UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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(Mark One) |
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x |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 |
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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: 000-26781
INSURE.COM, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
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DELAWARE |
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36-3299423 |
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(State of Incorporation) |
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
8205 South Cass Avenue, Suite 102
Darien, Illinois 60561
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(630) 515-0170
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a
large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large
accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a
shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 7,301,469 shares of the registrant’s common stock, net of treasury shares, were outstanding as of May 3, 2007.
INSURE.COM, INC.
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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(unaudited) |
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ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
659,741 |
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$ |
1,300,243 |
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Fixed maturity investments – available for sale at fair value |
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5,469,008 |
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4,990,563 |
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Commissions receivable, less allowances (2007 — $370,000; 2006 — $331,000) |
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2,543,246 |
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2,599,520 |
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Land and building, held for sale |
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3,446,000 |
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3,446,000 |
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Other assets |
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419,855 |
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393,882 |
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Total current assets |
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12,537,850 |
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12,730,208 |
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Fixed maturity investments- available for sale at fair value |
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1,468,290 |
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1,949,970 |
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Furniture, equipment, and computer software at cost, less accumulated depreciation (2007—$3,638,000; 2006—$3,578,000) |
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380,657 |
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333,853 |
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Intangible assets at cost, less accumulated amortization (2007—$1,722,000; 2006—$1,587,000) |
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2,405,039 |
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2,539,564 |
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Goodwill |
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3,117,470 |
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3,117,470 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
19,909,306 |
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$ |
20,671,065 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities-current |
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$ |
1,409,353 |
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$ |
1,347,519 |
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Total liabilities |
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1,409,353 |
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1,347,519 |
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Stockholders’ equity: |
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Common stock, $.003 par value; shares authorized: 60,000,000; shares issued: 2007—9,689,609; 2006—9,688,709 |
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29,069 |
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29,066 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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77,100,284 |
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77,060,144 |
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Retained-earnings deficit |
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(54,686,614 |
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(53,804,513 |
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Treasury stock at cost: 2,388,140 shares; |
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(3,877,613 |
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(3,877,613 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(65,173 |
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(83,538 |
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Total stockholders’ equity |
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18,499,953 |
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19,323,546 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
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$ |
19,909,306 |
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$ |
20,671,065 |
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See accompanying notes.
3
INSURE.COM, INC.
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Quarter ended |
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March 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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(unaudited) |
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Revenues: |
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Commissions and fees |
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$ |
4,201,664 |
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$ |
4,870,277 |
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Other |
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— |
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— |
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Total revenues |
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4,201,664 |
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4,870,277 |
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Expenses: |
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Selling and marketing |
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1,775,370 |
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2,505,300 |
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Operations |
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2,143,474 |
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1,578,592 |
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General and administrative |
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1,059,394 |
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918,849 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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194,937 |
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236,358 |
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Total expenses |
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5,173,175 |
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5,239,099 |
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Operating loss |
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(971,511 |
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(368,822 |
) |
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Interest income |
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89,410 |
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80,800 |
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Net loss |
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$ |
(882,101 |
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$ |
(288,022 |
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Net loss per common share, basic and diluted |
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$ |
(0.12 |
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$ |
(0.04 |
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Weighted average common shares and equivalents outstanding, basic and diluted |
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7,300,946 |
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7,319,987 |
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See accompanying notes.
4
INSURE.COM, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
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Common Stock |
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Accumulated |
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Number of |
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Additional |
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Retained- |
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Other |
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Total |
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Shares |
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Par |
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Paid-In |
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Earnings |
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Treasury |
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Comprehensive |
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Stockholders’ |
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Issued |
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Value |
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Capital |
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Deficit |
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Stock |
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Income (Loss) |
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Equity |
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2006: |
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Balance at January 1 |
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9,688,709 |
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$ |
29,066 |
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$ |
76,814,067 |
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$ |
(50,216,482 |
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$ |
(3,814,722 |
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$ |
(198,098 |
) |
$ |
22,613,831 |
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Net loss |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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(3,588,031 |
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— |
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— |
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(3,588,031 |
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Other comprehensive gain- net unrealized gain on investments |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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114,560 |
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114,560 |
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Total comprehensive loss |
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(3,473,471 |
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Stock option compensation |
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246,077 |
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246,077 |
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Purchase of 21,324 shares of treasury stock |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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(62,891 |
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— |
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(62,891 |
) |
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Balance at December 31 |
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9,688,709 |
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29,066 |
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77,060,144 |
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(53,804,513 |
) |
(3,877,613 |
) |
(83,538 |
) |
19,323,546 |
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2007: |
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Threee months ended |
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March 31, 2007 (unaudited) |
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Net loss |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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(882,101 |
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— |
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— |
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(882,101 |
) |
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Other comprehensive income- net unrealized gain on investments |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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18,365 |
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18,365 |
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Total comprehensive loss |
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(863,736 |
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Stock option expense |
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— |
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— |
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37,434 |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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37,434 |
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Proceeds from sale of common stock-exercise of options |
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900 |
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3 |
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2,706 |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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2,709 |
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Balance at September 30, 2006 (unaudited) |
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9,689,609 |
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$ |
29,069 |
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$ |
77,100,284 |
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$ |
(54,686,614 |
) |
$ |
(3,877,613 |
) |
$ |
(65,173 |
) |
$ |
18,499,953 |
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See accompanying notes.
5
INSURE.COM, INC.
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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(unaudited) |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net loss |
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$ |
(882,101 |
) |
$ |
(288,022 |
) |
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Adjustments to reconcile to net cash used by operating activities: |
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Depreciation expense |
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60,412 |
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89,610 |
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Amortization |
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102,672 |
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153,090 |
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Loss on disposal of assets |
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— |
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29,663 |
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
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61,834 |
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222,529 |
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Commissions receivable |
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56,274 |
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(60,098 |
) |
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Stock option expense |
|
37,434 |
|
61,950 |
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||
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Other assets |
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(25,973 |
) |
59,318 |
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Net cash provided (used) by operating activities |
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(589,448 |
) |
268,040 |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Purchases of investments |
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(1,946,547 |
) |
(1,701,586 |
) |
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Proceeds of maturities of investments |
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2,000,000 |
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2,000,000 |
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Net purchase of furniture, equipment and computer software |
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(107,216 |
) |
(44,848 |
) |
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Net cash provided (used) by investing activities |
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(53,763 |
) |
253,566 |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Proceeds of issuance of common stock |
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2,709 |
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— |
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Purchase of treasury stock |
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— |
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(12,300 |
) |
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Net cash provided (used) by financing activities |
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2,709 |
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(12,300 |
) |
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
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(640,502 |
) |
509,306 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
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1,300,243 |
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746,708 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
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$ |
659,741 |
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$ |
1,256,014 |
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See accompanying notes.
6
INSURE.COM, INC.
(Unaudited)
1. Description of Business
Insure.com, Inc., formerly known as Quotesmith.com, Inc., (the Company) is an insurance agency and brokerage. Since its inception in 1984, the Company has been continuously developing a proprietary and comprehensive insurance price comparison and order-entry system that provides instant quotes for numerous life insurance products. The Company uses this database to provide customers with a large array of comparative life insurance quotes online, over the phone or by mail, and allows the customer to purchase insurance from the insurance company of their choice either online or over the phone with the Company’s licensed insurance customer service staff. The Company’s website also provides insurance information and decision-making tools, along with access to other forms of personal insurance, such as auto, homeowners, health, renters, long-term care and travel insurance through various partners. The Company generates revenues from the receipt of commissions and fees paid by various sources, that are tied directly to the volume of insurance sales or traffic that is produced, including industry-standard volume based bonus commissions paid by participating life insurance companies. The Company conducts its insurance agency and brokerage operations using salaried personnel and generates prospective customer interest using traditional direct response advertising methods conducted primarily offline.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007.
The balance sheet at December 31, 2006 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
The Company has established the 1997 Stock Option Plan and the 2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, or the plans, to provide additional incentive to its employees, officers and directors. Under the plans, an aggregate of 800,000 shares of Insure.com common stock may be granted to participants in the plans. Options granted under the plans vest over periods ranging from one to three years, and expire if not exercised within ten years. As of March 31, 2007, there were options outstanding of 426,161 shares of stock under these plans.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company began accounting for stock option grants in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (Statement 123 (R)), which requires the recognition of compensation expense for stock options granted to employees where the exercise price is equal to or greater than the market price at the date of the grant. Prior to that date, the Company accounted for stock option grants in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations and, accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for stock options granted to employees where the exercise price is equal to or greater than the market price at the date of the grant. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded compensation expense related to stock options in the amount of $37,000 and $62,000, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options totaled $74,000 as of March 31, 2007. Expense was calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model. The inputs for volatility and expected term of the options were primarily based on historical information.
7
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006:
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Risk-free interest rate |
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4.67 |
% |
4.35 |
% |
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Volatility factor |
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37.13 |
% |
58.69 |
% |
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Dividend yield |
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— |
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— |
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Weighted-average expected life |
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5.5 years |
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5.5 years |
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Weighted-average per share fair value |
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$ |
1.86 |
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$ |
1.71 |
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Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2007 is summarized below:
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Number of |
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Weighted-Average |
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Weighted-Average |
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Outstanding at January 1, 2007 |
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430,561 |
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$ |
6.22 |
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Granted |
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50,000 |
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4.38 |
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Exercised |
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(900 |
) |
3.01 |
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Forfeited |
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(3,500 |
) |
20.32 |
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Outstanding at March 31, 2007 |
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476,161 |
|
5.93 |
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6.56 |
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Exercisable at March 31, 2007 |
|
381,827 |
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|
Recent Accounting Pronouncement
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an enterprise’s tax return. In addition, FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest, penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure related to uncertain income tax positions. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, the Company adopted FIN 48 in the first quarter of 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
3. Income Per Share
Income per share is calculated as follows:
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Quarter Ended |
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March 31, |
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||||
|
|
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2007 |
|
2006 |
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||
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|
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||
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Net loss |
|
$ |
(882,101 |
) |
$ |
(288,022 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
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Basic shares outstanding |
|
7,300,946 |
|
7,319,987 |
|
||
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Effect of stock options |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||
|
Diluted potential common shares |
|
7,300,946 |
|
7,319,987 |
|
||
|
Earnings per share, basic and diluted |
|
$ |
(0.12 |
) |
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
8
4. Intangible Assets Acquired
Intangible assets acquired in 2004 consist of the following:
|
|
Intangible Asset |
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Estimated |
|
Amortization |
|
||
|
|
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Cost |
|
Useful Life |
|
Method |
|
|
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Insurance contract renewals |
|
$ |
3,538,000 |
|
10 years |
|
Accelerated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Non-compete agreement |
|
589,000 |
|
6 years |
|
Straight line |
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
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Total |
|
$ |
4,127,000 |
|
|
|
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|
The fair value of insurance contract renewals was estimated based on the actual policies in force as of the acquisition date, and the renewal commission rates paid by each insurance carrier. These commissions were estimated to have a maximum useful life of ten years, based on the terms of the contracts with the insurance carriers, and an annual lapse rate was applied to the expected renewals for each carrier based on historical trends. Amortization is on an accelerated basis, as renewal commissions will decline each year due to lapses. The ultimate realization of the value of the contract renewals is dependant on a number of factors, including actual lapse ratios, which can be affected by factors not under our control, such as death rates and the pricing level of insurance policies that could be purchased to replace the policies in the renewal stream. As a result, the actual amount realized from the contract renewals acquired may differ significantly from the amount recorded in the pro forma financial statements, causing impairment.
5. Land and Building – Held for Sale
The Company acquired land and a building in 2004 that was used to house a call center in Evergreen, Colorado. That call center was closed effective February 1, 2006. The Company has made the decision to sell the land and building and, accordingly, it is reported on the balance sheet as “held for sale.” As such, it is reported as a current asset, as it is anticipated to be sold within one year, and its carrying value is at the lower of cost or fair value, less selling costs. See Note 7, below.
6. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that are believed to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.
7. Subsequent Event
The Company closed on the sale of its land and building on April 30, 2007. This property was classified as held for sale at March 31, 2007. Net cash proceeds from the sale were $3.3 million.
9
ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Because we want to provide you with more meaningful and useful information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and projections about our future results, performance, prospects, and opportunities. We have attempted to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “could,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to a number of risks in 2007 and beyond. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, without limitation: our ability to achieve and sustain profitability; realization of sufficient revenue from contract renewals previously acquired to prevent impairment of the acquired asset; demand for life insurance; significant fluctuations in our quarterly results; our ability to develop our brand recognition; our number of agency contracts; our ability to generate revenue from the sale of non-life insurance leads; our ability to manage our growth; providing accurate insurance quotes; our ability to manage our expenses, quickly respond to changes in our marketplace, and meet consumer expectations; the complexity of our technology and our use of new technology; our ability to hire and retain senior management and other qualified personnel; intense competition in the insurance industry; our ability to keep pace with technological changes and future regulations affecting our business; constraints of the systems we employ; and our ability to raise additional capital if necessary. See the section of this quarterly report entitled “Risk Factors” for a description of these and other risks, uncertainties, and factors.
You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances, or any other reason after the date of this quarterly report. All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to Insure.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Overview and Critical Accounting Policies
We generate revenues primarily from the receipt of commissions paid to us by insurance companies based upon the policies sold to consumers through our service. These revenues come in the form of first year, bonus and renewal commissions that vary by company and product. We recognize the full first year commission revenues on term life insurance after the insurance company approves the policy and accepts the initial premium payment. At the time revenue is recognized, an allowance is recorded based on historical information for estimated commissions that will not be received due to the non-payment of installment first year premiums and any premium refunds made by the insurance carriers. We recognize commissions on all other lines of business after we receive notice that the insurance company has received payment of the related premium. First year commission revenues per policy can fluctuate due to changing premiums, commission rates, and types or amount of insurance sold. We receive bonuses based upon individual criteria set by insurance companies. We recognize bonus revenues when we receive notification from the insurance company of the bonus due to us. Bonus revenues are typically higher in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year due to the bonus system used by many life insurance companies, which pay greater amounts upon the achievement of certain levels of annual production. Revenues for renewal commissions are recognized after we receive notice that the insurance company has received payment for a renewal premium. Renewal commission rates are significantly less than first year commission rates and may not be offered by every insurance company. We also generate revenues from the receipt of fees paid by various sources that are tied directly to the volume of insurance sales or traffic that we produce for such third-party entities. Our revenue recognition accounting policy has been applied to all periods presented in this report.
The timing between when we submit a consumer’s application for insurance to the insurance company and when we generate revenues has varied over time. The type of insurance product and the insurance company’s backlog are the primary factors that impact the length of time between submitted applications and revenue recognition. Over the past three years, the time between application submission and revenue recognition has averaged over three months. Any changes in the amount of time between submitted application and revenue recognition, a significant portion of which is not under our control, will create fluctuations in our operating results and could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Operations expenses are comprised of both variable and semi-variable expenses, including wages, benefits, and expenses associated with processing insurance applications and maintaining our database and web site. The historical lag between
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the time an application is submitted to the insurance companies and when we recognize revenues significantly impacts our operating results as most of our variable expenses are incurred prior to application submission.
Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of direct advertising costs. These costs are expensed in the period the advertising is communicated.
We have established the 1997 Stock Option Plan and the 2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, or the plans, to provide additional incentives to our employees, officers and directors. Under the plans, an aggregate of 800,000 shares of Insure.com common stock may be granted to participants in the plan. Effective January 1, 2006, we began accounting for stock option grants in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (Statement 123 (R)), which requires the recognition of compensation expense for stock options granted to employees where the exercise price is equal to or greater than the market price at the date of the grant. Prior to that date, we accounted for stock option grants in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations, and, accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for stock options granted to employees where the exercise price is equal to or greater than the market price at the date of the grant.
We implemented Statement 123 (R) using the “modified prospective” method in which compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date (a) based on the requirements of Statement 123 (R) for all share-based payments granted after the effective date and (b) based on the requirements of Statement 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of Statement 123 (R) that remain unvested on the effective date. Under this method, there is no restatement of prior periods to recognize the effects as though Statement 123 (R) had been implemented in those prior periods. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, we recorded compensation expense related to stock options in the amounts of $37,000 and $62,000, respectively. Expense for all of 2007 for options that have been issued but are not yet fully vested is expected to be $83,000. We made no modifications to outstanding share options prior to the adoption of Statement 123 (R). Compensation expenses are calculated under Statement 123 (R) using the same methodology as had previously been used to calculate pro-forma compensation expenses under Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25.
Intangible assets consist of the following:
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Intangible Asset |
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Estimated |
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Amortization |
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||
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Insurance contract renewals |
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$ |
3,538,000 |
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10 years |
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Accelerated |
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Non-compete agreement |
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589,000 |
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6 years |
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Straight line |
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Total |
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$ |
4,127,000 |
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|
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The fair value of insurance contract renewals was estimated based on the actual policies in force as of the acquisition date, and the renewal commission rates paid by each insurance carrier. These commissions were estimated to have a maximum useful life of ten years, based on the terms of the contracts with the insurance carriers, and an annual lapse rate was applied to the expected renewals for each carrier based on historical trends. Amortization is on an accelerated basis, as renewal commissions will decline each year due to lapses. The ultimate realization of the value of the contract renewals is dependant on a number of factors, including actual lapse ratios, which can be affected by factors not under our control, such as death rates and the pricing level of insurance policies that could be purchased to replace the policies in the renewal stream. As a result, the actual amount realized from the contract renewals acquired may differ significantly from the amount recorded in the financial statements, causing impairment.
Goodwill is not subject to amortization. Allocation of intangible assets between goodwill and other intangible assets and the determination of estimated useful lives are based on valuations that we receive from independent appraisers. The calculations of these amounts are based on estimates and assumptions using historical and pro forma data and recognized valuation methods. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different results.
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While goodwill is not amortized, it is subject to periodic reviews for impairment (at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise). We review goodwill for impairment periodically and whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Such impairment reviews are performed at the entity level with respect to goodwill, as we have one reporting unit. Under those circumstances, if the fair value were less than the carrying amount of the entity, further analysis would be required to determine whether or not a loss would need to be charged against current period earnings. No indicators of impairment were noticed in our December 31, 2006 impairment review. The determination of fair value and the impairment are based on a combination of a market valuation based on a comparison with similar public companies (guideline company method) and a discounted cash flow analysis, which includes making various judgmental assumptions, including assumptions about future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different results.
The Company acquired land and a building as part of its 2004 acquisition of certain assets of Life Quotes, Inc. This property was used to house the Company’s call center in Evergreen, Colorado, from the date of the acquisition until it was closed effective February 1, 2006. The Company has since made the decision to sell the property and has classified it on its balance sheet as “held for sale.” As a result, the property is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less selling costs, and is classified as a current asset, as it is anticipated that it will be sold within one year. During 2006, the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $1,801,000 against the property based on offers received and accepted to sell the land and building. The value on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2007, is net of these impairment charges. On April 30, 2007, the Company closed on the sale of this property, receiving net cash proceeds of $3.3 million.
No income tax credits have been recognized relating to our tax loss carryforwards due to uncertainties relating to future taxable income.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Quarters Ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006
Revenues
Revenues decreased $669,000, or 14%, in the quarter ended March 31, 2007 when compared to revenue in the same quarter of 2006. The components of commissions and fee revenue are as follows:
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Quarter ended |
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____March 31,______ |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Revenues: |
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Commissions -Life |
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$ |
2,992,461 |
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$ |
3,196,323 |
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Commissions-Health and other |
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82,772 |
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108,555 |
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Sales of non-life insurance leads |
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1,126,431 |
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1,565,399 |
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Total commissions and fees revenue |
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4,201,664 |
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4,870,277 |
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Life insurance commission revenue decreased $204,000, or 6%, for the quarter. First year life insurance commission income was down slightly in the first quarter of 2007, decreasing by $5,000. Life insurance renewal commissions decreased $17,000, compared to the same period in 2006. Revenue shared with partners who supply life insurance customers, which is accounted for as a decrease in revenue, increased $183,000, causing the decline in life insurance commission revenue. Commissions from health and other lines of insurance decreased $26,000, or 24% for the quarter, as we have been outsourcing this business to third party providers since early in 2005. Total policies sold during the first quarter of 2007 were 3,313, compared to 3,160 policies in the same quarter last year. Fees from the sale of insurance leads, primarily auto and health, decreased $439,000, or 28%, during the first quarter when compared with the revenue generated in the comparable period in
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2006. We focused our advertising on the sale of life insurance, which may have negatively impacted our revenue from the sale of non-life insurance leads.
Expenses
Selling and Marketing. Selling and marketing expenses decreased $730,000, or 29%, to a total of $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2007, as compared to expenses in the same quarter of last year. We intentionally decreased ad spending, as we were generating more leads for life insurance than our growing call center could effectively handle.
Operations. Operations expenses increased $565,000, or 36%, in the first quarter of 2007. Additional agents hired to staff the call center account for most of the increase. As previously reported, we closed our Colorado call center as of February 1, 2006, and have been building a call center in our Darien, Illinois office.
General and Administrative. General and administrative costs increased $141,000, or 15%, in the first quarter of 2007. Higher costs for insurance and legal fees account for most of the increase.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization charges decreased $41,000 in the first quarter of 2007 when compared to the results in the comparable period in 2006. Amortization expense related to the insurance contract renewals acquired in 2004 declines each year, as described above, accounting for most of the decrease.
Interest Income
Interest income increased $9,000 in the first quarter of 2007, as compared to the first quarter of 2006, due to higher interest rates on our bond portfolio.
Income Taxes (Credit)
We had no income tax credit for 2007 and 2006 due to valuation allowances provided against net deferred tax assets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We currently expect that the cash and fixed maturity investments we now hold will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for at least the next 12 months.
On October 31, 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 650,000 shares of common stock, representing up to 8.9% of the total 7.3 million shares outstanding. The Board approved immediate commencement of the repurchase program as conditions warrant. Future purchases may occur from time to time in open market, block purchases or in negotiated transactions using available cash over the next twelve months. No date was established for the completion of the program. Through March 31, 2007, we had repurchased 28,799 shares under this program.
As previously announced, the Company has been attempting to sell its Evergreen, Colorado land and building, which was previously used to house the now-closed Colorado life insurance call center. The sale of that facility closed on April 30, 2007, adding $3.3 million to the Company’s cash and investment portfolio.
The timing and amounts of our working capital expenditures are difficult to predict, and should we decide to purchase more shares of our common stock, engage in acquisitions of companies or their assets, or begin new projects requiring additional resources, we may require additional financing. If we require additional equity financing for operations, it may be dilutive to our stockholders and the equity securities issued in a subsequent offering may have rights or privileges senior to the holders of our common stock. If debt financing is available, it may require restrictive covenants with respect to dividends, raising capital, and other financial and operational matters, which could impact or restrict our operations. If we cannot obtain adequate financing on acceptable terms, we may be required to reduce the scope of our marketing or operations, which could harm our business, results of operations, and our financial condition.
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Our sources of funds will consist primarily of commissions and fee revenue generated from the sale of insurance products and leads, investment income, and sales and maturity proceeds from our fixed income portfolio. The principal uses of funds are selling and marketing expenses, operations, general and administrative expenses and purchases of furniture, equipment and software.
Cash used by operating activities was approximately $589,000 for the first three months of 2007, compared with cash provided by operating activities of $268,000 for the same period in 2006. In 2007, non-cash expenses for depreciation, amortization and stock option compensation, and the net collection of commissions receivable were not enough to offset the net loss for the period. During the first three months of 2006, non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization and stock option compensation expense, and an increase in current liabilities, were more than enough to offset the net loss.
Cash used by investing activities was $54,000 in the first three months of 2007, as funds reinvested in bonds and used to purchase fixed assets exceeded the proceeds from maturities in our bond portfolio. Cash was provided by investing activities in the first three months of 2006 in the amount of $254,000, as the proceeds from maturities in our bond portfolio exceeded funds reinvested in bonds and used to purchase fixed assets.
Cash of $2,700 was provided by financing activities in the first three months of 2007, from the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of stock options. Cash used in financing activities during the three months of 2006 consisted of the repurchase of treasury shares.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Substantially all of our investments are subject to interest rate risk. We consider all investments as available-for-sale, and accumulated unrealized losses on those investments totaled $65,000 at March 31, 2007, and $84,000 at December 31, 2006.
We did not hold any derivative financial instruments as of March 31, 2007, and have never held such instruments in the past. Additionally, all our transactions have been denoted in U.S. currency, and we do not have any risk associated with foreign currency transactions.
Due to the short-term nature of our investments, a 1% increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of our investments by an immaterial amount.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
We completed an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2007 in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Not applicable.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our insurance brokerage business has not been profitable and may not become profitable in the future
Our first complete year of focusing on our Internet based insurance service was 1997. We incurred operating losses each year subsequent to 1997 and through March 31, 2007. Because of our overhead structure, including the ongoing costs of employing highly-skilled technical personnel, we will need to generate higher revenues than we did in 2006 in order to achieve profitability. Even if we achieve profitability, we may not be able to maintain profitability in the future.
If the term life insurance industry declines, our business will suffer because approximately 66% of our 2006 revenues were derived from the sale of term life insurance
For the year ended December 31, 2006, approximately 66% of our revenue was derived from the sale of individual term life insurance. Because of this high concentration of revenue from one line of insurance, our current financial condition is largely dependent on the economic health of the term life insurance industry. If sales of term life insurance decline, for any reason, our business would be substantially harmed. In addition, in recent years, term life insurance premiums have been declining. If term life insurance premiums continue to decline, it will become even more difficult for us to become profitable.
We expect to continue to experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly results, which makes it difficult for investors to make reliable period-to-period comparisons and may contribute to volatility in our stock price
Our quarterly revenues and operating results have fluctuated widely in the past and may continue to fluctuate widely in the future. Causes of these fluctuations could or have included, among other factors:
· changes in selling and marketing expenses, as well as other operating expenses;
· the length of time it takes for an insurance company to verify that an applicant meets the specified underwriting criteria—this process can be lengthy, unpredictable and subject to delays over which we have little or no control, including underwriting backlogs of the insurance company and the accuracy of information provided by the applicant; we tend to place a significant number of policies with the most price-competitive insurance companies, who, due to volume, have longer and more unpredictable underwriting time frames;
· volatility in bonus commissions paid to us by insurance companies which typically are highest in the fourth quarter;
· the conversion and fulfillment rates of consumers’ applications;
· new Web sites, services and products by our competitors;
· impairment charges against goodwill;
· impairment charges against the land and building;
· price competition by insurance companies in the sale of insurance policies; and
· the level of Internet usage for insurance products and services.
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In addition, we have a very long revenue cycle for term life insurance. The time from the date the application is requested by the customer until revenue is recorded averages over three months. As a result, substantial portions of our expenses, including selling and marketing expenses, are incurred and recorded in the financial statements well in advance of potential matching revenue generation. If revenues do not meet our expectations as a result of these selling and marketing expenses, our results of operations will be negatively affected.
Any one or more of the above-mentioned factors could harm our business and results of operations, which makes quarterly predictions difficult and often unreliable. As a result, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful and not good indicators of our future performance. Due to the above-mentioned and other factors, it is possible that in one or more future quarters our operating results will fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. If this happens, the trading price of our common stock would likely decrease.
We must further develop our brand recognition in order to remain competitive
There are many other insurance brokers, insurance carriers and Web sites that offer services that are competitive with our services. Therefore, we believe that broader recognition and a favorable consumer perception of the Insure.com brand is essential to our future success. Accordingly, we intend to continue to pursue an aggressive brand-enhancement strategy consisting of advertising, online marketing, and promotional efforts. If these expenditures do not result in a sufficient increase in revenues to cover these additional selling and marketing expenses, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be harmed.
The sale of internet leads for lines of insurance other than life insurance may not generate a material amount of revenues for us
As part of our marketing strategy, we sell internet traffic that comes to our Web site and indicates an interest in an insurance product other than life insurance to third party Web sites and others in order to increase the realized revenue from visitors to our Web site. We generated fee revenues totaling $1.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2007, and $5.5 million from these sources during the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively. Most of the agreements with these third parties permit either party to terminate the agreement with short notice. As a result, we cannot assure you that any of these relationships or agreements will be profitable or generate any material amount of revenues in the future or not be renegotiated. If our sales of non-life insurance traffic do not meet our expectations regarding revenues and earnings, our business could be harmed.
If we lose any of our key executive officers our business may suffer because we rely on their knowledge of our business
We believe that our success is significantly dependent upon the continued employment and collective skills of our executive officers, including founder and Chief Executive Officer, Robert S. Bland, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, William V. Thoms. We maintain key man life insurance policies on Messrs. Bland and Thoms and both of these officers have entered into employment contracts with us. The loss of either of these two executives or any of our other key executive officers could harm us.
The former owner of Life Quotes has a limited non-competition agreement with us.
Kenneth Manley, the former owner of Life Quotes, has a non-competition agreement with us that prevents him from competing with us for up to six years. However, the agreement allows Manley to form a life insurance agency with members of his family provided that he acts only as a general agent placing business through Insure.com as managing general agent. He is limited to being able to produce a maximum of $2 million per year in commissionable premium, subject to annual inflationary adjustments. This arrangement could result in Manley obtaining business that we might otherwise have obtained directly.
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Our bonus commission revenues are highly unpredictable and may cause fluctuations in our operating results
Our bonus commission revenues relate to the amount of premiums paid for new insurance policies to a single insurance company. In other words, if consumers purchase policies from a fewer number of insurance companies our bonus commissions may be higher than if the same policies were purchased from a larger number of insurance companies. The decision to purchase a policy from a particular insurance company typically relates to, among other factors, price of the policy and rating of the insurance company, both of which are factors over which we have no control. Insurance companies often change their prices in the middle of the year for competitive reasons. This may reduce the number of policies placed with that insurance company which may then reduce our potential bonus commissions. In addition, we have no control over the bonus commission rates that are set by each individual insurance company. As a result of these factors, we are unable to control the amount and timing of bonus commission revenues we receive in any particular quarter or year and these amounts may fluctuate significantly. Bonus commission revenues were $541,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
The insurance sales industry is intensely competitive, and if we fail to successfully compete in this industry our market share and business will be harmed
The markets for the products and services we offer are intensely competitive and characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving regulatory requirements and changing consumer demands. We compete with traditional insurance distribution channels, including insurance agents and brokers, new non-traditional channels such as commercial banks and savings and loan associations, and a growing number of direct distributors including other online services, such as InsWeb Corporation and SelectQuote.
We also potentially face competition from a number of large online services that have expertise in developing online commerce and in facilitating a high volume of Internet traffic for or on behalf of our competitors. For instance, some of our competitors have relationships with major electronic commerce companies. Other large companies with strong brand recognition, technical expertise and experience in online commerce and direct marketing could also seek to compete in the online insurance market.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully compete with any of these current or potential insurance providers.
Most of our agency contracts allow the insurance company to cancel our agency appointment at any time. Should any of the companies with which we place significant amounts of business decide to cancel our appointments, our business could be harmed.
Our compliance with the strict regulatory environment applicable to the insurance industry is costly, and if we fail to comply with the numerous laws and regulations that govern the industry we could be subject to penalties
We must comply with the complex rules and regulations of each jurisdiction’s insurance department which impose strict and burdensome guidelines on us regarding our operations. Compliance with these rules and regulations imposes significant costs on our business. Each jurisdiction’s insurance department typically has the power, among other things, to:
· authorize how, by which personnel and under what circumstances an insurance premium can be quoted and published;
· approve which entities can be paid commissions from insurance companies;
· license insurance agents and brokers;
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· monitor the activity of our non-licensed customer service representatives; and
· approve policy forms and regulate some premium rates.
Due to the complexity, periodic modification and differing statutory interpretations of these laws, we may not have always been and we may not always be in compliance with all these laws. In addition, we have at times been subject to regulatory action for failing to comply with these laws. Failure to comply with these numerous laws in the future could result in fines, additional licensing requirements or the revocation of our license in the particular jurisdiction. These penalties could significantly increase our general operating expenses and harm our business. In addition, even if the allegations in any regulatory action against us turn out to be false, negative publicity relating to any allegations could result in a loss of consumer confidence and significant damage to our brand. We believe that because many consumers and insurance companies are not yet comfortable with the concept of purchasing insurance online, the publicity relating to any such regulatory or legal issues could harm our business.
If we become subject to legal liability for the information we distribute on our Web site or communicate to our customers, our business could be harmed
Our customers rely upon information we provide regarding insurance quotes, coverage, exclusions, limitations and ratings. To the extent that the information we provide is not accurate, we could be liable for damages from both consumers and insurance companies. These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully, against agents, online services and print publications in the past. These types of claims could be time-consuming and expensive to defend, divert management’s attention, and could cause consumers to lose confidence in our service. As a result, these types of claims, whether or not successful, could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, because we have not been appointed as an agent for all of the life insurance companies quoted on our Web site, we do not have contractual authorization to publish information regarding the policies from insurance companies for whom we are not appointed. Several of these insurance companies have in the past demanded that we cease publishing their policy information and others may do so in the future. In some cases we have published information despite these demands. If we are required to stop publishing information regarding some of the insurance policies that we track in our database, it could harm us.
Risks Related to the Internet and Electronic Commerce
Any failures of, or capacity constraints in, our systems or the systems of third parties on which we rely could reduce or limit visitors to our Web site and harm our ability to generate revenue
We use both internally developed and third-party systems to operate our service. If the number of users of our service increases substantially, we will need to significantly expand and upgrade our technology, transaction processing systems and network infrastructure. We do not know whether we will be able to accurately project the rate or timing of any of these increases, or expand and upgrade our systems and infrastructure to accommodate these increases in a timely manner. Our ability to facilitate transactions successfully and provide high quality customer service also depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer and communications hardware systems. Our service has experienced periodic system interruptions, and it is likely that these interruptions will continue to occur from time to time. Additionally, our systems and operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from human error, natural disasters, power loss, telecommunication failures, break-ins, sabotage, computer viruses, acts of vandalism and similar events. We may not carry sufficient business interruption insurance to compensate for losses that could occur. Any system failure that causes an interruption in service or decreases the responsiveness of our service would impair our revenue-generating capabilities, and could damage our reputation and our brand name.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary technology
We believe that our success depends, in part, on protecting our intellectual property. Other than our trademarks, most of our intellectual property consists of proprietary or confidential information that is not subject to patent or similar protection. Competitors may independently develop similar or superior products, software or business models.
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We cannot guarantee that we will be able to protect our intellectual property. Unauthorized third parties may try to copy our products or business model or use our confidential information to develop competing products. Legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of proprietary rights in Internet-related businesses are uncertain and still evolving. As a result, we cannot predict the future viability or value of our proprietary rights and those of other companies within the industry.
We may be subject to claims of infringement that may be costly to resolve and, if successful, could harm our business
Our business activities and products may infringe upon the proprietary rights of others. Parties may assert valid or invalid infringement claims against us. Any infringement claims and resulting litigation, should it occur, could subject us to significant liability for damages and could result in invalidation of our proprietary rights. Even if we eventually won, any resulting litigation could be time-consuming and expensive to defend and could divert our management’s attention.
If we are unable to adapt to the rapid technological change in our industry, we will not remain competitive and our business will suffer
Our market is characterized by rapidly changing technologies, frequent new product and service introductions, and evolving industry standards. The recent growth of the Internet and intense competition in our industry exacerbate these market characteristics. Our future success will depend on our ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies by continually improving the features and reliability of our database and service. We may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful introduction or marketing of new products and services. In addition, new enhancements must meet the requirements of our current and prospective customers and must achieve significant market acceptance. We could also incur substantial costs if we need to modify our service or infrastructures or adapt our technology to respond to these changes.
Demand for our services may be reduced if we are unable to safeguard the security and privacy of our customer’s information
A significant barrier to electronic commerce and online communications has been the need for secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet. Our ability to secure the transmission of confidential information over the Internet is essential in maintaining consumer and insurance company confidence in our service. In addition, because we handle confidential and sensitive information about our customers, any security breaches would damage our reputation and could expose us to litigation and liability. We cannot guarantee that our systems will prevent security breaches.
Zions Bancorporation, together with two of our officers and directors, own a significant portion of our stock and control Insure.com and their interests may not be the same as our public stockholders
As of May 3, 2007, Robert Bland, our chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, directly or indirectly controlled approximately 30% of our outstanding common stock, William Thoms, our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, directly controlled approximately 8% of our outstanding common stock, and Zions Bancorporation controlled approximately 32% of our common stock. As a result, if Zions and Messrs. Bland and Thoms act together, or if Zions and Mr. Bland act together, they will be able to take any of the following actions without the approval of additional public stockholders:
· elect our directors;
· amend certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation,
· approve a merger, sale of assets or other major corporate transaction;
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· defeat any takeover attempt, even if it would be beneficial to our public stockholders; and
· otherwise control the outcome of all matters submitted for a stockholder vote.
If these persons act together and take any of the actions described above, the interests of our other stockholders may be harmed. For example, these persons could discourage or prevent potential mergers, takeovers or other change of control transactions that could be beneficial to our public stockholders, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. They may also be able to prevent or frustrate attempts to replace or remove incumbent management through their ability to elect directors. Furthermore, they may choose to advance their own interests at the expense of other stockholders, such as by acting to entrench themselves in a management position or electing themselves as directors.
So long as Zions holds 40% of the shares issued to them, the investor rights agreement we signed with Zions gives Zions the right to nominate or appoint one member of our Board of Directors. We must also receive a vote of 75% of our directors for us to:
· authorize, issue or sell any equity security (including options), other than certain specified options or pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan (of which there are presently 277,260 options available for grant under our stock option plans and 63,929 shares available for purchase under our employee stock purchase plan):
· increase the authorized number of shares of our stock;
· enter into any registration rights agreement;
· repurchase or redeem any of our securities other than on a pro rate basis;
· (i) merge, combine or consolidate with, or agree to merge, combine or consolidate with any entity, (ii) purchase, or agree to purchase all or substantially all of the securities of, any entity, or (iii) purchase, or agree to purchase, all or substantially all of the assets and properties of, or otherwise acquire, or agree to acquire, all or any portion of, any entity, in each case, for consideration in an amount, which when combined with all other such transactions in a fiscal year, exceeds $5,000,000;
· (i) merge, combine or consolidate with, or agree to merge, combine or consolidate with any entity in which it is not the surviving entity or (ii) sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets;
· sell or dispose of business or assets in excess of $1,000,000;
· alter or change materially and adversely the rights of holders of our common stock;
· incur indebtedness or guarantees in excess of $2,500,000 individually or $5,000,000 in the aggregate;
· amend or proposed to amend our charter or bylaws
· liquidate, dissolve, recapitalize, or effect a stock split or reverse stock split, or obligate ourselves to do so;
· engage in any other business other than the business we are currently engaged in; or
· declare any dividends or distributions.
The supermajority provision, combined with Zions’ right to nominate or appoint one member of our Board of Directors, could discourage others from initiating a potential merger, takeover or another change of control transaction that could be beneficial to our public stockholders. In addition this supermajority provision could make it more difficult for stockholders to change the members and policies of the Board of Directors because any of the actions described above would require the approval of six of our seven directors. As a result, the market price of our stock could be harmed.
If Zions chooses to exercise its registration rights and sell its stock, the market price of our common stock could decrease and our ability to raise capital in the public markets may be adversely affected
The 2,363,636 shares we issued to Zions are not registered and are restricted securities. However, the holders of these shares have registration rights under the investor rights agreement. The investor rights agreement provides both demand registration rights and piggyback registration rights to the holders of these shares. Sales of significant amounts of these shares
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following registration in accordance with the investor rights agreement or the perception that such sales will occur could adversely affect the market price of our common stock or our future ability to raise capital through an offering of equity securities or debt securities convertible into equity securities.
If our remaining goodwill becomes impaired, we will be required to write off some or all of it against earnings, which may negatively impact the price of our common stock
We recorded goodwill in the amount of $6.9 million as a result of our 2004 purchase of certain of the assets of Life Quotes, Inc. While goodwill is not amortized, it is subject to periodic reviews for impairment (at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise). We review goodwill for impairment periodically and whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Such impairment reviews are performed at the entity level with respect to goodwill, as we have one reporting unit. Under those circumstances, if the fair value were less than the carrying amount of the entity, an indicator of impairment would exist and further analysis would be required to determine whether or not a loss would need to be charged against current period earnings. No indicators of impairment were noticed in our December 31, 2006 impairment review. The determination of fair value and the impairment are based on a combination of a market valuation based on a comparison with similar public companies (guideline company method) and a discounted cash flow analysis, which includes making various judgmental assumptions, including assumptions about future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different results.
During 2007, and for as long as we have goodwill on our balance sheet, we will continue to review for indicators of goodwill impairment. If it were determined that the fair value of the entity were less than the carrying amount of the entity, an additional impairment charge could be recorded. Recording such a charge would decrease earnings and could lead to a decline in the price of our common stock.
As a relatively small company with a history of operating losses, the future trading market for our stock may not be active on a consistent basis, which may make it difficult for you to sell your shares
The trading volume of our stock depends in part on our ability to increase our revenue and reduce or eliminate our operating losses, which may increase the attractiveness of our stock as an investment, thereby leading to a more liquid market for our stock on a consistent basis. If we are unable to achieve these goals, or an active market does not develop, the trading market for our stock may be negatively affected, which may make it difficult for you to sell your shares. If an active and liquid trading market does not exist for our common stock, you may have difficulty selling your shares.
Our common stock is currently trading at low prices, which could further reduce the liquidity of the market for, and the price of, our common stock
We believe that the current per share price level of our common stock has reduced the effective marketability of our shares of common stock because of the reluctance of many leading brokerage firms to recommend low-priced stock to their clients. Certain investors view low-priced stock as speculative and unattractive, although certain other investors may be attracted to low-priced stock because of the greater trading volatility sometimes associated with such securities. In addition, a variety of brokerage house policies and practices tend to discourage individual brokers within those firms from dealing in low-priced stock. Such policies and practices pertain to the payment of brokers’ commissions and to time-consuming procedures that function to make the handling of low-priced stocks unattractive to brokers from an economic standpoint.
In addition, because brokerage commissions on low-priced stock generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stock, the current share price of the common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction costs (commissions, markups or markdowns) that represent a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price were substantially higher. This factor also may limit the willingness of institutions to purchase the common stock at its current low share price.
We believe that the current price of our common stock may have a negative impact on the liquidity and price of our common stock and investors may find it more difficult to purchase or dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of, our common stock.
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Certain provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law, together with our concentration of stock ownership in a few persons, could discourage takeover attempts and lead to management entrenchment
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law contain anti-takeover provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control that a stockholder may consider favorable. The provisions in our charter documents include the following:
· we have a classified Board of Directors with three-year staggered terms that will delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership on the Board of Directors;
· our Board of Directors has the ability to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms, including preferences and voting rights, of those shares without stockholder approval;
· stockholder action may be taken only at a special or regular meeting; and
· we have advance notice procedures that must be complied with by stockholders for them to nominate candidates to our Board of Directors.
Our preferred stock purchase rights could cause substantial dilution to any person or group who attempts to acquire a significant interest in Insure.com without advance approval of our Board of Directors. We have amended our rights plan to exempt acquisitions of shares of our common stock by Zions from the operation of the rights plan. In addition, our executive officers have employment agreements that may entitle them to substantial payments in the event of a change of control. We entered into amendments to our employment agreements with Messrs. Bland and Thoms that exempted the issuance of stock to Zions from constituting a change of control under these employment agreements.
Furthermore, as of May 3, 2007, Messrs. Bland and Thoms, together with Zions, directly or indirectly controlled approximately 70% of our outstanding common stock. This high concentration of stock ownership, together with the anti-takeover measures described above, could prevent or frustrate attempts to remove or replace incumbent management, including Messrs. Bland and Thoms. These persons may act to further their interests as management rather than the interests of the public stockholders.
The foregoing could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Insure.com, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over the market price, or harm the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, our common stock. We also are subject to Delaware laws that could have similar effects. One of these laws prohibits us from engaging in a business combination with any significant stockholder for a period of three years from the date the person became a significant stockholder unless specific conditions are met.
c. Issuer purchases of equity securities. On October 31, 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 650,000 shares of its common stock. There were no purchases of stock under that program during the quarter ended March 31, 2007:
Not applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters To a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.
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Not applicable.
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Exhibit Number |
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Description |
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31.1 |
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Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 |
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31.2 |
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Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 |
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32.1 |
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Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 1350 |
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32.2 |
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Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 1350 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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INSURE.COM, INC. |
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Date: May 3, 2007 |
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By: /s/ PHILLIP A. PERILLO |
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Phillip A. Perillo |
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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