US, Inc., which are convertible into 2,728,900 shares of the Company at any time subject to the conditions of the German Stock Corporation Act. If these two shareholders had converted their shares as of December 31, 2002, they would own approximately 20.0% of the Company. In January 2002, the Company announced that Stephan Schambach intends to exchange his remaining holdings in US, Inc. (4,166,667 shares) for shares of the Company (2,500,000 shares). This transaction had not been completed by the reporting date.
The consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated results of the Company and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries, which have been prepared according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). All significant intercompany transactions and balances between the consolidated companies have been eliminated.
As of December 31, 2002, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities (including restricted cash) of E22.5 million, compared with E36.3 million as of December 31, 2001. The Company has incurred significant operating losses since inception, and had an accumulated deficit of E243.7 million (prior to the appropriation of the additional paid-in capital of E243.7 million) as of December 31, 2002. The Company does not expect to achieve sufficient revenues to support future operations without additional financing. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
The Company has developed a business plan to address its operational needs in the future. This plan includes further headcount and other cost reductions, and obtaining additional future financing. Management believes that its business plan is appropriate for the Company to secure adequate financing until the Company is operating profitably. Management believes additional financing and current operations will be sufficient to allow the Company to continue as a going concern at least through 2003. Should revenues not materialize and expenses decrease to planned levels, or additional equity financing be unavailable to the Company, management will restrict certain of the Company's planned activities and operations, as necessary, to sustain operations and conserve cash resources.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying financial statements reflect the application of certain significant accounting policies as described in this note and elsewhere in the accompanying notes.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant Group accounts and Group transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for the Company and its subsidiaries is the local currency of the country in which the subsidiary is located. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation," assets and liabilities of operations outside euro-denominated countries are translated into euros using exchange rates at the end of each reporting period. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Cumulative translation gains and losses are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the date of each transaction. Differences in exchange rates during the period between the date a transaction denominated in a foreign currency is consummated and the date at which it is either settled or translated are recognized in the statement of operations and are shown in "other income (expense), net." Currency gains and losses were E(282,815) in 2000, E(241,460) in 2001, and E59,073 in 2002.
We have not entered into any foreign exchange hedging transactions and therefore have no risk from using derivative financial instruments.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities
In accordance with SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," the Company classifies its investments in readily marketable debt and equity securities as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders' equity. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity computed under the effective interest method. Such amortization is included in investment income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in investment income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment income.
Investments
Investments without readily available market value which contain less than a twenty percent ownership and where the Company cannot exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. Declines in value judged to be other than temporary on investments are included in investment income.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit checks on its customers and the risk with respect to trade receivables is further mitigated by the fact that the Company's customer base is diversified.
In 2002, one single customer accounted for 23.4% of total revenue. In 2001 and 2000, no single customer accounted for 10% or more of total revenue.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, approximate their fair values. Marketable securities designated as available-for-sale are recorded at market value with any unrealized gain or loss being recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income within the shareholder's equity section of the balance sheet.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Capital leases are recorded at the present value of the future minimum lease payments at the date of acquisition. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from three to five years. Capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease terms or their estimated useful lives.
Software Development Costs
The Company accounts for internally generated software development costs in accordance with SFAS No. 86, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed." Capitalization of software development costs begins upon the establishment of technological feasibility of the product, which the Company defines as the development of a working model and further defines as the completion of beta testing of the software. The establishment of technological feasibility and the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of these costs requires considerable judgment by management with respect to certain external factors, including, but not limited to, anticipated future product revenue, estimated economic life, and changes in technology. Such costs are reported at the lower of amortized cost or net realizable value. To date, internal software development costs that were eligible for capitalization have not been significant, and the Company has charged all software development costs to research and development expense as incurred.
The Company expenses all research and development costs as incurred.
Goodwill
Until December 31, 2001, the Company periodically assessed the impairment of enterprise level goodwill in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 17, "Intangible Assets," and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 100, "Restructuring and Impairment Charges," An impairment review was performed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that the carrying amount might not be amortizable. Indicators the Company considered important which could have triggered an impairment included, but were not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company's overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, a significant decline in the Company's stock price for a sustained period and the Company's market capitalization relative to net book value. Whenever the Company determined that the carrying amount of goodwill or other intangible assets might not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, it measured any impairment based on a projected future discounted free cash flow from operating activities. During the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded impairment losses with respect to goodwill in the amount of E12.0 million.
Since the beginning of 2002, the Company has adopted the accounting standard SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which was published in June 2001. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill will no longer be amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever indicators of impairment arise. The Company identified indicators of impairment under SFAS No. 142 to be the same as under SAB No. 100, as listed previously. The goodwill impairment test, which is based on fair value, is to be performed on a reporting unit level. A reporting unit is defined by SFAS No. 131 as an operating segment or one level lower. The Company markets its products and services in one segment and thus allocates goodwill to one reporting unit. Therefore, impairment is tested at the enterprise level using the Company's market capitalization as fair value. Goodwill will no longer be allocated to other long-lived assets for impairment testing in accordance with SFAS No. 121.
Long-Lived Assets
Prior to 2002, the Company periodically evaluated the recoverability of the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets and any attributable goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicated that the carrying amounts of such assets may have not be recoverable, the Company compared estimated future undiscounted free cash flows from operating activities for these assets to their carrying amounts. When these undiscounted cash flows were less than the carrying amounts of the assets, the Company would record impairment losses to write the asset down to fair value, as measured by the discounted estimated net future cash flows expected to be generated from the assets.
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 establishes a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale consistent with the fundamental provisions of SFAS No. 121. While it supersedes portions of APB Opinion 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations--Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions," it retains the discontinued operations presentation, yet it broadens that presentation to include a component of an entity (rather than a segment of a business). However, discontinued operations are no longer recorded at net realizable value and future operating losses are no longer recognized before they occur. Under SFAS No. 144, it is no longer necessary to allocate goodwill to long-lived assets and then perform impairment testing. Furthermore, it has been stipulated that in situations where it is expected that certain flows of capital will be accumulated in areas subject to impairment testing, these can be calculated on the basis of a probability-weighted cash flow estimate. SFAS No. 144 also establishes criteria for determining when an asset should be treated as held for sale.
During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded impairment losses of E2.7 million in connection with certain assets that were either abandoned during year or for which the resulting estimated cash flows were insufficient to cover the carrying amounts, and has been included in the statement of operations under restructuring costs and asset impairment, as discussed in Note 10.
SFAS No. 144 was effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Accordingly, the Company adopted SFAS No. 144 as of January 1, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Derivatives
Since January 1, 2001, the Company has applied SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts or used in hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations as the Company's current policy is not to enter into hedging activities.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses of E13.2 million, E3.2 million, and E0.5 million were included in sales and marketing expenses for 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," in October 1995. This accounting standard permits the use of either a fair value based method of accounting or the method defined in Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") to account for stock-based compensation arrangements. The Company has elected to continue to account for its stock-based compensation arrangements under the provisions of APB 25, and, accordingly, has included in Note 12 the pro forma disclosures required under SFAS No. 123. If compensation cost for the Plan had been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for the awards calculated in accordance with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the impact on the Company's net loss and net loss per share would have been as follows (in thousands of euro, except per-share amounts):
Year ended December 31, | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
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Net loss attributable to common shareholders |
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As reported | (38,923) | (131,798) | (27,555) |
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects | (35,928) | (55,751) | (11,271) |
Pro forma | (74,851) | (187,549) | (38,826) |
Basic and diluted loss per share |
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As reported | (2.31) | (7.48) | (1.47) |
Pro forma | (4.45) | (10.64) | (2.07) |
The following assumptions have been made to estimate the fair value of the options:
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
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Risk-free interest on the date of grant | 6.3% | 4.5% | 4.0% |
Assumed dividend | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Volatility | 86% | 115% | 92% |
Expected option lives (years) | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
Revenue Recognition
Intershop derives revenues from two primary sources: (1) software license revenues and (2) services revenues, which include maintenance, consulting, and education. While the basis for software license revenue recognition is substantially governed by the provisions of Statement of Position No. 97-2, "Software Revenue Recognition," as amended by SOP 98-4 and SOP 98-9 and related Interpretations (collectively, "SOP 97-2") issued by the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Company exercises judgment and uses estimates in connection with the determination of the amount of software license and services revenues to be recognized in each accounting period.
For software license arrangements that do not require significant modification or customization of the underlying software, the Company recognizes revenue when: (1) it enters into a legally binding arrangement with a customer for the license of software; (2) it delivers the products or perform the services; (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties; and, (4) collection is probable. Substantially all of the Company's license revenues are recognized in this manner.
Some of the Company's software arrangements include implementation services sold separately under consulting engagement contracts. Revenues from these arrangements are generally accounted for separately from the license revenue because the arrangements qualify as "service transactions," as defined in SOP 97-2. The more significant factors considered in determining whether the revenue should be accounted for separately include the nature of services (i.e., consideration of whether the services are essential to the functionality of the licensed product), degree of risk, availability of services from other vendors, timing of payments, and impact of milestones or acceptance criteria on the realizability of the software license fee.
If an arrangement does not qualify for separate accounting of the license and service transactions, then license revenue is generally recognized together with the consulting services based on contract accounting using either the percentage-of-completion or completed-contract method as described below. Contract accounting is also applied to any arrangements: (1) that include milestones or customer specific acceptance criteria, which may affect collection of the license fees; (2) where services include significant modification or customization of the software; (3) where significant consulting services are provided for in the contract without additional charges; or, (4) where the license payment is tied to the performance of consulting services.
For arrangements with multiple elements, the Company allocates revenue to each element of a transaction based upon its fair value as determined in reliance on "vendor specific objective evidence." Vendor specific objective evidence of fair value for all elements of an arrangement is based upon the normal pricing and discounting practices for those products and services when sold separately and, for support services, is additionally measured by the renewal rate. If the Company cannot objectively determine the fair value of any undelivered element included in bundled software and service arrangements, it defers revenue until all elements are delivered, services have been performed, or until fair value can objectively be determined. When the fair value of a license element has not been established, the Company uses the residual method to record license revenue if the fair value of all undelivered elements is determinable. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered elements and is recognized as revenue.
Intershop's license arrangements generally do not include acceptance provisions. If uncertainty exists about customer acceptance of the software, license revenue will not be recognized until acceptance occurs.
Intershop assesses whether fees are fixed or determinable at the time of sale and recognizes revenue if all other revenue recognition requirements are met. The Company's standard payment terms are net 30 days; however, terms may vary based on the country in which the agreement is executed. Payments that extend beyond the country's standard payment terms are generally deemed not to be fixed or determinable, and thereby do not satisfy the required criteria for revenue recognition. Revenues for these agreements are deferred and recognized upon cash payment by the customer.
Revenue for consulting services is generally recognized as the services are performed. If there is a significant uncertainty about the project completion or receipt of payment for the consulting services, revenue is deferred until the uncertainty is sufficiently resolved.
The Company estimates the percentage-of-completion on contracts with fixed or "not to exceed" fees on a monthly basis utilizing hours incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated hours to complete the project. If Intershop does not have a sufficient basis to measure progress towards completion, revenue is recognized when the Company receives final acceptance from the customer. When total cost estimates exceed revenues, Intershop accrues for the estimated losses immediately based upon an average fully burdened daily rate applicable to the consulting organization delivering the services.
The complexity of the estimation process and issues related to the assumptions, risks, and uncertainties inherent with the application of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting affect the amounts of revenues and related expenses reported in the Company's consolidated financial statements. A number of internal and external factors can affect Intershop's estimates, including labor rates, utilization and efficiency variances, and specification and testing requirement changes.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
The Company makes judgments as to its ability to collect outstanding receivables and provide allowances for the portion of receivables when collection becomes doubtful. Provisions are made based upon a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices. For those invoices not specifically reviewed, provisions are provided at differing rates, based upon the age of the receivable. In determining these percentages, Intershop analyzes its historical collection experience and current economic trends. If the historical data the Company uses to calculate the allowance provided for doubtful accounts does not reflect the future ability to collect outstanding receivables, additional provisions for doubtful accounts may be needed and the future results of operations could be materially affected.
Segment Reporting
The Company operates primarily in one line of business, which is providing Unified Commerce Management software for managing e-commerce processes across extended enterprises. Accordingly, the Company does not disclose significant additional segment information under the definition of segment reporting, defined by the standards of SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information."
Comprehensive Income
The Company accounts for comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." Comprehensive income is the total of net income and all other changes in shareholders' equity that are not connected with changes at shareholder level.
Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of the following (in thousands of euro):
At December 31, | 2001 | 2002 |
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Foreign currency translation gains | 2,975 | 3,133 |
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | (81) | (190) |
Comprehensive income | 2,894 | 2,943 |
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method in accounting for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws which will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Earnings Per Share
The basic net loss per common share is presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" for all periods presented. Basic net loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of vested outstanding shares of common stock.
The diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of vested shares of common stock outstanding and, in the case of dilution, the unvested common stock outstanding, the potential number of common shares from options and warrants to purchase common stock using the treasury stock method. In the case of convertible securities the if-converted basis is used. The options exercised that result in shares subject to repurchase have been excluded in computing the number of weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share purposes. All potential common shares have been excluded from the computation of the diluted net loss per share for 2000, 2001, and 2002 because the effect would be antidilutive. The weighted-average number of vested shares of common stock outstanding includes the shares of US, Inc. held by two shareholders of the Company as discussed further in Note 1.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the three years ended December 31 respectively (in thousands of euro, except per-share data):
Year ended December 31, | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
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Net loss | (38,923) | (131,798) | (27,555) |
Basic and diluted net loss per share: |
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Weighted-average common shares outstanding | 17,177 | 17,627 | 18,731 |
Less: Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase | (350) | - | - |
Total weighted-average common shares | 16,827 | 17,627 | 18,731 |
Basic and diluted net loss per share | (2.31) | (7.48) | (1.47) |
The net losses per share for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001 have been adjusted to reflect the company's 5:1 reverse stock split performed in 2002. Share amounts in the consolidated statement of changes of shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, have not been adjusted to reflect this reverse stock split.
Reclassifications
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company separately presented goodwill and other intangible assets in the balance sheets. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company is required to present amortization of goodwill and amortization of other intangible assets separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2002. The workforce identified as a separate intangible asset in the acquisitions in 2000 (refer to Note 6) does not qualify as an intangible asset under SFAS No. 141 and has therefore been reclassified into goodwill. Certain other amounts reported in the fiscal years 2000 and 2001 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal year 2002 financial statement presentation. These other reclassifications are immaterial.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2002, SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation--Transition and Disclosure," was issued. SFAS No. 148 supplements SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and offers alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting of stock-based employee compensation recommended in SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 148 also supplements the disclosure obligations contained in SFAS No. 123 and APB Opinion No. 28, "Interim Financial Reporting." The transition and disclosure obligations contained in SFAS 148 apply to the fiscal years after December 15, 2002; earlier application is also permitted. The Company has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 in 2002. The Company continues to account for employee stock based compensation under the intrinsic value method as prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25.
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 requires companies to record an appropriate charge in connection with the retirement or disposal of property and equipment in the period in which this took place, provided that the fair value can be reasonably determined. The costs incurred in the retirement or disposal of assets are netted against the carrying amount of the long-lived assets. Companies will calculate the changes over time in the amount of the anticipated expenses to be incurred for the retirement or disposal of an asset by discounting the amount calculated at the beginning of the period. The interest rate used in the calculation of this change corresponds to the risk-adjusted rate to be fixed in accordance with the company's credit rating the first time the expenses are recognized. The carrying amount of the related property and equipment increases by the amount calculated, which is then written down over the objects' remaining useful lives and recorded as operating expenses in the income statement. SFAS No. 143 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company believes that adopting SFAS No. 143 will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In June 2002, the FASB published SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." This statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and supersedes the preliminary provisions of the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." This statement requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity must be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under Issue 94-3, the liability for an exit cost was recognized as the date of an entity's commitment to a concrete exit or disposal plan. The new standard holds that a company's commitment to a plan does not represent a direct obligation to another party that would be defined as a liability. SFAS No. 146 therefore rescinds the definitions and requirements for the accounting of exit costs contained in Issue 94-3 until a liability is actually incurred and stipulates that the amount of the liability be initially measured at the current fair value. However, this standard does not apply to expenses arising in connection with the retirement of activities in divisions acquired by way of a combination or covered by SFAS No. 144. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 146 to have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." FIN 45 requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken by it in issuing the guarantee. It also expands the disclosure requirements in the financial statements of the guarantor with respect to its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. The Company is required to adopt the initial recognition and initial measurement accounting provisions of this interpretation on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company does not anticipate the adoption to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, or results of operations, or cash flows.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretations No. 46 ("FIN 46"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." This interpretation clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, "Consolidated Financial Statements," to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective February 1, 2003 for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and July 31, 2003 for variable interest entities created prior to February 1, 2003. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of FIN 46 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
3. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
At December 31, 2001 and 2002, prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands of euro):
As of December 31, | 2001 | 2002 |
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VAT and other tax receivables | 3,926 | 5,224 |
Pre-payments | 2,719 | 1,410 |
Unbilled receivables | 2,519 | 261 |
Receivables from employees, net | 293 | 72 |
Other | 519 | 460 |
Total | 9,976 | 7,427 |
The Company recorded a doubtful debt allowance of E1.1 million and E 1.2 million against receivables due from employees in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively.
4. Property and Equipment
At December 2001 and 2002, property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands of euro):
| 2001 | Currency | Additions | Disposals | Impairment | 2002 |
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Computer equipment | 23,852 | (881) | 417 | (2,745) | (1,096) | 19,547 |
Furniture and fixtures | 5,444 | (161) | 109 | (1,054) | (746) | 3,592 |
Leasehold improvements | 3,115 | (741) | 144 | (389) | (858) | 1,271 |
Subtotal | 32,411 | (1,783) | 670 | (4,188) | (2,700) | 24,410 |
Accumulated depreciation | (18,889) | 3,669 | (6,415) | 1,526 |
| (20,109) |
Property and equipment, net | 13,522 |
|
|
|
| 4,301 |
The Company did not have any equipment under capital leases at December 31, 2001 or December 31, 2002.
5. Investments
During 1998 and 1999, the Company made investments in a non-public company in Israel totaling E0.5 million and E1.2 million, respectively. The total investment of E1.7 million in this entity represented an ownership interest of approximately 6% at that time. Due to the difficult economic climate and the financial condition and performance of this non-public company, the Company wrote down the whole value of this investment in the fiscal year 2001. This resulted in a non-operational charge of E1.7 million to the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2001.
6. Marketable Securities
Investments in debt and marketable equity securities are categorized as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, and reported as a component of cumulative comprehensive income.
In 1999, the Company acquired approximately E1.5 million of common stock in a public company in the United Kingdom. This investment was classified as an available-for-sale security and recorded at fair value. In June 2001, the Company determined that the decline in fair value of this investment was other than temporary in nature and recorded a write-down of E0.7 million on this investment. In October 2001, the Company sold this investment for E0.9 million. The related gain of E0.1 million is included in other income.
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, available-for-sale securities consisted of the following (in thousands of euro):
| Cost | Gross | Gross | Estimated |
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2001 |
|
|
|
|
Money market funds | 19,350 | 8 | - | 19,358 |
December 31, 2002 |
|
|
|
|
Money market funds | 4,171 | 1 | - | 4,172 |
For the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, the gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities totaled E0, E2,043,838, and E46,953, respectively, and the gross realized losses totaled E0, E491,838, and E198,745, respectively.
7. Acquisitions
Owis Software GmbH
In July 2000, the Company acquired the assets of Owis Software GmbH ("Owis") for 26,550 shares of the Company's capital stock, the market value of which was approximately E2.4 million, and approximately E2.5 million in cash, resulting in an aggregate purchase price of approximately E4.9 million. The value assigned to the shares issued was determined based on the market price of the Company's common stock a few days before and after the Company and Owis reached agreement on the purchase price and the proposed transaction was announced. The Company did not assume any options in the transaction. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, based on the completion of the evaluation of the fair values of Owis's assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition.
The following is a summary of the purchase price allocation (in thousands of euro):
Current assets and other tangible assets | 1,263 |
Liabilities assumed | (1,292) |
Assembled workforce | 530 |
Goodwill | 4,409 |
| 4,910 |
The acquired assembled workforce and goodwill were regularly amortized until December 31, 2001, with an amortization period of three years from the date of acquisition initially being agreed. Upon adoption of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, the assembled workforce was combined with the goodwill and the regular amortization ceased.
Subotnic GmbH
In December 2000, the Company acquired the assets of Subotnic GmbH ("Subotnic") for 248,461 shares of the Company's capital stock, the fair value of which was approximately E20.3 million. The value assigned to the shares issued was determined based on the market price of the Company's common stock a few days before and after the Company and Subotnic reached agreement on the purchase price and the proposed transaction was announced. The Company did not assume any options in the transaction. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, based on the completion of the evaluation of the fair values of Subotnic's assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition.
The following is a summary of the purchase price allocation (in thousands of euro):
Current assets and other tangible assets | 348 |
Liabilities assumed | (1,353) |
Assembled workforce | 360 |
Goodwill | 21,019 |
| 20,374 |
The acquired assembled workforce and goodwill were regularly amortized until December 31, 2001, with an amortization period of three years from the date of acquisition initially being agreed. Upon adoption of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, the assembled workforce was combined with the goodwill and the regular amortization ceased.
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results as if the acquisition of Owis and Subotnic had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year 2000 (in thousands of euro):
Year ended December 31, | 2000 |
|
|
| (unaudited) |
Pro forma total revenue | 123,090 |
Pro forma net loss | (48,801) |
Pro forma net loss per share - basic/diluted | (0.58) |
These pro forma results have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and include certain adjustments such as additional amortization expense as a result of intangible assets arising from the purchase. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the purchase been in effect at the beginning of the respective periods or of future results.
8. Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands of euro):
| 2001 | 2002 |
|
|
|
Goodwill | 13,983 | 14,403 |