-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, EYEmZc+cCE7zYzULxyZELJJ3z5kLndM8+25SNaLxKm84/ybuVcZRUqIOJ2ED9+Hy G0ITz0i8jdQtn8gC8+2fBg== 0001193125-06-051255.txt : 20060313 0001193125-06-051255.hdr.sgml : 20060313 20060310173808 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-06-051255 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 16 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060313 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060310 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001012887 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RADIO TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS [4812] IRS NUMBER: 043026859 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-28432 FILM NUMBER: 06680395 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 55 MIDDLESEX TURNPIKE CITY: BEDFORD STATE: MA ZIP: 01730 BUSINESS PHONE: 7819045000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 55 MIDDLESEX TURNPIKE CITY: BEDFORD STATE: MA ZIP: 01730 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K FORM 10-K
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

 

OR

 

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

 

Commission File Number 000-28432

 


 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 


 

MASSACHUSETTS   04-3026859
(State or Other Jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)   Identification No.)
55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, Massachusetts   01730
(Address of Principal Executive Office)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (781) 904-5000

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

 


 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES ¨    NO x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    YES ¨    NOx

 

Indicate by check mark whether 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

 

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. Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    YES ¨     NO x

 

The approximate aggregate value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price of such stock quoted on the NASDAQ National Market on June 30, 2005, was $36,344,345. The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value per share, as of March 1, 2006 was 17,905,803.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page No.

PART I

         

Item 1.

   Business    3

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    16

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments    23

Item 2.

   Properties    23

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings    24

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    26

PART II

         

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity    28

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data    28

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    29

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    43

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    43

Item 9.

   Changes and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    74

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures    74

Item 9B.

   Other Information    76

PART III

         

Item 10.

   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    76

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation    76

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management    76

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    77

Item 14.

   Principal Accounts Fees and Services    77

PART IV

         

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    77

 

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, statements regarding:

 

    Our ability to obtain new customers and retain existing customers, in particular due to the uncertainty regarding our business in light of the pending lawsuits with Freedom Wireless, Inc.;

 

    Legal expenses and estimated losses related to the Freedom Wireless lawsuits and the impact of the lawsuits on our business;

 

    Estimates of the timing of the appeals process regarding the Freedom Wireless lawsuit;

 

    Our ability to continue as a going concern;

 

    The timing of Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless and Alltel Corporation migrations;

 

    Continued customer concentration and diversification of our revenue base;

 

    Investment in our global expansion of our product portfolio to attract new customers in new markets;

 

    Entrance of new competitors in the wireless services market;

 

    Estimated future cash balances;

 

    Revenues;

 

    Cost of revenues;

 

    Engineering, research and development expenditures;

 

    Sales and marketing expenses;

 

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    General and administrative expenses;

 

    Interest income;

 

    Income taxes;

 

    Defined benefit plan contributions;

 

    Financing of operations with cash and short-term investments;

 

    Expectations regarding new product offerings; and

 

    Payment of dividends.

 

These statements are based on the current beliefs and assumptions of management.

 

Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words.

 

A number of important factors could cause actual events or actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, those set forth under the captions “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results”, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and those set forth in Items 1 and 3 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The factors discussed herein do not reflect the potential future impact of any mergers, acquisitions or dispositions. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements made herein.

 

Item 1.    BUSINESS

 

OVERVIEW

 

Boston Communications Group, Inc. (“bcgi”) delivers innovative products and services that enable mobile operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) worldwide to differentiate their offerings and increase market penetration while reducing costs. Incorporated in 1988, bcgi is a leader in identifying and addressing market needs of the wireless communications market with proven solutions, including prepaid and postpaid billing, payments and access management. We offer our billing, payment and access management solutions on both a managed services and a licensed system basis to wireless operators and MVNOs, including Amp’d Mobile, Cable and Wireless, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel Corporation, Telefonica and Verizon Wireless. These innovative solutions help our customers compete effectively by attracting and retaining additional subscriber customers, thereby increasing their ability to drive additional revenue while lowering their operating costs.

 

Wireless operators continue to seek ways to attract and retain subscribers by fully realizing the potential of their networks and investments in next-generation technology. Subscriber growth in the wireless industry has slowed in recent years as wireless penetration has surpassed 70 percent in the United States and many parts of the world. As a result, wireless operators are focused on the profitable addition of new products and services to retain their existing subscribers and attract new subscribers in different market segments. Industry competition is forcing operators to find ways to reduce operational costs and to cost-effectively target new market segments, most notably the youth population. Additionally, some countries that have historically had limited landline and wireless coverage are just beginning their rollouts of extensive wireless networks, often starting with the most up to date technological wireless data and voice services. MVNOs, resellers of network capacity who purchase wholesale minutes from a hosting carrier, are also evolving into important wireless providers in many worldwide markets and are frequently seeking wireless services providers like bcgi to help them bring their wireless offerings to new markets.

 

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Wireless data services are growing rapidly worldwide, as carriers purchase next generation technology that enables m-commerce, web-browsing and other data-related services. This increase in wireless data transactions requires prepaid and postpaid billing support as well as access management capabilities.

 

To help operators rapidly deploy and manage innovative voice and data services for their subscribers, we provide a variety of products that are marketed and grouped within four main product lines: bcgi Billing, bcgi Payment, bcgi Access Management and bcgi Network Solutions. Many of the products within these product lines were re-branded in 2005 to enhance our ability to sell one or more of our products to both domestic and international wireless operators and MVNOs. These product lines are supported by our operating units which include: Real-Time Billing, Voyager Billing, bcgi Payment, and bcgi Access Management. Our product lines include the following:

 

    Our bcgi Billing product line includes our prepaid wireless product, renamed Real-Time Billing, and our postpaid product which is marketed under the Voyager Billing brand. Real-Time Billing was launched in 1994 and has been the key driver of our business over the past several years, enabling wireless operators to provide their subscribers the ability to make wireless calls on a prepaid basis, without a contract commitment or term. Our Real-Time Billing provides carriers with high reliability real-time rating, call processing and subscriber management capabilities that enable operators to offer prepaid service that mirrors postpaid functionality while exploiting the benefits of low-cost distribution through alternative channels. Voyager Billing TM, our postpaid billing product acquired from Infotech Solutions Corporation (ISC) in 2002, is a comprehensive managed services billing platform which supports U.S. operators’ billing needs, including postpaid and converged pre/postpaid billing for voice and data services.

 

    Our Payment Services offerings are now offered under the bcgi Payment product line, which includes a variety of payment solutions, as well our Payment Manager product acquired from Airada Networks, Inc. and its Indian subsidiary, Airada Networks Private Limited (Airada) in November 2004. bcgi Payment consists of PayExtendTM and Payment Manager, both of which offer wireless operators the ability to deploy and manage an array of convenient recharge options – with cash, debit or credit card – that can be accessed at ATMs, self-serve kiosks, retail stores, via the Internet and directly from subscribers’ handsets using short-dialing codes or voice.

 

    Our bcgi Access Management product line consists of two complementary modules, Mobile Guardian Filter and Mobile Guardian Profile Manager. Mobile Guardian Filter was created through our relationship with and subsequent acquisition of PureSight, Inc. and its Israeli subsidiary, PureSight Ltd. (PureSight) in June 2005, and can be used by operators to enable subscribers to manage and restrict access to unsolicited, unapproved or harmful content in accordance with industry and government standards, or subscriber preferences. Mobile Guardian Profile Manager, developed by bcgi and made commercially available in 2004, provides a value-added tool that allows enterprises and consumers to establish user profiles that enable real-time management of an individual’s or group’s voice and data usage. These services allow operators to empower their subscribers (parents or enterprise administrator) to manage, with real-time control at a device level, voice and data usage based on a wide variety of parameters, including time of day, session origin and destination (voice and data) and overall usage allowances.

 

    In February 2005, we launched our bcgi Network product line, which consists of IN Session Control and Data Gateway. IN Session Control provides full, real-time control of voice transactions for home and roaming, and integrates with our Real-Time Billing and access management applications or third-party billing systems and applications. Data Gateway enables billing for data services by providing real-time subscriber validation, subscriber access controls and network interfaces to support our products and third-party applications.

 

bcgi Professional Services are offered to our customers to support all of our product lines by providing comprehensive integration, design, and consulting services across all our products to enhance and customize our

 

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customers’ offering. In February 2006, we announced our MVNO Managed Services Suite offering which integrates our billing, access management, payment and network solutions with MVNO-focused technology and business consulting services in a single package available to operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). This suite enables operators to quickly scale, deliver and manage content-based mobile services hosted on bcgi’s billing platform and monitored by our world-class network operations center. Through this offering, operators are able to capitalize on our full network integration certification with all major network infrastructure providers and the ability to support all network standards.

 

Our Global Alliance Program was announced in February 2006, expanding our international focus by targeting opportunities in the growing markets of Asia-Pacific, Latin America and EMEA. bcgi’s new alliance program gives premier systems integrators and resellers in these regions the opportunity to extend their capabilities and offer their customers our managed services and licensed products. The Global Alliance Program allows systems integrators and resellers to select the type and level of partnership involvement most appropriate for their business, giving them the opportunity to strengthen and broaden their product portfolios with our products and solutions. We offer a three-tiered independent agent program that allows systems integrators to begin to work and grow with us in their market. Our authorized resellers include major systems integrators, network equipment providers and independent software vendors.

 

The following summarizes our products within our product lines and the service delivery models under which they are marketed and sold:

 

     bcgi Billing

   bcgi Access Management

   bcgi Payment

   bcgi Network

Service Delivery Model


   Real-
Time
Billing


   Voyager
Billing


   Mobile
Guardian
Filter


   Mobile Guardian
Profile Manager


   Pay
Extend


   Payment
Manager


   IN
Session
Control


   Data
Gateway


Managed Services

   X    X    X    X    X    N/A    X    X

Global Licensed Sales

   X    N/A    X    X    N/A    X    X    X

bcgi Professional Services

   X    X    X    X    X    X    X    X

 

For revenue information related to our geographic segments, see Note 12 “Segment Reporting”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

 

bcgi BILLING

 

To grow profitably in the global wireless market, wireless operators need to distinguish themselves by providing a service portfolio that offers the flexibility, freedom and enhanced services that translate into subscriber satisfaction and loyalty. bcgi Billing, which includes our Real-Time Billing and Voyager Billing products, is well positioned to offer wireless operators the competitive advantage to grow subscriber counts and increase profitability.

 

Real-Time Billing

 

Real-Time Billing enables wireless operators and MVNOs worldwide to provide their subscribers, without a contract commitment or term, the ability to make wireless calls on a prepaid basis. Real-Time Billing can be implemented on either a managed services basis using our TotalSourceTM implementation model or as a licensed system installed within the wireless operator’s infrastructure.

 

Real-Time Billing combines a flexible business model with intelligent networking architecture based on our proprietary service integration software that enables digital calling features, rating for data services, including Short Message Service (SMS), Push-To-Talk (PTT) and Multi-media Messaging Services (MMS) billing. We combine these features with our transaction processing infrastructure that includes Web-based customer care

 

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tools, a network of voice resources to play voice messages and open application programming interfaces (APIs) to integrate with the existing infrastructure of wireless operators, including their billing systems and distribution outlets. Our proprietary software, expertise and use of recognized vendor technologies, including those of Sun Microsystems, Hewlett Packard, EMC, Oracle, Tekelec and Cisco, enable us to deliver premium, high quality and competitive solutions.

 

Some specific features and capabilities offered under Real-Time Billing include:

 

    Operation in all wireless network environments including AMPS, CDMA, TDMA, GSM and iDEN, 1xRTT, GPRS voice and data networks;

 

    Efficient digital network interfaces—using 3GPP-compliant intelligent networking standards or our proprietary Pre-IN/ISUP session control;

 

    Certified compliance with WIN and GSM’s CAMEL IN standards;

 

    Flexible rating engine;

 

    Robust extensible markup language (“XML”)-based APIs;

 

    Customizable announcement profiles;

 

    Service plan creation for targeting specific customer segments with a package of service features and payment options;

 

    Intuitive user interfaces;

 

    Full voucher/PIN management capabilities; and

 

    Cost-effective recharge mechanisms, including credit card, Internet, debit, ATM and cash.

 

We continue to expand the features and rating capabilities of our Real-Time Billing product to offer additional functionality to our carrier customers and their prepaid subscribers, and we generally release one or two major software upgrades per year. We work closely with operators’ marketing departments to develop sophisticated features and functionality to enable operators to quickly modify the way they market and sell prepaid solutions.

 

Using our Real-Time Billing managed services, operators worldwide are able to offer prepaid service to subscribers, allowing them to establish an account with an operator by prepaying a specific dollar amount that is credited toward future service. The wireless operator then turns over the management of each call, to our state-of-the-art Signaling System 7 (SS7) network, which is connected to our transaction-processing platform to retrieve information regarding the status of the subscriber’s prepaid account. Once we validate the subscriber, our platform rates the in-bound or out-bound call in real-time, calculating the minutes remaining in the subscriber’s account based on his or her rate plan. Armed with this information, our system ensures that the subscriber does not exceed his or her balance by alerting the subscriber when his or her balance is getting low and terminating the call in real-time if the subscriber’s balance is depleted. Once the call is completed, the subscriber’s account is updated on a real-time basis by our platform, in accordance with the wireless operator’s instructions. Before each call and prior to the end of each call, our voice network delivers a voice message to the subscriber, informing the subscriber of his or her prepaid account balance. Our real-time monitoring and rating not only eliminates the risk of bad debt and revenue leakage, but also reduces wireless operator customer care costs since the subscriber is able to manage his or her account by being informed of the account balance status through our voice network and Web-based customer care applications.

 

Real-Time Billing can also be deployed in-house with wireless operators on a licensed basis. A wireless operator can purchase our licensed product to integrate with their network and enable some or all of the same complex series of validation, call control, rating and billing that our managed services platform provides. The licensed system communicates directly with the wireless operator’s network elements and databases.

 

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Approximately 91% of our total consolidated revenues were generated from our Real-Time Billing product in 2005. Depending on the outcome of our pending lawsuits with Freedom Wireless, we may in the future be prevented from offering, or significantly limited in our ability to offer, our Real-Time Billing managed services products in the United States.

 

Voyager Billing

 

Voyager Billing provides operators full billing and operational support services. Voyager Billing is currently offered as a managed service billing platform in the United States to meet operator demand for a comprehensive billing system that supports pre-paid, postpaid, and converged billing for voice and data services. We have integrated this solution with our product families and have leveraged it with our technological capabilities to enhance our ability to cross-sell multiple cost-effective solutions to new and existing customers. We principally generate revenue for Voyager Billing by charging our customers a per subscriber fee for each monthly bill produced. We currently support numerous U.S. regional wireless operators and the MVNO market, which often favors billing flexibility and independence from host-carrier networks.

 

Voyager Billing enables wireless operators to control every aspect of subscriber management – network provisioning, inter-carrier relations, billing, invoicing, customer care, inventory management and retail operations – within one comprehensive system. Voyager Billing integrates with the carrier’s switch to rate calls and allows wireless operators to generate monthly subscriber invoices. Voyager Billing provides user environments for all levels of wireless operator applications, including an interface for the provisioning of new plans and services for both prepaid and postpaid plans and easy-to-use interfaces for customer service representatives. Wireless operators are able to run a convergent enterprise using Voyager Billing offering postpaid, prepaid, and hybrid plans from a single interface. This capability improves operational efficiencies and enables wireless operators to migrate subscribers through product offerings as their needs or profiles change.

 

Voyager Billing provides a total retail management solution, allowing the wireless operator to manage its entire point-of-sale access, including phone number inventory, equipment, accessories and cash drawer. Voyager Billing also offers robust reporting and decision support tools, allowing useful analysis of subscriber usage and trends, enabling wireless operators to better understand subscriber behavior.

 

The key features and capabilities of Voyager Billing are as follows:

 

    Operates in all wireless network environments including AMPS, CDMA, TDMA and GSM, 1xRTT, GPRS voice and data networks;

 

    Supports all types of wireless plans and payment plans, including postpaid, prepaid and hybrid solutions;

 

    Provides real-time rating, switch mediation and revenue assurance capabilities;

 

    Supports data billing and mediation;

 

    Online agent management;

 

    Comprehensive retail management system;

 

    Advanced reporting capabilities;

 

    Multi-service billing capabilities to capture all voice and data services on consolidated statements;

 

    Electronic bill presentment and payment; and

 

    Wireless number portability and number pooling compliance.

 

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bcgi PAYMENT

 

bcgi Payment consists of PayExtend TM and Payment Manager, both of which offer wireless operators the ability to deploy a choice of convenient recharge options to their subscribers – whether through cash, debit or credit card—at locations including ATMs, self-serve kiosks, retail stores, via the Internet or directly from subscribers’ handsets using short-dialing codes or voice. We provide bcgi Payment solutions to operators who use our Real-Time Billing solution, as well as to operators who use our competitors prepaid solutions.

 

PayExtend

 

PayExtend is our cost-effective, real-time, payment network available to U.S. wireless operators on a managed services basis. This product leverages our existing infrastructure to unite wireless operators with multiple financial partners by consolidating services through our centralized network as we take financial and operational responsibility for the transactions.

 

PayExtend currently offers the following payment modules:

 

    ATM Recharge

ATM Recharge is a managed distribution channel that offers wireless operators an additional recharge footprint by leveraging well-established ATM locations that have been enabled with advanced functionality. The service allows a wireless subscriber to purchase additional wireless prepaid funds in real-time using their bank debit card.

 

    Payment Agent Service

Payment Agent Service is a consumer facing service that allows subscribers of participating wireless operators to purchase wireless airtime using their credit or debit cards via the channel they find most convenient — the Internet, a voice response unit or through live customer service agents. As a managed service, Payment Agent Service is designed to mitigate the risk associated with processing card-not-present credit card sales by using our established risk management practices from nearly 20 years of credit card processing experience.

 

    Channel Manager

The risks of maintaining and monitoring prepaid card inventory require considerable operator resources to avoid the costs of shrinkage and lost sales. Channel Manager is a specialized point-of-sale solution developed for operators who wish to sell prepaid wireless service through wireless channels such as their own company stores and authorized wireless agents. Using the Internet to perform wireless account activations and recharges, Channel Manager streamlines the process, reduces risk and provides powerful reporting and security features to deliver a seamless prepaid recharge experience for subscribers and operators alike.

 

Payment Manager

 

Payment Manager is available worldwide as a licensed platform to help operators cost-effectively enable and manage multiple funding channels and drive the type of funding activity most beneficial to them. A single platform that supports the unique payment needs of wireless operators, Payment Manager allows operators to create multiple payment channels and manage those channels from a single Web-based user interface. With support for real-time payment processing, multi-level settlement capabilities, sophisticated payment loyalty functionality and fraud prevention tools, Payment Manager can be integrated into any operator network to improve operational efficiency and to help lower the cost of accepting customer payments.

 

Payment Manager modules include:

 

e-Distribution module

Payment Manager’s e-Distribution module allows wireless operators to provide a wide variety of in-person recharge channels, including company-owned stores, authorized agents and partner locations.

 

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The e-Distribution module includes APIs that allow wireless operators to integrate quickly with point-of-sale (“POS”) networks that use wireless telecommunication message format ISO 8583 or similar message formats. Payment Manager’s standard import and export API can also be customized to meet the specific connection needs of a particular POS partner. With integrated ePIN management functionality, wireless operators can provide broad and flexible in-person recharge options through a single payment processing platform. In addition to ISO-8583 support, the e-Distribution module allows wireless operators to provide Web-enabled touchpoints for retail stores or kiosks. A standardized Web interface provides an easy-to-use method for subscribers, store personnel, and customer service representatives to recharge or perform common account management tasks.

 

ATM Recharge module

The ATM Recharge module provides the ability to seamlessly integrate with ATM networks through partnerships with banks, enabling wireless operators to create a broad system of recharge touchpoints. ATMs provide a 24/7 physical location for recharge, while also allowing wireless operators to leverage the marketability of bank partnerships.

 

Electronic Funding module

Payment Manager’s Electronic Funding module provides wireless operators the ability to process a wide variety of payments using multiple electronic payment types. Furthermore, the Electronic Funding module enables wireless operators to offer anywhere, anytime, any amount recharge using payment account information and SMS recharge, automatic top-up, or self-care Web and wireless application protocol (“WAP”) interfaces. The Electronic Funding module enables:

 

    Credit card payments

 

    Debit card payments
    Bank account payments

 

    Automatic top-up

 

    SelfCare Web interface

 

Fraud Management module

To avoid costly fraud losses, Payment Manager contains a Fraud Management module so wireless operators can monitor and protect against high-risk transactions by defining custom fraud rules for distribution networks by recharge channel or payment type. By checking for velocity and transaction amount limits, wireless operators can control what types of transactions are marked for fraud, as well as the consequences for accounts marked with attempts at fraudulent transactions. These accounts can be soft or hard locked, allowing wireless operators to customize both monitoring and the level of protection from particular types of fraud attempts.

 

Balance Transfer module

One of the features gaining in popularity throughout the wireless market is the concept of balance transfers, which allow subscribers to share money with other subscribers from their wireless accounts. This enables subscribers to get the airtime they need without purchasing a recharge, while also generating revenue for the wireless operator through a flexible and customizable fee structure for each gifting transaction. By using bcgi’s Balance Transfer module, wireless operators can provide the payment flexibility subscribers want, encouraging increased airtime usage and more frequent recharges, leading to increased recharge revenue in addition to the fee revenue generated by balance sharing transactions.

 

Peer-to-Peer Recharge module

The Peer-to-Peer Recharge module provides recharge functionality for wireless operators to expand recharge channels into rural areas and densely-populated urban areas or to provide new distribution

 

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schemes while reducing the cost of remote distribution. Using the Peer-to-Peer Recharge module, authorized peer resellers can sell airtime using their mobile handsets.

 

Loyalty and Promotions module

The Loyalty and Promotions module provides a robust set of tools for strengthening customer relationships by providing positive reinforcement for payment interactions with the wireless provider. The promotions platform provides direct and instantaneous reinforcement through recharge rewards for meeting operator-specified rules, while loyalty points systems provide long-term encouragement to recharge by using an accumulation of loyalty points, resulting in lower churn.

 

bcgi ACCESS MANAGEMENT

 

Our bcgi Access Management products, Mobile Guardian Profile Manager and Mobile Guardian Filter, allow operators to work together with subscribers and enterprises to better manage access to wireless services. Striking the proper balance between the benefits and potential abuses of wireless service is critical among segments that do not require unlimited access to everything the wireless network has to offer. We created Mobile Guardian using our proprietary software and leveraging our real-time subscriber management expertise and existing infrastructure. Mobile Guardian’s flexible architecture can be used by the operator to restrict access to inappropriate content in accordance with industry or government standards and to provide a value-added tool that allows enterprises and consumers to manage individual voice and data usage. Mobile Guardian is being offered as both a managed service in the U.S. using the bcgi TotalSource model and as a managed service using the bcgi MVNO Managed Services Suite in the EMEA region, and on a licensed basis worldwide. As of December 31, 2005, we have not generated significant revenues from our bcgi Access Management solutions. Since Mobile Guardian serves postpaid subscribers, its large addressable market is expected to further diversify our revenue among new and existing customers.

 

In addition to its consumer appeal, Mobile Guardian helps wireless operators target the enterprise market with a highly-differentiated solution for businesses that provides significant benefits over those currently derived from third-party, post-bill cost-analysis solutions. Mobile Guardian:

 

    Provides corporations with the flexibility to set and update restrictions and monthly allowances to meet their specific requirements;

 

    Enables greater control and visibility into employees’ wireless voice usage and data access (e.g., Internet activity, SMS, games, ring tones, etc.); and

 

    Preempts conflicts and costs related to reactive management of employees’ wireless use.

 

To help operators better address the wireless needs of families, Mobile Guardian eases the decision-making process of parents who are considering purchasing wireless service for their children by mitigating concerns about access to unsolicited, unapproved or harmful content and cost management. Mobile Guardian:

 

    Helps parents balance their concerns about safety, usage management and financial restraint;

 

    Eases the burden and risk of inappropriate wireless use by enabling parents to configure their account to fit the unique needs of their children;

 

    Allows parents to set “always available” and/or “never accessible” phone numbers, and enables emergency calls to “always available” numbers, even if the user’s monthly limit has been reached (unlike prepaid plans);

 

    Enables parents to restrict the days and times when the wireless phone can be used.

 

This proprietary solution consists of two complementary modules. The first, Mobile Guardian Profile Manager, enables operators to provide their wireless subscribers with a simple method to set usage parameters, calling allowances and access preferences via an easy-to-use, Web-based interface. Mobile Guardian Profile

 

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Manager allows the wireless operator to offer wireless access and usage settings directly to consumers, such as parents and enterprise administrators. Using the Mobile Guardian Profile Manager tool, parents and enterprise administrators can instantly modify profile information for voice and data usage. The Mobile Guardian Profile Manager’s hierarchical account structure allows a single administrator to control an unlimited number of accounts. Mobile Guardian Profile Manager operates on top of an enterprise or family’s existing rate plan to give the telecom manager or parent real-time control over how the individual phones on his or her plan are used.

 

The second module, Mobile Guardian Filter, provides content filtering and categorization of Web and WAP based content through analysis of customer data traffic. Using dynamic identification capabilities, Mobile Guardian Filter enables operators to flexibly manage subscriber access to content, regardless of content type, origin or delivery method. As a result, operators can responsibly meet the demand for content that may not be appropriate for all subscribers. The Mobile Guardian Filter can be implemented standalone to meet basic filtering requirements or can be integrated with the Mobile Guardian Profile Manager to allow content filtering based on individual profile information set by a parent or enterprise administrator.

 

The combined capabilities of Mobile Guardian Profile Manager and Mobile Guardian Filter solves a number of issues that can inhibit the adoption and usage of wireless by families and enterprises, while serving as a framework for a robust set of filtering and wireless service management capabilities.

 

bcgi NETWORK

 

bcgi Network products enable the integration of Real-Time Billing, Mobile Guardian or third-party rating and charging systems to voice and data networks. By effectively shielding the billing and business logic from network complexity and exposing a single interface for integration, we provide one of the most efficient and cost-effective methods for wireless operators to introduce new services and applications. bcgi Network consists of IN Session Control and Data Gateway, products we launched in February 2005.

 

IN Session Control

 

IN Session Control provides full, real-time control of voice transactions for home and roaming, and is pre-integrated to work with our Real-Time Billing and bcgi Access Management applications. IN Session control is also designed for integration to other existing real-time billing systems and third-party applications. IN Session Control is designed to meet industry standards and deliver on the promise of intelligent networking. Using GSM/CAMEL, WIN/IS-826, and also ISUP interfaces, bcgi’s session control capabilities allow us to flexibly deploy in any network.

 

 

Data Gateway

 

Data Gateway provides real time control of data transactions and sessions in GPRS/EDGE and 1xRTT/1xEV-DO networks by supporting industry standard IS-835C, Diameter, and RADIUS protocols. The Data Gateway product is pre-integrated into the existing bcgi value added services, and provides a standardized API to allow rapid integration to other vendors value added services as well.

 

IMPLEMENTING OUR PRODUCTS

 

Wireless operators can purchase our products either on a managed services basis (bcgi TotalSource) or on a licensed basis. Our bcgi TotalSource model is an end-to-end outsourced solution that enables U.S. and EMEA wireless operators to get our products to market quickly without large capital investments and with inherent expertise. With bcgi TotalSource, wireless operators can deploy new solutions by leveraging our expertise as a leading provider of outsourced solutions. In a typical managed services relationship, we take responsibility for all

 

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aspects of our solutions’ performance including project implementation, ongoing operation and upgrades to the wireless operator’s application.

 

bcgi TotalSource includes:

 

    Purchase, deployment and maintenance of all required server hardware and bcgi proprietary software hosted in bcgi’s state-of-the art redundant data centers;

 

    High reliability platforms with service level guarantees;

 

    Maintenance fees on all hardware and software;

 

    7x24 hour database, system administration and application support;

 

    Comprehensive implementation support and project management through bcgi Professional Services;

 

    Robust transaction reporting and analysis;

 

    Training;

 

    Standard bcgi software releases; and

 

    Capacity planning for all solution components we supply, including new hardware purchases when required.

 

We also offer our products and services on a licensed system basis worldwide. In a licensed sale, a wireless operator licenses certain bcgi proprietary software and, in some cases, purchases complementary third-party hardware and software, all to be deployed within the operator’s network. The software and components are fully integrated by the customer within the customer’s environment and operated by their network personnel. In 2005, we expanded our focus on international sales of our licensed products, adding personnel and costs to support technical operations as well as sales and marketing efforts, which includes marketing our licensed product through direct and indirect sales channels through our Global Alliance Program.

 

Licensed sales typically include:

 

    bcgi proprietary software right to use license;

 

    Comprehensive implementation support, training and project management through bcgi Professional Services;

 

    Comprehensive user manuals;

 

    7x24 hour application maintenance and support; and

 

    Standard bcgi software releases.

 

SALES AND MARKETING

 

Our sales strategy focuses on establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with our customers. Our business development and sales professionals and their support teams are assigned to groups of wireless operators, including global, national and regional operators assigned by region. A consultative sales process supported by bcgi Professional Services is utilized to understand and define customer needs and to determine how our solutions can address their needs. Each business development professional capitalizes on his or her in-depth knowledge of the operators and our suite of solutions to cross-sell these solutions to current and prospective customers. Our business development team has historically been comprised of individuals who target and serve carriers in the U.S. In 2005, we have expanded our sales team to include highly skilled international sales executives and sales engineers in order to support our global strategy—both for direct and indirect sales.

 

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Our direct sales strategy is complemented by a marketing program that includes participation in industry trade shows and conferences, speaking engagements, advertising and public relations. Because our target customers are mobile operators and MVNOs, we seek to gain broad industry recognition through carefully selected events and activities specific to the wireless industry. Our indirect sales strategy is facilitated by our Global Alliance Program, announced in February 2006. Through our Global Alliance Program we have developed authorized reseller relationships with industry partners, including major systems integrators, network equipment providers and independent software vendors through whom we expect to generate indirect licensed sales revenues.

 

Our sales cycle for managed services and license sales are typically six to twelve months, but can often be longer. As a result of the Freedom Wireless judgment against us, our ability to sell our products and services has been significantly impaired. We have also encountered difficulty in renewing our existing customer agreements. Although the technology used in our Real-Time Billing services is directly at issue in the Freedom Wireless lawsuit, concerns regarding our viability have also made it more difficult for us to sell our other products and services.

 

ENGINEERING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

We have developed proprietary software and interfaces to wireless operators’ existing infrastructure, enabling us to perform real-time event management and subscriber management functions associated with our prepaid, postpaid, access management, payment and other solutions. These software applications and interfaces include:

 

    Call control software and interfaces via digital and intelligent networking standards to carrier switching equipment;

 

    Voice resource software for the injection of real-time pre-call and post-call voice messaging;

 

    XML-based real-time and File Transfer Protocol (“FTP”)-based near-real-time interfaces to other carrier network equipment;

 

    XML and other secure internet interfaces to third-party mobile content providers;

 

    Event rating and subscriber management software for the real-time rating and debiting of mobile accounts;

 

    Payment management software for linking to financial networks and billing platforms;

 

    PIN/stored value card creation and management systems;

 

    Customer care applications and user interface templates, including integrated voice response and Web-based interactions; and

 

    XML-based interfaces to legacy wireless operator billing and provisioning systems.

 

We believe that one of our key competitive advantages is our proprietary software. Our future success will depend in part on our ability to continue to enhance existing solutions and develop new solutions in response to changing market, customer and technological requirements of the wireless industry. An important factor in the future success of our mobile services platform will be our ability to provide, at competitive prices, more functionality and features than those available in other competitive offerings.

 

We have protected various aspects of our intellectual property with a portfolio of patent applications filed with the U.S. Patent Office and internationally, one of which has been approved and others of which are currently pending.

 

We spent $20.1 million in 2005, $15.8 million in 2004, and $14.0 million in 2003 on engineering, research and development, including capitalized software costs. We expect to continue to devote significant resources to our engineering, research and development efforts in 2006 and future years.

 

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CUSTOMERS

 

We currently provide one or more of our products to international and U.S. wireless operators and MVNO’s, including Amp’d Mobile, Cable and Wireless, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel Corporation, Telefonica and Verizon Wireless, among others. MVNOs, as resellers of network capacity who purchase wholesale services from a hosting carrier to attract and serve targeted segments, require specific types of wireless expertise that we offer. Our technology and expertise directly address the challenges faced by MVNOs, including real-time usage rating and billing, account activation and suspension, the rapid introduction of value-added services, real-time account replenishment, fraud prevention, customer care and selfcare. We also provide our products to many mid-size and small regional wireless operators throughout the United States, allowing them to offer cost-effective, comprehensive postpaid and prepaid services with a wide array of competitive features, including multiple recharge channels, access management and nationwide roaming capabilities. Our products and services have been implemented throughout the world, including the United States, Africa, Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently, almost all of our revenue is generated from our U.S. managed services Real-Time Billing product by charging wireless operators usage-based recurring fees.

 

Historically, a significant portion of our total revenues in any particular period has been attributed to a limited number of customers. Net revenues attributable to our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 89% of our total revenues in 2005 and 92% of our total revenues in 2004. Sprint Nextel Corporation accounted for 38% of total revenues in 2005 and 14% of total revenues in 2004. Verizon Wireless accounted for 24% of total revenues in 2005 and 43% of total revenues in 2004. Cingular Wireless accounted for 14% of total revenues in 2005 and 22% of total revenues in 2004. Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless and Alltel Corporation are also anticipated to be fully migrated off of our Real-Time Billing platform by June, 2006. These three carriers comprised approximately 44%, or $46 million, of our 2005 consolidated revenues. Thus, revenues from Verizon, Cingular and Alltel will substantially decrease in 2006, resulting in a reduction of Real-Time Billing from these three customers. We can provide no assurance that other customers may not migrate off of our platform due to concerns regarding our viability.

 

We continue to invest in our customer and product diversification strategy which includes support of our bcgi Access Management, bcgi Payment and Voyager Billing products and our expansion into new domestic and international wireless markets, including the developing MVNO market. These strategic initiatives are expected to result in sequential increases in cost of revenues, engineering, research and development and sales and marketing expenses.

 

COMPETITION

 

The market for providing solutions to wireless operators is highly competitive and subject to rapid change. A number of independent companies currently offer one or more of the solutions we provide. In addition, many wireless operators, including Verizon Wireless, are providing, or can provide, the products and services we offer in-house, primarily in the billing area and often utilizing a competitor’s technology. Demand for our services could also be affected by trends in the wireless industry, including greater consolidation, technological changes and/or other developments. These developments can make it easier or more cost-effective for wireless operators to provide certain services themselves and could make it more difficult for us to offer a cost-effective alternative to a wireless operator’s in-house capabilities. In addition, we anticipate the entrance of new competitors in the wireless services market in the future, particularly competing with our bcgi Access Management products.

 

As a result of the Freedom Wireless judgment against us, our ability to compete effectively has been significantly impaired. Specifically, we have encountered difficulty in renewing our existing customer agreements and our ability to sell our products and services has been impaired. Although the technology used in our Real-Time Billing services is directly at issue in the Freedom Wireless lawsuit, concerns regarding our viability have made it more difficult for us to compete and sell our other products and services as well.

 

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Along with the in-house capabilities of the wireless operators themselves, the following is a list of key competitors in the wireless billing markets:

 

•      Amdocs, Inc.

•      Comverse Technology, Inc.

•      Convergys Corp.

•      Ericsson Telecommunications

•      Huawai Technologies Co.

 

•      LogicaCMG

•      Lucent Technologies, Inc.

•      Telcordia Technologies, Inc.

•      Verisign, Inc.

 

We believe that the principal competitive factors in the market for providing solutions to wireless operators include the ability to identify and respond to wireless operator needs, timeliness, quality and breadth of product and service offerings, price and technical expertise. We believe we are capable of competing effectively in all these areas, but that the market perceptions and resulting uncertainty about our business due to the Freedom Wireless lawsuits are making it more difficult for us to do so. We also believe that our most important competitive advantage is our proprietary software. We also believe that our competitive advantages in the wireless services industry include our ability to easily integrate with all switch types, wireless system types (GSM, TDMA, CDMA, 2.5G, 3G, etc.) and billing systems. This integration is critical since industry consolidation has resulted in carriers operating multiple switch types and billing systems across their footprints, requiring prepaid solutions to integrate with all technologies in order to offer nationwide programs. Our other competitive advantages include:

 

    Reliable platforms with feature-rich capabilities;

 

    Knowledgeable, experienced and skilled employees;

 

    Ability to process transactions in real-time;

 

    Ability to reduce wireless operator costs of cash collection, bad debt and customer care;

 

    Customer care applications, including feature-rich Web-based care and CSRcare, that reduce wireless operator costs;

 

    Mobile content filtering capabilities;

 

    Quality and breadth of features and functionality;

 

    Robust reporting and analysis capabilities;

 

    Technical expertise and experience;

 

    The size and scale of our managed services platform, enabling us to competitively price our solutions and cost-effectively process micro transactions;

 

    Ability to quickly identify and respond to customer needs and rapidly deploy new features and functionality to enable our customers to be more competitive; and

 

    Ability to integrate our solutions into wireless operators’ technological and business processes in order to streamline their operations.

 

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

 

The Federal Communications Commission, under the terms of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996, regulates interstate communications and the use of radio spectrum, including entry, exit, rates and terms of operation. Presently, we do not operate any facilities utilizing radio spectrum and we do not have any facilities-based services involving interstate communications. Consequently, we are not required to and do not hold any licenses or other authorizations issued by the Federal Communications Commission for interstate operations.

 

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Our wireless operator customers are regulated at both the federal and state levels. Proposals to intensify or reduce government regulations continue to be discussed at both the federal and state levels. Such changes may decrease the growth of the wireless telephone industry, result in new competitors or industry consolidation, limit the number of potential customers for our solutions or impede our ability to offer competitive solutions to the wireless market or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of December 31, 2005, we had a total of 504 full-time and part-time employees. Of these employees, 398 served in engineering, technical operations and support and software development, 62 served in sales, business development, marketing, product management and client relations, and 47 served in administration and management. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We believe that our employee relations are good. However, some of our current employees have sought, and may continue to seek, other employment prior to a final resolution of the Freedom Wireless lawsuits.

 

BACKLOG

 

As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, there was no backlog of firm orders. We include in backlog only those orders for which we have received completed purchase orders and for which delivery has been specified within 12 months. Most orders are subject to cancellation by the customer. Because of the possibility of customer changes in delivery schedules, cancellation of orders and potential delays in product shipments, our backlog as of any particular date may not be representative of actual sales for any succeeding period.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We maintain an internet website at www.bcgi.net. The contents of our website are not part of this annual report on Form 10-K, and our internet address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only. We make available, free of charge through our website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and each amendment to these reports as soon as reasonably practical after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Each such report is available via a direct link through our website to our filings on the Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR system or directly from the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.

 

Item 1A.    RISK FACTORS

 

Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

If we lose, in whole or significant part, our appeal of the Freedom Wireless lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Appeals Court”) or the lawsuits with Freedom Wireless in United States District Court in Massachusetts (“District Court”), it would have a material adverse impact on our business, including potential asset impairment charges and the possibility of bankruptcy, impairing our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Although we have filed to appeal the entire judgment in the Freedom Wireless lawsuit involving us and Cingular, the Appeals Court may uphold the judgment in whole or in part, which currently stands at $165 million and exceeds our ability to pay. If the final judgment after the appeal is adverse to us and exceeds our ability to pay, we would need to seek protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In addition, any significant delay in the Appeals Court issuing a final ruling could impair our business going forward due to ongoing uncertainty and additional legal costs.

 

Freedom Wireless has also filed two separate patent infringement lawsuits against us and Sprint Nextel Corporation and us and Alltel Corporation and other carriers. Although we are contesting the lawsuits, there can

 

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be no assurance of a favorable outcome in these matters. We are obligated to indemnify Sprint Nextel, Alltel and the other carriers for damages they may incur with respect to any finding of infringement by bcgi’s technology.

 

Regardless of the outcome in these lawsuits, we have already incurred approximately $26.8 million in legal and other costs as of December 31, 2005 and will continue to incur significant expenses to support our ongoing defense. Ongoing legal costs may fluctuate from time to time, depending on the nature of our legal proceedings.

 

We may continue to seek a settlement agreement with Freedom Wireless but we may not be able to reach a reasonable settlement or we may reach a settlement that could negatively impact our financial performance.

 

We have engaged in settlement discussions with Freedom Wireless at various times; however, we have been unable to reach mutual agreement with Freedom Wireless and the other defendants in the cases. We continue to believe that we do not infringe the Freedom Wireless patents and believe that the patents are invalid, and that the size of the damages awarded bears no relationship to a reasonable royalty that bcgi or any company would have paid for a license of the patents. Nevertheless, in light of the adverse judgment and the negative effect that it is having on our business, we may engage in additional settlement discussions with Freedom Wireless in the future. Despite our desire to reach a reasonable settlement agreement, we may not be able to do so. Even if we are able to obtain a settlement, any settlement agreement and license may carry terms unfavorable to us and may significantly restrict our cash and/or future ability to generate profits. Additionally, a settlement may not be able to mitigate the adverse impact the judgment has already had on our business.

 

The Funding of Security for Appeal (“Appeal Agreement”) with Cingular Wireless, in addition to any future requirement to provide additional security on our own, may substantially reduce our working capital and access to cash.

 

With the current uncertainties facing us and the potential for unforeseen changes in our business and estimates, including but not limited to loss of customers and/or higher than expected legal costs, we may need additional working capital. In such circumstances, we may not have access to the $41.5 million placed in escrow as security for our appeal. We also may need to provide additional security for potential additional damages or royalties. If we are unable to secure additional capital or finance sufficient assets, we may need to seek protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

 

A class action lawsuit has been filed against us, which may result in litigation that is costly to defend and the outcome of which is uncertain and may harm our business.

 

A putative class action complaint was filed in June 2005 and has been subsequently amended in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, against us, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer on behalf of persons who purchased our common stock between June 6, 2002 and May 20, 2005. The amended complaint alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act as well as Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by allegedly failing to disclose adverse facts regarding the Freedom Wireless, Inc. lawsuit, including that we had willfully infringed the Freedom Wireless patents. We intend to contest the lawsuit vigorously and believe that bcgi and the two executive officers named as defendants have meritorious defenses to the allegations set forth in the lawsuit.

 

We can provide no assurance as to the outcome of this complaint. Any conclusion of this matter in a manner adverse to us could have a material adverse affect on our financial position and results of operations. In addition, the costs to us of defending any litigation or other proceeding could be substantial, even if such litigation or proceedings are resolved in our favor. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that our directors’ and officers’ insurance will be sufficient to cover any potential damages from this lawsuit. Such litigation could also substantially divert the attention of our management and our resources in general. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation or other proceeding could harm our ability to compete in the marketplace.

 

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As the uncertainty surrounding the status of the Freedom Wireless lawsuits continues, we face significant challenges retaining existing customers, vendors and employees and attracting new customers, vendors and employees, all of which has had a material adverse effect on our business.

 

The status of the Freedom Wireless lawsuit remains unresolved and may remain unresolved for an indefinite period of time. This uncertainty has and will likely continue to significantly impact our existing business in the following ways:

 

    Our ability to sell our products and services, including our products and services that are not related to the Freedom Wireless claims, to new and existing customers has been and may continue to be limited;

 

    Alltel Corporation and other existing customers have terminated, failed to renew or are seeking to terminate their current contracts with us;

 

    Existing customers may reduce their prepaid sales and marketing efforts with respect to our products in order to mitigate their potential exposure to litigation from Freedom Wireless;

 

    Current employees have sought and may continue to seek other employment prior to a final resolution of the Freedom Wireless matter;

 

    Prospective employees have not accepted and may continue not to accept our employment offers; and

 

    Current and potential vendors have imposed and may continue to impose restrictions on us, including higher pricing, advance payment requirements and other terms in order for us to obtain their products and services.

 

As a result, even if we are successful in our appeal and in the other Freedom Wireless lawsuits, our business may have been irreparably harmed. If our business substantially deteriorates further, we may need to seek protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code before our appeal is decided.

 

The loss or significant reduction of business from one of our major customers, including Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless or Sprint Nextel Corporation, would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Historically, a significant portion of our revenues in any particular period has been attributable to a limited number of customers in the wireless telecommunications business. The following table summarizes the percentage of our total revenue received from Sprint Nextel Corporation, Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2005:

 

     Three months ended

    Year ended

 

Sprint Nextel Corporation

   46 %   38 %

Verizon Wireless

   22 %   24 %

Cingular Wireless

   9 %   14 %

 

Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless and Alltel Corporation are also anticipated to be fully migrated off of our Real-Time Billing platform by June, 2006. These carriers collectively represented approximately $46 million in revenue or 44% of our total 2005 revenues. Thus, revenues from Verizon, Cingular and Alltel will substantially decrease, resulting in a reduction of overall revenue from our Real-Time Billing business from these three customers. We can provide no assurance that other customers may not migrate off of our platform due to concerns regarding our viability.

 

Most of our customer contracts are not exclusive. Therefore, our wireless operator customers have used and/or tested and continue to use and/or test their own services or services of our competitors in certain markets. In addition, certain of our contracts are up for renewal in 2006 and beyond, including Sprint Nextel Corporation whose contract expires in the first quarter of 2007. If and when each of the contracts is renewed, some contractual rates may be lower than in previous years and at lower rates than we have estimated. In addition, we

 

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depend on our wireless customers to market and sell our solutions to consumers. We can provide no assurance that they will do so successfully, and therefore, that there will be a significant market for our mobile services platform.

 

Sprint Nextel became our largest customer in 2005 and we expect that revenue from Sprint Nextel will constitute an even larger percentage of our revenue in 2006. We can provide no assurance that Sprint Nextel will continue to use our services beyond the term of their contract with us. If we were to lose Sprint Nextel as a customer, our business would be materially and adversely impacted and we would likely need to seek protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Additionally, there are a limited number of U.S. customers available in the marketplace and if we are unable to add new customers, our business would be materially and adversely impacted.

 

Our future success depends partly on the global acceptance of our new products, including bcgi Access Management, Payment Manager and bcgi Network.

 

We have introduced bcgi Access Management, Payment Manager and bcgi Network product offerings to the global marketplace. The acceptance of these new products is critical to our strategy to diversify and grow our revenue base. Our success in gaining acceptance of these offerings will depend on our ability to integrate these products into existing wireless operator billing platforms. In addition, the success of bcgi Access Management will depend on wireless operator and subscriber acceptance of the capabilities of this product. To date, we have not had any significant deployments of these products, and in light of the current status of the Freedom Wireless litigation, our ability to sell new products is impaired. The failure or delay of any of these offerings to be accepted in the marketplace could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our future operating results are difficult to predict and may materially fluctuate, which may result in significant fluctuations in our stock price.

 

We have experienced fluctuations in our quarterly operating results and such fluctuations may continue and could intensify. Additionally, as discussed in the overview section of management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, we anticipate that our global expansion and expanded product suite may result in more revenues from licensed sales, which tend to be less predictable. Our quarterly operating results may vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including:

 

    Developments in the Freedom Wireless matter, including the cost of royalties, license fees, additional damages and legal support;

 

    The loss of additional customers or the inability to effectively sell our products and services to new customers;

 

    The lack of acceptance or delayed acceptance of our newest solutions, including bcgi Access Management and Payment Manager;

 

    Variations in volumes of minutes of use generated by our wireless customers’ subscribers;

 

    The number and significance of network outages in a particular quarter and the severity and timing of penalties that result from such outages;

 

    Rates charged and paid by our customers;

 

    Our wireless customers’ ability to generate additional prepaid subscribers using our solutions;

 

    The extent of our wireless customers’ emphasis on promoting prepaid solutions and the timing of related marketing initiatives, including our wireless operators’ allocation of marketing resources for initiatives other than prepaid wireless services, such as data services, new technologies, etc.;

 

    Our wireless customers’ ability to minimize “churn” (the percentage of total prepaid subscribers that terminate service on our network);

 

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    The relatively long sales cycles for many of our products;

 

    Seasonal trends, particularly in the second and third quarters when wireless operators are not usually marketing and selling prepaid services as aggressively as in the first and fourth quarters of the year; and

 

    Consolidation within the wireless industry, which could lead to the loss of a major customer or the reduction in rates per minute paid by our customers.

 

We expect that our revenues and net income will decline in future quarters, as Verizon, Cingular and Alltel generate less revenue due to customer concerns regarding our viability. Also, a significant portion of our expenses is fixed. Accordingly, our results of operations are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in revenues. If our revenues fall below our expectations, we would most likely not be able to reduce our fixed or other expenses in time to sufficiently respond to such a shortfall. Additionally, due to all of the foregoing factors, it is possible that in some future quarter our results of operations will fall below our expectations and/or the expectations of public market analysts and investors. In such event, the price of our common stock would likely be materially and adversely affected and could potentially result in the delisting of our stock.

 

If we do not continue to develop and offer more desirable functionality and features in our solutions at competitive prices, including bcgi Billing, bcgi Access Management, bcgi Payment, bcgi Network and the new solutions currently in our pipeline, we will not be able to compete effectively, and our business will be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our business will not be successful if we do not develop and offer more functionality and features in our solutions than those available in competitive offerings, or if we are unable to develop new solutions to offer our wireless customers. In addition, we may be unable to leverage our existing infrastructure to provide enhancements to our current solutions or new solutions cost-effectively. If we cannot develop and provide more desirable functionality and features than our competitors, if we cannot sell new solutions, including bcgi Access Management, bcgi Network or bcgi Payment, or if we are unable to keep our costs down to provide new and enhanced solutions at competitive prices, we would likely lose market share or be required to reduce our pricing, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we do not successfully continue to upgrade our software and hosting environment as new wireless technologies evolve, we may lose existing and prospective customers.

 

Our international sales and operations subject us to additional risks that can adversely affect our operating results.

 

We are expanding our sales and operations internationally and expect to derive a greater portion of our revenues from customers outside the United States. Additionally, we have recently acquired businesses in India and Israel and opened sales offices in Singapore, Spain, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Our international operations are subject to a variety of risks, including:

 

    General economic conditions in each country or region;

 

    The overlap of different tax regimes;

 

    Fluctuations in currency exchange rates and difficulties in transferring funds from certain countries;

 

    The difficulty of managing an organization operating in various countries;

 

    Compliance with a variety of international laws and regulations, including trade restrictions, local labor ordinances and changes in tariff rates;

 

    Longer payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable;

 

    Import and export licensing requirements;

 

    Political unrest, terrorism and the potential for other hostilities, particularly in areas in which we have facilities; and

 

    Reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries.

 

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Our success depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate and address these risks. We cannot guarantee that these or other factors will not adversely affect our business or operating results.

 

We entered into a strategic investment agreement with an early stage entity with which we have a commercial relationship.

 

In exchange for cash totaling $1.5 million, we received secured convertible promissory notes for the same amount. The notes are convertible at any time into the borrower’s common stock or preferred stock, as defined in the agreement. If the entity does not execute on its strategic plan, our investment could become impaired and therefore, may not be recovered.

 

We rely on complex information technology systems and networks to operate our business. If any significant system or network disruption occurs, we will be subject to financial penalties that could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

We rely on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of complex information technology systems and networks. All information technology systems and networks are potentially vulnerable to damage or interruption from a variety of sources, including but not limited to computer viruses, security breaches, natural disasters, fire, power loss, terrorism, war, telecommunication failure or similar events. We have implemented various measures to guard against these risks. However, each quarter we have experienced network outages, some of which have resulted in significant reductions in revenue due to penalty clauses contained in certain of our wireless customer contracts. Our Bedford and Woburn, Massachusetts facilities are redundant, and each facility is able to provide all significant processing functions of our network. We still may not be protected from a natural disaster within the greater Boston, Massachusetts area. There may also be system or network disruptions if new or upgraded business management systems are defective or are not installed properly. However, there can be no assurance that a system or network failure or significant disruption will not have a material adverse impact on our business and our operating results. In addition, in the event of such a disruption or failure, we may incur significant costs to remedy the damages caused by such a situation.

 

Our business would be materially adversely impacted if we cannot protect our intellectual property.

 

Our success and ability to compete depends in part upon our proprietary technology and our ability to protect such technology. We have a number of patent applications pending to protect our proprietary technology in the United States and internationally. If these patent applications are not approved, we may not be able to prevent others from using similar technologies and we may be subject to additional patent infringement lawsuits or royalty payments to use the technology. We rely on a combination of contractual provisions, confidentiality procedures, and patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws to protect the proprietary aspects of our technology. These legal protections afford only limited protection and competitors may gain access to our intellectual property that may result in the loss of customers. In addition, despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our technology or to obtain and use our proprietary information. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets and to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Any litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources with no assurance of success and could seriously harm our business and operating results.

 

We may never realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions.

 

A key part of our growth and diversification strategy has been to engage in acquisitions. We regularly review acquisition opportunities and have acquired companies in the recent past. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify any appropriate acquisition candidates or that any identified acquisition opportunities will be available on terms and conditions acceptable to us. Additionally, we may be restricted from making acquisitions that would be attractive to us due to the uncertainty associated with the Freedom Wireless litigation.

 

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We also may not be able to successfully integrate past or future acquisitions. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including, among other things:

 

    Possible decreases in capital resources or dilution to existing stockholders;

 

    Risk that the acquired company’s technology infringes on an existing patent;

 

    Difficulties and expenses incurred in connection with the acquisitions and the subsequent assimilation of the operations and the services or products of the acquired company;

 

    Difficulties of operating a new business;

 

    Potential inherited liability for the past actions of the acquired company;

 

    Risk that any acquired company’s internal controls may not be adequate;

 

    Diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;

 

    Limited ability to predict future operating results of the acquired company; and

 

    Potential loss of key employees and customers of the acquired company.

 

In the event that the operations of an acquired business do not meet expectations, we may be required to restructure the acquired business or write-off the value of some or all of the assets of the acquired business. There can be no assurance that any acquisition will be successfully integrated into our operations or will have the intended financial or strategic results.

 

We may not be able to effectively manage the expansion of our business, which would adversely impact our ability to offer competitive solutions and grow.

 

We have expanded our operations rapidly and continue to invest in new products and features, including expanding internationally. This has created significant demands on our technical, management, operational, development and administrative personnel and other resources. Any additional expansion by us may further strain our management, financial and other resources. There can be no assurance that our systems, procedures, controls and existing space will be adequate to support expansion of our operations or that we will be successful in our expansion strategy. Inability of our management to manage operational changes effectively would materially and adversely affect the quality of our solutions, our ability to retain key personnel and our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our investments will result in generating revenues within a reasonable time or that they will be sufficient to generate a reasonable return.

 

Our business may suffer if we are unable to attract and retain key employees.

 

Competition for employees with the skills we require is intense. Our success will depend on our ability to attract and retain key employees, including members of the executive management team as well as those employees in crucial technical, marketing and staff positions. The Freedom Wireless litigation has made it more challenging for us to attract and retain critical employees. The loss of one or more key employees, our inability to attract additional qualified employees, or the delay in hiring key personnel could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The market for our solutions is very competitive and depends on the growth and health of the wireless industry and wireless operators.

 

We have historically provided our solutions almost exclusively to wireless carriers. The market for solutions to wireless operators is highly competitive and subject to rapid change as new technologies are continually

 

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introduced in the wireless marketplace. We anticipate continued growth and competition in the wireless services industry and, consequently, the entrance of new competitors in the future. Our competitors include independent providers of prepaid and other solutions to wireless operators and the wireless operators themselves who provide, or can provide, in-house services similar to ours. These wireless operators, and many of the independent service providers, have significantly greater financial and other resources than we do. In addition, the wireless industry is subject to consolidation, which could potentially result in the loss of carrier customers and/or subscribers. Competitive pressures may make it difficult for us to acquire and retain customers and may require us to reduce the price of our service solutions. We cannot be certain that we will be able to compete successfully with existing or new competitors. Our failure to maintain and enhance our competitive position would limit our ability to retain and increase our market share, resulting in serious harm to our business and operating results.

 

To provide our solutions, we depend on a number of third-party software, hardware and service vendors, and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected if we are unable, or are delayed in our ability to obtain these components and applications.

 

Our operations are supported by many hardware components and software applications from third-party vendors, sometimes licensed from single vendors. There can be no assurance that these vendors will continue to license these components and applications to us or that they will do so at reasonable prices. In addition, there can be no assurance that these hardware components and software applications will function in accordance with specifications agreed upon by us and our vendors. If we cannot obtain these components and applications from our existing vendors, we may not be able to timely procure or develop replacement software and hardware at commercially reasonable costs, or at all. If we are unable to do so, we may be required to delay the development or sale of our current or future solutions, which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Changes in government regulations could adversely impact our business.

 

Proposals to intensify or reduce government regulations of the wireless telephone industry continue to be discussed at both the federal and state levels. Such changes may decrease the growth of the wireless telephone industry, result in new competitors or industry consolidation, limit the number of potential customers for our solutions or impede our ability to offer competitive solutions to the wireless market or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Item 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2.    PROPERTIES

 

We own the facility at our principal location in Bedford, Massachusetts. Our Bedford location currently houses our data and network operations center, as well as our corporate headquarters, engineering and software development, sales and marketing, and administrative personnel. We lease space at our locations in Burlington and Woburn, Massachusetts; Westbrook, Maine; Hyderabad, India; and Petah Tikva, Israel. Our Woburn facility currently serves as our redundant data center site. We also have 33 other smaller leased facilities throughout the United States that house certain equipment for our network.

 

Our Westbrook facility houses many of the support functions for our Voyager Billing solution, including software development and technical support. Both our Burlington and Hyderabad facilities host certain software development functions. The Petah Tikva facility hosts certain engineering and software development, sales and marketing, and administrative personnel. We believe that our existing sites will accommodate our data center space needs and that suitable additional space is available if needed.

 

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The following list comprises our significant leased facilities:

 

Location


   Square Footage

   Expiration Date

Woburn, Massachusetts

   13,669    February 2009

Westbrook, Maine

   10,679    May 2006

Burlington, Massachusetts

   9,235    June 2007

Hyderabad, India

   10,821    June 2007 -February 2008

Petah Tikva, Israel

   3,498    August 2006

 

Item 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Freedom Wireless Patent Infringement Lawsuit

 

Jury Trial in District Court

 

In March 2000, Freedom Wireless, Inc. filed a suit against us and a number of our current or former carrier customers (including Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, AT&T Wireless Services, CMT Partners and Western Wireless Corp.) in the District Court. In February 2005, Verizon Wireless reached a settlement with Freedom Wireless and, as a result, was removed as a defendant in the case. We were not part of the settlement discussions and the terms of the settlement are not public. On May 20, 2005, a jury determined that bcgi and the remaining defendants infringed or are infringing two Freedom Wireless patents. The jury damages and post-trial damages (through October 12, 2005) plus interest and court costs awarded by the District Court total approximately $165 million (bcgi and each carrier are jointly liable for specific amounts). We have an obligation to indemnify the other defendants for damages they may incur with respect to any infringement by our technology.

 

In July 2005, we entered into the Appeal Agreement with Cingular Wireless whereby we placed $41 million into escrow for the purpose of using these funds as security to Cingular. In exchange for placing the funds into escrow, Cingular has posted bonds totaling approximately $191 million, the amount required by the District Court to stay the execution of the amount of the judgment that concerns the joint infringement by us and Cingular, pending appeal. Cingular has also agreed to dismiss, without prejudice, the indemnification action filed by Cingular against us in May 2005. Cingular filed this action in an effort to enforce Cingular’s indemnity rights against us as a result of the Freedom Wireless judgment. Cingular is not obligated to provide the security for the payment of any portion of the damages for which Cingular is not jointly liable. The agreement does not alter our obligation to indemnify Cingular. At December 31, 2005, this escrow amount (including interest earned to date) totaled $41.5 million and is recorded as restricted cash.

 

Injunction

 

On October 12, 2005 the District Court granted injunctive relief (the “Injunction”) to Freedom Wireless providing a 90 day grace period during which we could still provide our services to carriers. Subsequent to the 90-day grace period, the District Court ordered that we must stop providing prepaid services to all of our Real-Time Billing customers, other than those who have a license with Freedom (Verizon Wireless is currently our only customer with such a license). We filed a motion to clarify the order or stay the Injunction pending appeal which was denied by the District Court. We filed an emergency appeal to stay the Injunction with the Appeals Court.

 

On December 15, 2005, the Appeals Court stayed the Injunction previously granted by the District Court. Therefore, our carrier customers, including co-defendant Cingular Wireless, may continue to use our Real-Time Billing service during the appeals process. In addition, the Appeals Court did not require bcgi and/or the other defendants to post additional security for any potential damages that may accrue during the appeals process.

 

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Appeal of District Court Judgment

 

In October 2005, we filed to appeal the District Court judgment with the Appeals Court. Our principal appeal brief is expected to be filed in March, 2006 and the appeal process is expected to continue into 2007. If our appeal is unsuccessful or if we cannot successfully manage our business during the appeal process, we may not be able to continue our ongoing operations or may need to seek protection under the U. S. Bankruptcy Code.

 

Freedom Wireless Patent Infringement Lawsuits Against bcgi, Sprint Nextel Corporation and Alltel Corporation

 

On May 20, 2005, Freedom Wireless filed two separate lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the first against us and Sprint Nextel Corporation, and the second against us, Alltel Corporation and several other of our carrier customers. These lawsuits allege that we and each of our named carrier customers infringe the same two patents related to the current judgment held by Freedom Wireless, Inc. and seek damages as well as injunctive relief. We have an obligation to indemnify our customers for damages they may incur with respect to any infringement by our technology. We intend to contest the lawsuits vigorously and believe that we do not infringe these patents and that the patents are invalid.

 

Accounting

 

While we continue to believe that we do not infringe these patents and believe that the patents are invalid and that the size of the damages awarded bears no relationship to a reasonable royalty that bcgi or any company would have paid for a license of the patents, in light of the adverse judgment, we believe it is probable that a loss has been incurred. Although the ultimate amount of such loss, if any, is not currently known, accounting guidelines under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (FAS 5) and FASB Interpretation 14, Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss (FIN 14), specify that if a loss can be reasonably estimated, it should be recorded. Based on management’s assessment of the potential outcomes of the litigation and in accordance with FAS 5 and FIN 14, we accrued an estimated loss of $24.0 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and an additional $40.3 million estimated loss in the quarter ended September 30, 2005, for a total estimated loss of $64.3 million with respect to the Freedom Wireless litigation. However, the actual loss, if any, may be significantly higher or lower than the amount accrued and could be higher than the current judgment of $165 million, which exceeds our ability to pay.

 

Class Action Lawsuit

 

In June 2005, a putative class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, against us, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer on behalf of persons who purchased our common stock between November 15, 2000 and May 20, 2005. The complaint was amended on October 12, 2005 to modify the commencement date to June 6, 2002. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act as well as Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by allegedly failing to disclose adverse facts regarding the Freedom Wireless, Inc. lawsuit, including that we had willfully infringed the Freedom Wireless patents. We have responded to the amended complaint and filed for a motion to dismiss the suit. We intend to contest the lawsuit vigorously and believe that bcgi and the two executive officers named as defendants have meritorious defenses to the allegations set forth in the lawsuit.

 

Verizon Contractual Indemnification

 

On April 28, 2005, a complaint by Aerotel Corporation was filed against Verizon alleging infringement by Verizon Communications, Verizon Wireless and others of a patent on prepaid technology. We are not named in the complaint. Verizon has notified us that we may be asked to indemnify them in this case under our Prepaid Wireless Services Agreement for that portion of any liability specific to Verizon Wireless prepaid offered through use of our services. The complaint does not specify damages as it relates to Verizon Wireless prepaid. We have provided documents and deposition testimony in response to a subpoena that has been served on us. The lawsuit is currently in the discovery phase and at this time it is not possible to determine the potential outcome of this indemnification claim.

 

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Other

 

From time to time, as a normal incidence of the nature of our business, various claims, charges and litigation are asserted or commenced against us arising from, or related to, contractual matters, patents, trademarks, personal injury, and personnel and employment disputes. As to such claims and litigation, we can give no assurance that we will prevail. However, we do not believe that these matters (other than as disclosed) will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, although an adverse outcome of any of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in future quarters or in the quarter or annual period in which one or more of these matters are resolved.

 

Item 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders, through solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the three months ended December 31, 2005.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Our executive officers and their ages and positions as of February 28, 2006 are as follows:

 

Name


   Age

  

Position


Paul J. Tobin

   62    Chairman

E.Y. Snowden

   51    President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

Karen A. Walker

   40    Treasurer, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

William D. Wessman

   56    Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

Frederick E. von Mering

   53    Chief Operating Officer, Director

 

Mr. Tobin has over 25 years experience in the telecommunications and wireless industry. Mr. Tobin is one of our founders and has served as our Chairman since 1996. Mr. Tobin also held the position of President from February 1990 until February 1996, and from April 1997 to February 1998. Prior to his tenure with us, Mr. Tobin served as President of Cellular One Boston/Worcester and Portsmouth, NH, and Regional Marketing Manager for Satellite Business Systems (a joint venture of IBM, Comsat and Aetna). Mr. Tobin began his career as a Securities Analyst at Chase Manhattan Bank after receiving his undergraduate degree in Economics from Stonehill College and his M.B.A. in marketing/finance from Northeastern University. Mr. Tobin is also a member of the Board of Directors of NWH, Inc.

 

Mr. Snowden joined us as President and Chief Executive Officer in February 1998. Mr. Snowden leads our overall business direction and strategy. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of American Personal Communications, L.P. d/b/a Sprint Spectrum (“APC/Sprint Spectrum”), a wireless carrier, where he oversaw the successful launch of the nation’s first Personal Communications Services (“PCS”) network. Before joining APC/Sprint Spectrum in 1994, Mr. Snowden served as an Area Vice President at Pacific Telesis Group, a telecommunications provider, where he played an integral role in Pacific Bell’s entry into the PCS market through the development of the business plan for Pacific Bell Mobile Services. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Universal Optical Company, a manufacturer and marketer of designer eyewear. Mr. Snowden spent his early career as a Corporate Strategy Consultant and Manager with the Boston Consulting Group, a consulting firm. Mr. Snowden currently serves on the Executive Committee of the CTIA board of directors and the CTIA Wireless Foundation board. He also acts as director and vice-chairman of the board for the Massachusetts Telecommunications Council, a director of Tatara Systems, Inc., and as a Trustee of the Tower School in Marblehead, Mass. Mr. Snowden holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences from Stanford University and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.

 

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Ms. Walker, our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration, has been with us since 1993. She joined us as Corporate Controller in 1993 and she became Vice President of Finance and Administration in August 1998. In April 1999, she was promoted to the position of CFO. As CFO, Ms. Walker is responsible for overseeing finance, accounting, human resources and investor relations. She also played an integral part in guiding us through our IPO and follow-on offering. Prior to joining us, Ms. Walker spent over six years at Ernst & Young, LLP, a public accounting firm, where she earned her C.P.A. and was a Manager in E&Y’s Entrepreneurial Services Group. Ms. Walker holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Boston College.

 

Mr. Wessman has over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. He began his career with us in April 1995, managing all product implementations, customer care initiatives and quality assurance operations. In February of 1997, Mr. Wessman was promoted to Vice President of Implementation and Account Management, where he was responsible for Prepaid Wireless Services implementations and Prepaid Account Management. In February 2000, he was promoted to Chief Technology Officer, expanding his role to include the management of all technical resources at bcgi. Prior to joining us, Mr. Wessman spent 24 years with NYNEX Corporation (now Verizon). At NYNEX, he held various positions primarily in Information Services where he managed the development of billing systems and became Director of Quality Assurance, responsible for managing system testing, quality assurance and customer billing support. He has been a member of the QuEST Forum since 1999 and served on its Board of Directors in 2000. QuEST is the Telecommunication Industry’s quality organization and responsible for the creation and maintenance of quality standards (TL9000). Mr. Wessman holds undergraduate and M.B.A. degrees from Northeastern University.

 

Mr. von Mering has been involved with the telecommunications and wireless industries for nearly 20 years. As Chief Operating Officer of bcgi, Mr. von Mering oversees the operations of the company’s business units tasked with development and delivery of our products and services. In addition, he has responsibility for the Client Services organization. Previously, Mr. von Mering was Vice President of Corporate Development, and prior to that he held the role of our first Chief Financial Officer until 1999, helping us execute our initial public offering in 1996. Before joining us, Mr. von Mering was Regional Vice President and General Manager for the paging division of Metromedia. Prior to Metromedia, Mr. von Mering held various positions at Coopers & Lybrand a public accounting firm, where he earned his C.P.A. Mr. von Mering was appointed to the Board of Directors of MicroFinancial, Inc. (NYSE:MFI) in 2004 and serves as its Audit Committee Chairman. Mr. von Mering has an undergraduate degree in accounting from Boston College and an M.B.A. from Babson College.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information for Common Stock

 

Our Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market, under the symbol BCGI. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for our Common Stock for each full quarterly period within fiscal years 2005 and 2004.

 

     2005

   2004

     High

   Low

   High

   Low

First Quarter

   $ 9.66    $ 6.13    $ 12.39    $ 9.35

Second Quarter

   $ 7.29    $ 1.28    $ 13.32    $ 8.10

Third Quarter

   $ 2.62    $ 0.87    $ 10.34    $ 7.50

Fourth Quarter

   $ 1.42    $ 0.90    $ 10.22    $ 8.50

 

Holders

 

At March 1, 2006 there were approximately 77 holders of record of our Common Stock.

 

Dividends

 

We have never declared or paid a cash dividend on our Common Stock. We currently intend to retain all of our earnings to finance future operations and, accordingly, we do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Item 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following tables should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this report (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2005

    2004

    2003

   2002

   2001

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

                                      

Total revenues

   $ 103,858     $ 107,928     $ 99,787    $ 64,636    $ 54,613  

Operating income (loss)

     (60,156 )     26,417       24,816      3,715      (1,762 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (54,162 )     17,211       16,135      3,156      (170 )

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —         (11 )     9      200      986  

Net income (loss)

     (54,162 )     17,200       16,144      3,356      816  

Basic net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share

     (3.07 )     0.96       0.90      0.18      (0.01 )

Diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share

     (3.07 )     0.94       0.87      0.18      (0.01 )

Basic net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share

     —         0.00       0.00      0.01      0.06  

Diluted net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share

     —         0.00       0.00      0.01      0.05  

Basic net income (loss) per common share

     (3.07 )     0.96       0.90      0.20      0.05  

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   $ (3.07 )   $ 0.94     $ 0.87    $ 0.19    $ 0.05  

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data (at year end):

                                      

Cash, restricted cash and short-term investments

   $ 80,816     $ 77,752     $ 66,513    $ 55,075    $ 60,253  

Working capital

     14,612       79,294       70,204      55,236      59,230  

Property and equipment, net

     53,283       55,559       58,638      44,896      38,795  

Total assets

     175,291       168,011       154,591      124,755      116,553  

Shareholders’ equity

   $ 86,346     $ 138,447     $ 128,201    $ 101,739    $ 96,830  

 

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In March 2004, we ceased providing our ROAMERplus solution, effectively discontinuing our Roaming Services segment. Accordingly, the operating results of the Roaming Services segment have been segregated as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Results for the year ended December 31, 2005 include a charge for estimated loss from litigation of $64.3 million and general and administrative legal expenses of $10.2 million, primarily for the Freedom Wireless suit.

 

Results for the year ended December 31, 2004 include a charge for general and administrative legal expenses of $3.0 million, primarily for the Freedom Wireless suit.

 

Results for the year ended December 31, 2003 include a charge for general and administrative legal expenses of $4.0 million, primarily for the Freedom Wireless suit.

 

Results for the year ended December 31, 2002 include a charge for general and administrative legal expenses of $4.3 million, primarily for the Freedom Wireless lawsuit.

 

Results for the year ended December 31, 2001 include a special charge of $538,000 for accruals, inventory write-downs and severance resulting from the discontinuance of our voice mail product, a charge for general and administrative legal expenses of $3.6 million to accrue for estimated legal expenses, primarily for the Freedom Wireless lawsuit and a special charge of $894,000, principally for the permanent impairment of a cost-based investment.

 

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

We deliver innovative products and services that enable mobile operators and MVNOs worldwide to differentiate their offerings and increase market penetration while reducing costs. Our access management, prepaid and postpaid billing and payment solutions enable operators to address new market needs. These solutions help our customers compete effectively by attracting and retaining additional subscriber customers, thereby increasing their ability to drive additional revenue while lowering their operating costs. We offer our fully managed services and licensed products to wireless operators in the United States and worldwide, selling through both direct and indirect channels.

 

Our bcgi Billing product line includes our prepaid wireless product, Real-Time Billing, and our postpaid product, Voyager Billing. Voyager Billing serves U.S. operators and MVNO’s, and our revenues are earned principally on a per subscriber basis for generating a postpaid subscriber’s monthly bill. We generate revenues from our Real-Time Billing product as a managed service principally by processing prepaid wireless minutes or as a percentage of wireless customer revenue. Real-Time Billing services revenues are recorded net of outage penalties that we may incur based on contracted service level agreements with the wireless operators. We also generate revenues from other transactions processed, including Push-to-Talk, SMS and other data services. Additionally, whether deployed on a managed service basis or licensed basis, we generate revenues from software licensing, implementations, bcgi Professional Services and special development services. These revenues are typically recognized over the term of the contract for managed services customers and at the time of shipment or completion of installation for licensed sales.

 

While we have not generated significant bcgi Access Management revenues related to our Mobile Guardian products to date, we expect that we will generate greater future revenues from these products by charging wireless operators on a per subscriber per month basis, a per transaction basis, or on a one-time subscriber license basis, plus maintenance and other services.

 

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In the U.S., we typically generate revenues from bcgi Payment by charging wireless operators a transaction fee for the services performed and paying the financial partners a fee for enabling the transaction. Internationally, we license technology to wireless operators to support their payment processing needs.

 

Our net revenues decreased 4% to $103.9 million in 2005 compared to $107.9 million in 2004. In 2004, net revenues increased 8% from $99.8 million in 2003. Our operating loss of $60.2 million in 2005 compares to $26.4 million of operating income in 2004. The decrease in operating income from 2004 to 2005 is primarily due to:

 

    The accrual of $64.3 million for the estimated loss from the Freedom Wireless litigation recorded in accordance with FAS 5 and FIN 14;

 

    An additional $7.2 million in legal costs related to the Freedom Wireless litigation;

 

    Lower revenue from the loss of Verizon and Cingular subscribers;

 

    Increased investment in engineering, research and development to enhance our product offerings; and

 

    Investments in an international sales team and infrastructure to support our expansion into global markets.

 

Our operating income of $26.4 million in 2004 increased 6% over $24.8 million in 2003.

 

On May 20, 2005, a jury determined that bcgi and the other defendants infringed or are infringing two Freedom Wireless patents. The jury damages and post-trial damages (through October 12, 2005) plus interest and court costs awarded by the District Court total approximately $165 million (bcgi and each carrier are jointly liable for specific amounts). We have an obligation to indemnify the other defendants for damages they may incur with respect to any infringement by our technology.

 

In July 2005, we entered into the Appeal Agreement with Cingular Wireless whereby we placed $41 million into escrow for the purpose of using these funds as security to Cingular. In exchange for placing the funds into escrow, Cingular has posted bonds totaling $191 million to stay the execution of the judgment, pending appeal. At December 31, 2005, this escrow amount (including interest earned to date) totaled $41.5 million and is recorded as restricted cash.

 

On October 12, 2005 the District Court granted the Injunction to Freedom Wireless providing a 90 day grace period during which we could continue to provide our services to carriers. Subsequent to the 90-day grace period, the District Court ordered that we must stop providing prepaid services to all of our Real-Time Billing customers, other than those who have a license with Freedom. We filed a motion to clarify the order or stay the Injunction pending appeal which was denied by the District Court. We filed an emergency appeal to stay the Injunction with the Appeals Court and on December 15, 2005 the Appeals Court stayed the Injunction. Therefore, our carrier customers, including co-defendant Cingular Wireless, may continue to use our Real-Time Billing service during the appeals process. In addition, the Appeals Court did not require bcgi and/or the other defendants to post additional security for any potential damages that may accrue during the appeals process.

 

In October 2005, we filed to appeal the District Court judgment with the Appeals Court. Our principal appeal brief is expected to be filed in March, 2006, and the appeal process is expected to continue into 2007. If our appeal is unsuccessful or if we cannot successfully manage our business during the appeal process, we may not be able to continue our ongoing operations or may need to seek protection under the U. S. Bankruptcy Code.

 

Based on management’s assessment of the potential outcomes of the case and in accordance with FAS 5 and FIN 14, we have accrued an estimated loss of $64.3 million in 2005, excluding our legal charges which are expensed as incurred. However, the actual loss, if any, may be significantly higher or lower than the amount accrued and could be higher than the current judgment of $165 million, which exceeds our ability to pay.

 

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The potential outcomes vary greatly and could include any of the following:

 

    If the Appeals Court overturns the judgment of infringement, it could either rule that bcgi would have no liability to Freedom Wireless, or that the case be returned to the District Court for a new trial on infringement.

 

    If the Appeals Court overturns the judgment that the patents held by Freedom Wireless were valid or enforceable, the Appeals Court could either rule that bcgi would have no liability to Freedom Wireless, or the case could be returned to the District Court for a new trial on the issue of invalidity or unenforceability.

 

    If the Appeals Court rules in favor of Freedom Wireless, we would need to seek protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

 

    The parties could enter into a settlement agreement.

 

Since we cannot anticipate the impact on our business due to the Freedom Wireless litigation, we cannot provide precise future earnings guidance; however, we anticipate that revenues and earnings will decrease for the first quarter of 2006 from the fourth quarter of 2005. These decreases are due to our expectations that customer migrations, namely Verizon and Cingular, will continue and accelerate in the first quarter. Additionally, we anticipate that Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless will each constitute less than 10% of net revenues for the first quarter of 2006, compared to 21% and 9% of revenues, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2005. Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless are also anticipated to be fully migrated off of our Real-Time Billing platform by June, 2006. Additionally, Alltel Corporation and other smaller carriers have recently stopped using our Real-Time Billing platform due to concerns regarding our viability resulting from the Freedom Wireless litigation. Revenue generated from these carriers collectively totaled approximately 10% of our 2005 revenues.

 

In 2005 we expanded our product offerings on a global scale, both on a managed services basis and on a licensed sale basis. This global expansion of our product offerings provides customers the ability to choose which service delivery model best suits their needs. Selling our products on a licensed sale basis is expected to result in less predictability in our future sales trends.

 

We plan to continue to invest in and focus on our customer and product diversification strategy which includes support of bcgi Access Management, bcgi Payment and Voyager Billing products as well as expansion into new domestic and international wireless markets, including the developing MVNO market.

 

In March 2004, we ceased providing our ROAMERplus solution, effectively discontinuing our Roaming Services segment.

 

Segment Revenues

($ in thousands)

 

     Twelve months ended December 31,

 
   2005

    2004

    2003

 
   Total

   % of Total
Net Revenues


    Total

   % of Total
Net Revenues


    Total

   % of Total
Net Revenues


 

Real-Time Billing

   $ 94,089    91 %   $ 102,373    95 %   $ 95,799    96 %

Other

     9,769    9 %     5,555    5 %     3,988    4 %

Total net revenues

   $ 103,858    100 %   $ 107,928    100 %   $ 99,787    100 %

 

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Revenues

 

Real-Time Billing

 

Our net revenues from Real-Time Billing decreased by 8% to $94.1 million in 2005 compared to $102.4 million in 2004. In 2004 net revenues from Real-Time Billing increased 7% compared to $95.8 million in 2003. While the subscribers on our platform increased by 315,000 from 2004, bringing our total subscriber base to 4.09 million as of December 31, 2005, revenue decreased primarily because the average billed rate per minute declined by approximately 22% for 2005 compared to 2004. The decline in our average billed rate per minute was principally due to customers with lower contractual pricing becoming a larger portion of Real-Time Billing revenues, in addition to customary volume discounts for those customers. Sprint Nextel became our largest customer in 2005 and we expect revenue from Sprint Nextel will constitute an even larger percentage of our revenue in 2006.

 

The net revenue increase from Real-Time Billing in 2004 compared to 2003 was due primarily to additional revenue from Sprint Nextel Corporation, partially offset by lower revenues from Verizon Wireless. The increase was also attributable to an increase in the average billed minutes of use per subscriber per month to 113 for 2004 compared to 111 in 2003. These increases were partially offset by an 11% decrease in our average billed rate per minute. Our U.S. subscriber base remained consistent with 3.77 million subscribers as of December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

In future periods, we expect our prepaid subscriber base to decrease, as we anticipate that the loss of subscribers from Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless and Alltel Corporation will exceed subscriber growth from other customers. In addition, other existing customers may decide to limit or stop using our Real-Time Billing service due to the uncertainty resulting from the Freedom Wireless lawsuits. The loss of these subscribers is also expected to contribute to further overall decreases in our average billed rate per minute since customers with lower contractual pricing are expected to become a larger portion of our revenues. As a result of these factors and despite expected off-setting growth of Sprint Nextel Corporation revenues, we expect Real-Time Billing revenues to decrease significantly in 2006.

 

Other revenues

 

Other revenues are generated from our other products and operating units, including, bcgi Payment, bcgi Access Management and Voyager Billing. Our net revenues from these business and product lines increased by 76% to $9.8 million in 2005 compared to $5.6 million in 2004. Other net revenues also increased 40% in 2004 compared to 2003. The increases in 2005 and 2004 are primarily due to our efforts to diversify our revenues with new products and customers. Although the technologies used in these other operating units are not implicated in the Freedom Wireless lawsuits, we have had difficulties selling these products in certain instances due to concerns about our viability. We expect that these difficulties will continue and may increase at least as long as the lawsuits are pending and potentially even after.

 

Cost of revenues

 

Cost of revenues primarily include the salaries and benefits of personnel who support our managed services network and our licensed product offerings, along with costs for maintenance, telecommunications, travel and other support costs. Although these costs have certain variable elements in relation to revenues, they are primarily fixed in nature. Cost of revenues increased in absolute dollars to $25.9 million, or 25% of total revenues, in 2005 from $24.0 million, or 22% of total revenues, in 2004. The increase in cost of revenues in 2005 resulted primarily from increased software and equipment maintenance costs (approximately $490,000) and additional personnel, wages and related costs (approximately $1.0 million) to support our launch of new customers and our investments in professional services and our global licensing strategy. Cost of revenues increased to $24.0 million in 2004 from $23.0 million or 23% of total revenues in 2003. The increase in cost of revenues in 2004 resulted primarily from increased software and equipment maintenance costs (approximately

 

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$690,000). Our cost of revenues is expected to increase in the first quarter of 2006 compared with the $6.7 million incurred in the fourth quarter of 2005.

 

Operating Data

($ in thousands)

 

     2005

    2004

    2003

 
     Total

   % of
Revenue


    Total

   % of
Revenue


    Total

   % of
Revenue


 

Total revenues

   $ 103,858    100 %   $ 107,928    100 %   $ 99,787    100 %

Engineering, research and

development expense

     16,670    16 %     12,561    12 %     10,729    11 %

Sales and marketing expense

     10,590    10 %     6,629    6 %     5,986    6 %

General and administrative expense

     15,001    14 %     13,023    12 %     11,926    12 %

General and administrative expense—legal

     10,219    10 %     2,991    3 %     3,990    4 %

Estimated loss from litigation

     64,300    62 %     —      %     —      %

Depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 21,348    21 %   $ 22,332    21 %   $ 19,336    19 %

 

Engineering, research and development expenses

 

Engineering, research and development (“ER&D”) expenses primarily include the salaries and benefits for software development and engineering personnel associated with the development, implementation and maintenance of existing and new software. The increase in ER&D expenses in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue in 2005 compared to 2004 resulted primarily from additional personnel, wages and related costs of approximately $4.0 million principally to support the development of bcgi Access Management and bcgi Payment, along with the enhancement of the features and functionality of our other products. The additional personnel acquired through our acquisitions of PureSight and Airada also contributed approximately $1.6 million to the increase in personnel, wages and related costs.

 

The increase in ER&D expenses in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue in 2004 compared to 2003 resulted from additional personnel, wages and related costs of approximately $1.9 million to support the development of bcgi Access Management, along with the enhancement of the features and functionality for our existing products. These increases were partially offset by a $440,000 decrease in bonuses earned by employees relating to our 2004 financial performance compared to 2003.

 

ER&D expenses in absolute dollars are expected to increase slightly in the first quarter of 2006 compared with the $4.4 million incurred in the fourth quarter of 2005 due to increased energy costs, maintenance, payroll and other operating costs.

 

Sales and marketing expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses include direct sales and product management salaries, commissions, travel and entertainment expenses, in addition to the cost of trade shows, direct mail and other promotional expenses. Sales and marketing expenses in 2005 increased in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue over 2004 primarily due to approximately $2.5 million to support the expansion of our international sales efforts, approximately $380,000 for additional personnel, wages and related costs to support our diversification strategy, approximately $260,000 for additional costs to exhibit at major domestic industry tradeshows, approximately $180,000 for higher domestic travel costs and approximately $400,000 for targeted marketing programs.

 

Sales and marketing expenses increased in absolute dollars in 2004 as compared to 2003 due to higher commissions of approximately $220,000 resulting from higher revenues, increased trade show costs of approximately $300,000 and increased promotional costs of approximately $150,000 to support Mobile Guardian

 

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and other diversification efforts. These increases were partially offset by decreases of approximately $190,000 for bonuses earned relating to our 2004 financial performance compared to 2003.

 

Sales and marketing expense in absolute dollars are expected to increase approximately $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared with the $2.9 million incurred in the fourth quarter of 2005 reflecting our continued expansion of our product offerings on a global scale, including participation in major international trade shows.

 

General and administrative expenses

 

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses include salaries and benefits of employees and other expenses that provide our administrative support. The increase in G&A expenses in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue in 2005 compared to 2004 was principally due to additional personnel, wages and related costs of approximately $730,000 and higher costs associated with expanded regulatory requirements and related costs for public companies of approximately $170,000 and outside legal support of approximately $540,000.

 

The increase in G&A expenses in absolute dollars in 2004 compared to 2003 was due to higher costs associated with expanded regulatory requirements and related costs for public companies totaling approximately $550,000, additional personnel, wages and related costs of approximately $560,000 and increased facility costs of approximately $140,000, which was partially offset by decreases of approximately $380,000 for bonuses earned by employees relating to our 2004 financial performance compared to 2003.

 

G&A expenses in absolute dollars are expected to increase slightly in the first quarter of 2006 compared with the $3.4 million incurred in the fourth quarter of 2005.

 

General and administrative expenses—legal charges

 

General and administrative legal expenses primarily represent legal expenses to defend the Freedom Wireless litigation. The increase in expense for 2005 compared to 2004 was primarily due to higher costs associated with the trial and the judgment against us. The decrease in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to the timing of the discovery phase which yielded greater costs in 2003. We expect to incur approximately $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2006 as we continue our appeal of the Freedom Wireless lawsuit.

 

Estimated loss from litigation

 

bcgi and certain of our current or former carrier customer defendants (Cingular Wireless, AT&T Wireless Services, CMT Partners and Western Wireless Corp.) were found by the District Court to have infringed or are infringing two Freedom Wireless patents. The total damages award granted by the District Court was $165 million, an amount which exceeds bcgi’s ability to pay. bcgi and each carrier are jointly liable for specific amounts. We have filed our appeal of the judgment with the Appeals Court. While we continue to believe that we do not infringe these patents, that the patents are invalid and that the size of the damages awarded bears no relationship to a reasonable royalty that bcgi or any company would have paid for a license of the patents, in light of the adverse judgment, we believe it is probable that a loss has been incurred. Although the ultimate amount of such loss, if any, is not currently known, accounting guidelines under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (FAS 5) and FASB Interpretation 14, Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss (FIN 14), specify that if a loss can be reasonably estimated, it should be recorded. Based on management’s assessment of the potential outcomes of the case and in accordance with FAS 5 and FIN 14, we have accrued an estimated loss of $64.3 million with respect to the Freedom Wireless litigation. However, the actual loss, if any, may be significantly higher or lower than the amount accrued and could be higher than the current judgment of $165 million, which exceeds our ability to pay, depending on the outcome of the appeal.

 

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Depreciation and amortization expense

 

Depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation of telecommunications systems and software, building, furniture and equipment and leasehold improvements. We provide for depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to twenty years. The 2005 decrease in depreciation and amortization expense in absolute dollars as compared to 2004 was primarily due to certain capital equipment that became fully depreciated in the first half of 2005, partially offset by intangible asset amortization from the acquisitions of PureSight and Airada of $531,000. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue in 2004 compared to 2003 was attributable to additional telecommunication equipment and software to enhance our managed services platform as well as to further develop our licensed products.

 

Interest income

 

Interest income increased to $1.8 million in 2005 compared to $1.2 million in 2004 and 2003. Interest income was earned primarily from investments, which were purchased using the cash generated from operations, from the sale of our teleservices business in 2000 and from the proceeds from our public offerings. Our increase in combined cash, restricted cash and investment positions in 2005 and higher average interest rates during 2005 resulted in increased levels of interest income compared to the previous years. If we ultimately make a cash payment relating to the Freedom Wireless litigation, this would likely substantially reduce our cash and investment balances and therefore reduce future interest income.

 

Provision for income taxes

 

The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $4.2 million, compared to an income tax provision of $10.4 million (37.7% effective tax rate) for the year ended December 31, 2004. The benefit recorded in the current year primarily reflects our assessment of our ability to realize the tax benefit from the ultimate loss, if any, from the Freedom Wireless judgment and also reflects a favorable adjustment from the completion of a routine IRS audit of several tax returns. Absent any changes to our legal reserve assumptions or other matters, we expect that our effective tax rate in 2006 will be substantially below statutory tax rates.

 

Acquisitions

 

In November 2004, we acquired the assets of Airada Networks, Inc. and Airada Networks Private Limited (Airada), a privately-held provider of payment management software solutions for the wireless marketplace, for $1.3 million in cash. Additional contingent cash consideration may be paid to Airada based on attaining certain defined annual revenue targets and other metrics through 2007, most of which will be accounted for as goodwill. For 2005, Airada earned contingent consideration of $323,000 of which $311,000 was paid in 2005 and all of which was accrued in purchased accounting. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to identifiable assets based on fair values as of the date of acquisition. We determined the fair value of the assets acquired by considering the anticipated cash flows to be generated from the existing products, the valuation of customer relationships, the estimated life of the technology acquired and other assumptions. Identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired technology and customer contracts and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. The results of operations of Airada are included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition.

 

In June 2005, we acquired the assets and certain liabilities of PureSight, Inc. and its Israeli subsidiary, PureSight LTD. (PureSight), a privately-held provider of advanced content recognition solutions for mobile operators, ISPs and enterprises. We paid $6.6 million in cash for PureSight, including acquisition costs. We determined the fair value of the assets and certain liabilities acquired by considering the anticipated cash flows to be generated from the existing products, the valuation of customer contracts and relationships and non-compete agreements, the estimated life of the technology acquired and other factors. Identifiable intangible assets of $1.6 million consist of acquired technology, customer contracts and relationships, trademarks and non-compete

 

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agreements and are being amortized over four to seven years. The results of operations of PureSight are included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of December 31, 2005, cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments increased 4% to $80.8 million compared to $77.8 million at December 31, 2004, primarily due to our net loss offset by non-cash adjustments, higher accounts payable and accrued expenses, an income tax refund and to a lesser extent, a lower than usual days sales outstanding. The net cash provided by operations of $30.5 million in 2005 resulted from a $54.2 million net loss along with adjustments for depreciation and amortization of $21.3 million and an estimated loss contingency recorded in the Freedom Wireless patent infringement lawsuit of $64.3 million, decreased receivables of $2.7 million caused by a decrease in our days sales outstanding from 63 as of December 31, 2004 to 55 at December 31, 2005 and a decrease in deferred income taxes of $6.7 million.

 

Our investing activities used $25.9 million of net cash for 2005. We entered into an agreement with Cingular Wireless, placing $41 million of cash into escrow which is restricted cash for security since Cingular has posted the required bonds to stay the execution of judgment, pending appeal, in the Freedom Wireless lawsuit. In addition, we spent approximately $18.2 million for the purchase of telecommunications equipment and software to enhance our managed services platform as well as to further develop our licensed products. Internally capitalized costs were $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. We also acquired a business for approximately $6.6 million and contributed $1.5 million to fund our defined benefit plan, a contribution which we intend to make every year in our second quarter.

 

Our financing activities provided cash of $516,000 for 2005 primarily from proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

Since our cash balance as of December 31, 2005 was higher than expected due to certain working capital changes, including accrued expenses and accounts receivable, we expect that our cash position will decline and range between $71 to $73 million at March 31, 2006.

 

Subject to the outcome of the Freedom Wireless litigation, including license fees that may be payable, we believe that our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to finance our operations for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter. An adverse final judgment, license fee payable or a settlement in the Freedom Wireless litigation would likely (when paid) adversely impact our liquidity and capital resources. Depending on the amount of the adverse judgment, settlement or license fee, the negative impact to our liquidity and capital resources could be material and we may need to seek protection under the U. S. Bankruptcy Code.

 

We have non-cancelable commitments for equipment, maintenance, operating lease commitments for office space, many of which are renewable at our option, as well as various other commitments for telecommunications services. We include in our commitments those agreements under which we are contractually obligated and agreements that are cancelable, but which we do not anticipate canceling. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2005 (in thousands):

 

    

Total


   Payment due by period

        within
1 year


   2-3
years


   4-5
years


   More than
5 years


Contractual Obligations:

                                  

Operating leases

   $ 2,744    $ 1,416    $ 1,252    $ 76    $ —  

Purchase commitments

     4,337      3,693      631      13      —  
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 7,081    $ 5,109    $ 1,883    $ 89    $ —  
    

  

  

  

  

 

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Selected Quarterly Operating Results

 

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly results of our operations for the eight quarters in the two-year period ended December 31, 2005, including such amounts expressed as a percentage of total revenues. This quarterly information is unaudited, prepared on the same basis as the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and, in the opinion of our management, reflects all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented. The quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of future results of operations, which you should read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

    Three months ended

 
   

Dec. 31,

2005


   

Sep. 30,

2005


   

Jun. 30,

2005


   

Mar. 31,

2005


 

Dec. 31,

2004


 

Sep. 30,

2004


 

Jun. 30,

2004


 

Mar. 31,

2004


 
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Total revenues

  $ 26,260     $ 25,631     $ 25,615     $ 26,352   $ 26,013   $ 27,020   $ 27,650   $ 27,245  

Expenses:

                                                       

Cost of revenues

    6,742       6,570       6,347       6,227     5,879     6,326     5,928     5,842  

Engineering, research and development

    4,434       4,608       3,599       4,029     3,425     3,062     2,888     3,186  

Sales and marketing

    2,865       3,012       2,277       2,436     1,597     1,542     1,643     1,847  

General and administrative

    3,432       4,014       3,810       3,745     3,299     3,178     3,289     3,257  

General and administrative—legal expense

    1,385       2,305       4,319       2,210     941     450     450     1,150  

Estimated loss from litigation

    —         40,300       24,000       —       —       —       —       —    

Depreciation and amortization

    5,353       5,237       5,204       5,554     5,479     5,894     5,490     5,469  
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Total operating expenses

    24,211       66,046       49,556       24,201     20,621     20,453     19,689     20,752  

Operating income (loss)

    2,049       (40,415 )     (23,941 )     2,151     5,393     6,568     7,962     6,494  

Interest income

    531       420       408       400     303     322     251     312  
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Income (loss) before income taxes

    2,580       (39,995 )     (23,533 )     2,551     5,696     6,890     8,213     6,806  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    (72 )     590       (5,671 )     918     1,739     2,722     3,211     2,722  
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Net income (loss) from continuing operations

    2,652       (40,585 )     (17,862 )     1,633     3,957     4,168     5,002     4,084  

Loss from discontinued operations

    —         —         —         —       —       —       —       (11 )
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Net income (loss)

  $ 2,652     $ (40,585 )   $ (17,862 )   $ 1,633   $ 3,957   $ 4,168   $ 5,002   $ 4,073  
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Basic net income (loss) per share:

                                                       

Continuing operations

  $ 0.15     $ (2.29 )   $ (1.01 )   $ 0.09   $ 0.23   $ 0.24   $ 0.27   $ 0.22  
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Net income (loss)

  $ 0.15     $ (2.29 )   $ (1.01 )   $ 0.09   $ 0.23   $ 0.24   $ 0.27   $ 0.22  
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Weighted average common shares

    17,734       17,734       17,641       17,602     17,566     17,534     18,295     18,277  

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

                                                       

Continuing operations

  $ 0.15     $ (2.29 )   $ (1.01 )   $ 0.09   $ 0.22   $ 0.24   $ 0.27   $ 0.22  
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Net income (loss)

  $ 0.15     $ (2.29 )   $ (1.01 )   $ 0.09   $ 0.22   $ 0.24   $ 0.27   $ 0.22  
   


 


 


 

 

 

 

 


Weighted average common shares

    17,735       17,734       17,641       17,726     17,835     17,732     18,735     18,720  

 

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    As a Percentage of Total Revenues

 
    Dec. 31,
2005


    Sep. 30,
2005


    Jun. 30,
2005


    Mar. 31,
2005


    Dec. 31,
2004


    Sep. 30,
2004


    Jun. 30,
2004


    Mar. 31,
2004


 

Total revenues

  100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %

Expenses:

                                               

Cost of revenues

  26     26     25     24     23     23     21     21  

Engineering, research and development

  17     18     14     15     13     11     10     12  

Sales and marketing

  11     12     9     9     6     6     6     7  

General and administration

  13     16     15     14     13     12     12     12  

General and administration—legal expense

  5     9     17     8     4     2     2     4  

Estimated loss from litigation

  —       157     94     —       —       —       —       —    
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

  20     20     20     21     21     22     20     20  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

  92     258     193     92     79     76     71     76  

Operating income (loss)

  8     (158 )   (93 )   8     21     24     29     24  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

  2     2     2     2     1     1     1     1  

Income (loss) before income taxes

  10     (156 )   (92 )   10     22     25     30     25  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

  —       2     (22 )   3     7     10     12     10  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  10 %   (158 )%   (70 )%   6 %   15 %   15 %   18 %   15 %
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

During 2005, we did not engage in:

 

    Material off-balance sheet activities, including the use of structured finance or special purpose entities,

 

    Material trading activities in non-exchange traded commodity contracts, or

 

    Material transactions with persons or entities that benefit from their non-independent relationship with us.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of those financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to bad debts, capitalized software and labor, long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible asset impairment, legal expenses, contingencies and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from such estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

We believe the following policies to be our most critical policies in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

 

    Revenue recognition and allowance for bad debts

 

    Estimated loss from litigation and legal costs

 

    Research and development, software development costs and costs capitalized for internal use

 

    Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets and goodwill

 

    Accounting for income taxes

 

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Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Bad Debts

 

Our revenue recognition policy is critical because revenue is a key component affecting our operations. In addition, revenue recognition determines the timing of certain expenses, such as commissions and bonuses. We follow very specific and detailed guidelines in recognizing revenue; however, certain judgments relating to the elements required for revenue recognition affect the application of our revenue policy. Revenue results are difficult to predict and any shortfall in revenue, changes in judgments concerning recognition of revenue, changes in uncollectible or bad debt estimates, changes in mix, amount of international sales or delays in recognizing revenue, could cause operating results to vary significantly from quarter to quarter.

 

We recognize our revenues in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition” and application of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-21 “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” We earn revenues in various ways, depending on the type of transaction. For our managed services business, we earn revenues in the following ways:

 

    For Real Time Billing, we earn revenues principally by processing prepaid wireless minutes or as a percentage of wireless customer revenue, net of any penalties incurred related to outages on our platform.

 

    For Voyager Billing, we earn revenues principally on a per subscriber basis for generating a postpaid subscriber’s monthly bill.

 

    For PayExtend, we earn revenues by processing transactions on behalf of wireless operators’ subscribers.

 

Each of these revenues is recognized when the service is provided. For license fees, special projects, implementation services and bcgi Professional Services related to our managed services business, revenues are typically recognized ratably over the remaining life of the contract with the wireless operator.

 

For our licensed systems sales, we typically recognize revenue from the sale of systems at the time the systems are shipped or delivered to the customer, depending on shipping and payment terms. In the event there are acceptance terms, we defer revenue until acceptance has occurred. In addition, certain software is licensed to distributors, who pay licensing fees to us as they sell the software to their customers. This revenue is recognized in the month in which it is earned upon sell through to a customer.

 

For multiple element arrangements, we determine fair value of each undelivered element and we recognize revenue based on the residual value method. Installation revenue is deferred until the entire installation is complete. Revenues from maintenance and support and other services are based on vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value and recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance and support contract period or when the services are performed. Vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value for maintenance and support is based upon the amount charged when the service is sold separately, which is typically the contract’s renewal rate. Vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value for installation and other services is based upon standard pre-established rates.

 

In addition to recording revenues net of any penalties incurred related to outages on our managed services platform and estimated amounts that may be disputed, we evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet their financial obligations (e.g. bankruptcy filings, substantial downgrading of credit scores) or disputed amounts, we record a specific reserve for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. In addition, we record reserves based on the length of time the receivables are past due and on historical experience. If circumstances change (e.g., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet their financial obligations), estimates of amounts recoverable could be adversely affected. We believe that our allowance for billing adjustments and doubtful accounts fairly represents the potential amount of bad debt we could incur.

 

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Estimated Loss from Litigation and Legal Costs

 

We accrue for loss contingencies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (FAS 5) and FASB Interpretation 14 Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss (FIN 14), which specifies that if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, it should be recorded. Furthermore, when some amount within the range appears at the time to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount shall be accrued. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, however, the minimum amount in the range shall be accrued. There can be no assurance as to whether the actual loss will be higher or lower than the amount which is accrued.

 

We accrue the costs of settlements, damages and, under certain conditions, costs of defense when such costs are probable and estimable; otherwise, such costs are expensed as incurred. We are expensing legal costs related to the Freedom Wireless lawsuit as incurred due to the lengthy and unpredictable proceedings which have made it difficult to reasonably estimate legal costs for the lawsuit. Other litigation will continue to be accounted for in accordance with our accounting policy, and generally, we develop an estimate of probable costs in consultation with our outside legal counsel who is handling the case. There can be no assurance that our expenses will not exceed our estimates.

 

Research and Development, Software Development Costs and Costs Capitalized for Internal Use

 

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. However, costs incurred for the development of computer software or for the deployment of assets for internal use are capitalized. The direct labor and payroll-related costs of development of computer software, primarily for coding and testing of software, are capitalized in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Statement of Position 98-1 “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” The direct labor, travel and payroll related costs to deploy assets for internal use are capitalized until the asset is placed in service. The capitalized costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of recoverability based on our anticipated use, anticipated future undiscounted net cash flows and changes in hardware and software technologies.

 

We also capitalize internal software development costs in accordance with Financial and Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 86 (“FAS 86”), “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed.” This statement specifies that costs incurred internally in creating a computer software product shall be charged to expense when incurred as research and development until technological feasibility has been established for the product. Technological feasibility is established upon completion of all planning, designing, and testing activities that are necessary to establish that the product can be produced to meet its design specifications including functions, features, and technical performance requirements. We cease capitalization of internally developed software when the product is made available for general release to customers and thereafter, any maintenance and customer support is charged to expense when related revenue is recognized or when those costs are incurred. We continually evaluate the recoverability of capitalized costs and if the success of new product releases is less than we anticipate, then a write-down of capitalized costs may be made which could adversely affect our results in the reporting period in which the write-down occurs.

 

Internally capitalized costs totaled $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. Amortization of capitalized software development costs begins when the solution is made available for general release and amortization of internal use costs begins when the related asset is first placed into service. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill

 

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, identifiable intangibles and goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which result in an impairment review include the following:

 

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    Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

 

    Significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; and

 

    Significant negative industry or economic trends.

 

When indicators of impairment exist and the carrying value of intangibles and long-lived assets, other than goodwill, may not be recoverable, we compare the projected undiscounted cash flows from these assets, which are determined considering a number of factors including past operating results, budgets, economic projections, market trends and solution development cycles, to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows, the asset is considered impaired and the carrying value is then compared to the asset’s fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The estimated undiscounted cash flows for each of our long-lived assets could differ materially from the actual results.

 

We account for goodwill in accordance with FAS 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under FAS 142, goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment tests. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of each operating unit, which includes bcgi Access Management, bcgi Payment, Real-Time Billing and Voyager Billing with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value for each operating unit is determined using a discounted cash flow valuation model, which requires judgments to be made by management regarding estimating future cash flows, economic life and discount rates, among other assumptions. If the carrying amount of the operating unit’s net assets exceeds the fair value of that operating unit, we would evaluate any impairment loss under the next step of the impairment test. The estimated discounted cash flows for each operating unit could differ materially from the actual results.

 

In November 2004, we acquired the assets of Airada and determined the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The principal asset acquired was completed technology related to a payment management software solution for the wireless marketplace valued at approximately $1.7 million, as well as customer contracts valued at approximately $100,000.

 

In June 2005, we acquired the assets and certain liabilities of PureSight and determined the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The principal assets acquired were completed technology related to advanced content recognition solutions for mobile operators, ISPs and enterprises, non-compete agreements, customer contracts and relationships and trademarks valued at approximately $1.6 million.

 

Management determined the fair value of the assets acquired by considering the anticipated cash flows to be generated from the existing products, the valuation of customer relationships, the estimated life of the technology acquired and other assumptions. The valuation of completed technology was primarily based on future cash flow projections over the estimated economic life adjusted for an incremental obsolescence rate discounted to present value. We estimated that the useful life of the acquired technology is four to seven years.

 

Significant judgments and estimates are involved in determining the fair market value of assets acquired and their useful lives. Different assumptions could yield materially different results.

 

We performed our annual impairment test in the fourth quarters of our fiscal year and determined that goodwill was not impaired. As a result of the Freedom Wireless lawsuit judgment discussed in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company performed an asset impairment test for our long-lived assets and goodwill as of June 30, 2005, September 30, 2005 and during the fourth quarter of 2005 and concluded that no impairment existed. Future impairment tests may result in impairment losses that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

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Income Taxes

 

Our current and deferred income taxes, and associated valuation allowances, are impacted by events and transactions arising in the normal course of business as well as in connection with special and non-recurring items. Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes depends on several factors, including estimates of the timing and realization of deferred income tax assets and the timing of income tax payments. Actual collections and payments may materially differ from these estimates as a result of changes in tax laws as well as unanticipated future transactions impacting related income tax balances.

 

While we have considered the current facts and circumstances of the tax benefit from the ultimate loss, if any, relating to the Freedom Wireless judgment in assessing the amount of our valuation allowance, there is no assurance that the valuation allowance will not need to be increased in the future to cover 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.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

On December 16, 2004, and as amended on April 14, 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (Statement No. 123(R)), which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Statement No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in Statement No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in Statement No. 123. However, Statement No.123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative.

 

We are adopting Statement No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective transition method and therefore will not restate prior periods.

 

As permitted by Statement No. 123, in 2005 and prior, we accounted for share-based payments to employees using Opinion 25’s intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognized no compensation cost for employee stock options. The impact of adoption of Statement No. 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future and our stock price at the time of grant, although it will have no impact on our overall financial position. Non-cash expenses related to FAS 123(R) for options that have been granted and that are not vested as of December 31, 2005 are anticipated to be immaterial in 2006. However, had we adopted Statement No. 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of Statement No. 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Statement No. 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption.

 

While we cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options), the amount of operating cash flows recognized in prior periods for such excess tax deductions was $1.6 million, $128,000, and $3.5 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (SFAS 154) which supersedes APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. SFAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of accounting changes and error corrections. It establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to the newly adopted

 

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accounting principle. The correction of an error in previously issued financial statements is not an accounting change. However, the reporting of an error correction involves adjustments to previously issued financial statements similar to those generally applicable to reporting an accounting change retroactively. Therefore, the reporting of a correction of an error by restating previously issued financial statements is also addressed by this Statement. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 154 to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47 (FIN 47), Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143. FIN 47 clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and (or) method of settlement. Uncertainty about the timing and (or) method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. We are currently analyzing FIN 47 and believe the adoption of FIN 47 will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We maintain an investment portfolio in accordance with our Investment Policy. The primary objectives of our Investment Policy are to preserve principal, maintain proper liquidity to meet operating needs and maximize yields. Although our investments are subject to credit risk, our policy specifies credit quality standards for our investments and limits the amount of credit exposure from any single issue, issuer or type of investment. Our investments are also subject to interest rate risk and will decrease in value if market interest rates increase. However, since our investments are generally conservative in nature and are of a relatively short duration and some are held to maturity, interest rate risk is mitigated.

 

We do not use derivative financial instruments for either hedging foreign currency exposure risk or speculative trading purposes. Accordingly, we do not believe that there is any material market risk exposure with respect to derivative or other financial instruments that would require disclosure under this item.

 

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The following Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data are included as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2005 and 2004

   44

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

   45

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

   46

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

   47

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   48

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   67

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 31,

 
     2005

    2004

 

ASSETS

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,601     $ 9,467  

Restricted cash

     41,466       —    

Short-term investments

     24,749       68,285  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $949 in 2005 and $474 in 2004

     14,830       17,358  

Deferred income taxes

     —         319  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     3,443       2,907  
    


 


Total current assets

     99,089       98,336  

Property and equipment:

                

Building, land and leasehold improvements

     14,204       14,576  

Telecommunications systems & software

     107,131       94,900  

Furniture and fixtures

     811       789  

Systems in development

     3,445       2,837  
    


 


       125,591       113,102  

Less allowance for depreciation and amortization

     72,308       57,543  
    


 


       53,283       55,559  

Intangible assets, net

     3,279       2,450  

Goodwill

     10,258       4,753  

Other assets

     9,382       6,913  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 175,291     $ 168,011  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 1,589     $ 312  

Accrued expenses

     12,244       13,386  

Accrued estimated loss from litigation

     64,300       —    

Deferred revenue

     4,449       3,753  

Income taxes payable

     1,895       1,591  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     84,477       19,042  

Non-current liabilities:

                

Accrued pension liability

     4,468       3,476  

Deferred income taxes

     —         7,046  
    


 


Total non-current liabilities

     4,468       10,522  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

                

Shareholders’ equity:

                

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,965,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Series A junior preferred stock, $.01 par value, 35,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, voting, par value $.01 per share, 35,000,000 shares authorized;

    17,737,421 and 17,581,625 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

     177       176  

Additional paid-in capital

     106,232       104,070  

Deferred compensation

     (15 )     —    

Retained earnings (deficit)

     (19,732 )     34,430  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (316 )     (229 )
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     86,346       138,447  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 175,291     $ 168,011  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     2005

    2004

    2003

NET REVENUES

   $ 103,858     $ 107,928     $ 99,787

EXPENSES:

                      

Cost of revenues *

     25,886       23,975       23,004

Engineering, research and development

     16,670       12,561       10,729

Sales and marketing

     10,590       6,629       5,986

General and administrative

     15,001       13,023       11,926

General and administrative – legal charges

     10,219       2,991       3,990

Estimated loss from litigation

     64,300       —         —  

Depreciation and amortization

     21,348       22,332       19,336
    


 


 

Operating income (loss)

     (60,156 )     26,417       24,816

Interest income

     1,759       1,188       1,214
    


 


 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (58,397 )     27,605       26,030

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (4,235 )     10,394       9,895
    


 


 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     (54,162 )     17,211       16,135

Discontinued operations:

                      

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before taxes

     —         (19 )     15

Provision (benefit) for income taxes from discontinued operations

     —         (8 )     6
    


 


 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

     —         (11 )     9
    


 


 

Net income (loss)

   $ (54,162 )   $ 17,200     $ 16,144
    


 


 

Basic net income (loss) per share:

                      

Continuing operations

   $ (3.07 )   $ 0.96     $ 0.90

Net income (loss)

   $ (3.07 )   $ 0.96     $ 0.90

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     17,663       17,918       17,984

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

                      

Continuing operations

   $ (3.07 )   $ 0.94     $ 0.87

Net income (loss)

   $ (3.07 )   $ 0.94     $ 0.87

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     17,663       18,256       18,633

*   exclusive of depreciation and amortization, which is shown separately.

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

    Common Stock

    Additional
Paid In
Capital


    Deferred
Compensation


    Retained
Earnings
(deficit)


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss


    Total
Shareholders’
Equity


 

Balance December 31, 2002

  17,367,317       174       100,479       —         1,086       —         101,739  

Exercise of stock options

  806,281       8       6,216       —         —         —         6,224  

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

  —         —         3,455       —         —         —         3,455  

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

  75,430       —         684       —         —         —         684  

Comprehensive income:

                                                     

Net income

  —         —         —         —         16,144       —         16,144  

Securities valuation adjustment, net of tax

  —         —         —         —         —         (45 )     (45 )
                                                 


Comprehensive income

  —         —         —         —         —         —         16,099  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance December 31, 2003

  18,249,028       182       110,834       —         17,230       (45 )     128,201  

Exercise of stock options

  88,912       1       654       —         —         —         655  

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

  —         —         128       —         —         —         128  

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

  82,185       1       627       —         —         —         628  

Repurchase of common stock

  (838,500 )     (8 )     (8,173 )     —         —         —         (8,181 )

Comprehensive income:

                                                     

Net income

  —         —         —         —         17,200       —         17,200  

Securities valuation adjustment, net of tax

  —         —         —         —         —         (90 )     (90 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

  —         —         —         —         —         (94 )     (94 )
                                                 


Comprehensive income:

  —         —         —         —         —         —         17,016  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance December 31, 2004

  17,581,625       176       104,070       —         34,430       (229 )     138,447  

Exercise of stock options

  3,710       —         21       —         —         —         21  

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

  —         —         1,624       —         —         —         1,624  

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

  143,010       1       494       —         —         —         495  

Issuance of Restricted Stock

  9,276       —         23       (23 )     —         —         —    

Amortization of deferred compensation

  —         —         —         8       —         —         8  

Comprehensive income (loss):

                                                     

Net loss

  —         —         —         —         (54,162 )     —         (54,162 )

Securities valuation adjustment, net of tax

  —         —         —         —         —         25       25  

Foreign currency translation, net of tax

  —         —         —         —         —         (4 )     (4 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

  —         —         —         —         —         (108 )     (108 )
                                                 


Comprehensive loss

  —         —         —         —         —         —         (54,249 )
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


Balance December 31, 2005

  17,737,421     $ 177     $ 106,232     $ (15 )   $ (19,732 )   $ (316 )   $ 86,346  
   

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2005

    2004

    2003

 

CONTINUING OPERATIONS:

                        

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                        

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ (54,162 )   $ 17,211     $ 16,135  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operations:

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     21,348       22,332       19,336  

Deferred income taxes

     (6,727 )     1,044       3,894  

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

     1,624       128       3,455  

Stock-based compensation

     8       —         —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

                        

Accounts receivable, net

     2,709       931       (3,257 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (844 )     (587 )     (511 )

Accrued estimated loss from litigation

     64,300       —         —    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     300       (736 )     626  

Deferred revenue

     696       (35 )     (323 )

Other liabilities

     992       895       632  

Income taxes payable

     304       831       (1,152 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operations

     30,548       42,014       38,835  

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                        

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (6,634 )     (1,349 )     —    

Restricted cash

     (41,466 )     —         —    

Payment of earnout in acquired businesses

     (902 )     (424 )     —    

Purchase of short-term investments

     (45,496 )     (68,780 )     (45,969 )

Sale of short-term investments

     88,945       63,957       23,100  

Purchase of long-term investments

     (2,134 )     (2,740 )     (1,657 )

Purchase of property and equipment

     (18,243 )     (18,983 )     (32,838 )
    


 


 


Net cash used for investing activities

     (25,930 )     (28,319 )     (57,364 )

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                        

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     21       655       6,224  

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     495       628       684  

Repurchase of common stock

     —         (8,181 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     516       (6,898 )     6,908  

Net cash provided by (used for) by continuing operations

     5,134       6,797       (11,395 )

Discontinued operations:

                        

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities of discontinued operations

     —         (290 )     235  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by (used for) discontinued operations

     —         (290 )     235  
    


 


 


Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     5,134       6,507       (11,386 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     9,467       2,960       14,346  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 14,601     $ 9,467     $ 2,960  
    


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

47


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

1.    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”) delivers innovative products and services that enable mobile operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) worldwide to differentiate their offerings and increase market penetration while reducing costs. Founded in 1988, the Company is a leader in identifying and addressing new market needs with proven solutions, including prepaid and postpaid billing, payments and access management.

 

2.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. This basis contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

On May 20, 2005, a jury determined that bcgi and the other defendants infringed or are infringing two Freedom Wireless patents. The jury damages and post-trial damages (through October 12, 2005) plus interest and court costs awarded by the District Court total approximately $165 million (bcgi and each carrier are jointly liable for specific amounts).

 

The Company is appealing the entire judgment. Based on management’s assessment of the potential outcomes of the case and in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (FAS 5) and FASB Interpretation 14, Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss (FIN 14), the Company has accrued an estimated loss of $64.3 million with respect to the Freedom Wireless litigation, excluding the Company’s legal costs which are expensed as incurred. However, the actual loss, if any, may be significantly higher or lower than the amount accrued and may ultimately exceed the Company’s ability to pay. The Company is appealing the judgment and could ultimately settle the litigation. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail on appeal or be able to settle, or be able to settle on acceptable terms. If the Company is unable to successfully manage its business during the appeals process, if the Company’s appeal is unsuccessful or if the Company is unable to reach an acceptable settlement agreement, then it may not be able to continue its ongoing operations or may need to seek protection under the U. S. Bankruptcy Code. See Note 11 for a more detailed discussion of this and other litigation.

 

The above matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements 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.

 

3.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include 100% of the Company’s accounts and operations and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Upon consolidation, all intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Specifically, certain facilities and administrative technology costs were reclassified from cost of services, engineering, research and development, and sales and marketing to general and administrative costs to better reflect what areas these costs are currently supporting.

 

48


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues are recognized in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition” and application of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-21 “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.”

 

The Company earns revenues in various ways through its managed services business:

 

  1)   Real-Time Billing—the Company principally earns revenues by processing prepaid wireless minutes or as a percentage of wireless customer revenue, net of any penalties incurred related to outages on the platform;

 

  2)   Voyager Billing—the Company earns revenues principally on a per subscriber basis for generating a postpaid subscriber’s monthly bill ; and

 

  3)   PayExtend—the Company principally earns revenues by processing transactions on behalf of wireless operators’ subscribers.

 

Revenues for each of these solutions are recognized as the services are provided. Managed services revenues also include amounts for licensing fees, bcgi Professional Services, development projects and implementations, which are typically recognized ratably over the remaining life of the contract with the respective wireless operator.

 

For licensed systems sales, the Company typically recognizes revenues from the sale of systems at the time the systems are shipped or delivered to the customer, depending on shipping and payment terms. In the event there are acceptance terms, the Company defers revenue until acceptance has occurred. In addition, certain software is licensed to distributors, who pay licensing fees to the Company as they sell the software to their customers and the revenue is recognized in the month it is earned upon sell through to a customer.

 

For multiple element arrangements, we determine fair value of each undelivered element and we recognize revenue based on the residual value method. Installation revenue is deferred until the entire installation is complete. Revenues from maintenance and support and other services are based on vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value and recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance and support contract period. Vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value of maintenance and support is based upon the amount charged when the service is sold separately, which is typically the contract’s renewal rate. Vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value for installation and other services is based upon standard pre-established rates.

 

All revenues are recorded net of unbillable amounts and amounts that are estimated to be uncollectible based on historical experience. A reserve for doubtful accounts is recorded based on historical experience or specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve.

 

Information concerning principal geographic areas is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2005

   2004

   2003

Net revenues:

                    

United States

   $ 101,261    $ 103,654    $ 94,015

Other

     2,597      4,274      5,772
    

  

  

Total

   $ 103,858    $ 107,928    $ 99,787
    

  

  

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Short-Term Investments

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents and restricted cash consist primarily of institutional money market funds.

 

49


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

The Company accounts for its marketable securities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Instruments in Debt and Equity Securities.” The Company has classified all of its short-term investments as available-for-sale, and is thus reported at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholder’s equity. The components of the Company’s available-for-sale securities were as follows as of December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2005

   2004

Bond mutual funds

   $ —      $ 2,531

Corporate notes

     5,894      8,002

Municipal auction rate securities

     18,855      47,464

Annuities

     —        10,288
    

  

Total available for sale securities

   $ 24,749    $ 68,285
    

  

 

Investments that mature in more than three months but less than 36 months are considered short-term investments because the Company views its available-for-sale portfolio as available for use in its current operations. The Company’s short-term investments are invested in corporate notes and municipal auction rate securities maturing in less than thirty-six months.

 

Substantially all of the Company’s short-term investments have contractual maturities of twelve months or less. Because of the short term to maturity, amortized costs approximate fair values for all of these securities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses for 2005, 2004 and 2003 were not material.

 

In connection with the Freedom Wireless judgment discussed in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, in July 2005 the Company entered into a Funding of Security for Appeal Agreement (“Appeal Agreement”) with Cingular Wireless whereby the Company placed $41 million in escrow as security for any potential joint liability associated with the litigation. At December 31, 2005, this escrow amount (including interest earned to date) totaled $41.5 million and is recorded as restricted cash.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Estimated Loss from Litigation and Legal Costs

 

The Company accrues for loss contingencies in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (FAS 5) and FASB Interpretation 14 Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss (FIN 14), which specifies that if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, it should be recorded. Furthermore, when some amount within the range appears at the time to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount shall be accrued. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, however, the minimum amount in the range shall be accrued. There can be no assurance as to whether the actual loss will be higher or lower than the amount which is accrued.

 

The Company accrues the costs of settlements, damages and, under certain conditions, costs of defense when such costs are probable and estimable; otherwise, such costs are expensed as incurred. The Company

 

50


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

expenses legal costs related to the Freedom Wireless lawsuits as incurred due to the lengthy and unpredictable nature of this litigation, which has made it difficult to continue to reasonably estimate legal costs for the litigation. Other litigation will continue to be accounted for in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, and generally, the Company develops an estimate of probable costs in consultation with the Company’s outside legal counsel who is handling the case. There can be no assurance that the Company’s expenses will not exceed its estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

Results of operations for the Company’s Indian and Israeli subsidiaries were translated into United States dollars using the average exchange rates during the applicable periods. Assets and liabilities were translated into United States dollars using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments were recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Shareholders’ Equity in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company’s current and deferred income taxes, and associated valuation allowances, are impacted by events and transactions arising in the normal course of business as well as in connection with special and non-recurring items. Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and realization of deferred income tax assets and the timing of income tax payments. Actual collections and payments may materially differ from these estimates as a result of changes in tax laws as well as unanticipated future transactions impacting related income tax balances.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

Components of comprehensive income include net income (loss) and certain transactions that have generally been reported in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, foreign currency translation and minimum pension liability adjustments.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, short and long-term investments and accounts receivable.

 

The Company maintains cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and long-term investments primarily with high credit quality financial institutions and monitors the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution, thereby mitigating credit risk. The restricted cash of $41.5 million is maintained with one financial institution, as required by the escrow agreement.

 

The Company’s managed services business allows wireless operators throughout the United States to utilize its real-time billing capabilities, enabling such operators to offer prepaid wireless calling to their subscribers, offer various ways to replenish their accounts and to purchase digital content. Wireless operators also utilize the Company’s managed services business to provide their subscribers with a monthly postpaid wireless bill. In addition, the Company sells licensed systems on a global basis, most recently in North and South America and Africa, however the Company is in the process of expanding its sales territories through Europe, Latin America and Asia, among other areas. The Company generally does not require collateral from its customers, although

 

51


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

upfront payments for a portion of the total sale are typically required prior to shipment. In addition, certain software is licensed to distributors, who pay licensing fees to the Company as they sell the software to their customers.

 

The Company’s accounts receivable as of December 31, 2005 includes three customers whose balances represent 38%, 15% and 10% of net accounts receivable, respectively. The Company’s accounts receivable as of December 31, 2004 includes three customers whose balances represent 34%, 32% and 12% of net accounts receivable, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company’s top 10 customers accounted for 89%, 92% and 91% of its total revenues, respectively. The following table summarizes sales in excess of 10% of total revenues, as a percentage of total revenues, to major customers for the years ended December 31:

 

     2005

    2004

    2003

 

Sprint Nextel Corporation

   38 %   14 %   %

Verizon Wireless

   24 %   43 %   52 %

Cingular Wireless

   14 %   22 %   24 %

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 20 years. Systems in development primarily represent internally capitalized labor and purchased hardware and software to be used in the Company’s managed services and licensed products business that are not yet placed into service and will be depreciated and amortized when placed in service, typically over three to five years.

 

Research and Development, Software Development Costs and Costs Obtained for Internal Use

 

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. However, costs incurred for the development of computer software or deployment of assets for internal use is capitalized. The direct labor and payroll related costs of development of computer software, primarily for the coding and testing of the software, are capitalized in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Statement of Position 98-1 “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use” (“98-1 costs”). The direct labor, travel and payroll related costs to deploy assets for internal use are capitalized until the asset is placed in service. The capitalized costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of recoverability based on the Company’s anticipated use, anticipated future undiscounted net cash flows and changes in hardware and software technologies. Unamortized 98-1 costs were $1.6 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The amounts charged to expense for the amortization of 98-1 costs were $1.9 million, $3.1 million and $3.3 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003. No amounts were recorded as write downs to net realizable value.

 

The Company also capitalizes internal software development costs in accordance with Financial and Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 86 (“FAS 86”), “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed.” This statement specifies that costs incurred internally in creating a computer software product shall be charged to expense when incurred as research and development until technological feasibility has been established for the product (“FAS 86 costs”). Technological feasibility is established upon completion of all planning, designing, and testing activities that are necessary to establish that the product can be produced to meet its design specifications including functions, features, and technical performance requirements. The Company ceases capitalization of internally developed software when the

 

52


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

product is made available for general release to customers and thereafter, any maintenance and customer support is charged to expense when related revenue is recognized or when those costs are incurred. The Company continually evaluates the recoverability of capitalized costs and if the success of new product releases is less than it anticipates, then a write-down of capitalized costs may be made which could adversely affect its results in the reporting period in which the write-down occurs. Unamortized FAS 86 costs were $5.2 million and $3.9 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The amount charged to expense for the amortization of FAS 86 costs were $1.6 million, $548,000 and $113,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003. No amounts were recorded as write downs to net realizable value.

 

Amortization of FAS 86 costs begins when the solution is made available for general release and amortization of 98-1 costs begins when the related asset is first placed in service. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period.

 

Impairment of Long Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets to assess the recoverability of these assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” The Company assesses assets for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. When indicators of impairment exist and the carrying value of intangibles and long-lived assets, other than goodwill, may not be recoverable, the Company compares the projected undiscounted cash flows from these assets, which are determined considering a number of factors including past operating results, budgets, economic projections, market trends and solution development cycles, to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows, the asset is considered impaired and the carrying value is then compared to the asset’s fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss equal to the excess is recorded immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The estimated undiscounted cash flows for each of our long-lived assets could differ materially from the actual results.

 

As a result of the Freedom Wireless lawsuit judgment discussed in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company performed an asset impairment test for its long-lived assets as of June 30, 2005, September 30, 2005 and during the fourth quarter of 2005 and concluded that no impairment existed.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with FAS 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Under FAS 142, goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment tests. The Company evaluates goodwill impairment annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of each operating unit, which includes bcgi Access Management, bcgi Payment, Real-Time Billing and Voyager Billing with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value for each operating unit is determined using a discounted cash flow valuation model, which requires judgments to be made by management regarding estimating future cash flows, economic life and discount rates, among other assumptions. If the carrying amount of the operating unit’s net assets exceeds the fair value of that operating unit, the Company would evaluate any impairment loss under the next step of the impairment test. The estimated discounted cash flows for each operating unit could differ materially from the actual results.

 

The Company performed the annual impairment test in the fourth quarters of 2004 and 2003 and determined that goodwill was not impaired. As a result of the Freedom Wireless lawsuit judgment discussed in Note 11 to

 

53


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company performed an asset impairment test by operating unit for its goodwill and long-lived assets as of June 30, 2005, September 30, 2005 and during the fourth quarter of 2005 and concluded that no impairment existed.

 

Additional cash consideration payments were paid to Infotech Solutions Corporation (“ISC”) (acquired in 2002) and accounted for as additional goodwill. For 2005, ISC earned contingent consideration of $636,000 that was paid in the first quarter of 2006. For 2004, ISC earned contingent consideration of $590,000 that was paid in the first quarter of 2005. For 2003, ISC achieved certain revenue targets resulting in contingent consideration paid in 2004 of $410,000.

 

The Company’s intangible assets, which are assessed for impairment in accordance with FAS 144, acquired through business combinations consisted of (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2005

   December 31, 2004

     Gross carrying
amount


   Accumulated
amortization


   Gross carrying
amount


   Accumulated
amortization


Acquired technology

   $ 3,580    $ 1,089    $ 2,700    $ 462

Trademark (indefinite life)

     50      —        —        —  

Non-compete agreements

     410      56      —        —  

Customer contracts

     560      176      300      88
    

  

  

  

     $ 4,600    $ 1,321    $ 3,000    $ 550
    

  

  

  

 

The intangible assets are being amortized over a four to seven year life and the intangible amortization expense was $771,000 and $270,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. Estimated amortization expense for the five subsequent years ended December 31, is as follows (in thousands):

 

2006

   $ 916

2007

     876

2008

     676

2009

     545

2010

     102

There after

   $ 114

 

Goodwill activity for the years ended December 31 consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     2005

   2004

Goodwill – beginning of year

   $ 4,753    $ 4,177

Acquisitions

     4,869      —  

Increase related to earnout

     636      576
    

  

Goodwill – end of year

   $ 10,258    $ 4,753
    

  

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has elected to follow the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) and related Interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans, rather than the alternative fair value accounting method

 

54


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

provided for under FAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Under APB 25, since the exercise price of options granted under these plans equals the fair market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, the Company recognizes no compensation expense for stock option grants.

 

During 2005, the Company accelerated the vesting of certain unvested stock options. These stock options were awarded to employees, officers and directors under the Company’s 2000 Stock Option Plan and 2004 Stock Incentive Option Plan and had exercise prices that were greater than $6.57 per share. Options to purchase 1,139,291 shares of the Company’s Common Stock became exercisable immediately as a result of the vesting acceleration. The aggregate number of options to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock held by directors and executive officers that were accelerated pursuant to this acceleration is 455,326. The exercise prices and number of shares subject to the accelerated options were unchanged. The acceleration of the vesting of these options did not result in a charge based on generally accepted accounting principles. For pro forma disclosure requirements under FAS 123, the Company recognized an additional $2.4 million of stock-based compensation for all options whose vesting was accelerated. The Company took this action to limit the negative impact on the Company’s results from operations beginning in 2006 when FAS 123(R) takes effect for the Company.

 

Since the Company accelerated vesting as described above, the pro forma expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 is substantially higher than normal levels.

 

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by FAS 123 and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its stock-based awards to employees under the fair value method of FAS 123. The fair value of the Company’s stock-based awards to employees was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model using the following assumptions:

 

     2005

   2004

   2003

Risk-free interest rate

   3.39%-4.45%    1.47%-3.85%    1.59%-2.64%

Weighted average fair value of options granted

   $1.96    $6.76    $5.66

Expected life of options grants

   3-5 years    3-5 years    3 years

Expected volatility of underlying stock

   62%-134%    63%-87%    84-88%

Dividend yield

   —      —      —  

 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its options.

 

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ vesting period. Had compensation expense for the Company’s Stock Plans been determined consistent with FAS No. 123, the pro forma net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per-share information):

 

55


Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

     2005

    2004

   2003

Net income (loss) as reported

   $ (54,162 )   $ 17,200    $ 16,144

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income (loss)

     8       —        —  
    


 

  

Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax benefit

     4,519       2,694      2,968
    


 

  

Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (58,673 )   $ 14,506    $ 13,176
    


 

  

Basic net income (loss) per share:

                     

Net income (loss) as reported

   $ (3.07 )   $ 0.96    $ 0.90
    


 

  

Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (3.32 )   $ 0.81    $ 0.73
    


 

  

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

                     

Net income (loss) as reported

   $ (3.07 )   $ 0.94    $ 0.87
    


 

  

Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (3.32 )   $ 0.79    $ 0.72
    


 

  

 

Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the impact, if dilutive, of common share equivalents, which comprise stock options. For purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per share, weighted average common share equivalents do not include stock options with an exercise price that exceeds the average market price of the Company’s Common Stock for the respective period. Accordingly, for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 options to purchase 3,945,000, 1,293,000 and 241,900 shares, respectively, of Common Stock have been excluded from the computation.

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of basic and diluted shares (in thousands) for the years ended December 31:

 

     2005

   2004

   2003

Denominator for basic net income per share

   17,663    17,918    17,984

Effect of dilutive employee stock options

   —      338    649
    
  
  

Denominator for diluted net income per share

   17,663    18,256    18,633
    
  
  

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

On December 16, 2004, and as amended on April 14, 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (Statement No. 123(R)), which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Statement No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in Statement No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in Statement No. 123. However, Statement No.123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure will no longer be an alternative.

 

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Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

The Company expects to adopt Statement No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective transition method and therefore will not restate prior periods.

 

As permitted by Statement No. 123, the Company currently accounts for share-based payments to employees using Opinion 25’s intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognizes no compensation cost for employee stock options. The impact of adopting Statement No. 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future and our stock price at the time of grant, although it will have no impact on the Company’s overall financial position. Non-cash expenses related to FAS 123(R) for options that have been granted and that are not vested as of December 31, 2005 are anticipated to be immaterial in 2006. Had the Company adopted Statement No. 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of Statement No. 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income (loss) per share in Note 3 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Statement No. 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption.

 

While the Company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options), the amount of operating cash flows recognized in prior periods for such excess tax deductions was $1.6 million, $128,000, and $3.5 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (SFAS 154) which supersedes APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements. SFAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting for and reporting of accounting changes and error corrections. It establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to the newly adopted accounting principle. The correction of an error in previously issued financial statements is not an accounting change. However, the reporting of an error correction involves adjustments to previously issued financial statements similar to those generally applicable to reporting an accounting change retroactively. Therefore, the reporting of a correction of an error by restating previously issued financial statements is also addressed by this Statement. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 154 to have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47 (FIN 47), Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143. FIN 47 clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and (or) method of settlement. Uncertainty about the timing and (or) method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. We are currently analyzing FIN 47 and believe the adoption of FIN 47 will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

4.    ACQUISITIONS

 

  (a)   Airada Networks, Inc. and Airada Networks Private Limited

 

In November 2004, the Company acquired the assets of Airada Networks, Inc. and its Indian subsidiary Airada Networks Private Limited (Airada), a privately-held provider of payment management software solutions for the wireless marketplace, for $1.3 million in cash. Additional contingent cash consideration may be paid to Airada based on attaining certain defined annual revenue targets and other metrics through 2007, most of which will be accounted for as goodwill. For 2005, Airada earned contingent consideration of $323,000 of which $311,000 was paid in 2005 and all of which was accrued in purchase accounting. The purchase price of the acquisition was allocated to identifiable assets based on fair values as of the date of acquisition. Management determined the fair value of the assets acquired by considering the anticipated cash flows to be generated from the existing products, the valuation of customer relationships, the estimated life of the technology acquired and other assumptions. Identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired technology and customer contracts and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. The results of operations of Airada are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition.

 

Pro forma information including the results of Airada has not been presented as Airada’s operations were not material.

 

  (b)   PureSight, Inc. and PureSight LTD.

 

In June 2005, the Company acquired the assets and certain liabilities of PureSight, Inc. and its Israeli subsidiary, PureSight LTD. (PureSight), a privately-held provider of advanced content recognition solutions for mobile operators, ISPs and enterprises. The Company paid $6.6 million in cash for PureSight, including acquisition costs. Management determined the fair value of the assets and certain liabilities acquired by considering the anticipated cash flows to be generated from the existing products, the valuation of customer contracts and relationships, non-compete agreements, the estimated life of the technology acquired and other factors. Identifiable intangible assets of $1.6 million consist of acquired technology, customer contracts and relationships, trademarks and non-compete agreements and are being amortized over four to seven years. The results of operations of PureSight are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations from the date of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and the excess purchase price to goodwill is as follows (in thousands):

 

Purchase price

   $ 6,766  

Acquisition costs

     834  

VAT Receivable

     (966 )
    


Total price paid

   $ 6,634  
    


Allocation of Purchase Price:

        

Accounts receivable, net

     180  

Property and equipment

     58  

Other assets

     27  

Accrued expenses and deferred revenue

     (100 )

Purchased Technology

     1,340  

Customer contracts

     260  

Goodwill

     4,869  
    


       $6,634  
    


 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

Pro forma information including the results of PureSight has not been presented as PureSight’s operations were not material.

 

5.    OTHER ASSETS

 

In 2004 and 2005, the Company exchanged cash totaling $1,500,000 and received secured convertible promissory notes (the “Notes”) for the same amount from an early stage entity with whom the Company has a commercial relationship which is recorded in other assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

The Notes accrued interest at a rate of 15% per annum until April, 2005 and subsequently accrue interest at a rate of 12% per annum. Because of the early-stage nature of the entity, interest income from the notes is being accounted for as interest payments are received. The Notes, together with accrued interest, are due on July 23, 2007 and are secured by the entity’s assets, properties and rights.

 

The Notes are convertible at any time into the borrower’s common stock or preferred stock, as defined in the agreement. The Company performed an asset impairment test for the Notes as of December 31, 2005 and concluded that no impairment existed.

 

6.    ACCRUED EXPENSES

 

Accrued expenses consist of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2005

   2004

Payroll and related benefits

   $ 5,799    $ 4,153

Equipment costs

     577      2,288

Legal fees

     1,894      1,447

Contingent consideration

     716      1,054

Other

     3,258      4,444
    

  

Total accrued expenses

   $ 12,244    $ 13,386
    

  

 

7.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are summarized below (in thousands).

 

    

Securities
valuation

adjustment,
net of tax


   

Foreign
currency

translation,
net of tax


   

Minimum
pension
liability

adjustment,
net of tax


   

Total
accumulated

other
comprehensive
loss


 

Balance as of December 31, 2002

     —         —         —         —    

Current-period change

     (45 )     —         —         (45 )
    


 


 


 


Balance as of December 31, 2003

     (45 )     —         —         (45 )

Current period change

     (90 )     —         (94 )     (184 )
    


 


 


 


Balance as of December 31, 2004

   $ (135 )   $ —       $ (94 )   $ (229 )

Current period change

     25       (4 )     (108 )     (87 )
    


 


 


 


Balance as of December 31, 2005

   $ (110 )   $ (4 )   $ (202 )   $ (316 )
    


 


 


 


 

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Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

8.    INCOME TAXES

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows at December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2005

    2004

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Estimated loss on litigation

   $ 25,720     $ —    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     380       121  

Deferred compensation

     1,002       610  

Accrued legal

     780       —    

Accrued expenses and other

     1,259       508  

Alternative minimum credit

     522       —    

Valuation allowance

     (20,837 )     —    
    


 


Total deferred tax assets

     8,826       1,239  
    


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                

Tax deprecation and amortization in excess of book depreciation and amortization expense

     (7,464 )     (7,966 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     (1,362 )     —    
    


 


Total deferred tax liabilities

     (8,826 )     (7,966 )
    


 


Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   $ —       $ (6,727 )
    


 


 

The Company has provided a valuation allowance against its gross deferred tax asset in 2005 as realization of the tax benefits associated with certain of the temporary differences is uncertain.

 

The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2005

    2004

   2003

Current:

                     

Federal

   $ 1,688     $ 7,706    $ 5,063

State

     804       1,696      944
    


 

  

Total current

     2,492       9,402      6,007

Deferred:

                     

Federal

     (5,886 )     837      3,310

State

     (841 )     147      584
    


 

  

Total deferred

     (6,727 )     984      3,894
    


 

  

Total income tax provision

   $ (4,235 )   $ 10,386    $ 9,901
    


 

  

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

A reconciliation of the income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory rate to the income tax provision as reported is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2005

    2004

    2003

 

Federal provision (benefit) at statutory rate

   $ (19,855 )   $ 9,662     $ 9,116  

State income provision, net of federal taxes

     (4,347 )     1,052       1,448  

Permanent differences

     (250 )     (151 )     (63 )

Recognition of NOL’s not previously benefited

     —         —         (323 )

Research credits

     (620 )     (234 )     (22 )

Valuation allowance

     20,837       —         —    

Other

     —         57       (255 )
    


 


 


Total income tax provision (benefit)

   $ (4,235 )   $ 10,386     $ 9,901  
    


 


 


 

Income taxes paid were $2.4 million in 2005, $8.7 million in 2004 and $3.7 million in 2003.

 

9.    CAPITAL STOCK

 

Common Stock Purchase Rights

 

On September 6, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend of one right (each, a “Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 19, 2005 (the “Record Date”). Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Series A Junior Preferred Stock”), at a purchase price of $35.00 (the “Purchase Price”) in cash, subject to adjustment.

 

Initially, the Rights are not exercisable and will be attached to all certificates representing outstanding shares of Common Stock, and no separate Rights Certificates will be distributed. The Rights will separate from the Common Stock, and the distribution date (the “Distribution Date”) will occur, upon the earlier of (i) the close of business on the tenth business day (or such later date as may be determined by the Board of Directors) following the later of (a) the first date of a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an “Acquiring Person”) has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or (b) the first date on which an executive officer of the Company has actual knowledge that an Acquiring Person has become such (the “Stock Acquisition Date”) or (ii) the close of business on the tenth business day (or such later date as may be determined by the Board of Directors) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer (other than a Permitted Offer (as defined in the Rights Agreement)) that would result in a person or group beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. The Distribution Date may be deferred in circumstances determined by the Board of Directors. In addition, certain inadvertent acquisitions will not trigger the occurrence of the Distribution Date. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), (i) the Rights will be evidenced by the Common Stock certificates outstanding on the Record Date, together with a Summary of Rights to be mailed to record holders, or by new Common Stock certificates issued after the Record Date which contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference, (ii) the Rights will be transferred with and only with such Common Stock certificates, and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any certificates for Common Stock outstanding (with or without a copy of the Summary of Rights or such notation) will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificate.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire upon the close of business on September 6, 2015 (the “Final Expiration Date”) unless earlier redeemed or exchanged. In the event that any person becomes an Acquiring Person, unless the event causing the 15% threshold to be crossed is a Permitted Offer (as defined in the Rights Agreement), then, promptly following the first occurrence of such event, each holder of a Right (except as provided below and in Section 7(e) of the Rights Agreement) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, that number of shares of Common Stock of the Company (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the Company) which equals the exercise price of the Right divided by 50% of the current market price (as defined in the Rights Agreement) per share of Common Stock at the date of the occurrence of such event. However, Rights are not exercisable following such event until such time as the Rights are no longer redeemable by the Company as described below. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, following the occurrence of such event, all Rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were, beneficially owned by any Acquiring Person will be null and void. The event summarized in this paragraph is referred to as a “Section 11(a)(ii) Event.”

 

In the event that, at any time after any person becomes an Acquiring Person, (i) the Company is consolidated with, merged with and into, or consummates a share exchange with, another entity, and the Company is not the surviving or acquiring entity of such consolidation, merger or share exchange (other than a transaction that follows a Permitted Offer) or if the Company is the surviving or acquiring entity, but shares of its outstanding Common Stock are changed or exchanged for stock or securities (of any other person) or cash or any other property, or (ii) more than 50% of the Company’s assets or earning power is sold or transferred, each holder of a Right (except Rights which previously have been voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company which equals the exercise price of the Right divided by 50% of the current market price (as defined in the Rights Agreement) of such common stock at the date of the occurrence of the event. The events summarized in this paragraph are referred to as “Section 13 Events.” A Section 11(a)(ii) Event and Section 13 Events are collectively referred to as “Triggering Events.”

 

At any time after the occurrence of a Section 11(a)(ii) Event, when no person owns a majority of the Common Stock, the Board of Directors of the Company may exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such Acquiring Person which have become void), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of Common Stock, or one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Preferred Stock (or of a share of a class or series of the Company’s Preferred Stock having equivalent rights, preferences and privileges), per Right (subject to adjustment).

 

The Purchase Price payable, and the number of units of Series A Junior Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Series A Junior Preferred Stock, (ii) if holders of the Series A Junior Preferred Stock are granted certain rights or warrants to subscribe for Series A Junior Preferred Stock or convertible securities at less than the then-current market price (as defined in the Rights Agreement) of the Series A Junior Preferred Stock, or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the Series A Junior Preferred Stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets (excluding regular periodic cash dividends paid out of earnings or retained earnings) or of subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above). The number of Rights associated with each share of Common Stock is also subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split of the Common Stock or a stock dividend on the Common Stock payable in Common Stock or subdivisions, consolidations or combinations of the Common Stock occurring, in any such case, prior to the Distribution Date.

 

With certain exceptions, no adjustment in the Purchase Price will be required until cumulative adjustments amount to at least 1% of the Purchase Price. No fractional shares of Series A Junior Preferred Stock (other than

 

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Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

fractions which are integral multiples of one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Preferred Stock) will be issued and, in lieu thereof, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market price of the Series A Junior Preferred Stock on the last trading date prior to the date of exercise.

 

Series A Junior Preferred Stock purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be redeemable. Each share of Series A Junior Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment of $10 per share or, if greater, an aggregate dividend of 1,000 times the dividend declared per share of Common Stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Junior Preferred Stock will be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment of $1,000 per share, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends, and will be entitled to an aggregate payment of 1,000 times the payment made per share of Common Stock. Each share of Series A Junior Preferred Stock will have 1,000 votes, voting together with the Common Stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation, share exchange or other transaction in which Common Stock is changed or exchanged, each share of Series A Junior Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount received per share of Common Stock. These rights are protected by customary antidilution provisions. Because of the nature of the Series A Junior Preferred Stock’s dividend, liquidation and voting rights, the value of one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Preferred Stock purchasable upon exercise of each Right should approximate the value of one share of Common Stock.

 

Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a shareholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends. Although the distribution of the Rights should not be taxable to shareholders or to the Company, shareholders may, depending upon the circumstances, recognize taxable income in the event that the Rights become exercisable for Common Stock (or other consideration) of the Company or for common stock of the acquiring company as set forth above.

 

Any provision of the Rights Agreement, other than the redemption price, may be amended by the Board prior to such time as the Rights are no longer redeemable. Once the Rights are no longer redeemable, the Board’s authority to amend the Rights is limited to correcting ambiguities or defective or inconsistent provisions in a manner that does not adversely affect the interest of holders of Rights.

 

The Rights are intended to protect the shareholders of the Company in the event of an unfair or coercive offer to acquire the Company and to provide the Board with adequate time to evaluate unsolicited offers.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to certain limitations prescribed by law, without further shareholder approval, to issue from time to time up to an aggregate of 1,965,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix or alter the designations, preferences, rights and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares of each such series thereof, including the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or designations of such series. The issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company. Currently, there are no shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. The Company has no present plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.

 

Stock Option Plans

 

The Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by its stockholders in 2005. The Incentive Plan provides for the grants of options, restricted stock

 

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Table of Contents

Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

awards, stock appreciation rights and other stock-based awards to employees, officers, directors and consultants and advisors to the Company and its subsidiaries. The Incentive Plan replaced the Company’s prior Stock Option Plans (the “Option Plans”), under which no further awards may be granted although options continue to remain outstanding until cancelled or exercised. A total of 1,500,000 options were approved under the Incentive Plan in addition to 600,000 shares that may also be issued under the Incentive Plan which expire, terminate, or are otherwise surrendered, canceled or forfeited, under the Option Plans. Additionally, 50,000 shares of restricted stock may be issued under the Incentive Plan and shall be counted against the 1,500,000 option limit as two and four-tenths shares for each share of common stock issued upon settlement of such awards.

 

Under the Incentive Plan, the Company may grant options that are intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Incentive Stock Options”), or options not intended to qualify as incentive stock options (“Non-Statutory Options”). Incentive stock options may only be granted to the Company’s employees. The maximum number of shares with respect to which options or other awards may be granted to any employee under the Incentive Plan shall not exceed 100,000 shares of Common Stock during any calendar year. All options granted have 10-year terms and generally vest and become exercisable over one to three years.

 

The Company granted 9,276 shares of restricted stock in 2005 to certain officers and employees at par value. The restricted shares had a weighted average grant date fair value of $2.62 per share and a vesting period of three years.

 

Stock option activity information is as follows:

 

     2005

   2004

   2003

     Options

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise
Price


   Options

    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


   Options

    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


Outstanding—beginning of year

   3,126,279     $ 9.51    2,679,257     $ 9.25    2,852,761     $ 8.38

Granted

   962,160       3.51    629,380       10.32    675,010       11.18

Exercised

   (3,710 )     5.88    (88,912 )     7.26    (806,281 )     7.72

Canceled

   (139,825 )     9.57    (93,446 )     9.79    (42,233 )     10.63
    

 

  

 

  

 

Outstanding—end of year

   3,944,904     $ 8.04    3,126,279     $ 9.51    2,679,257     $ 9.25
    

 

  

 

  

 

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2005:

 

 

        Options Outstanding

  Options Exercisable

    Range of

Exercise Prices


  Number of
Shares


  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price


  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (In years)


  Number of
Shares


  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price


$  0.93- $  1.73   565,860   $ 1.63   9.66   15,000   $ 1.12
1.88-     6.88   494,793     5.33   5.24   457,443     5.60
7.00-     7.29   641,592     7.15   5.59   641,592     7.15
7.31-     7.92   503,939     7.71   6.52   503,939     7.71
7.94-     9.13   497,585     8.77   6.38   497,585     8.77
9.22-   11.72   494,283     10.96   7.53   494,283     10.96
11.82-   13.03   523,952     12.72   6.60   523,952     12.72
13.05-   27.13   222,900     14.61   2.91   222,900     14.61
   
 

 
 
 

$  0.93- $27.13   3,944,904   $ 8.04   6.57   3,356,694   $ 9.16
   
 

 
 
 

 

There were 929,858 options available for grant of which up to 40,724 shares of restricted stock may be granted at December 31, 2005. There were 2,119,697 and 1,569,150 options exercisable as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

The Company’s 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the shareholders of the Company in June 2004. The Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to a total of 357,531 shares of Common Stock to participating employees. As of December 31, 2005, there were 214,341 shares available for grant under the Purchase Plan.

 

All of the Company’s full-time employees, who have been employed for a minimum of three months, including directors of the Company who are employees, are eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan. On the first day of a designated payroll deduction period (the “Offering Period”), the Company will grant to each eligible employee who has elected to participate in the Purchase Plan an option to purchase shares of Common Stock as follows: the employee may authorize an amount (up to a maximum of 10% of such employee’s regular pay) to be deducted by the Company from such pay during the Offering Period. On the last day of the Offering Period, the employee is deemed to have exercised the option, at the option exercise price, to the extent of accumulated payroll deductions. Under the terms of the Purchase Plan, the option price is an amount equal to 85% of the fair market value per share of the Common Stock on either the first day or the last day of the Offering Period, whichever is lower. In no event may an employee purchase in any one Offering Period a number of shares which has an aggregate market value (determined on either the first or the last day of the Offering Period) in excess of $12,500. The Compensation Committee may, at its discretion, choose an Offering Period of 12 months or less for each of the Offerings and choose a different Offering Period for each Offering.

 

10.    RETIREMENT PLANS

 

Defined Benefit Plan

 

In 2002, the Company implemented a defined benefit retirement plan (the “Plan”) for certain executives. Contributions are based on periodic actuarial valuations and are charged to the Consolidated Statement of

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

Income on a systematic basis over the expected average remaining service lives of the executives as prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” (FAS 87). The Company’s funding policy is to make annual contributions to the extent such contributions are tax deductible as actuarially determined. The benefits under the defined benefit plan are based on years of service and compensation.

 

The table below reflects the status of the Plan as of December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2005

    2004

    2003

 

Change in benefit obligation

                        

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 4,985     $ 3,611     $ 2,093  

Service cost

     513       412       366  

Interest cost

     287       217       178  

Actuarial loss

     377       745       974  

Unrecognized net prior service cost

     —         —         —    
    


 


 


Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 6,162     $ 4,985     $ 3,611  
    


 


 


Funded Status

   ($ 6,162 )   ($ 4,985 )   ($ 3,611 )

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     1,957       1,663       1,090  

Unrecognized net prior service cost

     1,700       1,795       1,889  
                          

Net liability recognized

   ($ 2,505 )   ($ 1,527 )   ($ 632 )
    


 


 


Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:

                        

Accrued benefit liability

   ($ 4,468 )   ($ 3,476 )   ($ 632 )

Prepaid asset

     —         —         —    

Other comprehensive loss

     263       154       —    

Intangible pension asset included in other assets on the balance sheet

     1,700       1,795       —    

Net amount recognized

   $ (2,505 )   $ (1,527 )   $ —    
    


 


 


 

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

     2005

   2004

   2003

Components of net periodic benefit costs

                    

Service cost

   $ 513    $ 412    $ 366

Interest cost

     287      217      178

Amortization of unrecognized items

     178      266      33
    

  

  

Net periodic benefit costs

   $ 978    $ 895    $ 577
    

  

  

Other comprehensive loss attributable to change in additional minimum liability recognition

   $ 108    $ 94    $ —  
    

  

  

 

The projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2005 was $6.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The Plan assets are not qualified assets under FAS 87, and as a result, are accounted for outside of the Plan and are recorded in the Company’s balance sheet as long-term investments. The long-term investments are Company-owned life insurance policies, to which the Company intends to contribute annually.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

In 2003, the Company purchased life insurance as the investment vehicle to fund the pension benefits. Because sponsors are not entitled to tax deductions for any contributions to a nonqualified plan, the plan is considered unfunded for purposes of FAS 87, which means the net periodic pension cost for the plan has no components for return on plan assets or deferred asset gains or losses. The Company has purchased life insurance policies to make up for some of the tax disadvantages to sponsors of nonqualified plans. However, the cash surrender value of a key-executive life insurance policy owned by the Company does not represent a plan asset for pension accounting or disclosure purposes. Rather, the Company is accounting for this business-owned life insurance in accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance,” and separately accounts for the pension cost and liability under FAS 87.

 

The weighted average assumptions used in the accounting for the Plan are as follows:

 

     2005

    2004

    2003

 

Discount rate

   5.50 %   6.00 %   6.00 %

Rate of compensation increase

   3.00 %   3.00 %   3.00 %
    

 

 

 

Expected 2006 Company contributions and estimated future benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):

 

Expected Company Contributions

      

2006

   $ 1,517

Expected Benefit Payments

      

2006

   $ —  

2007

     —  

2008

     126

2009

     216

2010

     263

2011-15

   $ 1,528

 

Defined Contribution Plan

 

The Employee Savings and Retirement Plan is qualified under Sections 401(a) and (k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company contributes a percentage of each participating employee’s salary deferral contributions. The Company’s matching contributions are invested in various mutual funds and become 25 percent vested at the end of an employee’s second year of service, and vest 25 percent per year of service thereafter until becoming fully vested at the end of five years of service. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company’s matching contributions under this plan were $278,000, $281,000 and $233,000, respectively.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

11.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Lease obligations and purchase commitments

 

The Company has purchase obligations and non-cancelable operating lease commitments for office space and equipment, many of which are renewable at its option. Rent expense was approximately $2.0 million in 2005, $1.9 million in 2004 and $2.1 million in 2003. Future payments due under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

 

     Operating Leases

2006

   $ 1,416

2007

     750

2008

     502

2009

     76
    

Total payments due

   $ 2,744
    

 

Purchase commitments totaled $4.3 million as of December 31, 2005. These commitments related principally to obligations to purchase equipment and telecommunications services from various vendors.

 

Legal

 

Freedom Wireless Patent Infringement Lawsuit

 

Jury Trial in District Court

 

In March 2000, Freedom Wireless, Inc. filed a suit against the Company and a number of our current or former carrier customers (including Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, AT&T Wireless Services, CMT Partners and Western Wireless Corp.) in the United States District Court in Massachusetts (“District Court”). In February 2005, Verizon Wireless reached a settlement with Freedom Wireless and, as a result, was removed as a defendant in the case. The Company was not part of the settlement discussions and the terms of the settlement are not public. On May 20, 2005, a jury determined that the Company and the remaining defendants infringed or are infringing two Freedom Wireless patents. The jury damages and post-trial damages through October 12, 2005, plus interest and court costs awarded by the District Court totaled approximately $165 million (the Company and each carrier are jointly liable for specific amounts). The Company has an obligation to indemnify the other defendants for damages they may incur with respect to any infringement by our technology.

 

In July 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with Cingular Wireless whereby the Company placed $41 million into escrow for the purpose of using these funds as security to Cingular. In exchange for placing the funds into escrow, Cingular has posted bonds totaling $191 million, the amount required by the District Court to stay the execution of the judgment that concerns the joint infringement by the Company and Cingular, pending appeal. Cingular has also agreed to dismiss, without prejudice, the action filed by Cingular against the Company in May 2005. Cingular filed this action in an effort to enforce Cingular’s indemnity rights against the Company as a result of the Freedom Wireless judgment. Cingular is not obligated to provide the security for the payment of any portion of the damages for which Cingular is not jointly liable. The agreement does not alter the Company’s obligation to indemnify Cingular. At December 31, 2005, this escrow amount (including interest earned to date) totaled $41.5 million and is recorded as restricted cash.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

Injunction

 

On October 12, 2005 the District Court granted injunctive relief (the “Injunction”) to Freedom Wireless providing a 90 day grace period during which the Company could still provide its services to carriers. Subsequent to the 90-day grace period, the District Court ordered that the Company must stop providing prepaid services to all of its Real-Time Billing customers, other than those who have a license with Freedom (Verizon Wireless is currently the Company’s only customer with such a license). The Company filed a motion to clarify the order or stay the Injunction pending appeal which was denied by the District Court. The Company filed an emergency appeal to stay the Injunction with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Appeals Court”).

 

On December 15, 2005, the Appeals Court stayed the Injunction previously granted by the District Court. Therefore, the Company’s carrier customers, including co-defendant Cingular Wireless, may continue to use the Company’s Real-Time Billing service during the appeals process. In addition, the Appeals Court did not require the Company and/or the other defendants to post additional security for any potential damages that may accrue during the appeals process.

 

Appeal of District Court Judgment

 

In October 2005, the Company filed to appeal the District Court judgment with the Appeals Court. The Company’s principal appeal brief is expected to be filed in March, 2006 and the appeal process is expected to continue into 2007. If the Company’s appeal is unsuccessful or if the Company cannot successfully manage its business during the appeal process, the Company may not be able to continue its ongoing operations or may need to seek protection under the U. S. Bankruptcy Code.

 

Freedom Wireless Patent Infringement Lawsuits Against bcgi, Sprint Nextel Corporation and Alltel Corporation

 

On May 20, 2005, Freedom Wireless filed two separate lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the first against the Company and Sprint Nextel Corporation, and the second against the Company, Alltel Corporation and several other of the Company’s carrier customers. These lawsuits allege that the Company and each of the named carrier customers infringe the same two patents related to the current judgment held by Freedom Wireless, Inc. and seek damages as well as injunctive relief. The Company has an obligation to indemnify its customers for damages they may incur with respect to any infringement by the Company’s technology. The Company intends to contest the lawsuits vigorously and believes that the Company does not infringe these patents and that the patents are invalid.

 

Accounting

 

While the Company continues to believe that it does not infringe these patents and believes that the patents are invalid and that the size of the damages awarded bears no relationship to a reasonable royalty that bcgi or any company would have paid for a license of the patents, in light of the adverse judgment, the Company believes it is probable that a loss has been incurred. Although the ultimate amount of such loss, if any, is not currently known, accounting guidelines under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies (FAS 5) and FASB Interpretation 14, Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss (FIN 14), specify that if a loss can be reasonably estimated, it should be recorded. Based on management’s assessment of the potential outcomes of the litigation and in accordance with FAS 5 and FIN 14, the Company accrued an estimated loss of $24.0 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and an additional $40.3 million estimated loss in the quarter ended September 30, 2005, for a total estimated loss of $64.3 million with respect to the Freedom Wireless litigation. However, the actual loss, if any, may be significantly higher or lower than the amount accrued and could be higher than the current judgment of $165 million, which exceeds the Company’s ability to pay.

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

Class Action Lawsuit

 

In June 2005, a putative class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, against the Company, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer on behalf of persons who purchased the Company’s common stock between November 15, 2000 and May 20, 2005. The complaint was amended on October 12, 2005 to modify the commencement date to June 6, 2002. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act as well as Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by allegedly failing to disclose adverse facts regarding the Freedom Wireless, Inc. lawsuit, including that the Company had willfully infringed the Freedom Wireless patents. The Company has responded to the amended complaint and filed for a motion to dismiss the suit. The Company intends to contest the lawsuit vigorously and believe that bcgi and the two executive officers named as defendants have meritorious defenses to the allegations set forth in the lawsuit.

 

Verizon Contractual Indemnification

 

On April 28, 2005, a complaint by Aerotel Corporation was filed against Verizon alleging infringement by Verizon Communications, Verizon Wireless and others of a patent on prepaid technology. The Company is not named in the complaint. Verizon has notified the Company that the Company may be asked to indemnify them in this case under our Prepaid Wireless Services Agreement for that portion of any liability specific to Verizon Wireless prepaid offered through use of the Company’s services. The complaint does not specify damages as it relates to Verizon Wireless prepaid. The Company has provided documents and deposition testimony in response to a subpoena that has been served on the Company. The lawsuit is currently in the discovery phase and at this time it is not possible to determine the potential outcome of this indemnification claim.

 

Other

 

From time to time, as a normal incidence of the nature of the Company’s business, various claims, charges and litigation are asserted or commenced against the Company arising from, or related to, contractual matters, patents, trademarks, personal injury, and personnel and employment disputes. As to such claims and litigation, the Company can give no assurance that the Company will prevail. However, the Company does not believe that these matters (other than as disclosed) will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, although an adverse outcome of any of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows in future quarters or in the quarter or annual period in which one or more of these matters are resolved.

 

Indemnifications

 

In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (FIN 45), which requires certain guarantees to be recorded at fair value as opposed to the previous practice of recording a liability only when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. FIN 45 also requires a guarantor to make significant new guaranty disclosures, even when the likelihood of making any payments under the guarantee is remote.

 

The Company has agreed to indemnification provisions in certain of its agreements with customers and its leases of real estate in the ordinary course of its business.

 

With respect to customer agreements, these provisions generally obligate the Company to indemnify the customer against losses, expenses, liabilities and damages that may be awarded against the customer in the event

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

the Company’s systems or services infringe upon a patent or other intellectual property right of a third party. The agreements generally limit the scope of and remedies for such indemnification obligations in certain respects, including but not limited to geographical limitations and the right to replace or modify an infringing product or service. Certain of the Company’s carrier customers are currently seeking to require the Company to indemnify them for losses incurred, or that may be incurred, in connection with the Freedom Wireless lawsuits and the Verizon Indemnification Complaint.

 

With respect to real estate leases, these indemnification provisions typically apply to claims asserted against the landlord by a third party relating to personal injury and property damage occurring at the leased premises or to certain breaches of the Company’s contractual obligations. The term of these indemnification provisions generally survive the termination of the lease, although the exposure is greatest during the lease term and for a short period of time thereafter. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnification provisions is unlimited. The Company has purchased insurance that reduces the amount of such exposure for landlord indemnifications. The Company has never paid any amounts to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these landlord indemnification provisions. Accordingly, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification arrangements is minimal.

 

12.    SEGMENT REPORTING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

FAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” established standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires selected information about operating segments in interim financial statements. It also established standards for related disclosures about products and services and geographic areas. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker is the Chief Operating Officer. Historically, the Company’s reportable operating segments consisted of Billing and Transaction Processing Services, Roaming Services and Prepaid Systems. The Company’s Billing and Transaction Processing Services solutions allowed wireless carriers to access the Company’s managed services network and transaction processing platform, enabling such carriers to offer prepaid wireless calling, replenishment capabilities and postpaid billing and customer care to their subscribers. The Roaming Services solution provided wireless carriers the ability to generate revenues from subscribers who are not covered under traditional roaming agreements by arranging payment for roaming calls. The Prepaid Systems solution assembled and marketed prepaid systems to international wireless operators. Beginning in 2004, Prepaid Systems was no longer reported as a separate segment, as it was deemed to be not material, representing less than 10% of consolidated revenues, total assets and operations for all periods presented.

 

In March 2004, the Company ceased providing its ROAMERplus solution, effectively discontinuing its Roaming Services segment. Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“FAS 144”), the consolidated financial statements reflect this as a discontinued operation. Revenues for the Roaming Services segment were $563,000 and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

In 2005, the Company realigned its operating units to consist of bcgi Payment, bcgi Access Management, Real-Time Billing and Voyager Billing. A general manager has been assigned to manage each of these businesses which are classified as operating units, primarily to determine worldwide product direction, pricing and other important operating unit decisions, but without profit and loss responsibility for a large portion of the expenses of each unit. The Chief Operating Officer predominantly utilizes consolidated or departmental cost data

 

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Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

 

rather than operating unit data to make critical financial decisions. Revenues for each business are recorded and tracked separately. Most of the Company’s revenues are generated by Real-Time Billing. Other revenues include revenues from products other than Real-Time Billing. The specific break-down of significant revenues is as follows:

 

     Twelve months ended December 31st,

 
     2005

    2004

    2003

 
     Total

   % of Total
Net
Revenues


    Total

   % of Total
Net
Revenues


    Total

   % of Total
Net
Revenues


 

Real-Time Billing

   $ 94,089    91 %   $ 102,373    95 %   $ 95,798    96 %

Other

     9,769    9 %     5,554    5 %     3,989    4 %

Total net revenues

   $ 103,858    100 %   $ 107,927    100 %   $ 99,787    100 %

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Boston Communications Group, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Boston Communications Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index in Item 15(a). 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 audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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 consolidated financial position of Boston Communications Group, Inc. at December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related 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.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that Boston Communications Group, Inc. will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 11, the Company has received a judgment in a lawsuit filed by Freedom Wireless and has been assessed damages in excess of the Company’s ability to pay. Although the decision is being appealed, and there continue to be various legal and other alternatives available to the Company that, if successful, may reduce or eliminate the effect of this matter on the Company, this condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plan in regard to this matter is also described in Notes 2 and 11. The consolidated financial statements 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.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Boston Communications Group Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 6, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

Ernst & Young LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

March 6, 2006

 

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Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

1.   Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.    Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2005. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2005, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

2.   Management’s Report on Internal control over annual financial reporting.

 

The management of Boston Communications Group, Inc. is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements and other financial information contained in this Form 10-K. Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

    Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

 

    Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and

 

    Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

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Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

 

Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective at December 31, 2005 based on these criteria, and that there were no material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of that date.

 

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which has audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-K, has issued its written attestation report on management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting which appears below this report.

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Boston Communications Group, Inc.:

 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting that Boston Communications Group, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Boston Communications Group, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based

 

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on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Boston Communications Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Boston Communications Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005 of Boston Communications Group, Inc. and our report dated March 6, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

Ernst & Young LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

March 6, 2006

 

  3.   Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their most recent evaluation.

 

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

 

The sections entitled “Election of Directors” and “Reports Under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act” appearing in our proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on June 7, 2006 set forth certain information with respect to our directors and reports filed by certain persons under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and are incorporated herein by reference. Certain information with respect to persons who are, or may be deemed to be, executive officers is set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company” in Part I of this report.

 

We have adopted the Code of Ethics Revised and Updated as of December 2003, a code of ethics that applies to all of our employees. This code of ethics is publicly available on our website at www.bcgi.net/about/investor/corporate.html. If we make any substantive amendments to the code of ethics or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Controller, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K.

 

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The sections entitled “Executive Compensation”, “Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers” and “Report of the Compensation Committee” appearing in our proxy statement for the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders set forth certain information with respect to the compensation of our management and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” appearing in our proxy statement for the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders sets forth certain information with respect to the ownership of our Common Stock and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The sections entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers” and “Certain Transactions” appearing in our proxy statement for the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders set forth certain information with respect to certain business relationships and transactions between us and our directors and officers and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The section entitled “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” appearing in our proxy statement for the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders sets forth certain information with respect to the fees paid to and services performed by our principal accountants and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES & REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)(1)  Financial Statements

 

The following consolidated financial statements of Boston Communications Group, Inc. are included as Item 8:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2005 and 2004

   44

Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

   45

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

   46

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   47

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   48

 

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

 

For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

All other Schedules have been omitted because the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto or they are not applicable.

 

(3)   The Exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the Exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.

(Registrant)

By:

 

/s/    E.Y. SNOWDEN        


   

E.Y. Snowden

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: March 7, 2006

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature


  

Title


 

Date


/s/    E. Y. SNOWDEN        


E. Y. Snowden

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

  March 7, 2006

/s/    KAREN A. WALKER        


Karen A. Walker

  

Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  March 7, 2006

/s/    PAUL J. TOBIN        


Paul J. Tobin

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

  March 7, 2006

/s/    BRIAN E. BOYLE        


Brian E. Boyle

  

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors

  March 7, 2006

/s/    FREDERICK E. VON MERING        


Frederick E. von Mering

  

Director

  March 7, 2006

/s/    JAMES A. DWYER        


James A. Dwyer

  

Director

  March 7, 2006

/s/    PAUL R. GUDONIS        


Paul R. Gudonis

  

Director

  March 7, 2006

/s/    GERALD SEGEL        


Gerald Segel

  

Director

  March 7, 2006

/s/    GERALD MCGOWAN        


Gerald McGowan

  

Director

  March 7, 2006

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description


3.1   

Restated Articles of Organization of the Company, as amended.12

3.3   

Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company.1

4.1   

Rights Agreement.2

10.1   

+1996 Stock Option Plan.1

10.2   

+Employment Letter Agreement dated February 10, 1998 between the Company and E.Y. Snowden.3

10.3   

+1998 Stock Incentive Plan.4

10.4   

+Boston Communications Group, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan.5

10.5   

+Amendment No. 1 to Boston Communications Group, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan.6

10.6   

+Amendment No. 2 to Boston Communications Group, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan.7

10.7   

+Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement - Founders.8

10.8   

+Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement – Non-founders.8

10.9   

+2004 Stock Incentive Plan.9

10.10   

+2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.9

10.11   

+Amendment #1 dated May 3, 2005 to Employment Agreement with E. Y. Snowden, dated February 10, 1998.

10.12   

+Change of Control Agreement with Karen A. Walker, dated May 3, 2005.

10.13   

+Change of Control Agreement with William Wessman, dated May 3, 2005.

10.14   

+Change of Control Agreement with Paul Tobin, dated May 3, 2005.

10.15   

+Change of Control with Fritz von Mering, dated May 3, 2005.

10.16   

+2005 Stock Incentive Plan.10

10.17   

+Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement for employees pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.10

10.18   

+Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement for Directors pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.10

10.19   

+Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Directors pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.10

10.20   

+Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Granted Under 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.10

10.21   

+Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.10

10.22   

PureSight Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 20, 2005, between Cellular Express Inc. and bcgi Technologies Ltd., as Buyers, and Puresight, Inc. and PureSight Ltd. as sellers.10

10.23   

+Change of Control Agreement between the Company and Thomas M. Erskine, dated May 3, 2005.

10.24   

+Change of Control Agreement between the Company and Ersin Galioglu, dated May 3, 2005.

10.25   

+Change of Control Agreement between the Company and James Anderson, dated May 3, 2005.

10.26   

Funding of Security for Appeal Agreement between the Company and Cingular Wireless LLC.11

10.27   

+Amendment #1 to 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.11

10.28   

Lease between the Company and Cummings Properties, Inc. dated March 3, 2005.11

 

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Table of Contents
10.29   

+Summary of 2006 Board of Directors Compensation Plan.

10.30   

+Summary of 2006 Executive Compensation Plan.

14   

Code of Ethics Revised and Updated as of December, 2003.8

21   

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23   

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

31.1   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31.2   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b).


1   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed June 17, 1996 (File No. 333-4128)
2   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 7, 2005.
3   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.
4   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
5   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000.
6   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001.
7   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.
8   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
9   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
10   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
11   Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.

+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(c) of this Report.

 

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Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.

 

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(In thousands)

 

     BALANCE
AT
BEGINNING
OF PERIOD


  

CHARGED

TO

STATEMENT
OF OPERATIONS


   DEDUCTIONS

   BALANCE
AT END
OF
PERIOD


Accounts receivables reserves and allowances for years ended:

                           

December 31, 2005

   $ 474    $ 605    $ 130    $ 949

December 31, 2004

     878      244      648      474

December 31, 2003

   $ 966    $ 1,379    $ 1,467    $ 878

 

81

EX-10.11 2 dex1011.htm AMENDMENT # 1 DATED MAY 3, 2005 TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH E.Y. SNOWDEN AMENDMENT # 1 DATED MAY 3, 2005 TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH E.Y. SNOWDEN

EXHIBIT 10.11

AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT LETTER AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT #1 TO THE EMPLOYMENT LETTER AGREEMENT (the “Amendment”), dated as of May 3, 2005, is entered into by and between Boston Communications Group, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Company”), and E.Y. Snowden (the “Employee”).

WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee are parties to that certain Employment Letter Agreement dated as of February 10, 1998 (the “Employment Agreement”) and desire to amend the Employment Agreement as set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. AMENDMENTS TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

A. The last two sentences of Paragraph 4 are hereby deleted in their entirety and the following inserted in lieu thereof:

“In the event there is a Change in Control (as defined in Appendix A attached hereto) of Boston Communications Group, Inc., then you will vest in 100% of any options to purchase Company stock or restricted stock of the Company held by the Executive under the Company’s stock compensation plans and arrangements, notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the documents otherwise governing the options and will remain exercisable for the period of time during which such options would otherwise have been exercisable had the Executive remained in the employ of the Company.”

B. Paragraph 6 of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is inserted in lieu thereof:

“6. Boston Communications Group, Inc. will provide you with a severance package to cover you in the event that Boston Communications Group, Inc. terminates your employment for any reason other than one of the following reasons:

 

  a. Illegal acts (other than minor traffic violations, misdemeanors, or other acts that do not result in criminal conviction) including convictions for theft or embezzlement.

 

  b. Material violation of published, written policies of Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

  c. Irresponsible, unauthorized acts of a willful nature in the performance of duties that have a substantial financial impact on Boston Communications Group, Inc. or significantly affect Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s public image.


That package will provide you with the base salary and benefit continuance from the time of your involuntary termination for up to twelve months thereafter, or until such time as you become employed, whichever is the lesser of the two, at which time all payments will cease.”

C. The following Paragraph 10 is hereby added to the Employment Agreement:

“10. In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the provisions set forth in Appendix A attached hereto shall be applicable to such Change in Control.”

D. The following Paragraph 11 is hereby added to the Employment Agreement:

“11. Neither you nor Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall have the right to accelerate or to defer the delivery of the payments to be made under Paragraph 6 of this Agreement or under the provisions of Appendix A to this Agreement; provided, however, that if you are a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and any of the payments to be made to you under Paragraph 6 of this Agreement or under the provisions of Appendix A to this Agreement constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, then the commencement of the delivery of any such payments will be delayed to the date that is 6 months after your date of termination. In addition, and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent that you or Boston Communications Group, Inc. reasonably believe that Section 409A of the Code will result in adverse tax consequences to you as a result of the provisions this Agreement or of Appendix A attached hereto, then you and Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall renegotiate this Agreement in good faith in order to minimize or eliminate such tax consequences and retain the basic economics of this Agreement to the extent possible.”

 

2. GENERAL

A. This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

B. Except as amended hereby, the Employment Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

C. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which, taken together, constitute one and the same instrument.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.
By:           /s/ Karen A. Walker
  Name: Karen A. Walker
  Title: Vice President Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer
          /s/ E. Y. Snowden
  E.Y. Snowden


Appendix A

1. Key Definitions.

As used in this Appendix A, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1 “Cause” means:

a. A good faith finding by a majority of the Board (excluding your vote, if you are then a member of the Board) that (1) you have refused without good reason to perform your reasonably assigned material duties for Boston Communications Group, Inc.; (2) you have engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct, which has or is expected to have a material detrimental effect on Boston Communications Group, Inc., (3) you have engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other material dishonesty, (4) you have engaged in any conduct which would constitute grounds for termination for violation of Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s policies in effect at that time; or (5) you have breached any material provision of any nondisclosure, invention assignment, non-competition or other similar agreement between you and Boston Communications Group, Inc. and, if amenable to cure, have not cured such breach after reasonable notice from Boston Communications Group, Inc.; or

b. Your conviction of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere by you to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

1.2 As used herein, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

a. Any “person” who is not the “beneficial owner” of more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding equity securities of Boston Communications Group, Inc. on a fully diluted basis on the date hereof or an “affiliate” of such party on the date hereof becomes, alone or together with such person’s affiliates, a “beneficial owner” of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding equity securities of Boston Communications Group, Inc. (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder); or

b. The consummation of a merger, consolidation or share exchange involving Boston Communications Group, Inc., or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Boston Communications Group, Inc., unless the stockholders of Boston Communications Group, Inc. immediately prior to the transaction own fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of the continuing entity immediately following the consummation of such transaction.

c. The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.

1.3 “Change of Control Date” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1.4) on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Appendix to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, (b) your employment with Boston Communications Group, Inc. is terminated prior to the date on which the Change in Control


occurs, and (c) you reasonably demonstrate that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Change in Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

1.4 Term of Agreement. This Appendix, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if a Change in Control has not occurred during the Term, (b) the termination of your employment with Boston Communications Group, Inc. prior to the Change in Control Date, (c) the termination of your employment with Boston Communications Group, Inc. after the Change of Control Date without Cause or for Good Reason, (d) the date twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control Date, if you are still employed by Boston Communications Group, Inc. as of such later date, or (e) the fulfillment by Boston Communications Group, Inc. of all of its obligations under Section 2 if your employment with Boston Communications Group, Inc. terminates within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control Date. “Term” shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through May 3, 2010; provided, however, that commencing on May 3, 2010 and on each May 3 thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, not later than 90 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the Term (or any extension thereof), Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall have given you written notice that the Term will not be extended.

1.5 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without your written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (c) below:

a. relocation of your primary place of business to a location that results in an increase in your daily one way commute of at least fifty (50) miles;

b. any material breach by Boston Communications Group, Inc. or any successor thereto of any agreement entered into after the Effective Date (or in the case of any agreement to provide benefits to you, entered into at any time) to which you and Boston Communications Group, Inc. are parties, which breach is not cured within ten days after written notice thereof; or

c. Any material adverse change in your authority, duties or annual base salary (including, but not limited to, any failure to pay compensation on at least a monthly basis) as in effect prior to the Change in Control.

 

5


2. Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason After a Change in Control. If at any time prior to the expiration of twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control Date, Boston Communications Group, Inc. terminates your employment without Cause or you terminate your employment for Good Reason, Boston Communications Group, Inc. will provide benefits as follows, provided you execute a release of claims drafted by counsel to Boston Communications Group, Inc. and it becomes binding:

2.1 Payment.

a. Within 30 days following the termination of employment, Boston Communications Group, Inc. will pay to you a lump-sum cash amount equal to 250% of your annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of employment (or if your annual base salary has been reduced within 61 days prior to the termination, the base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction), less all applicable state and federal taxes.

b. You will be paid your prorated target bonus due for the calendar year until your date of termination, less all applicable state and federal taxes. For example, if your employment is terminated on March 31, you would be paid 25% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. If your employment is terminated on June 30, you would be paid 50% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. Any other bonuses or commission earned but not yet paid will be paid to you upon termination.

c. Boston Communications Group, Inc. will continue for a period of 30 months following the date of termination to provide you with any medical, dental and disability and life insurance benefits in effect at the time of your termination (or, if your level of benefits has been reduced within 61 days of the termination, your level of benefits in effect prior to the reduction). If Boston Communications Group, Inc. is unable to continue any such benefit or benefits, Boston Communications Group, Inc. will instead pay to you, within 30 days of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s cost of such benefits or your individual replacement cost for such benefits. All other benefits will cease upon termination.

2.2 Taxes.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Appendix, except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), in the event that Boston Communications Group, Inc. undergoes a “Change in Ownership or Control” (as defined below), Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall not be obligated to provide to you a portion of any “Contingent Compensation Payments” (as defined below) that you would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate any “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) for you. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Payments” and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Amount.”

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.2(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31 and Q/A-32 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by you if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to you (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by

 

6


Section 4999 of the Code payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of your “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as a “Section 2.2(b) Override.” For purpose of this paragraph, if any federal or state income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal and state income tax rate provided by law.

c. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(i) “Change in Ownership or Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of Boston Communications Group, Inc. or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of Boston Communications Group, Inc. determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(ii) “Contingent Compensation Payment” shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of Boston Communications Group, Inc.

d. Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to you following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by Boston Communications Group, Inc.) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the “Potential Payments”) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 2.2(d). Within 30 days after each date on which you first become entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent Compensation Payment relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall determine and notify you (with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) (i) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount and (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable. Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to you, you shall deliver a response to Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Executive Response”) stating either (A) that you agree with Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case you shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that you disagree with such determination, in which case you shall set forth (i) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount, (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable, and (iv) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments. In the event

 

7


that you fail to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s initial determination shall be final and the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by Boston Communications Group, Inc. in its absolute discretion. If you state in the Executive Response that you agree with Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s determination, Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall make the Potential Payments to you within three business days following delivery to Boston Communications Group, Inc. of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). If you state in the Executive Response that you disagree with Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s determination, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, you and Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall, within three business days following delivery to Boston Communications Group, Inc. of the Executive Response, make those Potential Payments to you as to which there is no dispute between you and Boston Communications Group, Inc. regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments shall be made within three business days following the resolution of such dispute. Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 2.2(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to you following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by the amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s primary bank, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.

2.3 Mitigation. You shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by you as a result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by you to Boston Communications Group, Inc., or otherwise.

2.4 Other Payments. This Agreement does not supercede or otherwise impact any other current obligations of Boston Communications Group, Inc. to you. Any amounts payable hereunder shall not be offset by any amounts due to Boston Communications Group, Inc. from you.

3. Other Employment Termination. If your employment terminates for any reason other than as described in Section 2, you shall only receive any compensation owed to you as of your termination date and any other post-termination benefits which you are eligible to receive under the Employment Agreement or any plan or program of Boston Communications Group, Inc.

 

8


4. Successors.

4.1 Successor to Company. Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of Boston Communications Group, Inc. expressly to assume and agree to perform the provisions this Appendix to the same extent that Boston Communications Group, Inc. would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Appendix, “Boston Communications Group, Inc.” shall include any successor to its business or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

4.2 Successor to Executive. The provisions of this Appendix shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If you should die while any amount would still be payable to you or your family hereunder if you had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of your estate.

5. Miscellaneous.

5.1 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Appendix, your employment with Boston Communications Group, Inc. shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of you continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boston Communications Group, Inc.

5.2 Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Both Boston Communications Group, Inc. and you expressly waive any right that any party either has or may have to a jury trial of any dispute arising out of or in any way related to the matters covered by the provisions of the Agreement or this Appendix.

5.3 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

9

EX-10.12 3 dex1012.htm CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH KAREN A. WALKER, DATED MAY 3, 2005 CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH KAREN A. WALKER, DATED MAY 3, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.12

Change of Control Agreement

THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts Corporation with its principal place of business at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, and Karen A. Walker (the “Executive”), is made as of May 3, 2005 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the possibility of an acquisition of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among certain personnel, may result in the departure or distraction of personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and the Executive’s continued efforts to maximize the Company’s value.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the benefits set forth in this Agreement upon a Change in Control (as defined in Section 1.2).

1. Key Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1 “Cause” means:

a. A good faith finding by a majority of the Board (excluding the vote of the Executive, if then a member of the Board) that (1) the Executive has refused without good reason to perform his or her reasonably assigned material duties for the Company; (2) the Executive has engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct, which has or is expected to have a material detrimental effect on the Company, (3) the Executive has engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other material dishonesty, (4) the Executive has engaged in any conduct which would constitute grounds for termination for violation of the Company’s policies in effect at that time; or (5) the Executive has breached any material provision of any nondisclosure, invention assignment, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Executive and the Company and, if amenable to cure, has not cured such breach after reasonable notice from the Company; or

b. The conviction by the Executive of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendre by the Executive to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.


1.2 As used herein, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

a. Any “person” who is not the “beneficial owner” of more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted basis on the date hereof or an “affiliate” of such party on the date hereof becomes, alone or together with such person’s affiliates, a “beneficial owner” of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder); or

b. The consummation of a merger, consolidation or share exchange involving the Company, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the transaction own fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of the continuing entity immediately following the consummation of such transaction.

c. The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.

 


1.3 “Change of Control Date” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1.4) on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, (b) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and (c) it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Change in Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

1.4 Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if a Change in Control has not occurred during the term, (b) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the Change in Control Date, (c) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company after the Change of Control Date without Cause or for Good Reason, (d) the date twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control Date, if the Executive is still employed by the Company as of such later date, or (e) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 2 if the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control Date. “Term” shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through May 3, 2010 provided, however, that commencing on May 3, 2010 and each May 3rd thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, not later than 90 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the Term (or any extension thereof), the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.

1.5 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (c) below

a. relocation of the Executive’s primary place of business to a location that results in an increase in the Executive’s daily one way commute of at least fifty (50) miles;

b. any material breach by the Company or any successor thereto of any agreement entered into after the Effective Date (or in the case of any agreement to provide benefits to the Executive, entered into at any time) to which the Executive and the Company are parties, which breach is not cured within ten days after written notice thereof; or

c. Any material adverse change in the Executive’s authority, duties or annual base salary (including, but not limited to, any failure to pay compensation on at least a monthly basis) as in effect prior to the Change in Control.

2. Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason After a Change in Control. If at any time prior to the expiration of twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control Date, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason, the Company will provide benefits as follows provided


the Executive executes a release of claims drafted by the Company’s counsel and it becomes binding:

2.1 Payment.

Within 30 days following the termination of employment, the Company will pay to the Executive a lump-sum cash amount equal to 200% of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of employment (or if the Executive’s annual base salary has been reduced within 61 days prior to the termination, the base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction), less all applicable state and federal taxes.

The Executive will be paid his or her prorated target bonus due for the calendar year until his or her date of termination, less all applicable state and federal taxes. For example, an executive who is terminated on March 31 would be paid 25% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. An executive who is terminated on June 30 would be paid 50% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. Any other bonuses or commission earned but not yet paid will be paid to the Executive upon termination.

The Company will continue for a period of 24 months following the date of termination to provide the Executive with any medical, dental and disability and life insurance benefits in effect at the time of his or her termination (or, if his or her level of benefits has been reduced within 61 days of the termination, his or her level of benefits in effect prior to the reduction). If the Company is unable to continue any such benefit or benefits, the Company will instead pay to the Executive, within 30 days of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of the Company’s cost of such benefits or the Executive’s individual replacement cost for such benefits. All other benefits will cease upon termination.

Any options to purchase Company stock or restricted stock of the Company held by the Executive under the Company’s stock compensation plans and arrangements will become immediately exercisable notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the documents otherwise governing the options and will remain exercisable for the period of time during which such options would otherwise have been exercisable had the Executive remained in the employ of the Company.

2.2 Taxes.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), in the event that the Company undergoes a “Change in Ownership or Control” (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any “Contingent Compensation Payments” (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate any “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) for the Executive. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Payments” and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of


the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Amount.”

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.2(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31 and Q/A-32 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him or her (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as a “Section 2.2(b) Override.” For purpose of this paragraph, if any federal or state income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal and state income tax rate provided by law.

c. For purposes of this Section 2.2 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(i) “Change in Ownership or Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(ii) “Contingent Compensation Payment” shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.

d. Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the “Potential Payments”) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 2.2(d). Within 30 days after each date on which the Executive first becomes entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent Compensation Payment relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall determine and notify the Executive (with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) (i) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount and (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable. Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the “Executive Response”) stating either (A) that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he or she shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as


Eliminated Payments or (B) that he or she disagrees with such determination, in which case he or she shall set forth (i) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount, (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable, and (iv) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments. In the event that the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Company’s initial determination shall be final and the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion. If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination, the Company shall make the Potential Payments to the Executive within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she disagrees with the Company’s determination, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments shall be made within three business days following the resolution of such dispute. Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 2.2(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s primary bank,, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.

2.3 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.

2.4 Other Payments. This Agreement does not supercede or otherwise impact any other current obligations of the Company to the Executive. Any amounts payable hereunder shall not be offset by any amounts due to the Company from the Executive.


3. Other Employment Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described in Section 2, the Executive shall only receive any compensation owed to him as of his termination date and any other post-termination benefits which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan or program of the Company.

4. Successors.

4.1 Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor to its business or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

4.2 Successor to Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his or her family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

5. Notices. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, ATTN: President, and to the Executive at the Executive’s address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.

6. Miscellaneous.

6.1 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.


6.2 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

6.3 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

6.4 Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Both the Company and the Executive expressly waive any right that any party either has or may have to a jury trial of any dispute arising out of or in any way related to the matters covered by this Agreement.

6.5 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.

6.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6.7 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

6.8 Entire Agreement; Employment Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled.

6.9 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Executive from terminating employment at any time. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason and subsequently a Change in Control shall occur, the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits hereunder except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.

6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.

6.11 Executive’s Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he or she: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executive’s own choice or has voluntarily


declined to seek such counsel; and (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement.

6.12 Company Acknowledgements. The Company acknowledges that it has received all necessary consents, approvals and votes, including from the Board and holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, to permit the Company to enter into this Agreement and be bound hereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.

By:

 

        /s/ E. Y. Snowden

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

EMPLOYEE:

By:

 

        /s/ Karen A. Walker

Karen A. Walker, Vice President, Finance and

Administration and Chief Financial Officer

EX-10.13 4 dex1013.htm CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH WILLIAM WESSMAN, DATED MAY 3, 2005 CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH WILLIAM WESSMAN, DATED MAY 3, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.13

Change of Control Agreement

THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts Corporation with its principal place of business at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, and William D. Wessman (the “Executive”), is made as of May 3, 2005 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the possibility of an acquisition of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among certain personnel, may result in the departure or distraction of personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and the Executive’s continued efforts to maximize the Company’s value.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the benefits set forth in this Agreement upon a Change in Control (as defined in Section 1.2).

1. Key Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1 “Cause” means:

a. A good faith finding by a majority of the Board (excluding the vote of the Executive, if then a member of the Board) that (1) the Executive has refused without good reason to perform his or her reasonably assigned material duties for the Company; (2) the Executive has engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct, which has or is expected to have a material detrimental effect on the Company, (3) the Executive has engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other material dishonesty, (4) the Executive has engaged in any conduct which would constitute grounds for termination for violation of the Company’s policies in effect at that time; or (5) the Executive has breached any material provision of any nondisclosure, invention assignment, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Executive and the Company and, if amenable to cure, has not cured such breach after reasonable notice from the Company; or

b. The conviction by the Executive of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendre by the Executive to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.


1.2 As used herein, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

a. Any “person” who is not the “beneficial owner” of more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted basis on the date hereof or an “affiliate” of such party on the date hereof becomes, alone or together with such person’s affiliates, a “beneficial owner” of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder); or

b. The consummation of a merger, consolidation or share exchange involving the Company, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the transaction own fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of the continuing entity immediately following the consummation of such transaction.

c. The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.

 


1.3 “Change of Control Date” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1.4) on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, (b) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and (c) it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Change in Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

1.4 Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if a Change in Control has not occurred during the term, (b) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the Change in Control Date, (c) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company after the Change of Control Date without Cause or for Good Reason, (d) the date twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control Date, if the Executive is still employed by the Company as of such later date, or (e) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 2 if the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control Date. “Term” shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through May 3, 2010 provided, however, that commencing on May 3, 2010 and each May 3rd thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, not later than 90 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the Term (or any extension thereof), the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.

1.5 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (c) below

a. relocation of the Executive’s primary place of business to a location that results in an increase in the Executive’s daily one way commute of at least fifty (50) miles;

b. any material breach by the Company or any successor thereto of any agreement entered into after the Effective Date (or in the case of any agreement to provide benefits to the Executive, entered into at any time) to which the Executive and the Company are parties, which breach is not cured within ten days after written notice thereof; or

c. Any material adverse change in the Executive’s authority, duties or annual base salary (including, but not limited to, any failure to pay compensation on at least a monthly basis) as in effect prior to the Change in Control.

2. Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason After a Change in Control. If at any time prior to the expiration of twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control Date, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason, the Company will provide benefits as follows provided


the Executive executes a release of claims drafted by the Company’s counsel and it becomes binding:

2.1 Payment.

Within 30 days following the termination of employment, the Company will pay to the Executive a lump-sum cash amount equal to 200% of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of employment (or if the Executive’s annual base salary has been reduced within 61 days prior to the termination, the base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction), less all applicable state and federal taxes.

The Executive will be paid his or her prorated target bonus due for the calendar year until his or her date of termination, less all applicable state and federal taxes. For example, an executive who is terminated on March 31 would be paid 25% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. An executive who is terminated on June 30 would be paid 50% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. Any other bonuses or commission earned but not yet paid will be paid to the Executive upon termination.

The Company will continue for a period of 24 months following the date of termination to provide the Executive with any medical, dental and disability and life insurance benefits in effect at the time of his or her termination (or, if his or her level of benefits has been reduced within 61 days of the termination, his or her level of benefits in effect prior to the reduction). If the Company is unable to continue any such benefit or benefits, the Company will instead pay to the Executive, within 30 days of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of the Company’s cost of such benefits or the Executive’s individual replacement cost for such benefits. All other benefits will cease upon termination.

Any options to purchase Company stock or restricted stock of the Company held by the Executive under the Company’s stock compensation plans and arrangements will become immediately exercisable notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the documents otherwise governing the options and will remain exercisable for the period of time during which such options would otherwise have been exercisable had the Executive remained in the employ of the Company.

2.2 Taxes.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), in the event that the Company undergoes a “Change in Ownership or Control” (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any “Contingent Compensation Payments” (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate any “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) for the Executive. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Payments” and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of


the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Amount.”

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.2(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31 and Q/A-32 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him or her (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as a “Section 2.2(b) Override.” For purpose of this paragraph, if any federal or state income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal and state income tax rate provided by law.

c. For purposes of this Section 2.2 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(i) “Change in Ownership or Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(ii) “Contingent Compensation Payment” shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.

d. Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the “Potential Payments”) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 2.2(d). Within 30 days after each date on which the Executive first becomes entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent Compensation Payment relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall determine and notify the Executive (with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) (i) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount and (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable. Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the “Executive Response”) stating either (A) that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he or she shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as


Eliminated Payments or (B) that he or she disagrees with such determination, in which case he or she shall set forth (i) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount, (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable, and (iv) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments. In the event that the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Company’s initial determination shall be final and the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion. If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination, the Company shall make the Potential Payments to the Executive within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she disagrees with the Company’s determination, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments shall be made within three business days following the resolution of such dispute. Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 2.2(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s primary bank,, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.

2.3 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.

2.4 Other Payments. This Agreement does not supercede or otherwise impact any other current obligations of the Company to the Executive. Any amounts payable hereunder shall not be offset by any amounts due to the Company from the Executive.


3. Other Employment Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described in Section 2, the Executive shall only receive any compensation owed to him as of his termination date and any other post-termination benefits which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan or program of the Company.

4. Successors.

4.1 Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor to its business or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

4.2 Successor to Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his or her family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

5. Notices. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, ATTN: President, and to the Executive at the Executive’s address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.

6. Miscellaneous.

6.1 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.


6.2 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

6.3 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

6.4 Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Both the Company and the Executive expressly waive any right that any party either has or may have to a jury trial of any dispute arising out of or in any way related to the matters covered by this Agreement.

6.5 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.

6.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6.7 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

6.8 Entire Agreement; Employment Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled.

6.9 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Executive from terminating employment at any time. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason and subsequently a Change in Control shall occur, the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits hereunder except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.

6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.

6.11 Executive’s Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he or she: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executive’s own choice or has voluntarily


declined to seek such counsel; and (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement.

6.12 Company Acknowledgements. The Company acknowledges that it has received all necessary consents, approvals and votes, including from the Board and holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, to permit the Company to enter into this Agreement and be bound hereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.
By:           /s/ Karen A. Walker
Karen A. Walker, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
EMPLOYEE:
By:           /s/ William D. Wessman
William D. Wessman, Chief Technology Officer
EX-10.14 5 dex1014.htm CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH PAUL TOBIN, DATED MAY 3, 2005 CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH PAUL TOBIN, DATED MAY 3, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.14

Change of Control Agreement

THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts Corporation with its principal place of business at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, and Paul J. Tobin (the “Executive”), is made as of May 3, 2005 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the possibility of an acquisition of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among certain personnel, may result in the departure or distraction of personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and the Executive’s continued efforts to maximize the Company’s value.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the benefits set forth in this Agreement upon a Change in Control (as defined in Section 1.2).

1. Key Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1 “Cause” means:

a. A good faith finding by a majority of the Board (excluding the vote of the Executive, if then a member of the Board) that (1) the Executive has refused without good reason to perform his or her reasonably assigned material duties for the Company; (2) the Executive has engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct, which has or is expected to have a material detrimental effect on the Company, (3) the Executive has engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other material dishonesty, (4) the Executive has engaged in any conduct which would constitute grounds for termination for violation of the Company’s policies in effect at that time; or (5) the Executive has breached any material provision of any nondisclosure, invention assignment, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Executive and the Company and, if amenable to cure, has not cured such breach after reasonable notice from the Company; or

b. The conviction by the Executive of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendre by the Executive to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.


1.2 As used herein, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

a. Any “person” who is not the “beneficial owner” of more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted basis on the date hereof or an “affiliate” of such party on the date hereof becomes, alone or together with such person’s affiliates, a “beneficial owner” of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder); or

b. The consummation of a merger, consolidation or share exchange involving the Company, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the transaction own fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of the continuing entity immediately following the consummation of such transaction.

c. The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.

 


1.3 “Change of Control Date” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1.4) on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, (b) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and (c) it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Change in Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

1.4 Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if a Change in Control has not occurred during the term, (b) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the Change in Control Date, (c) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company after the Change of Control Date without Cause or for Good Reason, (d) the date twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control Date, if the Executive is still employed by the Company as of such later date, or (e) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 2 if the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control Date. “Term” shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through May 3, 2010 provided, however, that commencing on May 3, 2010 and each May 3rd thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, not later than 90 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the Term (or any extension thereof), the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.

1.5 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (c) below

a. relocation of the Executive’s primary place of business to a location that results in an increase in the Executive’s daily one way commute of at least fifty (50) miles;

b. any material breach by the Company or any successor thereto of any agreement entered into after the Effective Date (or in the case of any agreement to provide benefits to the Executive, entered into at any time) to which the Executive and the Company are parties, which breach is not cured within ten days after written notice thereof; or

c. Any material adverse change in the Executive’s authority, duties or annual base salary (including, but not limited to, any failure to pay compensation on at least a monthly basis) as in effect prior to the Change in Control.

2. Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason After a Change in Control. If at any time prior to the expiration of twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control Date, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason, the Company will provide benefits as follows provided


the Executive executes a release of claims drafted by the Company’s counsel and it becomes binding:

2.1 Payment.

Within 30 days following the termination of employment, the Company will pay to the Executive a lump-sum cash amount equal to 200% of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of employment (or if the Executive’s annual base salary has been reduced within 61 days prior to the termination, the base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction), less all applicable state and federal taxes.

The Executive will be paid his or her prorated target bonus due for the calendar year until his or her date of termination, less all applicable state and federal taxes. For example, an executive who is terminated on March 31 would be paid 25% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. An executive who is terminated on June 30 would be paid 50% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. Any other bonuses or commission earned but not yet paid will be paid to the Executive upon termination.

The Company will continue for a period of 24 months following the date of termination to provide the Executive with any medical, dental and disability and life insurance benefits in effect at the time of his or her termination (or, if his or her level of benefits has been reduced within 61 days of the termination, his or her level of benefits in effect prior to the reduction). If the Company is unable to continue any such benefit or benefits, the Company will instead pay to the Executive, within 30 days of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of the Company’s cost of such benefits or the Executive’s individual replacement cost for such benefits. All other benefits will cease upon termination.

Any options to purchase Company stock or restricted stock of the Company held by the Executive under the Company’s stock compensation plans and arrangements will become immediately exercisable notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the documents otherwise governing the options and will remain exercisable for the period of time during which such options would otherwise have been exercisable had the Executive remained in the employ of the Company.

2.2 Taxes.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), in the event that the Company undergoes a “Change in Ownership or Control” (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any “Contingent Compensation Payments” (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate any “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) for the Executive. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Payments” and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of


the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Amount.”

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.2(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31 and Q/A-32 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him or her (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as a “Section 2.2(b) Override.” For purpose of this paragraph, if any federal or state income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal and state income tax rate provided by law.

c. For purposes of this Section 2.2 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(i) “Change in Ownership or Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(ii) “Contingent Compensation Payment” shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.

d. Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the “Potential Payments”) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 2.2(d). Within 30 days after each date on which the Executive first becomes entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent Compensation Payment relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall determine and notify the Executive (with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) (i) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount and (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable. Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the “Executive Response”) stating either (A) that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he or she shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as


Eliminated Payments or (B) that he or she disagrees with such determination, in which case he or she shall set forth (i) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount, (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable, and (iv) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments. In the event that the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Company’s initial determination shall be final and the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion. If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination, the Company shall make the Potential Payments to the Executive within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she disagrees with the Company’s determination, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments shall be made within three business days following the resolution of such dispute. Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 2.2(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s primary bank,, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.

2.3 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.

2.4 Other Payments. This Agreement does not supercede or otherwise impact any other current obligations of the Company to the Executive. Any amounts payable hereunder shall not be offset by any amounts due to the Company from the Executive.


3. Other Employment Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described in Section 2, the Executive shall only receive any compensation owed to him as of his termination date and any other post-termination benefits which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan or program of the Company.

4. Successors.

4.1 Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor to its business or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

4.2 Successor to Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his or her family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

5. Notices. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, ATTN: President, and to the Executive at the Executive’s address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.

6. Miscellaneous.

6.1 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.


6.2 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

6.3 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

6.4 Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Both the Company and the Executive expressly waive any right that any party either has or may have to a jury trial of any dispute arising out of or in any way related to the matters covered by this Agreement.

6.5 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.

6.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6.7 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

6.8 Entire Agreement; Employment Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled.

6.9 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Executive from terminating employment at any time. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason and subsequently a Change in Control shall occur, the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits hereunder except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.

6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.

6.11 Executive’s Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he or she: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executive’s own choice or has voluntarily


declined to seek such counsel; and (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement.

6.12 Company Acknowledgements. The Company acknowledges that it has received all necessary consents, approvals and votes, including from the Board and holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, to permit the Company to enter into this Agreement and be bound hereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.

By:

 

        /s/ Karen A. Walker

Karen A. Walker, Vice President, Finance and

Administration and Chief Financial Officer

EMPLOYEE:

By:

 

        /s/ Paul J. Tobin

Paul J. Tobin, Chairman

EX-10.15 6 dex1015.htm CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH FRITZ VON MERING, DATED MAY 3, 2005 CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WITH FRITZ VON MERING, DATED MAY 3, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.15

Change of Control Agreement

THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts Corporation with its principal place of business at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, and Fritz von Mering (the “Executive”), is made as of May 3, 2005 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the possibility of an acquisition of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among certain personnel, may result in the departure or distraction of personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and the Executive’s continued efforts to maximize the Company’s value.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the benefits set forth in this Agreement upon a Change in Control (as defined in Section 1.2).

1. Key Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1 “Cause” means:

a. A good faith finding by a majority of the Board (excluding the vote of the Executive, if then a member of the Board) that (1) the Executive has refused without good reason to perform his or her reasonably assigned material duties for the Company; (2) the Executive has engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct, which has or is expected to have a material detrimental effect on the Company, (3) the Executive has engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other material dishonesty, (4) the Executive has engaged in any conduct which would constitute grounds for termination for violation of the Company’s policies in effect at that time; or (5) the Executive has breached any material provision of any nondisclosure, invention assignment, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Executive and the Company and, if amenable to cure, has not cured such breach after reasonable notice from the Company; or


b. The conviction by the Executive of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendre by the Executive to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

1.2 As used herein, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

a. Any “person” who is not the “beneficial owner” of more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted basis on the date hereof or an “affiliate” of such party on the date hereof becomes, alone or together with such person’s affiliates, a “beneficial owner” of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder); or

b. The consummation of a merger, consolidation or share exchange involving the Company, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the transaction own fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of the continuing entity immediately following the consummation of such transaction.

c. The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.


1.3 “Change of Control Date” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1.4) on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, (b) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and (c) it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Change in Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

1.4 Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if a Change in Control has not occurred during the term, (b) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the Change in Control Date, (c) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company after the Change of Control Date without Cause or for Good Reason, (d) the date twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control Date, if the Executive is still employed by the Company as of such later date, or (e) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 2 if the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control Date. “Term” shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through May 3, 2010 provided, however, that commencing on May 3, 2010 and each May 3rd thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, not later than 90 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the Term (or any extension thereof), the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.

1.5 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (c) below

a. relocation of the Executive’s primary place of business to a location that results in an increase in the Executive’s daily one way commute of at least fifty (50) miles;

b. any material breach by the Company or any successor thereto of any agreement entered into after the Effective Date (or in the case of any agreement to provide benefits to the Executive, entered into at any time) to which the Executive and the Company are parties, which breach is not cured within ten days after written notice thereof; or

c. Any material adverse change in the Executive’s authority, duties or annual base salary (including, but not limited to, any failure to pay compensation on at least a monthly basis) as in effect prior to the Change in Control.

2. Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason After a Change in Control. If at any time prior to the expiration of twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control Date, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason, the Company will provide benefits as follows provided


the Executive executes a release of claims drafted by the Company’s counsel and it becomes binding:

2.1 Payment.

Within 30 days following the termination of employment, the Company will pay to the Executive a lump-sum cash amount equal to 200% of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of employment (or if the Executive’s annual base salary has been reduced within 61 days prior to the termination, the base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction), less all applicable state and federal taxes.

The Executive will be paid his or her prorated target bonus due for the calendar year until his or her date of termination, less all applicable state and federal taxes. For example, an executive who is terminated on March 31 would be paid 25% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. An executive who is terminated on June 30 would be paid 50% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. Any other bonuses or commission earned but not yet paid will be paid to the Executive upon termination.

The Company will continue for a period of 24 months following the date of termination to provide the Executive with any medical, dental and disability and life insurance benefits in effect at the time of his or her termination (or, if his or her level of benefits has been reduced within 61 days of the termination, his or her level of benefits in effect prior to the reduction). If the Company is unable to continue any such benefit or benefits, the Company will instead pay to the Executive, within 30 days of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of the Company’s cost of such benefits or the Executive’s individual replacement cost for such benefits. All other benefits will cease upon termination.

Any options to purchase Company stock or restricted stock of the Company held by the Executive under the Company’s stock compensation plans and arrangements will become immediately exercisable notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the documents otherwise governing the options and will remain exercisable for the period of time during which such options would otherwise have been exercisable had the Executive remained in the employ of the Company.

2.2 Taxes.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), in the event that the Company undergoes a “Change in Ownership or Control” (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any “Contingent Compensation Payments” (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate any “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) for the Executive. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Payments” and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of


the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Amount.”

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.2(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31 and Q/A-32 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him or her (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as a “Section 2.2(b) Override.” For purpose of this paragraph, if any federal or state income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal and state income tax rate provided by law.

c. For purposes of this Section 2.2 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(i) “Change in Ownership or Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(ii) “Contingent Compensation Payment” shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.

d. Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the “Potential Payments”) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 2.2(d). Within 30 days after each date on which the Executive first becomes entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent Compensation Payment relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall determine and notify the Executive (with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) (i) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount and (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable. Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the “Executive Response”) stating either (A) that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he or she shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as


Eliminated Payments or (B) that he or she disagrees with such determination, in which case he or she shall set forth (i) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount, (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable, and (iv) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments. In the event that the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Company’s initial determination shall be final and the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion. If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination, the Company shall make the Potential Payments to the Executive within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she disagrees with the Company’s determination, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments shall be made within three business days following the resolution of such dispute. Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 2.2(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s primary bank,, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.

2.3 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.

2.4 Other Payments. This Agreement does not supercede or otherwise impact any other current obligations of the Company to the Executive. Any amounts payable hereunder shall not be offset by any amounts due to the Company from the Executive.


3. Other Employment Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described in Section 2, the Executive shall only receive any compensation owed to him as of his termination date and any other post-termination benefits which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan or program of the Company.

4. Successors.

4.1 Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor to its business or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

4.2 Successor to Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his or her family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

5. Notices. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, ATTN: President, and to the Executive at the Executive’s address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.

6. Miscellaneous.

6.1 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.


6.2 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

6.3 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

6.4 Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Both the Company and the Executive expressly waive any right that any party either has or may have to a jury trial of any dispute arising out of or in any way related to the matters covered by this Agreement.

6.5 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.

6.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6.7 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

6.8 Entire Agreement; Employment Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled.

6.9 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Executive from terminating employment at any time. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason and subsequently a Change in Control shall occur, the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits hereunder except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.

6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.

6.11 Executive’s Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he or she: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executive’s own choice or has voluntarily


declined to seek such counsel; and (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement.

6.12 Company Acknowledgements. The Company acknowledges that it has received all necessary consents, approvals and votes, including from the Board and holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, to permit the Company to enter into this Agreement and be bound hereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.
By:           /s/ Karen A. Walker
Karen A. Walker, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
EMPLOYEE:
By:           /s/ Fritz von Mering
Fritz von Mering, Vice President of Strategic Development
EX-10.23 7 dex1023.htm CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY & THOMAS M. ERSKINE, DATED MAY 3, 2005 CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY & THOMAS M. ERSKINE, DATED MAY 3, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.23

Change of Control Agreement

THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts Corporation with its principal place of business at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, and Thomas M. Erskine (the “Executive”), is made as of May 3, 2005 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the possibility of an acquisition of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among certain personnel, may result in the departure or distraction of personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and the Executive’s continued efforts to maximize the Company’s value.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the benefits set forth in this Agreement upon a Change in Control (as defined in Section 1.2).

1. Key Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1 “Cause” means:

a. A good faith finding by a majority of the Board (excluding the vote of the Executive, if then a member of the Board) that (1) the Executive has refused without good reason to perform his or her reasonably assigned material duties for the Company; (2) the Executive has engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct, which has or is expected to have a material detrimental effect on the Company, (3) the Executive has engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other material dishonesty, (4) the Executive has engaged in any conduct which would constitute grounds for termination for violation of the Company’s policies in effect at that time; or (5) the Executive has breached any material provision of any nondisclosure, invention assignment, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Executive and the Company and, if amenable to cure, has not cured such breach after reasonable notice from the Company; or

b. The conviction by the Executive of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendre by the Executive to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.


1.2 As used herein, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

a. Any “person” who is not the “beneficial owner” of more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted basis on the date hereof or an “affiliate” of such party on the date hereof becomes, alone or together with such person’s affiliates, a “beneficial owner” of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder); or

b. The consummation of a merger, consolidation or share exchange involving the Company, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the transaction own fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of the continuing entity immediately following the consummation of such transaction.

c. The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.


1.3 “Change of Control Date” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1.4) on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, (b) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and (c) it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Change in Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

1.4 Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if a Change in Control has not occurred during the term, (b) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the Change in Control Date, (c) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company after the Change of Control Date without Cause or for Good Reason, (d) the date twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control Date, if the Executive is still employed by the Company as of such later date, or (e) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 2 if the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control Date. “Term” shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through May 3, 2010 provided, however, that commencing on May 3, 2010 and each May 3rd thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, not later than 90 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the Term (or any extension thereof), the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.

1.5 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (c) below

a. relocation of the Executive’s primary place of business to a location that results in an increase in the Executive’s daily one way commute of at least fifty (50) miles;

b. any material breach by the Company or any successor thereto of any agreement entered into after the Effective Date (or in the case of any agreement to provide benefits to the Executive, entered into at any time) to which the Executive and the Company are parties, which breach is not cured within ten days after written notice thereof; or

c. Any material adverse change in the Executive’s authority, duties or annual base salary (including, but not limited to, any failure to pay compensation on at least a monthly basis) as in effect prior to the Change in Control.

2. Upon Change of Control - Any options to purchase Company stock or restricted stock of the Company held by the Executive under the Company’s stock compensation plans and


arrangements will become immediately exercisable notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the documents otherwise governing the options and will remain exercisable for the period of time during which such options would otherwise have been exercisable had the Executive remained in the employ of the Company.

3. Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason After a Change in Control. If at any time prior to the expiration of twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control Date, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason, the Company will provide benefits as follows provided the Executive executes a release of claims drafted by the Company’s counsel and it becomes binding:

3.1 Payment.

Within 30 days following the termination of employment, the Company will pay to the Executive a lump-sum cash amount equal to 100% of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of employment (or if the Executive’s annual base salary has been reduced within 61 days prior to the termination, the base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction), less all applicable state and federal taxes.

The Executive will be paid his or her prorated target bonus due for the calendar year until his or her date of termination, less all applicable state and federal taxes. For example, an executive who is terminated on March 31 would be paid 25% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. An executive who is terminated on June 30 would be paid 50% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. Any other bonuses or commission earned but not yet paid will be paid to the Executive upon termination.

The Company will continue for a period of 12 months following the date of termination to provide the Executive with any medical, dental and disability and life insurance benefits in effect at the time of his or her termination (or, if his or her level of benefits has been reduced within 61 days of the termination, his or her level of benefits in effect prior to the reduction). If the Company is unable to continue any such benefit or benefits, the Company will instead pay to the Executive, within 30 days of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of the Company’s cost of such benefits or the Executive’s individual replacement cost for such benefits. All other benefits will cease upon termination.

3.2 Taxes.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), in the event that the Company undergoes a “Change in Ownership or Control” (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any “Contingent Compensation Payments” (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate any “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) for the Executive. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as


the “Eliminated Payments” and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Amount.”

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.2(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31 and Q/A-32 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him or her (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as a “Section 2.2(b) Override.” For purpose of this paragraph, if any federal or state income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal and state income tax rate provided by law.

c. For purposes of this Section 2.2 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(i) “Change in Ownership or Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(ii) “Contingent Compensation Payment” shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.

d. Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the “Potential Payments”) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 2.2(d). Within 30 days after each date on which the Executive first becomes entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent Compensation Payment relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall determine and notify the Executive (with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) (i) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount and (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable. Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the “Executive Response”) stating either (A) that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he or she shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which,


determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that he or she disagrees with such determination, in which case he or she shall set forth (i) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount, (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable, and (iv) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments. In the event that the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Company’s initial determination shall be final and the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion. If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination, the Company shall make the Potential Payments to the Executive within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she disagrees with the Company’s determination, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments shall be made within three business days following the resolution of such dispute. Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 2.2(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s primary bank,, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.

3.3 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.


3.4 Other Payments. This Agreement does not supercede or otherwise impact any other current obligations of the Company to the Executive. Any amounts payable hereunder shall not be offset by any amounts due to the Company from the Executive.

4. Other Employment Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described in Section 2, the Executive shall only receive any compensation owed to him as of his termination date and any other post-termination benefits which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan or program of the Company.

5. Successors.

5.1 Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor to its business or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

5.2 Successor to Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his or her family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

6. Notices. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, ATTN: President, and to the Executive at the Executive’s address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.

7. Miscellaneous.

7.1 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a


result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

7.2 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

7.3 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

7.4 Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Both the Company and the Executive expressly waive any right that any party either has or may have to a jury trial of any dispute arising out of or in any way related to the matters covered by this Agreement.

7.5 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.

7.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.7 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

7.8 Entire Agreement; Employment Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled.

7.9 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Executive from terminating employment at any time. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason and subsequently a Change in Control shall occur, the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits hereunder except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.

7.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.


7.11 Executive’s Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he or she: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executive’s own choice or has voluntarily declined to seek such counsel; and (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement.

7.12 Company Acknowledgements. The Company acknowledges that it has received all necessary consents, approvals and votes, including from the Board and holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, to permit the Company to enter into this Agreement and be bound hereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.
By:           /s/ E. Y. Snowden
President and Chief Executive Officer
EMPLOYEE:
By:           /s/ Thomas M. Erskine
Thomas M. Erskine, Vice President Product Development and Marketing
EX-10.24 8 dex1024.htm CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY & ERSIN GALIOGLU, DATED MAY 3, 2005 CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY & ERSIN GALIOGLU, DATED MAY 3, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.24

Change of Control Agreement

THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts Corporation with its principal place of business at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, and Ersin Galioglu (the “Executive”), is made as of May 3, 2005 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the possibility of an acquisition of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among certain personnel, may result in the departure or distraction of personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and the Executive’s continued efforts to maximize the Company’s value.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the benefits set forth in this Agreement upon a Change in Control (as defined in Section 1.2).

1. Key Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1 “Cause” means:

a. A good faith finding by a majority of the Board (excluding the vote of the Executive, if then a member of the Board) that (1) the Executive has refused without good reason to perform his or her reasonably assigned material duties for the Company; (2) the Executive has engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct, which has or is expected to have a material detrimental effect on the Company, (3) the Executive has engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other material dishonesty, (4) the Executive has engaged in any conduct which would constitute grounds for termination for violation of the Company’s policies in effect at that time; or (5) the Executive has breached any material provision of any nondisclosure, invention assignment, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Executive and the Company and, if amenable to cure, has not cured such breach after reasonable notice from the Company; or

b. The conviction by the Executive of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendre by the Executive to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.


1.2 As used herein, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

a. Any “person” who is not the “beneficial owner” of more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted basis on the date hereof or an “affiliate” of such party on the date hereof becomes, alone or together with such person’s affiliates, a “beneficial owner” of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder); or

b. The consummation of a merger, consolidation or share exchange involving the Company, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the transaction own fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of the continuing entity immediately following the consummation of such transaction.

c. The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.


1.3 “Change of Control Date” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1.4) on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, (b) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and (c) it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Change in Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

1.4 Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if a Change in Control has not occurred during the term, (b) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the Change in Control Date, (c) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company after the Change of Control Date without Cause or for Good Reason, (d) the date twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control Date, if the Executive is still employed by the Company as of such later date, or (e) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 2 if the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control Date. “Term” shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through May 3, 2010 provided, however, that commencing on May 3, 2010 and each May 3rd thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, not later than 90 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the Term (or any extension thereof), the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.

1.5 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (c) below

a. relocation of the Executive’s primary place of business to a location that results in an increase in the Executive’s daily one way commute of at least fifty (50) miles;

b. any material breach by the Company or any successor thereto of any agreement entered into after the Effective Date (or in the case of any agreement to provide benefits to the Executive, entered into at any time) to which the Executive and the Company are parties, which breach is not cured within ten days after written notice thereof; or

c. Any material adverse change in the Executive’s authority, duties or annual base salary (including, but not limited to, any failure to pay compensation on at least a monthly basis) as in effect prior to the Change in Control.

2. Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason After a Change in Control. If at any time prior to the expiration of twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control Date, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason, the Company will provide benefits as follows provided


the Executive executes a release of claims drafted by the Company’s counsel and it becomes binding:

2.1 Payment.

Within 30 days following the termination of employment, the Company will pay to the Executive a lump-sum cash amount equal to 100% of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of employment (or if the Executive’s annual base salary has been reduced within 61 days prior to the termination, the base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction), less all applicable state and federal taxes.

The Executive will be paid his or her prorated target bonus due for the calendar year until his or her date of termination, less all applicable state and federal taxes. For example, an executive who is terminated on March 31 would be paid 25% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. An executive who is terminated on June 30 would be paid 50% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. Any other bonuses or commission earned but not yet paid will be paid to the Executive upon termination.

The Company will continue for a period of 12 months following the date of termination to provide the Executive with any medical, dental and disability and life insurance benefits in effect at the time of his or her termination (or, if his or her level of benefits has been reduced within 61 days of the termination, his or her level of benefits in effect prior to the reduction). If the Company is unable to continue any such benefit or benefits, the Company will instead pay to the Executive, within 30 days of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of the Company’s cost of such benefits or the Executive’s individual replacement cost for such benefits. All other benefits will cease upon termination.

Any options to purchase Company stock or restricted stock of the Company held by the Executive under the Company’s stock compensation plans and arrangements will become immediately exercisable notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the documents otherwise governing the options and will remain exercisable for the period of time during which such options would otherwise have been exercisable had the Executive remained in the employ of the Company.

2.2 Taxes.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), in the event that the Company undergoes a “Change in Ownership or Control” (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any “Contingent Compensation Payments” (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate any “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) for the Executive. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Payments” and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of


the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Amount.”

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.2(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31 and Q/A-32 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him or her (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as a “Section 2.2(b) Override.” For purpose of this paragraph, if any federal or state income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal and state income tax rate provided by law.

c. For purposes of this Section 2.2 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(i) “Change in Ownership or Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(ii) “Contingent Compensation Payment” shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.

d. Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the “Potential Payments”) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 2.2(d). Within 30 days after each date on which the Executive first becomes entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent Compensation Payment relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall determine and notify the Executive (with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) (i) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount and (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable. Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the “Executive Response”) stating either (A) that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he or she shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as


Eliminated Payments or (B) that he or she disagrees with such determination, in which case he or she shall set forth (i) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount, (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable, and (iv) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments. In the event that the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Company’s initial determination shall be final and the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion. If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination, the Company shall make the Potential Payments to the Executive within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she disagrees with the Company’s determination, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments shall be made within three business days following the resolution of such dispute. Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 2.2(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s primary bank,, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.

2.3 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.

2.4 Other Payments. This Agreement does not supercede or otherwise impact any other current obligations of the Company to the Executive. Any amounts payable hereunder shall not be offset by any amounts due to the Company from the Executive.


3. Other Employment Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described in Section 2, the Executive shall only receive any compensation owed to him as of his termination date and any other post-termination benefits which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan or program of the Company.

4. Successors.

4.1 Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor to its business or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

4.2 Successor to Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his or her family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

5. Notices. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, ATTN: President, and to the Executive at the Executive’s address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.

6. Miscellaneous.

6.1 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.


6.2 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

6.3 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

6.4 Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Both the Company and the Executive expressly waive any right that any party either has or may have to a jury trial of any dispute arising out of or in any way related to the matters covered by this Agreement.

6.5 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.

6.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6.7 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

6.8 Entire Agreement; Employment Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled.

6.9 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Executive from terminating employment at any time. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason and subsequently a Change in Control shall occur, the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits hereunder except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.

6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.

6.11 Executive’s Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he or she: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executive’s own choice or has voluntarily


declined to seek such counsel; and (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement.

6.12 Company Acknowledgements. The Company acknowledges that it has received all necessary consents, approvals and votes, including from the Board and holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, to permit the Company to enter into this Agreement and be bound hereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.
By:           /s/ E. Y. Snowden
President and Chief Executive Officer
EMPLOYEE:
By:           /s/ Ersin Galioglu
Ersin Galioglu, Vice President and General Manager, Real-Time Billing and Network
EX-10.25 9 dex1025.htm CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY & JAMES ANDERSON, DATED MAY 3, 2005 CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY & JAMES ANDERSON, DATED MAY 3, 2005

EXHIBIT 10.25

Change of Control Agreement

THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts Corporation with its principal place of business at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, and James Anderson (the “Executive”), is made as of May 3, 2005 (the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that the possibility of an acquisition of the Company exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among certain personnel, may result in the departure or distraction of personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and the Executive’s continued efforts to maximize the Company’s value.

NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the benefits set forth in this Agreement upon a Change in Control (as defined in Section 1.2).

1. Key Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

1.1 “Cause” means:

a. A good faith finding by a majority of the Board (excluding the vote of the Executive, if then a member of the Board) that (1) the Executive has refused without good reason to perform his or her reasonably assigned material duties for the Company; (2) the Executive has engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct, which has or is expected to have a material detrimental effect on the Company, (3) the Executive has engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other material dishonesty, (4) the Executive has engaged in any conduct which would constitute grounds for termination for violation of the Company’s policies in effect at that time; or (5) the Executive has breached any material provision of any nondisclosure, invention assignment, non-competition or other similar agreement between the Executive and the Company and, if amenable to cure, has not cured such breach after reasonable notice from the Company; or

b. The conviction by the Executive of, or the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendre by the Executive to, any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.


1.2 As used herein, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

a. Any “person” who is not the “beneficial owner” of more than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted basis on the date hereof or an “affiliate” of such party on the date hereof becomes, alone or together with such person’s affiliates, a “beneficial owner” of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding equity securities of the Company (as such terms are defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder); or

b. The consummation of a merger, consolidation or share exchange involving the Company, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the transaction own fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding equity securities of the continuing entity immediately following the consummation of such transaction.

c. The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a single transaction or a series of related transactions.


1.3 “Change of Control Date” means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 1.4) on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, (b) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, and (c) it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the “Change in Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

1.4 Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if a Change in Control has not occurred during the term, (b) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the Change in Control Date, (c) the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company after the Change of Control Date without Cause or for Good Reason, (d) the date twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control Date, if the Executive is still employed by the Company as of such later date, or (e) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 2 if the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control Date. “Term” shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through May 3, 2010 provided, however, that commencing on May 3, 2010 and each May 3rd thereafter, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless, not later than 90 days prior to the scheduled expiration of the Term (or any extension thereof), the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.

1.5 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (c) below

a. relocation of the Executive’s primary place of business to a location that results in an increase in the Executive’s daily one way commute of at least fifty (50) miles;

b. any material breach by the Company or any successor thereto of any agreement entered into after the Effective Date (or in the case of any agreement to provide benefits to the Executive, entered into at any time) to which the Executive and the Company are parties, which breach is not cured within ten days after written notice thereof; or

c. Any material adverse change in the Executive’s authority, duties or annual base salary (including, but not limited to, any failure to pay compensation on at least a monthly basis) as in effect prior to the Change in Control.

2. Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason After a Change in Control. If at any time prior to the expiration of twenty-four (24) months following a Change of Control Date, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his or her employment for Good Reason, the Company will provide benefits as follows provided


the Executive executes a release of claims drafted by the Company’s counsel and it becomes binding:

2.1 Payment.

Within 30 days following the termination of employment, the Company will pay to the Executive a lump-sum cash amount equal to 100% of the Executive’s annual base salary in effect at the time of the termination of employment (or if the Executive’s annual base salary has been reduced within 61 days prior to the termination, the base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction), less all applicable state and federal taxes.

The Executive will be paid his or her prorated target bonus due for the calendar year until his or her date of termination, less all applicable state and federal taxes. For example, an executive who is terminated on March 31 would be paid 25% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. An executive who is terminated on June 30 would be paid 50% of the prorated target bonus not yet paid for the applicable year. Any other bonuses or commission earned but not yet paid will be paid to the Executive upon termination.

The Company will continue for a period of 12 months following the date of termination to provide the Executive with any medical, dental and disability and life insurance benefits in effect at the time of his or her termination (or, if his or her level of benefits has been reduced within 61 days of the termination, his or her level of benefits in effect prior to the reduction). If the Company is unable to continue any such benefit or benefits, the Company will instead pay to the Executive, within 30 days of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the greater of the Company’s cost of such benefits or the Executive’s individual replacement cost for such benefits. All other benefits will cease upon termination.

Any options to purchase Company stock or restricted stock of the Company held by the Executive under the Company’s stock compensation plans and arrangements will become immediately exercisable notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the documents otherwise governing the options and will remain exercisable for the period of time during which such options would otherwise have been exercisable had the Executive remained in the employ of the Company.

2.2 Taxes.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except as set forth in Section 2.2(b), in the event that the Company undergoes a “Change in Ownership or Control” (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any “Contingent Compensation Payments” (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate any “excess parachute payments” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) for the Executive. For purposes of this Section 2.2, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Payments” and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of


the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the “Eliminated Amount.”

b. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.2(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31 and Q/A-32 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him or her (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 2.2(b) shall be referred to as a “Section 2.2(b) Override.” For purpose of this paragraph, if any federal or state income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal and state income tax rate provided by law.

c. For purposes of this Section 2.2 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

(i) “Change in Ownership or Control” shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.

(ii) “Contingent Compensation Payment” shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.

d. Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the “Potential Payments”) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 2.2(d). Within 30 days after each date on which the Executive first becomes entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent Compensation Payment relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall determine and notify the Executive (with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) (i) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount and (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable. Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the “Executive Response”) stating either (A) that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he or she shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as


Eliminated Payments or (B) that he or she disagrees with such determination, in which case he or she shall set forth (i) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the Eliminated Amount, (iii) whether the Section 2.2(b) Override is applicable, and (iv) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments. In the event that the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Company’s initial determination shall be final and the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion. If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she agrees with the Company’s determination, the Company shall make the Potential Payments to the Executive within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he or she disagrees with the Company’s determination, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within three business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments shall be made within three business days following the resolution of such dispute. Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 2.2(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Boston Communications Group, Inc.’s primary bank,, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.

2.3 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 2 shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company, or otherwise.

2.4 Other Payments. This Agreement does not supercede or otherwise impact any other current obligations of the Company to the Executive. Any amounts payable hereunder shall not be offset by any amounts due to the Company from the Executive.


3. Other Employment Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described in Section 2, the Executive shall only receive any compensation owed to him as of his termination date and any other post-termination benefits which the Executive is eligible to receive under any plan or program of the Company.

4. Successors.

4.1 Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor to its business or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

4.2 Successor to Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his or her family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.

5. Notices. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at 55 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730, ATTN: President, and to the Executive at the Executive’s address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.

6. Miscellaneous.

6.1 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.


6.2 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

6.3 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

6.4 Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Both the Company and the Executive expressly waive any right that any party either has or may have to a jury trial of any dispute arising out of or in any way related to the matters covered by this Agreement.

6.5 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.

6.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

6.7 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

6.8 Entire Agreement; Employment Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled.

6.9 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Executive from terminating employment at any time. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason and subsequently a Change in Control shall occur, the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits hereunder except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.

6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.

6.11 Executive’s Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he or she: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executive’s own choice or has voluntarily


declined to seek such counsel; and (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement.

6.12 Company Acknowledgements. The Company acknowledges that it has received all necessary consents, approvals and votes, including from the Board and holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock, to permit the Company to enter into this Agreement and be bound hereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.

 

BOSTON COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.
By:           /s/ E. Y. Snowden
President and Chief Executive Officer
EMPLOYEE:
By:           /s/ James Anderson
James Anderson, Vice President and General Manager, Payment
EX-10.29 10 dex1029.htm SUMMARY OF 2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPENSATION PLAN SUMMARY OF 2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPENSATION PLAN

EXHIBIT 10.29

 

SUMMARY OF 2006 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The Company’s Board of Directors determines its compensation using data derived from third-party compensation surveys, data from comparable companies and consultation from an independent compensation consultant. Pursuant to the Compensation Committee and effective beginning January 1, 2006, each non-employee director will receive (i) a quarterly retainer of $10,000, (ii) a fee of $1,000 for each Board meeting that the non-employee director attends and (iii) reimbursement for all expenses incurred in attending Board and committee meetings. In addition, directors who serve on the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will receive a fee of $500 for each such committee meeting attended. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Lead Director will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,875.

 

In addition to the foregoing cash compensation, each non-employee director will receive on a quarterly basis, a fully vested option for the purchase of 6,250 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant.

EX-10.30 11 dex1030.htm SUMMARY OF 2006 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN SUMMARY OF 2006 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

EXHIBIT 10.30

 

SUMMARY OF 2006 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

 

The Company’s 2006 Executive Compensation Plan, as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is substantially consistent with the 2005 Plan and consists of cash bonuses and equity incentives. With the guidance of a compensation consultant, the Plan was derived from third-party compensation survey data for comparable companies and executive positions and is based upon performance targets and payments tied to a percentage of base pay. The key elements of the Plan include:

 

Bonus Incentive Compensation:

 

    The Plan provides for target bonus amounts for each executive officer, using a percentage of his or her base pay derived from third-party compensation survey data for comparable companies and executive positions.

 

    The total bonus is comprised of three major components:

 

- Executive’s personal qualitative performance appraisal

 

20% of target

- Company’s quantitative financial performance

 

40% of target

- Executive’s achievement of strategic goals

 

40% of target

 

    The qualitative personal performance appraisal is paid annually based upon the executive officer’s accomplishment of qualitative goals that are established by the executive officer’s manager or by the Compensation Committee in the case of the Chairman and CEO.

 

    The plan provides for a graduated scale of payment for the portion of the bonus that is based on the Company’s quantitative financial performance, so that an executive officer may earn no quantitative bonus, a fraction of his or her target, or up to 200% of the quantitative part of the target, depending upon the financial performance of the Company and, for those in a position with responsibility for certain parts of the Company’s financial operating results, performance for those results.

 

    For the achievement of strategic goals component of the bonus, the potential amount to be earned is entirely funded by the financial performance of the Company, as described in the preceding paragraph. The amount earned by the executive officer is based upon the executive officer’s performance against strategic goals that are approved by the Compensation Committee.

 

    Quantitative financial performance bonuses are based upon a combination of earnings and revenue achievement against targets, for the Company as a whole for all executives, except the general managers. The general manager’s quantitative financial performance bonuses are based solely on a combination of certain earnings and revenue achievements against targets for each general manager’s financial operating results for which they are responsible. Results are generally weighted more heavily on earnings than revenue. Non-cash adjustments and certain extraordinary items, as approved by the Compensation Committee, are excluded from earnings for purposes of making these bonus determinations.

 

For the first three fiscal quarters of 2006, the applicable bonus payable for the quantitative financial performance with respect to each of these quarter’s results will be paid following the completion of the quarter. The applicable bonus payable with respect to the fourth quarter and year-end quantitative financial performance, as well as the executive’s qualitative personal performance appraisal and achievement of strategic goals, will be approved by the Compensation Committee and paid following the end of the Company’s fiscal year.


The following table sets forth the 2006 salary and bonus, assuming achievement of 100% of the target based on the foregoing criteria, for each of the Company’s named executive officers (as defined in Item 402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K):

 

Name of Executive Officer


   2006 Base
Salary


   Cash Bonus
(Assuming Achievement
of 100% of Target)


Paul J. Tobin

   $ 226,800    $ 113,400

E. Y. Snowden

   $ 384,300    $ 269,010

Karen A. Walker

   $ 244,524    $ 110,036

William Wessman

   $ 242,740    $ 109,233

Fritz von Mering

   $ 243,885    $ 109,748

Thomas Erskine

   $ 203,775    $ 71,321

Ersin Galioglu

   $ 175,725    $ 61,504

James J. Anderson

   $ 183,750    $ 64,313

 

Equity Incentive Compensation:

 

In determining the equity incentives for the named executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers numerous factors such as (i) the individual’s job responsibilities, (ii) the individual’s performance, including the expected contribution of the executive officer to the Company’s goals, (iii) the Company’s long-term needs and goals, including attracting and retaining key management personnel, (iv) the Company’s competitive position, which includes using third-party compensation survey data for executive positions at comparable companies, and (v) consultation from an independent outside consultant. To the extent determined to be appropriate, the Compensation Committee also considers general economic conditions and the historic compensation levels of the individual.

 

The stock option grants to each executive officer vest in three equal installments over a three-year period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

 

The following option grants to executives will be made at the closing price on January 12, 2006:

 

Name


   2006 Plan Stock
Option Grants


Paul Tobin

   36,000

E. Y. Snowden

   72,000

Frederick von Mering

   33,000

William Wessman

   30,000

Karen A. Walker

   33,000

James Anderson

   17,100

Ersin Galioglu

   20,900

Thomas Erskine

   15,200
EX-21 12 dex21.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

EXHIBIT 21

 

SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT

 

    

Place of Incorporation


   Names under which doing business

1. Cellular Express, Inc.

  

Massachusetts

   Boston Communications Group

2. BCG Securities Corp.

  

Massachusetts

   Boston Communications Group

3. Wireless Funding Solutions, Inc.

  

Delaware

   Boston Communications Group

4. BCGI Billing Services, Inc.

  

Delaware

   Boston Communications Group

5. BCGI Wireless Private Limited

  

India

   BCGI Wireless Private Limited

6. PureSight Technologies, LTD

  

Israel

   PureSight Technologies, LTD

7. BCG De Mexico

  

Mexico

   BCG De Mexico
EX-23 13 dex23.htm CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

EXHIBIT 23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-11139, 333-57643, 333-57641, 333-85247, 333-48672, 333-48670, 333-67158, 333-100541, 333-107019, 333-117498 and 333-119776) of our reports dated March 6, 2006, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Boston Communications Group, Inc., Boston Communications Group, Inc. management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Boston Communications Group, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

March 6, 2006

EX-31.1 14 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, E. Y. Snowden, certify that:

 

  1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Boston Communications Group, Inc.;

 

  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-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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)   [Paragraph omitted in accordance with SEC transition instructions contained in SEC Release 34-47986]

 

  c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonable to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 7, 2006  

/s/    E. Y. Snowden


   

E. Y. Snowden

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

EX-31.2 15 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)

Exhibit 31.2

 

I, Karen A. Walker, certify that:

 

  1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Boston Communications Group, Inc.;

 

  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-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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)   [Paragraph omitted in accordance with SEC transition instructions contained in SEC Release 34-47986]

 

  c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonable to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 7, 2006  

/s/    Karen A. Walker


   

Karen A. Walker

Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32 16 dex32.htm CERTIFICATION OF CEO AND CFO PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(B) CERTIFICATION OF CEO AND CFO PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(b)

Exhibit 32

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the annual report on Form 10-K of Boston Communications Group, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, E.Y. Snowden, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Karen A. Walker, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

  (1)   the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2)   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: March 7, 2006  

/s/    E. Y. Snowden


   

E.Y. Snowden

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 7, 2006  

/s/    Karen A. Walker


   

Karen A. Walker

Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Boston Communications Group, Inc., and will be retained by Boston Communications Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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