-----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, JfW8hkWzmZ0RXRC5vk0TPoPh5qED/AaPQgtKfSSObj8m9vZ8sVDh0H52wgQPVLWW vG9CIJOMLd4rt4TCeG5tPw== 0000950133-99-000223.txt : 19990202 0000950133-99-000223.hdr.sgml : 19990202 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950133-99-000223 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-3/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990201 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NETWORK SOLUTIONS INC /DE/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001030341 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE [7372] IRS NUMBER: 521146119 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-3/A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-70071 FILM NUMBER: 99518660 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 505 HUNTMAR PARK DR CITY: HERNDON STATE: VA ZIP: 20170 BUSINESS PHONE: 7037420400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 505 HUNTMAR PARK DRIVE CITY: HERNDON STATE: VA ZIP: 20170 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NETWORK SOLUTIONS INC /DE/ DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19970702 S-3/A 1 AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FORM S-3 1 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 1, 1999 REGISTRATION NO. 333-70071 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------------ AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FORM S-3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ------------------------ NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) DELAWARE 52-1146119 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) 505 HUNTMAR PARK DRIVE ROBERT J. KORZENIEWSKI HERNDON, VIRGINIA 20170 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND (703) 742-0400 ACTING CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. INCLUDING 505 HUNTMAR PARK DRIVE AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) HERNDON, VIRGINIA 20170 (703) 742-0400 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
------------------------ Copies to: JORGE DEL CALVO, ESQ. JONATHAN W. EMERY, ESQ. DOUGLAS E. SCOTT, ESQ. GERALD S. TANENBAUM, ESQ. KEITH J. MENDELSON, ESQ. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ALOMA H. AVERY, ESQ. CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL DAVINA K. KAILE, ESQ. GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY SCIENCE APPLICATIONS EIGHTY PINE STREET PILLSBURY MADISON & SUTRO LLP NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10005 2550 HANOVER STREET 505 HUNTMAR PARK DRIVE 10260 CAMPUS POINT DRIVE (212) 701-3000 PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304 HERNDON, VIRGINIA 20170 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 (650) 233-4500 (703) 742-0400 (619) 546-6000
------------------------ APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective. If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ] If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [ ] If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] - ------------------ If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] - ------------------ If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ] ------------------------ THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED FEBRUARY 1, 1999 PROSPECTUS 4,580,000 Shares [NETWORK SOLUTIONS LOGO] Class A Common Stock Selling stockholders identified in this prospectus are offering all of these shares and will receive all of the proceeds of this offering. We currently have two classes of common stock outstanding, Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Our Class A common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "NSOL." On January 29, 1999, the reported last sale price of our Class A common stock was $241.00 per share. INVESTING IN OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 5. NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PROCEEDS TO PRICE TO UNDERWRITING THE SELLING PUBLIC DISCOUNT STOCKHOLDERS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Per Share $ $ $ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total $ $ $ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional 687,000 shares of Class A common stock to cover over-allotments. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, we will receive proceeds of $ . It is expected that delivery of the shares will be made to investors on or about , 1999. J.P. MORGAN & CO. HAMBRECHT & QUIST PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED BANCBOSTON ROBERTSON STEPHENS February , 1999 3 [INSIDE FRONT COVER] .com Drives Net Registration Growth [Bar graph depicting number of .com, .net, .org and .edu net registrations on a quarterly basis from December 1995 through September 1998] 4 You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. This prospectus is an offer to sell, or a solicitation of offers to buy, shares of Class A common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our Class A common stock. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Prospectus Summary..................... 1 Risk Factors........................... 5 Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy................... 13 Use of Proceeds........................ 13 Selected Financial Information......... 14 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations........................ 16
Page Business............................... 29 Management............................. 44 Selling Stockholders................... 47 Description of Capital Stock........... 48 Underwriting........................... 52 Legal Matters.......................... 53 Experts................................ 53 Where You Can Find More Information.... 54 Index to Financial Statements.......... F-1
------------------------ We own or have rights to various copyrights, trademarks and trade names used in our business. These include Network Solutions, Inc.(R), WorldNIC(TM), RegistrationPlus(TM), dot com mail(TM), dot com toolkit(TM), dot com promotions(TM), dot com people(TM) and dot com family(TM). This prospectus also includes trademarks, service marks and trade names of other companies. ------------------------ ON DECEMBER 31, 1998, OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED A 2-FOR-1 STOCK SPLIT OF THE SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK, TO BE EFFECTED IN THE FORM OF A STOCK DIVIDEND ON SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND CLASS B COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING ON FEBRUARY 26, 1999. THE STOCK DIVIDEND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON MARCH 23, 1999. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED, NO SHARE OR PER SHARE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE 2-FOR-1 STOCK SPLIT. ALSO, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED, INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES NO EXERCISE OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION. -i- 5 PROSPECTUS SUMMARY This summary highlights certain of the information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. To understand this offering fully, you should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the risk factors, the financial statements and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus. NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. We are the leading Internet domain name registration services provider worldwide. We currently act as the exclusive registry and registrar for second level domain names within the .com, .org, .net and .edu top level domains pursuant to a cooperative agreement with the Department of Commerce. Internet domain names are unique identities which enable businesses, other organizations and individuals to communicate and conduct commerce on the Internet. An Internet domain name is made up of a top level domain and a second level domain. For example, in the domain name "companyX.com," "companyX" is the second level domain and ".com" is the top level domain. As a registry, we maintain the master directory of second level domain names for our top level domains. As a registrar, we enter new second level domain names into the master directory maintained by us, as registry, and process modifications, transfers, re-registrations and deletions for existing second level domain names. Net registrations within the top level domains for which we act as the registry and registrar increased by 114% from 1,296,000 second level domain names registered at September 30, 1997 to 2,777,000 second level domain names registered at September 30, 1998. We believe that commercial enterprises and individual Internet users worldwide are increasingly recognizing .com as a desirable identity for conducting business on the Internet. Net registrations in .com represented 84% of our total net registrations at September 30, 1998. We have agreed with the Department of Commerce to transition to a shared, or competitive, registration system in which multiple registrars may register second level domain names with us, as registry, in the .com, .net and .org top level domains. This transition will occur in a phased approach with limited competition scheduled to begin by March 31, 1999. As we transition to a shared registration system, we believe that we have several competitive advantages over competing registrars, including: - a large customer base with over 3,000,000 net second level domain name registrations, - strong brand recognition as the dot com people, - strategic agreements with over 140 companies around the world that provide access to the Internet, - skilled technical personnel who are experienced in the domain name registration business, and - custom-developed software and proprietary systems that perform automated registrations. We are working to expand our domain name registration business by: - promoting the use of .com worldwide, - expanding our relationships with Internet access providers, - establishing and expanding marketing and other strategic relationships worldwide, - stimulating demand for domain name registrations by targeting specific customer markets, and - establishing international alliances. In 1998, we introduced a portfolio of Internet-based products and services which builds upon our position as the leading registrar. We intend to continue to develop Internet-based products and services which may include directory and other Internet identity services. We also provide consulting services that focus on network engineering, network and systems security and network management. 1 6 THE OFFERING The following information is based on 16,484,835 shares of common stock outstanding on December 28, 1998. This number excludes 1,570,423 shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding on December 28, 1998 at a weighted average exercise price of $23.08 per share. It also excludes an additional 810,392 shares of Class A common stock reserved for future issuance under our employee benefit plans. CLASS A COMMON STOCK OFFERED BY SELLING STOCKHOLDERS: Science Applications International Corporation............... 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock Certain members of our management................ 80,000 shares of Class A common stock Total offering........... 4,580,000 shares of Class A common stock COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER THE OFFERING.................. 16,564,835 shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock; 17,251,835 shares if the entire over-allotment option is exercised OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION......... 687,000 shares of Class A common stock from Network Solutions USE OF PROCEEDS............... We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock in this offering by the selling stockholders. Any proceeds that we receive from the sale of shares of Class A common stock upon exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option and proceeds that we will receive upon the exercise of options by the members of our management who are selling stockholders will be used for general corporate purposes and possibly for acquisitions and investments. DIVIDEND POLICY............... We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock. We plan to retain any earnings for use in the operation of our business. NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET SYMBOL........................ "NSOL" 2 7 SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA The summary financial data for the year ended December 31, 1995 was derived by combining our results of operations for the period January 1, 1995 through March 10, 1995 and the period March 11, 1995 through December 31, 1995 which, respectively, are periods before and after the date we were acquired by Science Applications International Corporation. The data for those two periods were prepared on differing bases of accounting and, accordingly, the comparability of such data with other periods is limited, primarily as a result of goodwill amortization, new corporate services agreements and the repayment of outstanding debt balances. See Note 1 of Notes to Financial Statements for a discussion of the presentation for each of these periods.
----------------------------------------------------------- NINE MONTHS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------------------- -------------------- 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- In thousands, except per share data STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net revenue.............................. $ 6,486 $18,862 $45,326 $30,896 $62,395 Income (loss) from continuing operations............................ (1,434) (1,625) 4,231 2,488 7,517 Net income (loss)........................ (2,837) (1,625) 4,231 2,488 7,517 Basic net income (loss) per share........ (0.27) (0.13) 0.32 0.20 0.47 Diluted net income (loss) per share...... (0.27) (0.13) 0.31 0.20 0.45 OTHER OPERATING DATA: (1) Net new registrations.................... 141 489 960 698 1,290 Registrations not renewed................ 1 39 46 29 54 Net registrations at period end.......... 177 627 1,541 1,296 2,777
------------------ In thousands SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 BALANCE SHEET DATA: ------------------ Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 9,124 Total marketable securities............................... 114,148 Working capital, including $77,766 of current deferred revenue................................................ 63,506 Total assets.............................................. 191,915 Deferred revenue, net..................................... 106,730 Capital lease obligations................................. 1,297 Total stockholders' equity................................ 62,019
- --------------- (1) Net new registrations for each period include gross new registrations less an estimate of registrations that are uncollectible. Net registrations include net new registrations less management's estimate of registrations not renewed. Prior to September 14, 1995, net registrations equaled gross registrations because we were reimbursed by the National Science Foundation for all registrations under a cost reimbursement plus fixed-fee contract. SUMMARY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QUARTER ENDED DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, 1996 1997 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 1998 -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- --------- In thousands, except per share data STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net revenue..................... $6,853 $8,655 $10,069 $12,172 $14,430 $16,492 $20,476 $25,427 Net income...................... 126 516 740 1,232 1,743 2,049 2,463 3,005 Basic net income per share...... 0.01 0.04 0.06 0.10 0.11 0.13 0.15 0.19 Diluted net income per share.... 0.01 0.04 0.06 0.10 0.11 0.13 0.15 0.18
3 8 RELATIONSHIP WITH SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Prior to our initial public offering of Class A common stock in October 1997, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation, commonly known as SAIC. SAIC provides diversified professional and technical services and designs, develops and manufactures high-technology products. SAIC holds in the aggregate 11,925,000 shares of our Class B common stock. This represents 100% of our Class B common stock and approximately 96.3% of the voting power and approximately 72.3% of the economic interest of our outstanding common stock. Immediately prior to this offering, SAIC will convert 4,500,000 shares of Class B common stock into Class A common stock. Those shares will be sold in the offering. Accordingly, after this offering, SAIC will own 7,425,000 shares of our Class B common stock. This will represent 100% of our Class B common stock and approximately 89.0% of the voting power and approximately 44.8% of the economic interest of our outstanding common stock. By May 31, 1999, assuming completion of this offering, SAIC intends to convert all of the remaining Class B common stock into an identical number of shares of Class A common stock. After that conversion, Class A common stock will be the only class of common stock outstanding. At such time SAIC will own approximately 44.8% of the voting power and economic interest of our outstanding common stock. We do not intend to issue any Class B common stock in the future. Several officers and employees of SAIC currently serve as directors of Network Solutions. It is anticipated that the composition of our board of directors will change in connection with the decrease in SAIC's percentage ownership and voting control. SAIC will, however, continue to be our largest stockholder and may be able to exercise significant influence over us. SAIC is not under any obligation to retain its remaining interest, except that SAIC has agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. SAIC continues to provide us certain services, and we and SAIC have entered into agreements, and may enter into additional agreements in the future, relating to these services and other matters. Our certificate of incorporation includes provisions relating to competition by SAIC with us, allocations of corporate opportunities, transactions with interested parties and intercompany agreements and provisions limiting the liability of certain people. These provisions will remain in effect after this offering. See "Description of Capital Stock." 4 9 RISK FACTORS You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and the other information in this prospectus or incorporated by reference before deciding to invest in shares of our Class A common stock. These are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. If any of these risks or uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially harmed. In that case, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. INDUSTRY RISKS ONGOING PRIVATIZATION OF INTERNET ADMINISTRATION COULD HARM OUR REGISTRATION BUSINESS The Department of Commerce has adopted a plan, referred to as the Statement of Policy or "White Paper," calling for a phased transition of the Department's responsibilities for the domain name system to a not-for-profit corporation by September 30, 2000. The domain name system is the system by which Internet names and addresses are registered, allocated and used. We face risks from this transition, including: - failure to achieve consensus on the many issues relating to the functioning and governance of the not-for-profit corporation could result in instability in domain name system administration, - the not-for-profit corporation could fail to gain legitimacy resulting in instability in domain name system administration, - the U.S. Government could refuse to transfer certain responsibilities for domain name system administration to the not-for-profit corporation due to security, stability or other reasons resulting in fragmentation or other instability in domain name system administration, and - the not-for-profit corporation could adopt or promote policies, procedures or programs that are unfavorable to our role in the registration of domain names or that are not consistent with our current or future plans. As the U.S. Government transitions certain responsibilities for domain name system administration to the not-for-profit corporation, corresponding obligations under our Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Commerce may be terminated and, as appropriate, covered in a contract between the not-for-profit corporation and us. We might not reach an acceptable contractual agreement with the not-for-profit corporation for our continuing role in the registration of domain names. Despite the significant efforts undertaken to date, it is impossible to predict at this time whether or when the process initiated by the Statement of Policy will result in the transition to the not-for-profit corporation of specific domain name system responsibilities and, if it does, the effect on us of such transition. See "Business -- Ongoing Privatization of Internet Administration." CHANGES TO THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS Termination, or a change in the terms, of the Cooperative Agreement could harm our business. While the Cooperative Agreement by its terms expires in September 2000, it may be terminated earlier. The Department of Commerce's interpretation of certain provisions of the Cooperative Agreement could differ from ours. This could lead to disputes between us and the Department of Commerce or the not-for-profit corporation, which may or may not be resolved in our favor. Certain aspects of implementation of the Cooperative Agreement also remain to be negotiated, including the maximum price we will charge for registry services in the top level domains for which we now act as registry. If we are unsuccessful in negotiating acceptable terms of implementation, the costs of implementation of the Cooperative Agreement, our relationship with the not-for-profit corporation and other matters affecting our position in a more competitive domain name system environment could be harmed. See "Business -- Status of Cooperative Agreement." 5 10 CHALLENGES TO AUTHORITY OVER DOMAIN NAME ADMINISTRATION COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS Withdrawal of or challenges to the U.S. Government's sponsorship or authorization of certain functions that we perform could create a public perception or result in a legal finding that we lack authority to continue in our current role as registry or registrar within the .com, .org, .net and .edu top level domains. The legal authority underlying the roles of the Department of Commerce and the not-for-profit corporation with regard to the domain name system also could be challenged. The impact, if any, of any such public perception or finding is unknown, but it could be harmful to our business. WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY DUE TO INCREASED COMPETITION IN THE DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION BUSINESS The introduction of additional competition into the domain name registration business could be harmful to our business. This includes, in particular, competition among registrars within a single top level domain, like .com, and competition among registrars and registries of existing and potential new top level domains. In addition, we currently face competition in the domain name registration business from registries for country code top level domains, third level domain name providers such as Internet access providers and registrars and registries of top level domains other than those top level domains which we currently register. A number of entities have already begun to offer competing registration services using other top level domains and when the shared registration system takes effect we will no longer be the exclusive registrar in the .com, .org and .net top level domains. Future competition in the domain name registration business as a registry or registrar could come from many different companies, including: - domain name registration resellers, - country code registries, - Internet access providers, and - major telecommunications firms. Many of these entities have core capabilities to deliver registry and/or registrar services, such as help desks, billing services and network management, along with strong name recognition and Internet industry experience. Our revenue could be reduced due to increased competition, pricing pressures or a modification of billing practices. For example, other entities may bundle domain name registrations with other products or services. See "Business -- Competition in the Registration Business." WE DEPEND ON FUTURE GROWTH OF THE INTERNET AND INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE Our future success substantially depends on the continued growth in the use of the Internet. If the use of and interest in the Internet does not continue to grow, our business would be harmed. Continued growth of the Internet could be slowed by: - inadequate infrastructure, - lack of availability of cost-effective, high speed systems and service, - delays in developing or adopting new standards and protocols to handle increased levels of Internet activity, or - government regulation. WE RELY ON THIRD PARTIES WHO MAINTAIN AND CONTROL ROOT ZONE AND TOP LEVEL DOMAIN ZONE SERVERS The functioning of the domain name system depends on a hierarchy of specialized software programs resident in network computers called domain name servers. The top level of this hierarchy consists of root zone servers which contain the master directory of all top level domains in the Internet. Below the root zone servers are top level domain zone servers which contain the directory of active second level domain names and corresponding 6 11 Internet protocol numbers. We currently administer and operate only two of the 13 root zone servers and four top level domain zone servers. The others are administered and operated by independent operators on a volunteer basis. Because of the importance to the functioning of the Internet of these root zone servers and top level domain zone servers, our registration business could be harmed if these volunteer operators fail to properly maintain such servers or abandon such servers. Further, our registration business could be harmed if any of these volunteer operators fail to include or provide accessibility to the data that we maintain in the root zone servers and the top level domain zone servers that we control. See "Business -- Operations." WE RELY ON INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS Our registration business could be harmed if enough Internet service providers decided not to route Internet communications to or from domain names registered by us or if enough Internet service providers decided to provide routing to a set of domain name servers which did not point to our top level domain zone servers. SYSTEM FAILURE OR INTERRUPTION, SECURITY BREACHES OR OUR FAILURE TO MEET INCREASING DEMANDS ON OUR SYSTEMS COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS Any significant problem with our systems or operations could result in lost revenue, customer dissatisfaction or lawsuits against us. A failure in the operation of our registration system could result in deletion of one or more domain names from the Internet for a period of time. A failure in the operation or update of the master directory that we maintain could result in deletion of one or more top level domains from the Internet and the discontinuation of second level domain names in those top level domains for a period of time. The inability of our registration system and telecommunications systems to meet the demands of the increasing number of domain name registration requests and corresponding customer e-mails and telephone calls could result in substantial degradation in our customer support service and our ability to process registration requests in a timely manner. Our operations depend on our ability to maintain our computer and telecommunications equipment in effective working order and to reasonably protect our systems against interruption. The root zone servers and top level domain zone servers that we operate are critical hardware to our operations. Interruptions could result from: - fire, natural disaster, sabotage, power loss, telecommunication failure, human error or similar events, - computer viruses, hackers or similar disruptive problems caused by employees, customers or other Internet users, and - systems strain caused by the growth of our customer base and our inability to sufficiently maintain or upgrade our systems. See "Business -- Operations." WE MAY LOSE REVENUE OR INCUR SIGNIFICANT COSTS IF YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES ARE NOT PROPERLY ADDRESSED Our failure, or the failure of third parties on which we rely, to adequately address Year 2000 compliance issues may cause us to lose revenue or to incur significant costs. The primary risks that we face with regard to Year 2000 failures are those which impact our domain name registration business. These risks include: - significant and protracted interruption of electrical power to data and call-center operations in our engineering facility, - significant and protracted interruption of telecommunications and data network services in either of our headquarters or engineering facilities, - the failure of components of our current back office and domain name registration related systems, and - the occurrence of a Year 2000 problem with respect to third-party suppliers', vendors' and outsourcing service providers' products and services. 7 12 If we fail to solve a Year 2000 compliance problem with our mission critical business systems and processes, including the domain name servers under our control, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by our employees, the result could be a failure of or interruption to normal business operations. Furthermore, our business depends on the continued operation of, and widespread access to, the Internet. This, in turn, depends to a large extent on the software and systems of third parties on which our systems rely or to which they are connected. These third parties include, among others, Internet-related companies, including Internet web hosting companies, Internet access providers and Internet domain name server operators. We have no responsibility for, nor control over, other Internet domain name server operators that are critical to the efficient operation of the Internet. We do not know whether such domain name server operators have hardware, software or firmware that is Year 2000 compliant. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Year 2000 Compliance." COMPANY RISKS OUR SEARCH FOR A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PRESENTS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES On November 16, 1998, we announced the resignation of Gabriel A. Battista from his positions as Chief Executive Officer and director. We cannot reasonably estimate at this time the potential impact on us of Mr. Battista's departure or of the hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer. While we conduct a search for a new Chief Executive Officer, Michael A. Daniels, our Chairman of the Board, is acting as the Chief Executive Officer and assuming the executive responsibilities previously performed by Mr. Battista. In addition, Robert J. Korzeniewski, our Chief Financial Officer, is also acting as our Chief Operating Officer, assuming responsibility for day-to-day operations. We cannot be certain of the timing of our hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer or the effect of any delays in our hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer on the development or implementation of our strategic plan. WE MUST ATTRACT, INTEGRATE, TRAIN AND RETAIN KEY PERSONNEL KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT OUR BUSINESS Given the relative "newness" and rapid growth of the Internet, there is intense competition for the limited supply of people qualified to work for us. Our future success depends on the continued service of key engineering, sales, marketing, executive and administrative personnel, and our ability to attract, hire, integrate, train and retain such personnel. Competition for engineering, sales, marketing and executive personnel is intense, particularly in the technology and Internet sectors and in the regions where our facilities are located. We cannot be certain that we will be able to retain existing personnel or attract, hire or retain additional qualified personnel. The loss of the services of any of our senior management team or other key employees or our failure to attract, integrate, train and retain additional key employees could harm our business. OUR NEAR TERM SUCCESS DEPENDS ON THE GROWTH OF OUR DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION BUSINESS We may not be able to sustain the revenue growth we have experienced in recent periods. In addition, past revenue growth may not be indicative of future operating results. If we do not successfully maintain our current position as a leading provider of domain name registration services or develop or market additional services, our business could be harmed. Our domain name registration services business generates over 90% of our revenue and is expected to continue to account for a very significant portion of our revenue in at least the near term. Our future success will depend largely on: - the continued increase in domain name registrations, - re-registration rates of our customers, 8 13 - our ability to maintain our current position as a leading registrar of domain names, and - the successful development, introduction and market acceptance of new services that address the demands of Internet users. WE MUST EFFECTIVELY MANAGE OUR MARKETING ORGANIZATION AND ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS We will need to effectively manage our growing sales and marketing organization if we want to achieve future revenue growth. We do not know if we will be able to identify, attract and retain experienced sales and marketing personnel with relevant experience. Further, our sales and marketing organization may not be able to successfully compete against the significantly more extensive and well-funded sales and marketing operations of our current or potential competitors for registration or consulting services. Our ability to achieve future revenue growth will also depend on our ability to continue to establish direct sales channels and to develop multiple distribution channels. To do this we must maintain relationships with Internet access providers and other third parties. WE HAVE A HIGH LEVEL OF UNCOLLECTIBLE RECEIVABLES Because of our high level of uncollectible receivables, we continually review our billing practices. Any modifications that we implement as a result of these reviews could have unanticipated harmful consequences to our business. We believe we have experienced a high level of uncollectible receivables due to, among other factors, the large number of individuals and corporations that have registered multiple domain names with the apparent intention of reselling such names at a profit. Our experience has been that such resellers have a greater tendency than other customers to default on their services fees. We have established a provision for uncollectible accounts which we believe to be adequate to cover anticipated uncollectible receivables; however, actual results could differ from our estimates. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements. WE ARE PARTY TO SEVERAL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS WHICH COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON US We are involved in several legal proceedings. We cannot reasonably estimate the potential impact of any of these proceedings. An adverse determination in any of these proceedings, however, could harm our business. Legal proceedings in which we are involved are expensive and divert our personnel. See "Business -- Legal Proceedings." WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION We rely on a combination of nondisclosure and other contractual arrangements with the U.S. Government, our employees and third parties, and privacy and trade secret laws to protect and limit the distribution of our proprietary customer data, software, documentation and processes we have developed in connection with our domain name registration business. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary information or if we become involved in litigation relating to our intellectual property rights, proprietary information or access to our customer data, our business could be harmed. Any actions we take may not be adequate to protect our proprietary rights and other companies may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our proprietary technology. Although we believe that our services do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others and that we have all rights needed to use the intellectual property employed in our business, it is possible that we could become subject to claims alleging infringement of third party intellectual property rights. Any claims could subject us to costly litigation, and may require us to pay damages and develop non-infringing intellectual property or acquire licenses to the intellectual property that is the subject of the alleged infringement. 9 14 UNSUCCESSFUL FUTURE ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS COULD DECREASE OPERATING INCOME, CAUSE OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS OR OTHERWISE DISRUPT OUR BUSINESS We evaluate potential acquisitions and investments on an ongoing basis for various reasons including, among others, diversification of our domain name registration and consulting businesses. Our acquisition and investment strategy poses many risks, including: - we may not be able to compete successfully for available acquisition candidates, complete future acquisitions and investments or accurately estimate the financial effect on our company of any businesses we acquire or investments we make, - future acquisitions and investments may require us to spend significant cash amounts or may decrease our operating income, - we may have trouble integrating the acquired business and retaining personnel, - acquisitions or investments may disrupt our business and distract our management from other responsibilities, and - to the extent that any of the companies which we acquire or in which we invest fail, our business could be harmed. If pooling of interests accounting becomes available to us in the future, we believe it could provide us greater flexibility in our acquisition strategy. Whether or when pooling of interests accounting becomes available to us, however, depends on many factors beyond our control. WE FACE INCREASING RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS While substantially all of our operations, facilities, and personnel are located within the United States, our revenues from sources outside the U.S. have increased significantly and may continue to increase in the future. As a result, we are subject to the risks of conducting business internationally, including unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar, tariffs and other barriers and restrictions and the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws. We do not know what the impact of such regulatory, geopolitical and other factors will be on our business in the future or if we will have to modify our business practice. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. OUR QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS MAY FLUCTUATE; OUR FUTURE REVENUE AND PROFITABILITY ARE UNCERTAIN Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly in the future due to a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Factors that may affect our revenue include: - variations in the number of requests for domain name registrations or demand for our services, - termination or completion of contracts in our enterprise network consulting services business or failure to obtain additional contracts in that business, and - market acceptance of new service offerings. In addition, we expect a significant increase in our operating expenses as we: - increase our sales and marketing operations and activities, and - continue to update our systems and infrastructure. If the increase in our expenses is not followed by an increase in our revenue, our operating results will be harmed. The fact that in the past our revenues have increased and we have been profitable on a quarterly and annual basis is not indicative of whether our revenues will increase or whether we will be profitable on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." 10 15 OFFERING RISKS OUR STOCK PRICE, LIKE THAT OF MANY INTERNET COMPANIES, IS HIGHLY VOLATILE The market price of our Class A common stock has been and is likely to continue to be highly volatile and significantly affected by factors such as: - general market conditions and market conditions affecting technology and Internet stocks generally, - actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly or annual registrations or operating results, - announcements of technological innovations, acquisitions or investments, developments in Internet governance or corporate actions such as stock splits, and - industry conditions and trends. The stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of the stocks of technology companies, especially Internet-related companies. These broad market or technology or Internet sector fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock. Recently, the market price of our Class A common stock, like that of many Internet-related companies, has experienced significant fluctuations. For instance, in January 1999, the reported sales price for our Class A common stock ranged from $128.0625 per share to $260.375 per share. On January 29, 1999, the reported last sale price of our Class A common stock was $241.00 per share. Investors may not be able to resell their shares of our Class A common stock at or above the offering price. The market price of our Class A common stock also has been and is likely to continue to be significantly affected by expectations of analysts and investors. Reports and statements of analysts do not necessarily reflect our views. The fact that we have in the past met or exceeded analyst or investor expectations does not necessarily mean that we will do so in the future. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a particular company's securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources. See "Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy." FUTURE SALES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK COULD AFFECT OUR STOCK PRICE After this offering, SAIC will own 7,425,000 of the outstanding shares of common stock. A decision by SAIC to sell such stock could depress the market price of the Class A common stock. WE CANNOT PREDICT WHETHER INVESTORS WILL INVEST IN SHARES OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK This offering, together with the 2-for-1 stock split approved by our board of directors on December 31, 1998, will have the effect of increasing substantially the number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock available for purchase and sale in the public market. The increased number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock available in the public market may not attract investors, including institutional investors, to invest in shares of Class A common stock. If investors are not attracted to invest in Class A common stock, there could be an adverse effect on the price of the shares of our Class A common stock. BECAUSE USE OF PROCEEDS IS UNSPECIFIED, IF PROCEEDS ARE NOT INVESTED TO YIELD A FAVORABLE RETURN, THERE COULD BE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE PRICE OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK We will receive proceeds from this offering only if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option. We plan to use any such proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes and possibly for acquisitions and investments. Therefore, we will have discretion as to how we will spend the proceeds, which could be in ways with which the stockholders may not agree. We cannot predict that the proceeds will be invested to yield a favorable return. If the proceeds are not invested to yield a favorable return, there could be an adverse effect on the price of the shares of our Class A common stock. 11 16 SAIC MAY MAINTAIN SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE OVER US Because it holds a significant number of shares of Class B common stock, which have ten votes per share, SAIC effectively controls all matters requiring approval by our stockholders including the election of members of our board of directors, changes in the size and composition of the board of directors and a change in control. We do not have an agreement with SAIC which restricts its rights to convert, distribute or sell its shares of our common stock. SAIC currently intends to convert all of its remaining shares of Class B common stock into an identical number of shares of Class A common stock by May 31, 1999, assuming completion of this offering. Although SAIC's economic interest and voting power will be below 50% of the total economic interest and voting power of our common stock after such conversion, SAIC will remain our largest stockholder and may be able to exercise significant influence over us. See "Selling Stockholders" and "Description of Capital Stock." CERTAIN DIRECTORS MAY HAVE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Certain of our directors currently serve as directors, officers and employees of SAIC. Therefore, there may be various conflicts of interest or conflicting duties for these individuals. Since our directors and officers may also own stock of SAIC, there may be conflicts of interest when directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us and SAIC. WE RELY ON SAIC FOR CERTAIN CORPORATE SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS We currently receive corporate services under an agreement with SAIC. Were SAIC to terminate these services, we may not be able to secure alternative sources for such services or such services may only be available to us at prices higher than those charged by SAIC. Our employees are currently eligible to participate in certain SAIC employee benefit plans. After this offering and after SAIC converts its remaining shares of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, we will have to establish certain employee benefit plans of our own which could result in incremental costs to us. OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION CONTAINS PROVISIONS RELATING TO SAIC THAT MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT US OR OUR STOCKHOLDERS Our certificate of incorporation includes provisions relating to competition by SAIC with us, allocations of corporate opportunities, transactions with interested parties and intercompany agreements and provisions limiting the liability of certain people. Such provisions will continue to remain in effect after this offering. It is unclear whether such provisions are enforceable under Delaware corporate law. Our certificate of incorporation provides that any person purchasing or acquiring an interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have consented to the provisions in the certificate of incorporation relating to competition with SAIC, conflicts of interest, corporate opportunities and intercompany agreements, and such consent may restrict such person's ability to challenge transactions carried out in compliance with such provisions. The corporate charter of SAIC does not include similar provisions. Therefore, persons who are directors and/or officers of ours and who are also directors and/or officers of SAIC may choose to take action in reliance on such provisions rather than act in a manner that might be favorable to us but adverse to SAIC. ------------------------ This prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends" and "plans" and similar expressions. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these statements. Factors that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed above and elsewhere in this prospectus. 12 17 PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY The following table sets forth the high and low last reported last sales prices for the Class A common stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the periods indicated.
----------------------------- HIGH LOW ------------- ------------- Year Ended December 31, 1997: Fourth Quarter from September 26, 1997.................... $ 26 3/4 $ 11 3/4 Year Ended December 31, 1998: First Quarter............................................. 37 1/8 12 15/16 Second Quarter............................................ 55 32 1/2 Third Quarter............................................. 46 5/16 25 3/4 Fourth Quarter............................................ 164 23/32 28 3/8 Year Ending December 31, 1999: First Quarter through January 29, 1999.................... 241 155
We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock. We plan to retain any earnings for use in the operation of our business. USE OF PROCEEDS All of the proceeds from the sale of the shares of Class A common stock in this offering by the selling stockholders will be received by the selling stockholders. We will receive proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock in this offering only if, and to the extent that, the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option. If the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, we estimate that our proceeds from this offering will be $ million after deducting underwriting discounts. We will receive proceeds of approximately $1.1 million upon the exercise of options by certain of the members of our management who are selling stockholders. We intend to use any proceeds received by us from this offering primarily for working capital and other general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the proceeds to acquire or invest in businesses, technologies, product lines or service offerings that are complementary to our business. We have no present plans or commitments and are not currently engaged in any negotiations with respect to such transactions. As a result, we will have significant discretion as to the use of the proceeds. Pending such uses, we intend to invest the proceeds in interest-bearing, investment-grade securities. See "Risk Factors -- Future Acquisitions and Investments Could Harm Our Business" and "-- Use of Proceeds Is Unspecified." 13 18 SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data of Network Solutions for the periods indicated and should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," the Financial Statements and the Notes related thereto included elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the periods January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, were derived from Network Solutions' audited financial statements included elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The information for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 is derived from Network Solutions' unaudited financial statements which, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the periods then ended. The selected financial data for the year ended December 31, 1995 were derived by combining Network Solutions' Results of Operations for the period January 1, 1995 through March 10, 1995 and the period March 11, 1995 through December 31, 1995, both as derived from Network Solutions' audited financial statements included elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Comparability of pre-acquisition periods to post-acquisition periods is limited because the financial statements have been prepared on differing bases of accounting as a result of the acquisition by SAIC. The accompanying financial statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for all periods presented for continuing operations reflect the results of operations of the commercial business of Network Solutions, which includes registration services and enterprise network consulting services. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Overview -- The SAIC Acquisition" and "-- Registration Services." See Notes 1, 9 and 15 of Notes to Financial Statements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- NINE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------------------------ ------------------ 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- In thousands, except per share data STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net revenue............................................... $ 4,369 $ 5,029 $ 6,486 $18,862 $ 45,326 $30,896 $ 62,935 Cost of revenue........................................... 2,924 3,073 5,704 14,666 25,798 18,468 26,451 ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Gross profit.............................................. 1,445 1,956 782 4,196 19,528 12,428 35,944 Research and development expenses......................... -- -- -- 680 1,653 1,095 2,893 Selling, general and administrative expenses.............. 1,401 1,544 2,394 6,280 12,268 7,893 24,438 Interest income........................................... -- -- -- 496 2,211 1,054 4,423 Other expenses............................................ 120 109 61 -- 116 -- 93 ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle............................................... (76) 303 (1,673) (2,268) 7,702 4,494 12,943 Provision (benefit) for income taxes...................... 34 114 (239) (643) 3,471 2,006 5,426 ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Income (loss) from continuing operations.................. (110) 189 (1,434) (1,625) 4,231 2,488 7,517 Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes.... (936) (1,169) (1,403) -- -- -- -- Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes................................................... 660 -- -- -- -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Net income (loss)......................................... $ (386) $ (980) $(2,837) $(1,625) $ 4,231 $ 2,488 $ 7,517 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ======== Basic earnings per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations.............. $ (0.10) $ 0.18 $ (0.14) $ (0.13) $ 0.32 $ 0.20 $ 0.47 Loss from discontinued operations..................... (0.90) (1.12) (0.13) -- -- -- -- Cumulative effect of accounting change................ 0.63 -- -- -- -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Net income (loss)..................................... $ (0.37) $ (0.94) $ (0.27) $ (0.13) $ 0.32 $ 0.20 $ 0.47 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ======== Weighted average shares................................... 1,048 1,042 10,335 12,500 13,305 12,501 15,888 Diluted earnings per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations.............. $ (0.10) $ 0.18 $ (0.14) $ (0.13) $ 0.31 $ 0.20 $ 0.45 Loss from discontinued operations..................... (0.90) (1.12) (0.13) -- -- -- -- Cumulative effect of accounting change................ 0.63 -- -- -- -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- Net income (loss)..................................... $ (0.37) $ (0.94) $ (0.27) $ (0.13) $ 0.31 $ 0.20 $ 0.45 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ======== Weighted average shares................................... 1,048 1,047 10,335 12,500 13,483 12,600 16,544
14 19
--------------------------------------------------------------------- NINE MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------------------------ ------------------ 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- In thousands OTHER OPERATING DATA (1): Net new registrations................................. 13 24 141 489 960 698 1,290 Registrations not renewed............................. -- -- 1 39 46 29 54 Net registrations as of period end.................... 13 37 177 627 1,541 1,296 2,777
--------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------------------------------- ------------------- 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 ------ ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- In thousands BALANCE SHEET DATA: Cash and cash equivalents............................. $ -- $ 136 $ 5 $15,540 $ 41,146 $ 19,062 $ 9,124 Total marketable securities........................... -- -- -- -- 40,200 28,321 114,148 Working capital....................................... (179) (1,340) (559) 1,362 50,947 (2,652) 63,506 Total assets.......................................... 3,124 2,448 11,748 66,118 149,620 127,268 191,915 Restricted assets included in total assets............ -- -- 1,408 17,453 25,873 40,135 627 Deferred revenue, net................................. 73 137 3,346 29,352 61,451 54,508 106,730 Long-term obligations, excluding current portion............................................. 344 81 1,353 9,440 18,743 17,329 29,400 Total stockholders' equity............................ 1,221 252 3,062 1,437 47,655 (6,075) 62,019
- --------------- (1) Net new registrations for each period include gross new registrations less an estimate of registrations that are uncollectible. Net registrations include net new registrations less an estimate of registrations not renewed. Prior to September 14, 1995, net registrations equaled gross registrations because Network Solutions was reimbursed by the National Science Foundation for all registrations under a cost plus fixed-fee contract. 15 20 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with "Selected Financial Data" and Network Solutions' Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Except for the historical information contained herein and incorporated herein by reference, the discussion in this prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of Network Solutions' plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The cautionary statements made in this prospectus should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this prospectus. Network Solutions' actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus and from time to time in Network Solutions' periodic reports. Unless otherwise indicated, the accompanying financial statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for all periods presented for continuing operations reflect the financial position and results of operations of Network Solutions' commercial business, which includes registration services and consulting services. OVERVIEW Network Solutions, Inc. Network Solutions currently acts as the exclusive registry and registrar of Internet domain names within the .com, .org, .net and .edu top level domains pursuant to the Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Commerce. Domain names are used to identify a unique site or presence on the Internet. As registry and registrar for these top level domains, Network Solutions registers new domain names and is responsible for the maintenance of the master file of domain names through daily updates to the Internet. Network Solutions also provides enterprise network consulting services, focusing on network engineering, network and systems security and network management solutions. Cumulative net registrations (gross registrations less management's estimate of uncollectible registrations and of non-re-registrations) within the top level domains administered by Network Solutions increased by 114%, from 1,296,000 domain names registered at September 30, 1997 to 2,777,000 domain names registered at September 30, 1998. Net registrations in the .com top level domain represent 84% of Network Solutions' total net registrations at September 30, 1998. Of the 2,777,000 cumulative net registrations at September 30, 1998, 1,238,000 registrations will be up for annual re-registration during the next twelve months based upon their respective anniversaries of initial registration. International registrations accounted for 28% of net new registrations during the first nine months of both 1998 and 1997. Net revenue from registration services accounted for 92.5% of Network Solutions' net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Network Solutions delivers enterprise network consulting services to large companies that desire to establish or enhance their Internet presence or re-engineer legacy network infrastructures to accommodate the integration of both Internet connectivity and internal enterprise network, or intranet, technology into their information technology base. Our enterprise network consulting services include network engineering, network and systems security and network management. During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, Network Solutions provided enterprise network consulting services to more than 20 companies. Net revenue from enterprise network consulting services accounted for 7.5% of Network Solutions' net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Registration Services In December 1992, Network Solutions entered into the Cooperative Agreement with the National Science Foundation under which Network Solutions was to provide Internet domain name registration services for five top level domains: .com, .org, .net, .edu and .gov. These registration services include the initial two year domain name registration and annual re-registration, and throughout the registration term, maintenance of and unlimited modifications to individual domain name records and updates to the master file of domain names. The 16 21 Cooperative Agreement became effective January 1, 1993. It included a three-month phase-in period, a five-year operational period, commencing April 1, 1993 and ending March 31, 1998, and a six-month flexibility period through September 30, 1998. Effective September 9, 1998, the Department of Commerce took over the administration of the Cooperative Agreement from the National Science Foundation. In October 1998, the Cooperative Agreement was amended to extend the flexibility period until September 30, 2000. The original terms of the Cooperative Agreement provided for a cost reimbursement plus fixed-fee contract (with an initial fee of 8%). Effective September 14, 1995, the National Science Foundation and Network Solutions amended the Cooperative Agreement to require Network Solutions to begin charging end users a services fee of $50 per year for each domain name in the .com, .org and .net top level domains. Prior to April 1, 1998, registrants paid a services fee of $100 for two years of domain name services upon each initial registration and an annual re-registration fee of $50 per year thereafter. The National Science Foundation paid the registration fees for domain names within the .edu and .gov top level domains through March 31, 1997. Commencing April 1, 1997, Network Solutions agreed with the National Science Foundation to provide domain name services within the .edu and .gov top level domains free of charge. As of October 1, 1997, Network Solutions no longer registers or administers domain names in the .gov top level domain. Under the terms of the September 14, 1995 amendment to the Cooperative Agreement, 30% of the registration fees collected by Network Solutions was required to be set aside for the enhancement of the intellectual infrastructure of the Internet and, as such, was not recognized as revenue by Network Solutions. Network Solutions has reflected these funds, along with the appropriate percentage of net accounts receivable, as restricted assets and has recorded an equivalent, related current liability. Network Solutions maintains the cash received relating to the set aside funds in a separate interest bearing account. The set aside funds, plus any interest earned, are disbursed at the direction of the National Science Foundation. As of September 30, 1998, Network Solutions had disbursed $62.2 million to the National Science Foundation at their direction, and had a remaining restricted cash balance of approximately $627,000. On March 12, 1998, the National Science Foundation and Network Solutions amended the Cooperative Agreement to eliminate the 30% set aside requirement effective April 1, 1998 and to reduce the registration fees by a corresponding amount. Initial registrations on and after April 1, 1998 are charged $70 for two years of registration services and an annual re-registration fee of $35 per year thereafter. This amendment has no effect on the revenue currently recognized on each registration, $70 for initial registrations and $35 for re-registrations, since Network Solutions previously did not recognize revenue on the 30% set aside funds. Accordingly, while the revenue to Network Solutions on a per registration basis does not change, the amount charged to customers declined. In order to provide prompt access to new domain names on the Internet, Network Solutions generally invoices customers and permits them to pay their registration fees after their domain names are registered. Network Solutions' experience has been that, for the period from September 1995 through September 1998, approximately 30% of new registrations have ultimately been deactivated for non-payment. Network Solutions believes that this level of uncollectible receivables is due to, among other factors, the large number of individuals and corporations that have registered multiple domain names with the apparent intention of transferring registration for such names at a profit. Such resellers have a greater tendency than other customers to default on their registration fees. As a consequence, Network Solutions has recorded a comparable provision for uncollectible accounts in determining net registration revenue. This 30% provision has been consistently applied for the period from September 1995 through September 1998 and is considered adequate by Network Solutions. Registration fees charged to customers for registration services are recognized as revenue evenly over the registration term. For example, Network Solutions recognizes $70 on a straight-line basis over the two-year service period for each $70 initial domain name registration, equivalent to $35 per year. Annual re-registrations of domain names are recorded as revenue based upon $35 recognized on a straight-line basis over the one-year service period. This subscription-based model defers revenue recognition until Network Solutions provides the registration services, including maintenance of and unlimited modifications to individual domain name records, 17 22 over the respective registration terms. At September 30, 1998, Network Solutions had net deferred revenue of $106.7 million. Expenses for Network Solutions increased each quarter during 1995, 1996, 1997 and the first nine months of 1998 as a result of increased business activities, primarily attributable to subscriber growth for Network Solutions' registration services business. Network Solutions believes continued investments in its back office infrastructure as well as significant expansion of its sales and marketing and product development activities are critical to the achievement of its goals and anticipates that costs and expenses will continue to increase in each quarter for the foreseeable future. Enterprise Network Consulting Services Substantially all of Network Solutions' enterprise network consulting services revenue is derived from professional services which are generally provided to clients on a time and expense basis and is recognized as services are performed. The majority of Network Solutions' enterprise network consulting services are provided to customers in the financial services industry. Bank America, formerly NationsBanc, is currently Network Solutions' largest enterprise network consulting services client, accounting for 49% of Network Solutions' enterprise network consulting services business net revenue and 3.7% of Network Solutions' total net revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 1998. NationsBanc originally contracted with Network Solutions in 1993 and Network Solutions currently provides network design and engineering services as well as a variety of project specific services under the contract. The SAIC Acquisition Network Solutions was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1979 and was reincorporated in Delaware in 1996. Network Solutions was acquired by SAIC on March 10, 1995 in a stock-for-stock transaction accounted for as a purchase and is currently a majority-owned subsidiary of SAIC. Prior to the acquisition of Network Solutions by SAIC, Network Solutions' principal lines of business consisted of providing integration and engineering services for computer and telecommunications networks for government and commercial customers and domain name registration services. Network Solutions' business included commercial and government contracts awarded to Network Solutions on a competitive basis, including government contracts that were awarded to Network Solutions based partially upon Network Solutions' then minority-owned status. The contracts which had been awarded to Network Solutions based in part on Network Solutions' then minority-owned status were transferred into a separately-owned entity prior to the acquisition of Network Solutions by SAIC. In November 1995, SAIC adopted a plan to transfer Network Solutions' remaining government-based business to SAIC in order to enable Network Solutions to focus on the growth of its commercial business, which includes registration services and enterprise network consulting services. This transfer was effective as of February 1996. The operating results of both the minority-based government contracts business and the remaining government-based business are reflected as discontinued operations in Network Solutions' Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this prospectus for all periods presented. Financial Presentation Network Solutions' Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this prospectus for all periods presented reflect the results of continuing operations related to the commercial activities of Network Solutions only. The operating results of both the minority-based government contracts business, which was transferred into a separate entity prior to the acquisition of Network Solutions by SAIC, and the remaining government-based business, which was transferred to SAIC effective February 1996, are reflected as discontinued operations in Network Solutions' financial statements. See Notes 1 and 9 of Notes to Financial Statements for a discussion of transactions with SAIC. 18 23 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship to net revenue of certain items in Network Solutions' Statements of Operations. The percentage relationships for the year ended December 31, 1995 were derived by combining Network Solutions' results of operations for the period January 1, 1995 through March 10, 1995 and the period March 11, 1995 through December 31, 1995 which, respectively, are periods before and after the date of the SAIC acquisition. Accordingly, the data for these two periods and the periods preceding and following the acquisition were prepared on differing bases of accounting and, as a result, the comparability of such percentage relationships with other periods is limited, primarily as a result of the goodwill amortization, new corporate services agreements and interest expense related to outstanding debt balances.
----------------------------------------- NINE MONTHS YEAR ENDED ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------- -------------- 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Percentage of net revenue Net revenue........................................ 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of revenue.................................... 87.9 77.8 56.9 59.8 42.4 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Gross profit....................................... 12.1 22.2 43.1 40.2 57.6 Research and development expenses.................. -- 3.6 3.6 3.5 4.6 Selling, general and administrative expenses....... 36.9 33.3 27.1 25.5 39.2 Interest and other expense (income)................ 0.9 (2.7) (4.6) (3.4) (6.9) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes..................................... (25.7) (12.0) 17.0 14.6 20.7 Provision (benefit) for income taxes............... (3.6) (3.4) 7.7 6.5 8.7 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes..................................... (22.1)% (8.6)% 9.3% 8.1% 12.0% ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
In September 1995, the Cooperative Agreement between Network Solutions and the National Science Foundation was amended from a cost reimbursement plus fixed-fee contract to a fee-based registration contract. Network Solutions believes that the change to a subscription-based pricing model, combined with Network Solutions' recent growth, make period to period comparisons of its operating results less meaningful and that the results for any period should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. The recent revenue growth experienced by Network Solutions should not be taken as being indicative of the rate of revenue growth, if any, that can be expected in the future. COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1998 Net Revenue Net revenue increased 102% from $30.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to $62.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. This increase in net revenue was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of domain name registrations, principally in the .com top level domain. Net revenue from registration services increased 123% from $25.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to $57.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Net new registrations increased 85% from 698,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to 1,290,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Growth in net registrations continues to be driven by the widespread use and adoption by businesses of the Internet and intranets on a global basis. Cumulative net registrations as of September 30, 1997 were 1,296,000 as compared to 2,777,000 as of September 30, 1998, for a 114% increase. Additionally, net new registrations increased 89% from 269,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1997 to 507,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1998. This also represents a 14% increase over the 19 24 443,000 net new registrations for the three months ended June 30, 1998. In addition, this growth in cumulative net registrations is a 21% increase in Network Solutions' entire customer base since June 30, 1998. While net revenue from enterprise network consulting services decreased 6% from $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, the most recent quarter reflected an increase of 53% over both the same quarter last year and the second quarter of 1998. NationsBanc accounted for $1.7 million or 5.5% of Network Solutions' total net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and $2.3 million or 3.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. During the nine months ended September 30, 1998, the consulting services division continued to add new leadership in sales and operations and hired additional technical consultants. In addition, the division continued to emphasize its efforts targeted at lead generation and regional sales and marketing programs by opening offices in New York City and Atlanta, Georgia. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue consists primarily of salaries and employee benefits, fees paid to subcontractors for work performed in connection with revenue producing projects, depreciation and equipment costs, lease costs of the operations infrastructure and the associated operating overhead. Cost of revenue increased from $18.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to $26.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. This 43% increase was driven by a $1.8 million increase in labor, a $3.7 million increase in outsourcing costs and $2.6 million in additional depreciation charges and equipment expenditures primarily associated with supporting the growth of Network Solutions' registration services business. In the near term, the continued investment in the back office infrastructure and provision of customer service is expected to partially offset future margin improvements arising from economies of scale. As a percentage of net revenue, cost of revenue decreased from 59.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to 42.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 principally reflecting economies of scale and other operational efficiencies achieved in Network Solutions' registration business. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses consist primarily of compensation and consultant expenses to support the creation, development and enhancement of Network Solutions' products, services and technologies. Research and development expenses increased 164% from $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. As a percentage of net revenue, research and development expenses increased from 3.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to 4.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. To date, all research and development costs have been expensed as incurred. Network Solutions expects that the level of research and development expenses will continue to increase in the near future in terms of absolute dollars as Network Solutions invests in developing new product and service offerings. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries of business development, general management, administrative and financial personnel, marketing expenses, corporate services from SAIC, legal and other professional costs and amortization of goodwill associated with Network Solutions' 1995 acquisition by SAIC. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 210% from $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to $24.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The increase was attributable to a $10.2 million increase in marketing and business development expenses including television, Internet banner advertising and targeted direct mail campaigns, increased staffing expenses of $1.5 million and an increase in legal and other professional costs of $2.7 million. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 25.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 to 39.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Network Solutions expects that the level of selling, general and administrative expenses will increase significantly in the near future in terms of absolute dollars as operations continue to expand. In particular, sales, marketing and business development expenses will increase 20 25 as Network Solutions continues to promote the value of a .com web address and other new Internet-based value-added services. Network Solutions also plans to continue to develop its distribution channels, both domestically and internationally. Interest Income Network Solutions had net interest income of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 as compared to $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The increase is attributable to the investment of the positive cash flow resulting primarily from increasing domain name registrations and the net proceeds of Network Solutions' initial public offering. Income Taxes The provision for income taxes was 45% of pretax earnings, or $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, and 42%, or $5.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The difference between the effective rates for both periods presented is principally attributable to the relative impact that non-deductible goodwill had on pretax operating income. Goodwill is being amortized by Network Solutions over five years and is associated with the acquisition of Network Solutions by SAIC in 1995. COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1997 Net Revenue Net revenue increased 140% from $18.9 million in 1996 to $45.3 million in 1997. This increase in net revenue was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of domain name registrations, principally in the .com top level domain. Net revenue from registration services increased 246% from $11.2 million in 1996 to $38.8 million in 1997. Net new registrations increased 96% from 489,000 during 1996 to 960,000 during 1997. Growth in registrations was driven by the widespread use and adoption by businesses of the Internet and intranets on a global basis. Cumulative net registrations as of December 31, 1996 were 627,000 as compared to 1,541,000 as of December 31, 1997, for a 146% increase. Net revenue from enterprise network consulting services decreased 16% from $7.7 million in 1996 to $6.5 million in 1997. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in business from NationsBanc. NationsBanc, Network Solutions' largest enterprise network consulting services client, accounted for $3.7 million or 20% of Network Solutions' total net revenue in 1996 and $1.9 million or 4% of Network Solutions' total net revenue in 1997. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue increased 76% from $14.7 million in 1996 to $25.8 million in 1997. The increase was primarily driven by the growth of Network Solutions' registration business which experienced additional labor costs of $4.2 million and additional outsourcing costs of $1.6 million in support of Network Solutions' invoicing, collection and processing activities. In June 1997, Network Solutions opened a 31,200 square foot facility to support its Internet business operations and in January 1998, Network Solutions signed an agreement to lease an additional 9,100 square feet at the same location. This leased facility is designed to meet current registration services customer support needs as well as to provide expansion capability for future business. As a percentage of net revenue, cost of revenue decreased from 77.8% in 1996 to 56.9% in 1997. This decrease primarily reflects economies of scale that Network Solutions achieved due to the growth of its subscription-based domain name registration business. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses increased 150% from $680,000 in 1996 to $1.7 million in 1997. All of Network Solutions' research and development costs have been expensed as incurred. As a percentage of net revenue, research and development expenses were 3.6% for both 1996 and 1997. 21 26 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 95% from $6.3 million in 1996 to $12.3 million in 1997. The increase is primarily attributable to increased management and administrative labor expenses of $1.8 million, business development expenses of $1.3 million and an increase in legal costs of $1.0 million. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 33.3% in 1996 to 27.1 % in 1997. The decrease in percentage of net revenue reflects economies of scale Network Solutions achieved due primarily to the growth of its domain name registration business. Interest Income Network Solutions had net interest income of $496,000 in 1996 as compared to $2.1 million in 1997. The increase is attributable to the investment of the net proceeds of Network Solutions' stock offering as well as improved cash flow resulting from the increase in domain name registrations. Income Taxes (Benefit) The income tax benefit was $643,000 in 1996 as compared to an income tax expense of $3.5 million in 1997. The effective tax rate changed from 28% in 1996 to 45% in 1997. The difference between the effective rates is principally attributable to the relative impact that non-deductible goodwill had on pretax operating income or loss for the year. Goodwill is being amortized by Network Solutions over five years and is associated with the acquisition of Network Solutions by SAIC in 1995. COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996 Net Revenue Net revenue increased 191% from $6.5 million in 1995 to $18.9 million in 1996. This increase in net revenue was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of domain name registrations, principally in the .com top level domain, as well as Network Solutions' shift to a subscription-based pricing model. Net revenue from registration services increased 600% from $1.6 million in 1995 to $11.2 million in 1996. Net revenue in 1995 primarily reflects the cost reimbursement plus fixed-fee contract with the NSF whereas net revenue for 1996 reflects Network Solutions' subscription-based pricing model. Net new registrations increased 247% from 141,000 during the year ended December 31, 1995 to 489,000 during the year ended December 31, 1996. Cumulative net registrations increased 254% from 177,000 at December 31, 1995 to 627,000 at December 31, 1996. Net revenue from enterprise network consulting services increased 57% from $4.9 million in 1995 to $7.7 million in 1996, including an increase in net revenue from NationsBanc, Network Solutions' largest consulting services customer, which increased 42% from $2.6 million in 1995 to $3.7 million in 1996. This growth was primarily attributable to increased funding within NationsBanc to support internal network integration and expansion. Network Solutions also experienced growth from a number of new consulting services customers, many of which were obtained through subcontracting with and utilizing leads from SAIC. NationsBanc accounted for 19.6% of total net revenue in 1996. NationsBanc accounted for 40.0% of total net revenue and the National Science Foundation, under the cost reimbursement plus fixed-fee contract, accounted for 20.8% of total net revenue in 1995. No other source of revenue accounted for more than 7.1% of total net revenue in either year. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue increased 157% from $5.7 million in 1995 to $14.7 million in 1996. The increase in cost was related primarily to an increase in the cost of labor of $3.7 million as a result of Network Solutions' rapid growth. Effective with the September 14, 1995 amendment to the Cooperative Agreement which implemented the subscription-based pricing model, Network Solutions established and continued to develop its back office capability. This required Network Solutions to make significant investments in hardware and software as well as to utilize a number of third-party vendors in support of back office requirements. In particular, Network Solutions began to outsource portions of its back office operations during the fourth quarter of 1996. A principal 22 27 benefit of outsourcing was to increase the capacity and efficiency of its back office operations; however, such action alone did not significantly impact operating margins. As a percentage of net revenue, cost of revenue decreased from 87.9% in 1995 to 77.8% in 1996. This decrease reflects economies of scale that Network Solutions achieved due to the growth of its domain name registration business. Research and Development Expenses There were no research and development expenses in 1995, in large part because registration system enhancements were reimbursable under the Cooperative Agreement. In 1996, research and development expenses were $680,000 or 3.6% of net revenue. All of Network Solutions' research and development costs have been expensed as incurred. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 162% from $2.4 million in 1995 to $6.3 million in 1996. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in management, administrative and business development staff, as well as increased legal costs associated with the administration of Network Solutions' domain name dispute policy. Selling, general and administrative expenses include $237,000 in 1995 and $822,000 in 1996 of expenses allocated from SAIC in accordance with the then current intercompany agreement. If the expenses were based on the fee of 2.5% of net revenue under the intercompany agreement in effect during 1997, such expenses would have been $133,000 and $472,000, respectively. As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 36.9% in 1995 to 33.3% in 1996, reflecting the generally fixed nature of certain general and administrative expenses as well as management's control of such costs. Interest Expense (Income) Network Solutions had net interest expense of $61,000 in 1995 as compared to interest income of $496,000 in 1996. The change is primarily attributable to positive cash flow in 1996 associated with Network Solutions' domain name registration business. Income Taxes (Benefit) The income tax benefit was $239,000 in 1995 as compared to $643,000 in 1996. The effective tax rate increased from 14.3% in 1995 to 28.4% in 1996. The difference between the effective tax rates was primarily attributable to non-deductible goodwill comprising a higher percentage of Network Solutions' net loss in 1995. Discontinued Operations Immediately prior to the acquisition of Network Solutions by SAIC, the portion of Network Solutions' business relating to the minority-based government business had been transferred into a separately-owned entity. In November 1995, SAIC adopted a plan to transfer Network Solutions' remaining government-based business to SAIC in order to enable Network Solutions to focus on the growth of its commercial business, which includes registration and consulting services. This transfer was effective as of February 1996. November 1995 was the measurement date for discontinued operations for accounting purposes. The activities of both the minority-based government business and the remaining government-based business are reflected as discontinued operations. Net income (loss) from discontinued operations excludes general corporate overhead of Network Solutions. No gain or loss was incurred as a consequence of the transfer of these businesses. In 1995, discontinued operations incurred a net loss of $1.4 million. The loss was primarily attributable to Network Solutions' remaining government business, which increased Network Solutions' provision for uncollectible accounts associated with the bankruptcy of a prime contractor, high interest costs associated with payment issues from other prime contractors and over-runs of fixed-price and fixed-rate contracts. As mentioned above, this business was transferred to SAIC effective as of February 1996. 23 28 SELECTED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following tables set forth certain unaudited quarterly financial information for each of the eight quarters in the period ended September 30, 1998. In the opinion of management, this information has been presented on the same basis as the audited financial statements appearing elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and all necessary adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) have been included in the amounts stated below to present fairly the unaudited quarterly results when read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of Network Solutions and notes thereto. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QUARTER ENDED DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, 1996 1997 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 1998 -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- --------- In thousands Net revenue............... $6,853 $8,655 $10,069 $12,172 $14,430 $16,492 $20,476 $25,427 Cost of revenue........... 4,426 5,294 6,141 7,033 7,330 7,348 8,791 10,312 ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Gross profit.............. 2,427 3,361 3,928 5,139 7,100 9,144 11,685 15,115 Research and development expenses................ 396 311 407 377 558 725 815 1,353 Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 1,978 2,301 2,487 3,105 4,375 6,182 8,008 10,248 Interest income........... (122) (149) (335) (570) (1,041) (1,292) (1,384) (1,654) ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Income before income taxes................... 175 898 1,369 2,227 3,208 3,529 4,246 5,168 Provision for income taxes................... 49 382 629 995 1,465 1,480 1,783 2,163 ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net income................ $ 126 $ 516 $ 740 $ 1,232 $ 1,743 $ 2,049 $ 2,463 $ 3,005 ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QUARTER ENDED DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, 1996 1997 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 1998 -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- --------- Percentage of net revenue Net revenue............... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of revenue........... 64.6 61.2 61.0 57.8 50.8 44.6 42.9 40.6 ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Gross profit.............. 35.4 38.8 39.0 42.2 49.2 55.4 57.1 59.4 Research and development expenses................ 5.8 3.5 4.0 3.1 3.9 4.4 4.0 5.3 Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 28.9 26.6 24.7 25.5 30.3 37.4 39.1 40.3 Interest income........... (1.8) (1.7) (3.2) (4.7) (7.2) (7.8) (6.7) (6.5) ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Income before income taxes................... 2.5 10.4 13.5 18.3 22.2 21.4 20.7 20.3 Provision for income taxes................... 0.7 4.4 6.2 8.2 10.1 9.0 8.7 8.5 ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net income................ 1.8% 6.0% 7.3% 10.1% 12.1% 12.4% 12.0% 11.8% ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
24 29 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES From the time of its acquisition by SAIC in March 1995 until December 1996, Network Solutions participated in SAIC's centralized cash management system whereby cash received from operations was transferred to SAIC's centralized cash accounts and cash disbursements were funded from such centralized cash accounts. Accordingly, cash requirements for operating purposes and for capital expenditures were met from this source. Beginning in 1997, Network Solutions implemented its own cash management system. At September 30, 1998, Network Solutions' principal source of liquidity was its cash and cash equivalents of $9.1 million and its short-term investments of $107.9 million, which when combined represent an increase of $35.7 million from the December 31, 1997 balance in those accounts. Network Solutions also has $6.3 million of marketable securities held as long term investments as of September 30, 1998. At September 30, 1998, Network Solutions' cumulative net obligation to SAIC for intercompany activity was $2.6 million, a net increase of $1.3 million from December 31, 1997. Intercompany activity is primarily comprised of salaries and benefits paid by SAIC on behalf of Network Solutions. Network Solutions currently reimburses SAIC for intercompany activity on a monthly basis. Pursuant to a tax sharing agreement with SAIC dated September 26, 1997, Network Solutions now generally remits income tax payments directly to tax authorities as it no longer is part of SAIC's consolidated group for federal income tax purposes. Cash provided by operations was $42.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. This amount is principally attributed to net income plus the increase in deferred revenue reflecting cash collected in advance of registration services revenue recognition ratably over the two- and one-year registration terms. Partially offsetting this amount is an increase in deferred tax assets resulting from accelerated revenue recognition for tax purposes and the subsequent tax liabilities. Investing activities totaled $79.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, of which $67.7 million was net purchases of short-term investments and $6.0 million of long-term investments. These investments are primarily comprised of commercial investment grade securities. Capital expenditures for continuing operations were $3.2 million and $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively. These expenditures were primarily for computer equipment. Network Solutions had additional expenditures of approximately $10.0 million to $12.0 million for the balance of 1998 as it continued to invest in the back office infrastructure in advance of continued growth in domain name registrations and as Network Solutions designs and builds the shared registration system in accordance with the Cooperative Agreement. Network Solutions believes that its existing cash balance, investments and cash flows expected from future operations will be sufficient to meet Network Solutions' capital requirements for at least the next 12 months. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE Network Solutions is in the process of assessing the potential effects of the "Year 2000" millennium change on Network Solutions' business systems and processes, including the Internet domain name servers under Network Solutions' control, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by its employees and its outsourcing vendors. Network Solutions' Year 2000 project is proceeding on schedule. The project goal is to ensure that Network Solutions' business is not impacted by the date transitions associated with the Year 2000. Network Solutions' Year 2000 project plan is coordinated by a team that reports directly to senior management. The project team is evaluating the Year 2000 compliance of Network Solutions' business systems and processes, including the Internet domain name servers under Network Solutions' control, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by its employees and its outsourcing vendors whom provide services relating to Network Solutions' domain name registration business. Network Solutions' Year 2000 project is comprised of the following parallel phases: - Phase 1 -- Inventory all of Network Solutions' business systems and processes, including the Internet domain name servers under Network Solutions' control, telecommunications systems, facilities, data- 25 30 networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by its employees in order to assign priorities to potentially impacted systems and services. This phase has been completed; - Phase 2 -- Assess the Year 2000 compliance of all inventoried business systems and processes, including the Internet domain name servers under Network Solutions' control, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by its employees and determine whether to renovate or replace any non-Year 2000 compliant systems and services. The initial assessment of mission critical systems has been completed; - Phase 3 -- Complete remediation, if any is required, of any non-Year 2000 compliant business systems and processes, including the Internet domain name servers under Network Solutions' control, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by its employees. Conduct procurements to replace any other non-Year 2000 compliant business systems and processes, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by its employees that won't be remediated. All remediation efforts, if any are required, are expected to be completed by April 30, 1999; - Phase 4 -- Test and validate remediated and replacement systems, if any such remediation or replacement is required, to ensure inter-system compliance and mission critical system functionality. The testing and validation efforts, if any are required, are expected to be completed by May 31, 1999; - Phase 5 -- Deploy and implement remediated and replacement systems, if any deployment or implementation is required, after the completion of successful testing and validation. The deployment and implementation of the remediated or replacement systems, if any is required, are expected to be completed by October 30, 1999; and - Phase 6 -- Design contingency and business continuation plans in the event of the failure of business systems and processes, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by Network Solutions' employees due to the Year 2000 millennium change. The initial contingency and business continuation plan is expected to be in place by February 28, 1999. Based on its inventory and assessment to date, Network Solutions has found no material Year 2000 problems with its internal mission critical systems. However, Network Solutions, in its normal course of business, anticipates replacing or upgrading, prior to the millennium change, portions of these systems with new systems which will also be Year 2000 compliant. Currently, Network Solutions is enhancing its "back-office" and registration-related systems and the software relating to its core domain name registration services business. When complete in 1999, this enhancement effort will result in replacing portions of the existing registration-related systems which will be procured from vendors as Year 2000 compliant and will be subjected to both component and end-to-end testing and validation to determine the Year 2000 compliance of such systems prior to acceptance and deployment in Network Solutions' business. This enhancement effort is a function of Network Solutions' business growth and not a Year 2000 remediation effort. Based on its inventory and assessment to date, Network Solutions has found no material Year 2000 problems with its facilities and telecommunications systems. Network Solutions has conducted detailed assessments of the components of its telecommunications infrastructure and is working to identify appropriate system testing guidelines. In addition, Network Solutions is seeking assurances from its facilities' landlords and telecommunications equipment vendors and data circuit providers regarding the Year 2000 compliance of their facilities and equipment. In the event of electrical power interruption outside of Network Solutions' control, Network Solutions has deployed back-up power systems capable of operating its core business indefinitely. Network Solutions is now in the remediation and testing phases of its project cycle. At this time, Network Solutions believes that its incremental remediation costs, if any, needed to make its current business systems and processes, including the Internet domain name servers under Network Solutions' control, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and 26 31 components used by its employees Year 2000 compliant are not material. While Network Solutions is incurring some incremental costs directly relating to staff augmentation for the Year 2000 program management and technical assessment, the costs expended by Network Solutions through December 31, 1998 are less than $250,000. Network Solutions' expected total costs, including remediation and replacement costs, if any, are estimated to be between $750,000 and $1,325,000 over the life of the Year 2000 project. Since portions of the mission critical "back office" and domain name registration-related systems will generally be replaced as a function of business growth, the labor and capital costs associated with such replacement systems are not directly attributed to achieving Year 2000 compliance. Network Solutions is contacting its other hardware and software vendors, other significant suppliers, outsourcing service providers and other contracting parties to determine the extent to which Network Solutions is vulnerable to any such third party's failure to achieve Year 2000 compliance for their own systems. At the present time, Network Solutions does not expect Year 2000 issues of any such third parties to materially affect Network Solutions' business. Furthermore, Network Solutions' business depends on the continued operation of, and widespread access to, the Internet. This, in turn, depends to a large extent on the software and systems of third parties on which Network Solutions' systems rely or to which they are connected. These third parties include, among others, Internet-related companies, including Internet web hosting companies, Internet access providers and Internet domain name server operators. Network Solutions can give no assurances that the software or systems of such third parties will be Year 2000 compliant or that the failure of such third parties to achieve Year 2000 compliance will not have a material adverse effect on Network Solutions. To the extent that the normal operation of the Internet is disrupted by the Year 2000 millennium change, Network Solutions' business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Should Network Solutions fail to solve a Year 2000 compliance problem to its mission critical business systems and processes, including the Internet domain name servers under Network Solutions' control, telecommunications systems, facilities, data-networking infrastructure, commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, software and components used by its employees the result could be a failure or interruption to normal business operations. Network Solutions believes that, with the deployment of the new "back office" and domain name registration related systems in 1999, the potential for significant interruptions to normal operations should be minimized. Network Solutions' primary risks with regard to Year 2000 failures are those which impact its domain name registration business. The reasonably likely worst case risks inherent in Network Solutions' business are as follows: - Significant and protracted interruption of electrical power to data and call-center operations in Network Solutions' engineering facility could materially and negatively impact Network Solutions' ability to provide data and call-center operations. To mitigate this risk, Network Solutions has deployed back-up power systems capable of operating indefinitely. However, electrical power interruptions that impact Internet connectivity providers could adversely impact Network Solutions because of Network Solutions' reliance upon Internet-based operations for its day to day business. - Significant and protracted interruption of telecommunications and data network services in either of Network Solutions' headquarters or engineering facilities could materially and negatively impact Network Solutions' ability to provide data and call-center operations. Network Solutions has conducted detailed assessments of the components of its telecommunications infrastructure and is working to identify appropriate system testing guidelines. As part of its technical assessment, Network Solutions identified the compliance status of its data networking infrastructure and developed plans for remediation. Finally, Network Solutions has plans to seek additional assurances and a better understanding of the compliance programs of its telecommunications and data circuit providers. - The failure of components of Network Solutions' current "back office" and domain name registration related systems could materially and negatively impact Network Solutions' business. However, as a function of business growth, these systems are planned to be retired before the end of 1999. As a contingency planning measure, Network Solutions is conducting a technical assessment of the current systems and their software applications in the event that the deployment of the new systems is delayed beyond December 1999. 27 32 - Despite the assurances of Network Solutions' third-party suppliers, hardware and software vendors, and outsourcing service providers regarding the Year 2000 compliance of their products and services, the potential exists that a Year 2000 problem relating to such third-party suppliers, vendors and outsourcing service providers products and services could have a material impact on Network Solutions' business. Network Solutions is conducting monthly discussions with its mission critical outsourcing service providers to determine the progress of their Year 2000 compliance programs. Although Network Solutions has found no material Year 2000 problems with its internal mission critical systems and despite Network Solutions' expectation that its enhancement effort will result in Year 2000 compliant "back-office" and registration-related systems and software relating to its core domain name registration services business, Network Solutions is currently developing a business continuation contingency plan and is performing a test on the existing core registration-related systems that are being replaced. Network Solutions expects to finalize its initial contingency plan and to complete the testing of all existing systems by February 28, 1999. Although Network Solutions is taking appropriate steps so that Network Solutions' business is not impacted by the date transitions associated with the Year 2000, Network Solutions has no responsibility for, nor control over other Internet domain name server operators or tens of thousands of lower level domain name system server operators that are critical to the efficient operation of the Internet. Network Solutions has not determined whether such domain name server operators or other server operators have hardware, software or firmware that is Year 2000 compliant. Network Solutions has notified the Department of Commerce of this issue. Forward-Looking Statements The foregoing Year 2000 discussion and the information contained herein is provided as a "Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure" as defined in the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-271, 112 Stat. 2386) enacted on October 19, 1998 and contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, including without limitation, anticipated costs and the dates by which Network Solutions expects to complete certain actions, are based on management's best current estimates, which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions about future events, including the continued availability of certain resources, representations received from third parties and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. Specific factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not limited to, the ability to identify and remediate all relevant systems, results of Year 2000 testing, adequate resolution of Year 2000 issues by governmental agencies, businesses and other third parties who are outsourcing service providers, suppliers, and vendors of Network Solutions, unanticipated system costs, the adequacy of and ability to implement contingency plans and similar uncertainties. The "forward-looking statements" made in the foregoing Year 2000 discussion speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and Network Solutions undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 28 33 BUSINESS The following discussion contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors including, but not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the prospectus. We are the leading Internet domain name registration service provider worldwide. We currently act as the exclusive registry and registrar for second level domain names within the .com, .org, .net and .edu top level domains. We also facilitate global registration of domain names in other existing top level domains including country code top level domains. By registering Internet domain names, we enable businesses, other organizations and individuals to establish a unique Internet presence from which to communicate and conduct commerce. Net registrations within the top level domains that we maintain increased by 114% from 1,296,000 domain names registered at September 30, 1997 to 2,777,000 domain names registered at September 30, 1998. We believe that commercial enterprises and individual Internet users worldwide are increasingly recognizing the .com top level domain as a desirable address for commercial presence on the Internet. Net registrations in the .com top level domain represent 84% of our total net registrations at September 30, 1998. Net revenue from Internet domain name registration subscriptions accounted for 92.5% of our net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. We believe that the potential for continued growth of domain name registrations by commercial entities and services related to those registrations is substantial. INDUSTRY BACKGROUND The Internet is a global network of millions of interconnected computers and computer networks that allow businesses, other organizations and individuals to communicate. Historically, the Internet had been used by a limited number of academic institutions, defense contractors and government agencies to facilitate remote access to host computers and transmit electronic mail. Recently, however, a broad range of commercial organizations and individuals are using the Internet to communicate electronically, to distribute and retrieve information and to conduct commerce. Advances in technology, low-cost Internet access and an increasing corporate reliance on distributed information environments have fueled the rapid growth of the Internet. The Internet has been and continues to be loosely administered by a number of government agencies that were involved in the creation of its infrastructure -- initially, the Advanced Research Projects Agency and, more recently, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Commerce -- and a number of nonprofit groups formed to address specific Internet governance issues. As no single organization has formal authority over all aspects of the Internet, it continues to operate under a system of mutual collaboration and cooperation. With the commercialization of the Internet, the role of many of these entities in future Internet administration has become less clear and private parties have begun to assume a larger role in the enhancement and maintenance of the Internet's infrastructure. The National Science Foundation, for example, has completed a two-year phased withdrawal of its funding for the Internet backbone and has transferred this responsibility to a group of private telecommunications carriers that are commercially funded and has transferred its responsibilities under the Cooperative Agreement to the Department of Commerce. We believe that in order to support the demands placed on this evolving and rapidly growing medium of commerce and information exchange, a wide range of products and services will need to be developed and enhanced, including: - domain name registration services, - Internet-based products and services, and - enterprise network consulting services. Domain Name Registration Services With the increased commercialization of the Internet, large corporations and other users, including small businesses, organizations and individuals, are increasingly using domain names, particularly within the .com top level domain. Users are also registering domain names to establish Internet identities for other purposes such as 29 34 trademarks, brands, products and events. The most common top level domains include .com, .org and .net as well as country code top level domains represented by "." followed by two letter country codes, for example, .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom and .de for Germany. Because the Internet is not bound by geography or lines of business, coordination and administration services are required for the registration, allocation and use of top level domains and for the effective operation of the Internet. We have been performing these services since 1993 under the Cooperative Agreement. Internet-Based Products and Services The increase in the number of Internet users provides businesses, other organizations and individuals with new ways to conduct business. To facilitate commercial transactions, Internet users are seeking important Internet-based products and services, such as directory, communications, data and research and identity promotion services. We believe there will be opportunities for entities which can facilitate, develop and distribute such products and services and make them more accessible and easy to use. Enterprise Network Consulting Services As more businesses, organizations and individuals establish an Internet presence and begin to deploy intranets, we believe there will be an increasing demand for enterprise network consulting services. In addition, we believe that intranets are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are allowing users increased capabilities and improved access to information. As a result, businesses are increasingly seeking experienced network consulting firms to provide all of these services. OUR SOLUTION We are the leading Internet domain name registration services provider worldwide. We currently act as the exclusive registry and registrar of second level domain names within the .com, .org, .net and .edu top level domains. We believe that we have been at the forefront of the development, administration and coordination of standards, policies and functions needed to facilitate the registration process. We are expanding our domain name registration business and improving the registration process by: - promoting the use of .com worldwide, - expanding our relationships with Internet access providers, - establishing and expanding marketing and other strategic relationships worldwide, - stimulating demand for domain name registrations in targeted customer markets, and - establishing international alliances. We introduced a portfolio of Internet-based products and services during 1998 and intend to develop additional Internet-based products and services, which may include directory and other Internet identity services, that allow us to build upon our position in the registration process and make use of our customer data. We also provide enterprise network consulting services to large companies that desire to establish or enhance their Internet presence or intranet infrastructure. Our enterprise network consulting services have evolved from our Internet pioneering efforts that date back to 1979 and presently include network engineering, network and systems security and network management. 30 35 OUR STRATEGY Our goal is to maintain our position as the leader in Internet domain name registration services and to build on this position to be a leading provider of enterprise network consulting services and Internet-based products and services. Our strategy includes the following key elements: Maintain Position as the Leading Provider of Registration Services Worldwide. We intend to promote .com as the accepted and preferred Internet address for commercial presence on the Internet worldwide. We intend to continue to develop and implement standards, policies and functions designed to enhance the ease, speed and security of the registration process. We intend to accomplish this by adding new capabilities to facilitate the registration process and providing quality customer service and support. Establish and Expand Marketing and Other Strategic Relationships. We intend to continue to expand relationships with companies worldwide to promote our services, penetrate new customer bases and integrate third party products and services. In December 1998, we entered into two separate global marketing agreements with Yahoo! Inc. and Netscape Communications Corporation under which we purchased advertising to broadly promote our domain name registration services and other services on certain Yahoo! and Netscape web sites during 1999. Under these agreements we will expand our promotions for domain name registration services in the .com, .org and .net top level domains globally and expect to extend the reach of the Network Solutions brand to the global Internet community. Maintain Active Role in Establishment of Future Internet Standards and Policies. We intend to continue to cooperate with organizations that affect Internet standards and policies, including the not-for-profit corporation provided for in the Statement of Policy. We intend to maintain an active role in the global Internet community to ensure that the Internet continues to flourish and that we remain at the forefront of continuing change in the Internet. We believe that our Internet expertise and our participation in the Internet community should enable us to facilitate the proliferation of Internet usage worldwide and provide us with a competitive advantage in the development of our service offerings. Provide Complementary Internet-Based Products and Services. In 1998, we introduced a portfolio of Internet-based products and services which builds upon our position in the registration process. Those products and services include: - RegistrationPlus, a web-based domain name registration process that allows customers to register or reserve a domain name on-line in real time; - dot com mail, a portable, personalized e-mail service to help small businesses maximize their brand names on the Internet; - dot com toolkit, a small business resource center that provides access to tools and services for building an Internet storefront and conducting business on the Internet; and - dot com promotions, a service that provides customers with a broad range of services that enable web site owners to get listed on Internet search engines and to promote their web sites. We intend to continue to develop additional Internet-based products and services which could include directory and other Internet identity services and to distribute third party product and service offerings through on-line enrollment for such products and services embedded within our domain name registration web site. Build on Technology Leadership. We have assembled management and engineering teams with extensive experience in the information technology industry and specifically the Internet. We intend to build on this experience to develop enabling technologies which support the continued enhancement of infrastructure flexibility and scalability and customer ease of use. Build and Strengthen Enterprise Network Consulting Services Business. We intend to further develop our existing in-depth knowledge of and experience in Internet technologies to develop a leading enterprise network consulting services business. We believe that delivering dependable, high-quality enterprise network solutions is critical to strengthening our relationships with existing clients, gaining repeat business and generating new 31 36 business from referrals. Further, we intend to capitalize on our expanded regional presence, relationships with key product and services vendors and relationship with SAIC as additional sources of new business. Pursue Strategic Acquisitions and Investments. We intend to continue to identify and, where appropriate, pursue additional strategic acquisition and investment opportunities which would provide our customers with complementary products, services and technologies including, among others, those which enhance Internet identity and communications and e-commerce. For example, during 1998, we acquired Internet Domain Names, Inc., referred to as "idNames," to expand our registration services to the country code top level domains and recently invested in Centraal Corporation which offers a service to drive traffic and to navigate to specific web site pages. OUR SERVICES Registration Services Registration services are our core business. We register second level domain names in the .com, .org, .net and .edu top level domains, enabling registrants to establish a unique identity on the Internet. Our customers apply to register second level domain names either directly through our web sites and e-mail-based registration templates or indirectly through Internet access providers and others. Currently, we charge a two-year services fee of $70 for initial registrations and $35 per year for re-registrations for our basic registration service. Our InterNIC registration service is an e-mail based registration template application process for the registration of second level domain names. Our customers submit registration applications via e-mail through the Internet. We process the application and either register the requested domain name in the requested top level domain or reject the application. Upon registration or rejection, we notify the customer via e-mail. For domain names which are registered, we invoice the customers and permit them to pay the registration services fee after the domain name is registered. We perform internally our core proprietary automated registration process and associated security functions. On December 1, 1997, we began to offer a suite of enhanced domain name registration services geared toward small businesses building their online identities. On January 14, 1998, we introduced RegistrationPlus, the first service offering under the WorldNIC Services brand. The RegistrationPlus service offering is a web-based transaction process that is intended to simplify the registration process. The RegistrationPlus five step registration process allows users to register or reserve a second level domain name either through our web site or by calling a toll-free number. As part of RegistrationPlus, we offer the option of reserving a name and activating it later by providing domain name record hosting. RegistrationPlus customers currently pay a two-year service fee of $80 for our enhanced registration services or a two-year service fee of $119 for reservation of a domain name. We believe that ease of use is becoming more important to the increasing number of less technically sophisticated Internet users. The RegistrationPlus service also simplifies the user payment process by validating and accepting credit card payments, providing a customer confirmation number, via our secure web-based online payment system. Through our acquisition of idNames, we have expanded our registration services to the country code top level domains. We now offer search and registration services for domain names in country code top level domains around the world. With the idNames services, we make it easier for companies around the world to build their brands both globally and in local markets. We have made significant investments in our registration services business. We believe that we currently have the following competitive advantages in the domain name registration business: - Large, Established Customer Base. We maintain more than 3,000,000 individual contracts with customers for unique second level domain name net registrations. As a result, we believe we have the infrastructure needed to achieve significant scale efficiencies in the registration process. As customers invest in their web sites for advertising, branding and other business-critical activities, we believe that they will be inclined to re-register their domain names with us. 32 37 - Global Recognition of Network Solutions as the dot com people. We believe that the .com top level domain, for which we are currently the exclusive registry and registrar, has perceived value on a global basis to commercial and other users on the Internet. We are building strong brand recognition as the dot com people. We believe that this will be a key factor in maintaining and broadening our customer base. - Strategic Agreements with Internet Access Providers. To strengthen our distribution channels, we have entered into strategic agreements to provide enhanced services with over 140 Internet access providers who register a significant number of second-level domain names with us on behalf of our customers. - Customer Support Services. We believe that high quality customer support is vital to client satisfaction. We have improved customer service and account handling and expanded our capacity to service larger volumes of registrants. Customer access to our customer support services includes a 24 hour 7 day a week telephone help desk, an e-mail processing facility for account information updates and other services. - Technical Infrastructure Support. We are investing significant technical and financial resources to improve and expand our domain name registration business. A substantial portion of our software is custom-developed and proprietary. Our internally developed and proprietary software includes an automated registration capability that currently processes in excess of 90% of all new registration requests without human intervention. We believe that significant engineering talent is required to create a registration services capability and that knowledge of domain name system structures, Internet security, data routing and routing protocols is critical to creating and enhancing registration service capabilities. We believe that engineers skilled in protocol development are difficult to identify, hire and retain and thus our staff of engineers represents a valuable resource. We believe that these competitive advantages are significant and that existing and additional competing registries and registrars will need similar capabilities. In addition, we are continuing to expand our domain name registration business and to continue to improve the registration process by: - Promoting the Use of .com Worldwide. We believe that we can continue to grow our Internet registration business by promoting global recognition of the .com top level domain. We are promoting the use of the .com top level domain to establish .com as the most recognized domain for individuals and organizations conducting business on the Internet. - Expanding Relationships with Internet Access Providers. Through our Alliance Program and other programs, we are expanding our relationships with certain Internet access providers who participate in our Premier Program. Through our recently launched Affiliate Program, we are developing and expanding our relationships with some of the smaller Internet access providers by providing such companies additional revenues through the payment of referral fees for domain name registrations that we receive through the program. Through these relationships, we believe we will be able to deliver enhanced registration services and identify additional opportunities to expand our registration services business. - Establishing and Expanding Marketing and Other Strategic Relationships Worldwide. We are establishing and expanding relationships with companies worldwide to promote our services, penetrate new customer bases and integrate third party products and services. - Stimulating Demand for Domain Name Registrations By Targeting Specific Customer Markets. We are expanding the number of registrations in targeted customer markets both domestically and internationally. We believe that customer markets such as small business users, individuals, holders of trademarks, service marks and product marks and event sponsors will continue to offer significant potential for growth if we continue to actively market our portfolio of registration services to these markets. - Establishing International Alliances. We launched an international version of our Premier Program to build a foundation for our international operations. Through these relationships, we are offering "ease of use" solutions for entities worldwide for registration in the .com, .org and .net top level domains. We 33 38 established a multilingual call center capability to further assist with international registrations through our internal call center as well as through our outsourced call center. Internet-Based Products and Services We have introduced a portfolio of Internet-based products and services and intend to develop additional Internet-based products and services, which may include directory and other Internet identity services, that allows us to build upon our position as the leading registrar and make use of our customer data. In 1998, we introduced the following Internet-based products and services: - dot com mail. In August 1998, we launched dot com mail, a portable, personalized e-mail service, to help small businesses maximize their brand names on the Internet. The dot com mail service is hosted by our outsourcing vendor, Critical Path, Inc., and enables a business to use its unique domain name for its e-mail address instead of the domain name of its Internet access provider. Currently, the dot com mail service is available only to customers who reserve a domain name which we host. - dot com toolkit. In September 1998, we launched the dot com toolkit, a small business resource center that provides access to tools and services for setting up a web site and conducting business on the Internet. The dot com toolkit resource center is available on our web site and offers tools and services categorized into four areas: - starting a business on-line, - setting up an Internet presence, - managing a business online, and - promoting a business online. Within each category, the resource center visitor has the ability to purchase services from a select group of companies that have contracted with us to be included in the resource center, such as MindSpring Enterprises, Inc., EarthLink Network, Inc., Sage Networks Inc. and ValueWeb, members of our Alliance Program, and others, such as Business Filings, Inc., infoUSA, Inc., LinkExchange, Inc., Thomson & Thomson, Inc., VeriSign, Inc. and AtWeb, Inc. We receive referral fees from certain purchases made by our customers from links in the dot com toolkit resource center. - dot com promotions. In August 1998, we launched our dot com promotions service through a joint marketing agreement with LinkExchange, Inc., a provider of tools and services for web site owners. Through dot com promotions, a domain name registrant can link to and subscribe to various LinkExchange services which include: - registering a web site with over 400 Internet search engines by subscribing to the Submit It! Service, - monitoring its rank in the search engines through the PositionAgent service, - participating in a competitive advertising network that allows users to promote their web sites and track success through the Banner Network service, and - buying targeted advertising space on affordable web sites through the LinkExchange Express service. We receive referral fees from certain purchases made by our customers from links from the dot com promotions service. Enterprise Network Consulting Services We deliver enterprise network consulting services to some of the world's leading businesses that are utilizing Internet technologies for their internal enterprise networks, or intranets. Our engineers have extensive knowledge and experience in network engineering, network security and network management. By leveraging this knowledge and experience, we are able to provide solutions to clients' complex network needs. 34 39 - Network Engineering. We offer a line of services to help develop and integrate enterprise network solutions in a manner tailored to individual clients' needs. All of these services are focused on building a strong network foundation for the enterprise. - Network and System Security. We provide a range of security consulting services to allow clients to protect their data and systems. We develop access and protection controls that permit internal and remote users to access computer systems, databases and applications on the network, while protecting against unauthorized access to information or misuse of systems. - Network Management. We provide a range of services that allow clients to monitor, control and improve their network performance. We also provide planning and analysis to implement disaster recovery and contingencies for network system failures. During 1998, we provided enterprise network consulting services to more than 20 large companies. Our enterprise network consulting services are generally provided to clients on a time and expense basis. We also perform a limited number of engagements on a fixed-price basis. We are expanding our sales and marketing team to drive new business development. Most of our enterprise network consulting services customers are in the financial services industry. Bank America, formerly NationsBanc, is currently our largest consulting services client, accounting for 49% of our enterprise network consulting services business net revenue and 3.7% of our total net revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 1998. NationsBanc originally contracted with us in 1993 and we currently provide network design and engineering services as well as a variety of project specific services under the contract. MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION RELATIONSHIPS We are establishing and expanding relationships with many companies worldwide to promote our services, penetrate new customer bases and integrate third party products and services. Strategic Programs with Internet Access Providers and Others We have entered into agreements to provide enhanced services to certain Internet access providers, including Internet service providers, or "ISPs," both in the United States and in other countries, who register a significant number of second-level domain names with us on behalf of their customers. - Premier Program. Our Premier Domain Registration Service Program provides participating Internet access providers with personalized account management, customized billing and financial reports, private e-mail boxes and other customized features. As of December 28, 1998, we had entered into agreements with 140 companies under the Premier Program which include agreements with 65 companies located in the United States and 75 companies located in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the European, South American and Asia-Pacific regions. These companies include: America Online, Incorporated (PrimeHost Division), Demon Internet Ltd., EarthLink Network, Inc., Hong Kong Telecom, MCI, Inc., MindSpring Enterprises, Inc., Singapore Telecommunications, Ltd. and Verio Inc. - Alliance Program. The Alliance Program is available to members of the Premier Program who have participated in the program for a minimum of one year and who have registered a significant number of second-level domain names with us. The Alliance Program is designed to enable us and our participating companies to provide reciprocal links and referrals to the other party's distribution channels for each other's complementary services. Through these relationships with EarthLink, MindSpring, Sage Networks and Valueweb, we seek to deliver our enhanced registration services and identify additional opportunities to expand our registration services business. - Affiliate Program. In September 1998, we launched our Affiliate Program. This program provides an easy way for small Internet access providers and other companies and individuals to establish a link to our RegistrationPlus domain name registration process, enabling them to earn additional revenue and add value for their web site visitors. The Affiliate Program is designed for participation by the thousands of Internet access providers, web hosting companies, and web site design companies that currently 35 40 register their customers' domain names through us, as well as other companies and individuals who could benefit from providing this service to their customers. As of December 28, 1998, approximately 1,900 Affiliates were part of the program. Distribution Channel Marketing Agreements We are developing co-marketing programs with channel partners designed to take advantage of their complementary marketing capabilities. Domestic Agreements. In 1998, we entered into strategic agreements with Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, Inc. Online, infoUSA and Centraal for the marketing and development of products and services to meet the future needs of the business marketplace. - Our agreement with D&B makes it possible for businesses to register an Internet domain name and apply for a D&B D-U-N-S Number from either the D&B web site or our web site. As part of the agreement, we and D&B placed a hyperlink on each other's web site that will allow businesses and individuals registering for a domain name to complete that task and then apply for their D&B D-U-N-S Number or vice versa. - Our agreement with Inc. is intended to help small businesses establish a unique identity and grow a brand on the Internet. We are sponsoring Inc.'s "Guide to the Internet" web site. In the "Guide to the Internet," Inc. helps small-to-midsize companies navigate through the information and decisions needed to choose systems, tie them together, get employees to embrace them and apply them to strategic goals. From Inc.'s web site, small businesses and individuals can hyperlink to our web site where they can register or reserve a domain name within minutes using our RegistrationPlus services. - Under our agreement with infoUSA, we and infoUSA are providing reciprocal links and referrals to each other's products and services so that our customers can purchase infoUSA's sales leads and mailing lists services and receive instant information on any business for marketing or credit purposes. InfoUSA's customers will be able to register a domain name through our RegistrationPlus service from the infoUSA home page or purchase any other service offered through our web site. - Under our agreement with Centraal, we will market, sell and service Centraal's "RealName" subscription orders to domain name holders, directly and through our channels worldwide. The RealName service is a web navigation service that offers companies, brand managers and trademark owners a way to enhance their identities on the Internet and is complementary to our domain name registration services. As part of the agreement, Centraal will place a hyperlink on its web site that will allow Centraal customers to register a domain name with us. International Agreements. We have also established additional distribution channels in Beijing, China through the Computer Network Information Center, or "CNIC," in Japan through ASCII and in Hong Kong through China Internet Corporation, or "CIC." - Under the CNIC agreement, CNIC is promoting in China the benefit of registering domain names in our .com, .org and .net top level domains through a joint marketing campaign with us in Chinese publications, web sites and other media, and by providing seminars in China on registering domain names with us. Under the agreement, we are promoting domain name registration in .cn, the China country code top-level domain, under which CNIC is the registry. - In October 1998, we launched a Japanese language version of our RegistrationPlus service, through a strategic agreement with ASCII. Through this relationship, we will make our RegistrationPlus service available to Japanese Internet users in the Japanese language, with a Japanese call center customer support help desk and through an advertising and marketing campaign in Japanese publications, Japanese web sites and through other media. - Under the agreement with CIC, CIC is providing a link to our RegistrationPlus domain name registration process as well as actively promoting domain name registrations in the .com, .org and .net top level 36 41 domains through educational seminars, listings in Internet directories, and print and media campaigns in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. We intend to continue to establish additional distribution alliances for our domain name registration services in other countries. Advertising In December 1997, we launched our first significant marketing campaign, a targeted print and on-line advertising campaign for our registration services. This campaign was focused on small businesses and their need to establish their own unique identity and to grow a brand on the Internet. We are currently developing additional campaigns in this and other market segments. We also launched several major multi-piece direct mail, print and web site banner advertising campaigns announcing our new products and services, such as RegistrationPlus and dot com mail. In addition, we have run two national cable television ad campaigns for corporate branding to reinforce our image as a trusted and reliable source of web-based products and services. In December 1998, we entered into two separate global marketing agreements with Yahoo! and Netscape under which we purchased advertising to broadly promote our domain name registration services and other services on certain Yahoo! and Netscape web sites during 1999. Under these agreements we will expand our promotions for domain name registration services in the .com, .org and .net top level domains globally and expect to extend the reach of the Network Solutions brand to the global Internet community. Direct Sales Our services are marketed and distributed directly through our Internet home pages. In addition, we are continuing to develop our product management, marketing and sales force to target channel and distribution partners to offer our registration services electronically through existing web sites and through other direct channels, such as direct mail and telemarketing. We are seeking to expand the number of registrations in targeted customer segments both domestically and internationally. We are targeting customer segments such as small business users, individuals, holders of trademarks, service marks and product marks and event sponsors. OPERATIONS The functioning of the domain name system depends on a hierarchy of specialized software programs resident in network computers called domain name servers. The top level of this hierarchy consists of 13 globally distributed domain name servers, called root zone servers. The root zone servers contain the master directory of all top level domains in the Internet. Below the root zone servers in the hierarchy are the top level domain zone servers. The top level domain zone servers contain the directory of active second-level domain names and corresponding Internet protocol numbers registered in each top level domain. The location and control of the root zone and top level domain zone servers historically has been determined by consensus of various members of the Internet community. We currently administer and operate two of the 13 root zone servers, specifically root zone servers A and J and four top level domain zone servers. The other root zone and top level domain zone servers that we do not administer and operate are administered and operated by independent operators on a volunteer basis. Every night we update root zone server A with a file that contains the current list of top level domains and the internet protocol numbers of the top level domain zone servers. The other top level domain zone servers then copy that file. To register a domain name within the .com, .org, .net and .edu top level domains, our customer or the customer's Internet access provider on behalf of the customer completes a registration application which is submitted to us via e-mail or submits a web-based registration application through our web site. Once the customer is registered, the domain name is included in the top level domain master directory that is updated nightly. In September 1998, we launched a new top level domain name server in London to enhance the availability of .com, .org and .net domain name lookups. The addition of this server in London will aid European customers by shortening the electronic distance between them and their final Internet destination. The addition of the new name server in London is a technical and operational recognition of the growth of .com, .org and .net usage in 37 42 Europe and should benefit all Internet users who access .com, .org and .net domain names. We intend to add additional top level domain zone servers in strategic locations throughout the world to enhance the availability of .com, .org and .net lookups and to better service our customers. Eleven high-speed data communications line links connected to eight Internet service providers support our registration services. By connecting to eight different Internet service providers, we seek redundancy to maintain constant access to the Internet should any given Internet service provider or link develop complications. We believe our current network is adequate and that any additional capacity will be available in the future as needed. Substantial portions of our internally developed registration software have been custom-developed and are proprietary. Our internally developed registration software includes an automated registration capability that currently processes in excess of 90% of all new registration requests without human intervention. We have an operating facility to support our current registration operations and customer support needs as well as to provide expansion capability for future business. The facility includes a call center, a training center equipped for both computer and telephone training and a new computer room with expanded systems and telecommunications services. We contract for a back-up facility to a third party's secure facility in California to provide redundancy and enhanced reliability for our Internet root zone administration. Recently, our systems have been subject to unusually large numbers of speculative and repetitive e-mail domain name registration and modification requests from domain name speculators and other abusers. Such abuses of our systems have resulted in processing delays. We have taken, and are continuing to take, actions to combat these delays and abusive e-mails by accelerating the implementation of planned hardware upgrades to our systems and by taking other actions, including imposing certain restrictions on access to our customer database, to minimize the impact of such system abuses. ONGOING PRIVATIZATION OF INTERNET ADMINISTRATION The Internet is not bound by geography and neither the U.S. Government nor any organization or entity currently has formal authority over all aspects of the Internet. There is, however, a requirement for central policy decisions surrounding the coordination of the administrative services required for the registration, allocation and use of top level domains and IP numbers, and for the effective global operation of the Internet. This role has been generally filled through mutual cooperation and interrelated informal agreements, historical leadership from an unincorporated entity called the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority and involvement from the U.S. Government. With the onset of increased commercial growth of the Internet, the U.S. Government initiated an activity directed at increased privatization of the policy making and central administration of the Internet. Without authoritative policy making it has become more difficult to achieve consensus in the historical manner. Failure to achieve consensus among the various groups who now informally administer the Internet could disrupt Internet operations or delay infrastructure improvements or changes in operations needed to maintain and expand the Internet. Within the U.S. Government, leadership for the continued privatization of Internet administration is currently provided by the Department of Commerce. After a series of draft proposals and public comment periods, on June 10, 1998, the Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register a plan referred to as the Statement of Policy or "White Paper," calling for the formation of a not-for-profit corporation to assume responsibilities relating to the domain name system, but not to perform actual registration of domain names either as a registrar or registry. The Statement of Policy invites private sector Internet stakeholders to work together to form a new private, not-for-profit corporation to oversee policy for the Internet name and address system and provides that: - the not-for-profit corporation should be headquartered and incorporated in the United States and have a board of directors from around the world; - in making a decision to devolve U.S. government oversight of the domain name system to the not-for-profit corporation, the U.S. government will be guided by, and consider the entity's commitment to, the principles of stability, competition, private bottom-up coordination and representation; 38 43 - to the extent that the not-for-profit corporation is established and operationally stable, transition to the private sector of domain name system administration will be phased in by September 30, 2000; and - the not-for-profit corporation ultimately should have the authority to: -- set policy for and direct allocation of Internet protocol number blocks to regional Internet number registries; -- oversee operation of the authoritative Internet root server system; -- oversee policy for determining the circumstances under which any new top level domains are added to the domain name system; and -- coordinate the assignment of other Internet technical parameters as needed to maintain universal connectivity on the Internet. The Statement of Policy distinguishes between the registry and registrar functions of the domain name system, both of which functions are currently performed exclusively by us in the .com, .org, .net and .edu top level domains, and calls for increased competition. The current technical structure of the Internet will permit only one registry for each top level domain. A registrar acts as the interface between the registry and the end-user domain name holders. Registrars submit to the registry information and other data for each of their customers that has a second level domain name in that top level domain. A registrar can provide value-added products and services in addition to its basic registration service. Numerous registrars will be able to operate within each top level domain. As part of the process initiated by the Statement of Policy, several proposals were put forward to the Department of Commerce on the establishment and governance of the not-for-profit corporation. The proposals differed in several respects including, among others, their approaches to the following issues: place and form of incorporation; method for selection of the interim and permanent board of directors; who should be eligible to become a member and on what questions should the members vote; what authority should be granted to the board of directors and what authority should be reserved to the members, if any; and whether there should be separate supporting organizations and, if so, what authority these organizations should have. A newly-formed U.S. based private not-for-profit corporation with an international board of directors, denoted the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or "ICANN," submitted various proposals which formed the basis of discussion at a number of public and private meetings. As a result of these and other meetings and private negotiations, the process initiated by the Statement of Policy has resulted in the entry by the U.S. Government into a Memorandum of Understanding, or "MOU," with ICANN. Under the MOU, the parties will jointly design, develop and test the mechanisms, methods and procedures that should be in place and the steps necessary to transition management responsibility for certain domain name system functions to a private-sector not-for-profit entity. The MOU provides that once testing is successfully completed, it is contemplated that management of certain domain name system functions will be transitioned to the mechanisms, methods and procedures designed and developed in this joint project. ICANN's bylaws call for the creation of supporting organizations that will select some ICANN board members and provide policy recommendations in particular areas. ICANN has called for submission by February 5, 1999 of applications from groups urging "recognition" of a domain name supporting organization that would be charged with developing recommendations for policies ICANN might apply when, and if, it begins exercising responsibility over certain domain name system matters including entering into contracts with registries for all top level domains and eventually adding new top level domains. We have submitted comments regarding the structure and function of such a domain name supporting organization. We cannot be sure that our comments will be accepted by those submitting applications or that ICANN will take positions favorable to us in the context of policy development or contract formation. We have held a meeting with a focused technical advisory group to comment on and participate in testing of our shared registration system. This group consisted of members suggested by ICANN to the Department of Commerce. ICANN has announced its intention to propose accreditation standards for competing registrars and 39 44 methods for selection of the initial five registrars to participate in the test bed under the shared registration system described below under "-- Status of Cooperative Agreement." STATUS OF COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT On January 1, 1993, we initiated phase-in of a Cooperative Agreement with the National Science Foundation. The three-month phase-in was followed by a five-year operations period, commencing April 1, 1993 and ending March 31, 1998, and a six-month flexibility period through September 1998. Effective in September 1998, the responsibility for the Cooperative Agreement was transferred to the Department of Commerce. In October 1998, the Cooperative Agreement was amended to extend the flexibility period through September 30, 2000 and to transition to a shared registration system. In this transition, we will operationally separate our registry business from our registrar business. Additional, competing registrars will be able to market registrations in the .com, .net and .org top level domains through the registry that we maintain for each of those top level domains. Accordingly, persons registering second level domain names will be able to choose among a number of different registrars. As the registry, we will have contracts with these competing registrars allowing them to register names in our registry database. Our registry services will be subject to a price cap, to be negotiated with the Department of Commerce. Registrar services, once competitive, may be priced in different ways by us and competing registrars. The following summarizes certain terms of the October 1998 amendment to the Cooperative Agreement: - We will develop a protocol and associated software to support a shared registration system which will permit multiple registrars to provide registration services within the top level domains for which we now act as exclusive registry and registrar. Implementation of the shared registration system will reflect an agreed-upon time line, which assumes that the U.S. Government does not request changes in the specifications, including the following dates: -- By March 31, 1999, we will initially deploy the shared registration system by establishing a test bed supporting actual registrations in .com, .org and .net by five registrars accredited by the not- for-profit corporation; -- By June 1, 1999, we will deploy the shared registration system and make it available to support multiple licensed and accredited registrars within the top level domains for which we act as registry; -- By October 1, 1999, we will complete reengineering of our registry/registrar interface and back end systems so as to assure that we, acting as registry, will give all licensed and accredited registrars equivalent access to registry services through the shared registration system; - We and other accredited entities will function as domain name registrars through the shared registration system. The shared registration system will, among other things, permit second level domain name holders to change registrars within the same registry without changing domain names; - We will also continue in our role as the registry of .com, .org and .net top level domains. Commencing upon the initial deployment of the shared registration system, our price for registry services in the top level domains for which we now act as registry will be no more than a dollar amount per registration, per year, agreed upon with the U.S. Government and reflecting our costs and a reasonable return on our investment; - Commencing upon the initial deployment of the shared registration system, for a period of 18 months, we will permit any customer with whom we have an exclusive contract as registrar to obtain registration services from other registrars; - From the date of the October 1998 amendment and for a period of 18 months after initial deployment of the shared registration system, we may not enter into any agreement that limits a party's ability to serve as a registrar or operate a registry; - We agreed to submit to the U.S. Government an electronic copy of all software and data, and a copy of documentation therefor, generated under the Cooperative Agreement through September 30, 1998. The 40 45 U.S. Government agreed to take appropriate measures to protect the security and confidentiality of such data, software and documentation; and - We have agreed to continue to function as the administrator for Root Server A and as a root zone administrator for Root Server J until such time as the U.S. Government instructs us to transfer either or both of those functions to the not-for-profit corporation or a specific alternate entity. As the U.S. Government transitions certain responsibilities for the domain name system to the not-for-profit corporation, corresponding obligations under the Cooperative Agreement may be terminated and, as appropriate, covered in a contract between the not-for-profit corporation and us. COMPETITION IN THE REGISTRATION BUSINESS A principal objective expressed in the Statement of Policy is the introduction of competition and global participation in the management of Internet names and addresses including, among other things, competition among registrars within a single top level domain and competition among existing and new top level domains. This objective is embodied, in part, in the October 1998 amendment to the Cooperative Agreement. Many aspects of how competition will work in the domain name system, however, remain unsettled and could be impacted by, among other things, actions of the not-for-profit corporation. We currently face competition in the domain name registration business from registries for country code top level domains, third level domain name providers such as Internet access providers and registrars and registries of top level domains other than those top level domains that we currently administer. A number of entities have already begun to offer competing registration services using other top level domains. In developing and distributing future products and services for the Internet-based services markets, we face intense competition and expect to have multiple competitors for each of the products or services, if any, which we develop or sell. Furthermore, the industry in which we intend to compete is characterized by rapid changes and frequent product and service introductions. If a competitor were to successfully introduce certain products or services before us, it could cause our business to suffer. COMPETITION IN THE ENTERPRISE NETWORK CONSULTING BUSINESS Companies with Internet expertise are current or potential competitors to our enterprise network consulting services. These companies include systems integrators and consulting firms, such as Andersen Consulting, IBM Global Services and International Network Services. We also compete with certain companies that have developed products that automate the management of IP addresses and name maps throughout enterprise-wide intranets, and with companies with internally-developed systems integration efforts. A number of these competitors and potential competitors have longer operating histories and greater name recognition and significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources than we do. We may not be able to successfully compete in the enterprise network consulting services area. EMPLOYEES As of December 31, 1998, we had approximately 385 full-time employees. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees are good. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS As of December 1, 1998, we were a defendant in two active lawsuits involving domain name disputes between trademark owners and domain name holders. We are drawn into such disputes, in part, as a result of claims by trademark owners that we are legally required, upon request by a trademark owner, to terminate the right we granted to a domain name holder to register a domain name which is alleged to be similar to the trademark in question. The holders of the domain name registrations in dispute have, in turn, questioned our right, absent a court order, to take any action which suspends their use of the domain names in question. Although 46 out of approximately 4,500 of these situations have resulted in suits actually naming us as a defendant, as of 41 46 December 1, 1998, no adverse judgment has been rendered and no award of damages has ever been made against us. We believe that we have meritorious defenses and vigorously defend ourselves against these claims. On March 20, 1997, PG Media, Inc., a New York-based corporation filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York alleging that we had restricted access to the Internet by not adding PG Media's requested top level domains to the Internet root zone system in violation of the Sherman Act. In its complaint, PG Media, in addition to requesting damages, asked that we be ordered to include reference to PG Media's top level domains and name servers in the root zone file administered by us under the Cooperative Agreement. In June 1997, we received written direction from the National Science Foundation not to take any action which would create additional top level domains or to add any new top level domains to the Internet root zone until the National Science Foundation provides further guidance. On September 17, 1997, PG Media filed a Second Amended Complaint adding the National Science Foundation as a defendant. On May 14, 1998, PG Media served us with a motion for a preliminary injunction against both defendants to compel both defendants to add PG Media's top level domains to the Internet root zone within 30 days. In response, both defendants filed cross-motions for summary judgment against PG Media. On July 20, 1998, a hearing on all parties' motions occurred. The basic issue before the court is the National Science Foundation's authority to control the Internet's root zone system. The court has taken the issue under advisement and no date has been indicated for the issuance of a decision. With the transition of the Cooperative Agreement from the National Science Foundation to the Department of Commerce, we are still required to request written direction from the U.S. Government before making or rejecting any modifications, additions or deletions to the root zone file, in accordance with the October 1998 amendment to the Cooperative Agreement. On October 17, 1997, a group of six plaintiffs filed the Thomas suit against us and the National Science Foundation in the United States District Court, District of Columbia, challenging the legality of fees defendants charge for the registration of domain names on the Internet and seeking restitution of fees collected from domain name registrants in an amount in excess of $100 million, damages, and injunctive and other relief. Plaintiffs alleged violations of the Sherman Act, the U.S. Constitution, the Administrative Procedures Act and the Independent Offices Appropriations Act. On February 10, 1998, the plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction against us seeking several items of relief. On April 6, 1998, the Court issued its opinion granting summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs on the Intellectual Infrastructure Fund, ruling it an "unlawful tax." The court also granted our motion to dismiss all other counts (II through X) and simultaneously denied the plaintiffs' preliminary injunction motion against us. On April 30, 1998, Congress passed H.R. 3579 which was signed into law by the President on May 1, 1998. Section 8003 of H.R. 3579 legalized, ratified and confirmed the entire Intellectual Infrastructure Fund and authorized and directed the National Science Foundation to deposit the entire fund into the U.S. Treasury. On August 28, 1998, the District Court dismissed the entire case, issuing a final judgment in the matter. In October 1998, the plaintiffs appealed the court's dismissal of their claims, with oral argument scheduled for February 25, 1999. On October 20, 1998, we were included as a defendant in a suit brought by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office against a domain name holder who was alleged to have used his domain name in connection with a web site promoting white supremacy and threatening certain state employees. The Pennsylvania Attorney General named all of the communications companies in any way connected with the domain name or web site. The Pennsylvania Attorney General seeks to permanently enjoin these entities, including us, from providing services to this domain name holder in the event that the domain name holder fails to comply with the order of the court. We have answered the complaint denying any knowledge or participation in the actions of the primary defendant. No motions are pending and we expect to be dismissed from the matter. While we cannot reasonably estimate the potential impact of the claims advanced in the PG Media, Thomas or Pennsylvania Attorney General suits, a successful claim against us in any of these proceedings could harm our business. On June 27, 1997, SAIC received a Civil Investigative Demand, or "CID," from the U.S. Department of Justice issued in connection with an investigation to determine whether there is, has been, or may be any antitrust violation under the Sherman Act relating to Internet registration products and services. The CID seeks documents and information from SAIC and us relating to our Internet registration business. We cannot 42 47 reasonably estimate the potential impact of the investigation nor can we predict whether a civil action may ultimately be filed by the Department of Justice or the form of relief that might be sought. Any such relief from such a suit could have a harmful effect on our business. On August 17, 1998, we received notice from the Commission of the European Communities, or "EC," of an investigation concerning the Company's Premier Program agreements in Europe. The EC requested production of these agreements and related materials for review. We cannot reasonably estimate the potential impact of the investigation nor can we predict whether an action will ultimately be brought by the EC or the form of relief that might be sought. Any such relief could harm our business. We are involved in various other investigations, claims and lawsuits arising in the normal conduct of our business, none of which, in our opinion will harm our business. Legal proceedings in which we are involved have resulted and likely will result in, and any future legal proceedings can be expected to result in, substantial legal and other expenses and a diversion of the efforts of our personnel. 43 48 MANAGEMENT The name, age and position held with Network Solutions by each of the executive officers and directors of Network Solutions as of December 31, 1998 are set forth below:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NAME AGE POSITION - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Michael A. Daniels (1).......... 52 Chairman of the Board and Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Korzeniewski.......... 41 Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Operating Officer Bruce L. Chovnick............... 38 Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consulting Services Jonathan W. Emery............... 46 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary David H. Holtzman............... 42 Senior Vice President, Engineering Donald N. Telage................ 53 Senior Vice President, Internet Relations and Special Programs and Director Douglas L. Wolford.............. 37 Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales Charles A. Gomes................ 52 Vice President, Customer Programs Michael G. Voslow............... 39 Vice President, Finance and Treasurer J. Robert Beyster (1)........... 73 Director Craig I. Fields (2)............. 52 Director John E. Glancy (2).............. 52 Director J. Dennis Heipt (1)............. 56 Director William A. Roper, Jr. (2)....... 52 Director Stratton D. Sclavos (1)......... 37 Director
- --------------- (1) Member of Compensation Committee. (2) Member of Audit Committee. MICHAEL A. DANIELS has served as Chairman of the Board of Network Solutions since 1995 and as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Network Solutions since November 1998. Since 1986, Mr. Daniels has served in various positions with SAIC and has served as a Sector Vice President and Sector Manager for the Technology Applications Sector of SAIC since 1993. Prior thereto, Mr. Daniels served as a Group Senior Vice President of SAIC from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Daniels received a B.S. and an M.A. from Northwestern University and received a J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law. ROBERT J. KORZENIEWSKI has served as Chief Financial Officer of Network Solutions since March 1996 and as Acting Chief Operating Officer of Network Solutions since November 1998. From 1987 until October 1997, Mr. Korzeniewski held a variety of senior financial positions with SAIC and served as a Corporate Vice President for Administration of SAIC from 1989 until 1997. Mr. Korzeniewski is a Certified Public Accountant and received a B.S. in Business Administration from Salem State College. BRUCE L. CHOVNICK has served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consulting Services of Network Solutions since September 1997. From October 1993 until September 1997, Mr. Chovnick served in various executive leadership roles with General Electric Information Services, Inc., an electronic commerce company, and, most recently, he served as Vice President of its Global Internet Solutions business. Prior to that he was a Senior Manager of IBM Corporation, a computer systems, software, networking systems and storage devices manufacturer, from January 1984 to September 1993. Mr. Chovnick received a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Florida. JONATHAN W. EMERY has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Network Solutions since December 1997. From 1986 until 1997, Mr. Emery held a variety of positions with Tambrands Inc., a consumer products company, most recently as Vice President, Senior Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Prior thereto, from 1977 until 1986, Mr. Emery was an Associate with the law firm of Brown & Wood. Mr. Emery received a B.A. from Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, and a J.D. from Boston University School of Law. 44 49 DAVID H. HOLTZMAN has served as Senior Vice President, Engineering of Network Solutions since February 1997. From September 1995 until January 1997, he served as Business Development Manager, Development Manager and Chief Scientist, Internet Information Technology (InfoMarket) group of IBM Corporation, a computer systems, software, networking systems and storage devices manufacturer. Prior thereto, from May 1992 to 1994, he served as a Senior Associate at Booz-Allen & Hamilton, a management consulting firm. Mr. Holtzman received a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland. DONALD N. TELAGE has served as a director of Network Solutions since May 1995 and as Senior Vice President, Internet Relations and Special Programs of Network Solutions since February 1997. Dr. Telage also served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Network Solutions from May 1995 to February 1997. Since 1986, Dr. Telage has served in various positions with SAIC and has served as a Group Senior Vice President of SAIC since 1993. Prior thereto, Dr. Telage served as a Corporate Vice President of SAIC from 1992 to 1993. Dr. Telage received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and received an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Clark University. DOUGLAS L. WOLFORD has served as Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales of Network Solutions since December 1997. From December 1994 to November 1997, Mr. Wolford was employed by General Electric Information Services, Inc., an electronic commerce company, during which tenure he progressed to the position of General Manager -- Marketing (Americas). Prior thereto, he was employed from March 1989 to December 1994 by the National Academy of Engineering, most recently as Director, Development and Public Affairs. Mr. Wolford received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University, a Certificat de Langue Francaise from Sorbonne University and an M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Maryland. CHARLES A. GOMES has served as Vice President, Customer Programs of Network Solutions since March 1998. Mr. Gomes has been part of Network Solutions' management team since 1984. From October 1995 to March 1998, Mr. Gomes served as Director of Customer Programs. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Mr. Gomes managed various programs and projects at Network Solutions involving delivery of technical services to various federal and state government agencies. Mr. Gomes received a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of California, Davis, and a Master's of Education from Boston University. MICHAEL G. VOSLOW has served as Vice President, Finance and Treasurer since March 1998 and as Treasurer of Network Solutions since January 1997. From January 1995 to January 1997, Mr. Voslow was Vice President and Corporate Controller for MAXM Systems Corporation, a worldwide provider of computer software and professional services. Prior to joining MAXM, Mr. Voslow was a Senior Manager at Price Waterhouse where he served from August 1983 to January 1995. Mr. Voslow is a Certified Public Accountant and received a B.S. in Business Administration from Miami University (Ohio) and an M.B.A. in Finance from Duke University. J. ROBERT BEYSTER has served as a director of Network Solutions since 1996. Dr. Beyster is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of SAIC, a company he founded in 1969. Dr. Beyster is a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society and a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Dr. Beyster is also the founder, President and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Enterprise Development, a nonprofit organization that promotes employee ownership. CRAIG I. FIELDS has served as a director of Network Solutions since 1997. Dr. Fields has served as Chairman of the Defense Science Board since 1994. Dr. Fields has served as a consultant to several companies, including as a consultant to SAIC since 1994. Prior thereto, Dr. Fields served as Vice Chairman of Alliance Gaming Corporation, a diversified entertainment company, from 1994 to 1997. From 1990 until 1994, Dr. Fields served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Microelectronics and Computer-Technology Corporation, a privately held research and development consortium. Dr. Fields serves as a director of ENSCO International Incorporated, Projectavision, Inc., Muzak Incorporated, InterTech Group, Inc. and Firearms Training Systems, Inc. 45 50 JOHN E. GLANCY has served as a director of Network Solutions since 1996. Dr. Glancy has held a number of senior positions with SAIC since 1980. Dr. Glancy has served as a Corporate Executive Vice President of SAIC since 1994 and as a director of SAIC since 1994. From 1991 until 1994, Dr. Glancy served as a Sector Vice President of SAIC. J. DENNIS HEIPT has served as a director of Network Solutions since February 1998. Since 1984, Mr. Heipt has served as Senior Vice President for Administration and Secretary of SAIC. Mr. Heipt has held various positions with SAIC since 1979. WILLIAM A. ROPER, JR. has served as a director of Network Solutions since 1996. Since 1990, Mr. Roper has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SAIC. Mr. Roper also serves as a director of ODS Networks, Inc. STRATTON D. SCLAVOS has served as a director of Network Solutions since 1997. Mr. Sclavos has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of VeriSign, Inc., a provider of digital certificate services, since 1995. From 1993 until 1995, Mr. Sclavos served as Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Sales for Taligent, Inc., a joint venture of Apple Computer, Inc., IBM Corporation and The Hewlett-Packard Company, Inc. From 1992 until 1993, Mr. Sclavos served as Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Business Development for GO Corporation, a mobile computing company. From 1988 until 1993, Mr. Sclavos served in various executive positions with MIPS Computers Systems. Several officers and employees of SAIC currently serve as directors of Network Solutions. It is anticipated that the board of directors of Network Solutions will change in connection with the decrease in SAIC's percentage ownership and voting control of Network Solutions. 46 51 SELLING STOCKHOLDERS The following tables set forth certain information as of December 28, 1998 regarding the beneficial ownership of common stock by each of the selling stockholders and the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby by such selling stockholders. Concurrent with this offering, SAIC will convert 4,500,000 shares of Class B common stock into 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock to be sold in this offering. Prior to this offering, SAIC held approximately 96.3% of the combined voting power and 72.3% of the economic interest of the outstanding common stock. After this offering, SAIC will have approximately 89.0% of the combined voting power and approximately 44.8% of the economic interest of the outstanding common stock. Upon conversion of its remaining shares of Class B common stock into Class A common stock, which is expected to occur by May 31, 1999, assuming completion of this offering, SAIC will have approximately 44.8% of the combined voting power and economic interest of the outstanding common stock. The following tables are based on information supplied by the selling stockholders. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Except as indicated by footnotes and subject to community property laws, where applicable, the persons named below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. Shares of Class A common stock that are issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days of December 28, 1998, and shares of Class A common stock that are issuable upon conversion of Class B common stock, are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding such options or such shares of Class B common stock, as the case may be, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person, but are not treated as outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. In the second table, applicable percentages of shares beneficially owned prior to and after this offering and the number of shares being offered are based on 4,559,835 shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of December 28, 1998. The applicable percentages of shares of Class A common stock beneficially owned after this offering gives effect to the 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock to be issued to and sold by SAIC upon conversion of 4,500,000 shares of Class B common stock and 80,000 shares of Class A common stock to be issued to and sold by the other selling stockholders after they exercise their stock options simultaneously with the closing of this offering.
---------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS B COMMON STOCK SHARES BENEFICIALLY SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED PRIOR TO NUMBER OF SHARES OWNED AFTER OFFERING BEING OFFERED OFFERING -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT ---------------- ---------- ------- --------- ------- --------- ------- Science Applications International Corporation...................... 11,925,000 100% 4,500,000 37.7% 7,425,000 100%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A COMMON STOCK SHARES BENEFICIALLY SHARES BENEFICIALLY SHARES SUBJECT OWNED PRIOR TO NUMBER OF SHARES OWNED AFTER TO UNVESTED OFFERING BEING OFFERED OFFERING OPTIONS -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------- BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER ---------------- ---------- ------- --------- ------- --------- ------- ------ Science Applications International Corporation...... 11,925,000 72.3% 4,500,000 27.3% 7,425,000 44.8% -- Donald N. Telage (1)............. 49,721 1.1 30,236 * 19,485 * 73,500 Robert J. Korzeniewski (2)....... 37,671 * 24,978 * 12,693 * 64,120 David H. Holtzman (3)............ 23,050 * 16,413 * 6,637 * 42,600 Jonathan W. Emery (4)............ 9,490 * 8,373 * 1,117 * 24,000
- --------------- * Less than 1%. (1) Includes 34,435 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of December 28, 1998. (2) Includes 26,730 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of December 28, 1998. (3) Includes 22,950 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of December 28, 1998. (4) Includes 9,000 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of December 28, 1998. 47 52 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK Our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 29,425,000 shares of Class B common stock, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. No shares of preferred stock are outstanding as of the date hereof. Of the 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock authorized, as of December 28, 1998, 4,559,835 shares were outstanding, 1,570,423 shares were issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options (of which options to purchase 129,983 shares were currently exercisable), 11,925,000 shares were reserved for issuance upon conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock and 810,392 shares were reserved for issuance pursuant to certain employee benefits plans (exclusive of the 1,570,423 shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options). Of the 29,425,000 shares of Class B common stock authorized, 11,925,000 shares, or 100% of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock, are held by SAIC. On December 31, 1998, our board of directors approved a 2-for-1 stock split of the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, to be effected in the form of a stock dividend on shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding on February 26, 1999. The stock dividend will be distributed on March 23, 1999. SAIC intends to convert its remaining shares of Class B common stock to Class A common stock by May 31, 1999, assuming the completion of this offering. COMMON STOCK Voting Rights The holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock generally have the same rights except that holders of Class A common stock have one vote per share while holders of Class B common stock have ten votes per share. The holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting as a single class, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any preferred stock. In the event we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up, the holders of shares of common stock would share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities subject to prior distribution rights and payment of any distributions owing to holders of shares of preferred stock then outstanding, if any. Holders of the shares of common stock have no preemptive rights, and the shares of common stock are not subject to further calls or assessment. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the shares of common stock. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will share in an equal amount per share in any dividend declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Dividends consisting of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock may be paid only as follows: (i) shares of Class A common stock may be paid only to holders of Class A common stock and shares of Class B common stock may be paid only to holders of Class B common stock and (ii) shares shall be paid proportionally with respect to each outstanding share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Conversion Rights Each outstanding share of Class B common stock is convertible at the holder's option into one share of Class A common stock at any time prior to a tax-free spin-off. Additionally, each share of Class B common stock will automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock if at any time prior to a tax-free spin-off SAIC owns less than 30% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock then outstanding. If a tax-free spin-off occurs, shares of Class B common stock will not be convertible into shares of Class A common stock at the option of the holder thereof. Except as provided below, any shares of Class B common stock transferred to a person other than SAIC or any of its subsidiaries will automatically convert to shares of Class A common stock upon such disposition. 48 53 PREFERRED STOCK There are currently no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Under our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue from time to time up to 10,000,000 shares of the preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the number of shares, designations, preferences, powers, and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and the qualifications or restrictions of the preferred stock. The preferences, powers, rights, qualifications and restrictions of different series of preferred stock may differ with respect to dividend rates, amounts payable on liquidation, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption provisions, sinking fund provisions, and purchase funds and other matters. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of common stock or affect adversely the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the holders of common stock, and may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control. We have no present plan to issue any shares of preferred stock. REGISTRATION RIGHTS Pursuant to the registration rights agreement between us and SAIC, if we propose to register any of our securities either for our own account or for the account of our other security holders, SAIC is entitled to notice of the registration and is entitled to include, at our expense, their shares in the registration, subject to cutback by the underwriters. In addition, SAIC may require us on not more than two occasions, to register its shares. The first such registration, which is the registration being effected with this offering, will be at our expense and the second such registration will be at SAIC's expense. We have agreed to indemnify SAIC in connection with any such registration. DELAWARE ANTI-TAKEOVER LAW AND CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS Certificate of Incorporation Our certificate of incorporation provides that our bylaws may be repealed or amended only by a two-thirds vote of our board of directors or a two-thirds vote of our stockholders. In addition, those provisions of our certificate of incorporation may only be amended or repealed by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally for the election of directors voting together as a single class. The provisions described above, together with the ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock as described under "-- Preferred Stock," may have the effect of deterring a hostile takeover or delaying a change in control or change in management. Delaware Takeover Statute We have elected not to be governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. This section requires the vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock of a company not owned by an interested stockholder to approve certain business combinations. Section 203 defines interested stockholder as any entity or person owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the company and any entity or person affiliated with, controlling or controlled by such entity or person. As a result, if we decide to enter into any such proposed business combination, we will only need the approval of a majority of our outstanding voting stock. CERTAIN CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAW PROVISIONS Our certificate of incorporation provides that any person purchasing or acquiring an interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have consented to the following provisions relating to intercompany agreements and to transactions with interested parties and corporate opportunities. The corporate charter of SAIC does not include comparable provisions relating to intercompany agreements, transactions with interested parties or corporate opportunities. 49 54 Transactions with Interested Parties Our certificate of incorporation provides that no contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction between us and SAIC or any related entity will be void or voidable solely because SAIC, a related entity or any officers or directors of SAIC, a related entity or Network Solutions are parties thereto or because such directors or officers are present at or vote with respect to the authorization of the contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction. Our certificate of incorporation also provides that SAIC, a related entity and the officers or directors of SAIC and the related entity will not be presumed liable to us or our stockholders for: - breach of any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty, - failure to act in the best interests of Network Solutions, or - receipt of any improper personal benefit, simply because SAIC or any director or officer of SAIC or a related entity, in good faith, takes any action or gives or withholds any consent with respect to any agreement or contract between SAIC or a related entity and Network Solutions. For purposes of the foregoing, "Network Solutions" and "SAIC" include all corporations and other entities in which Network Solutions or SAIC, as the case may be, owns fifty percent or more of the outstanding voting stock, and "Related Entity" means one or more corporations or other entities in which one or more of the directors of Network Solutions have a direct or indirect financial interest. Competition by SAIC with Us; Corporate Opportunities Our certificate of incorporation provides that SAIC has no duty to refrain from engaging in the same or similar activities or lines of business as Network Solutions and that neither SAIC nor any of its directors, officers or employees will be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty due to any of these activities. If SAIC learns of a potential matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both SAIC and Network Solutions, SAIC has no duty to communicate or offer this opportunity to us. In addition, SAIC will not be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty if SAIC pursues or acquires the corporate opportunity or does not communicate it to us. If a director, officer or employee of Network Solutions who is also a director, officer or employee of SAIC knows of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity both for Network Solutions and SAIC, the director, officer or employee is entitled to offer the corporate opportunity to us or SAIC as the director, officer or employee deems appropriate under the circumstances in his or her sole discretion, and no such director, officer or employee will be presumed liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty or failure to act in our best interests or the derivation of any improper personal benefit by reason of the fact that - such director, officer or employee offered such corporate opportunity to SAIC (rather than to us) or did not communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to us, or - SAIC pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for itself or directs such corporate opportunity to another person or does not communicate the corporate opportunity to us. The enforceability of the provisions discussed above under Delaware corporate law has not been established and, due to the absence of relevant judicial authority, our counsel is not able to deliver an opinion as to the enforceability of such provisions. These provisions of our certificate of incorporation eliminate certain rights that might have been available to stockholders under Delaware law, although the enforceability of such provisions has not been established. The foregoing provisions of our certificate of incorporation expire on the date that SAIC ceases to own at least 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock and no person who is a director or officer of Network Solutions is also a director or officer of SAIC or its subsidiaries. 50 55 Actions Under Intercompany Agreements Our certificate of incorporation limits the liability of SAIC and its subsidiaries for certain breaches of their fiduciary duties in connection with action that may be taken or not taken in good faith under the intercompany agreements. Advance Notice Provision Our bylaws provide for an advance notice procedure for the nomination, other than by or at the direction of our board of directors, of candidates for election as directors as well as for other stockholder proposals to be considered at annual meetings of stockholders. In general, notice of intent to nominate a director or raise matters at such meetings will have to be received by us not less than 120 days prior to any meeting of the stockholders called for the election of directors, and must contain certain information concerning the person to be nominated or the matters to be brought before the meeting and concerning the stockholder submitting the proposal. 51 56 UNDERWRITING J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. is acting as book running lead manager for this offering. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Hambrecht & Quist LLC are acting as joint lead managers. The underwriters named below, for whom J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Hambrecht & Quist LLC, PaineWebber Incorporated and BancBoston Robertson Stephens are acting as representatives, have severally agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement among us, the selling stockholders and the underwriters, to purchase from the selling stockholders, and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters, the respective number of shares of Class A common stock set forth opposite their names below:
--------- NUMBER OF SHARES UNDERWRITERS --------- J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.................................. Hambrecht & Quist LLC....................................... PaineWebber Incorporated.................................... BancBoston Robertson Stephens............................... --------- Total............................................. 4,580,000 =========
The nature of the underwriters' obligations under the underwriting agreement is such that all of the Class A common stock being offered, excluding shares covered by the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters, must be purchased if any are purchased. The representatives of the underwriters have advised us and the selling stockholders that the several underwriters propose to offer the Class A common stock to the public initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and may offer the Class A common stock to selected dealers at such price less a concession not to exceed $ per share. The underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession to other dealers not to exceed $ per share. After the initial public offering of the Class A common stock, the public offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the representatives. We have granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to 687,000 additional shares of Class A common stock at the same price per share to be paid by the underwriters for the other shares offered hereby. If the underwriters purchase any such additional shares pursuant to the option, each of the underwriters will be committed to purchase such additional shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the above table. The underwriters may exercise the option only to cover over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the distribution of the Class A common stock offered hereby. The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts to be paid to the underwriters by the selling stockholders and, if the underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 687,000 shares is fully exercised, by us. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.
--------------------------- NO EXERCISE FULL EXERCISE ----------- ------------- By the Selling Stockholders Per share................................................. $ $ Total..................................................... $ $ By Network Solutions Per share................................................. $ Total..................................................... $
52 57 We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, excluding underwriting discounts, will be $825,000. The selling stockholders will not be responsible for any such expenses. In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Class A common stock. Specifically, the underwriters may overallot this offering, creating a syndicate short position. In addition, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of Class A common stock in the open market to cover syndicate shorts or to stabilize the price of the Class A common stock. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed for distributing shares of Class A common stock in this offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed Class A common stock in syndicate covering transactions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the shares of Class A common stock above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time. Network Solutions, the selling stockholders and certain of our officers and directors have agreed, with limited exceptions, that, during the period beginning from the date of this prospectus and continuing and including the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, they will not, directly or indirectly offer, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock or any of our securities which are substantially similar to the common stock, including but not limited to any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock or any such substantially similar securities or enter into any swap, option, future, forward or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of common stock or any securities substantially similar to the common stock, other than pursuant to employee stock option and restricted stock plans existing on the date of this prospectus, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. The Class A common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "NSOL." From time to time in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in and may in the future engage in commercial and/or investment banking transactions with SAIC, Network Solutions and their affiliates. Hambrecht & Quist LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and PaineWebber Incorporated acted as representatives in connection with our initial public offering which was consummated in October 1997. LEGAL MATTERS Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the Class A common stock offered hereby are being passed upon for Network Solutions and the selling stockholders by Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP, Palo Alto, California and Washington, D.C. Cahill Gordon & Reindel, a partnership including a professional corporation, New York, New York, is acting as counsel to the underwriters in connection with certain legal matters relating to the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby. EXPERTS The financial statements as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and for the periods from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. 53 58 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We have also filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 to register the shares of Class A common stock being offered in this prospectus. This prospectus, which forms part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For further information about us and the shares of Class A common stock offered in this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits and our other SEC filings. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. We file our SEC materials electronically with the SEC, so you can also review our filings by accessing the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. This web site contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with them, which means we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information included in the following documents is incorporated by reference and is considered to be a part of this prospectus. The most recent information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes more dated information. We have previously filed the following documents with the SEC and incorporate them by reference into this prospectus: 1. Our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997; 2. Our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1998, June 30, 1998 and September 30, 1998; 3. Our current reports on Form 8-K filed on October 9, 1998, November 16, 1998 and January 15, 1999; and 4. The description of the common stock contained in registration statement on Form 8-A, filed by us with the SEC on August 8, 1997. We also incorporate by reference all documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until all of the shares being offered in this prospectus are sold. We will provide without charge to each person to whom a prospectus is delivered, including any beneficial owner, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus. If you would like to obtain this information from us, please direct your request, either in writing or by telephone, to Jonathan W. Emery, Esq., Network Solutions, Inc. 505 Huntmar Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia 20170, telephone (703) 742-0400. 54 59 INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE REFERENCE Report of Independent Accountants........................... F-2, F-3 Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and September 30, 1998 (Unaudited)................... F-4 Statements of Operations for the Periods from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, and for the Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 (Unaudited)............................................... F-5 Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Periods from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, and for the Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 (Unaudited)............................ F-6 Statements of Cash Flows for the Periods from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, and for the Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 (Unaudited)............................................... F-8 Notes to Financial Statements............................... F-9
F-1 60 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Network Solutions, Inc. In our opinion, the accompanying statements of operations, of changes in stockholder's equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows for Network Solutions, Inc. ("Predecessor") for the period from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, on March 10, 1995 Science Applications International Corporation acquired the outstanding stock of the Company. The financial statements for the periods subsequent to March 10, 1995 have been prepared on the basis of accounting arising from this acquisition. The financial statements for the period from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 are presented on the Company's previous basis of accounting. /s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP Falls Church, VA March 17, 1997 F-2 61 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Network Solutions, Inc. In our opinion, the accompanying statements of financial position and the related statements of operations, of changes in stockholder's equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Network Solutions, Inc. (a majority-owned subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation) at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, on March 10, 1995 Science Applications International Corporation acquired the outstanding stock of the Company. The financial statements for the periods subsequent to March 10, 1995 have been prepared on the basis of accounting arising from this acquisition. The financial statements for the period from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 are presented on the Company's previous basis of accounting. /s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP Falls Church, VA February 6, 1998 F-3 62 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
-------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------ ------------- 1996 1997 1998 ----------- ------------ ------------- (UNAUDITED) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents....................... $15,540,000 $ 41,146,000 $ 9,124,000 Short-term investments, marketable securities... -- 40,200,000 107,876,000 Accounts receivable, net........................ 12,587,000 5,792,000 13,922,000 Prepaids and other assets....................... 936,000 1,005,000 1,512,000 Deferred tax asset.............................. 10,087,000 20,153,000 30,941,000 Restricted assets............................... 17,453,000 25,873,000 627,000 ----------- ------------ ------------ Total current assets.................. 56,603,000 134,169,000 164,002,000 Furniture and equipment, net.................... 2,266,000 6,146,000 9,579,000 Long-term investments, marketable securities.... -- -- 6,272,000 Deferred tax asset.............................. 4,968,000 8,128,000 11,292,000 Goodwill, net................................... 2,281,000 1,177,000 770,000 ----------- ------------ ------------ Total assets.......................... $66,118,000 $149,620,000 $191,915,000 =========== ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities........ $ 2,581,000 $ 6,426,000 $ 15,565,000 Due to parent................................... 15,295,000 1,250,000 2,587,000 Income taxes payable............................ -- 5,042,000 3,090,000 Current portion of capital lease obligations.... -- 842,000 861,000 Deferred revenue, net........................... 19,912,000 43,789,000 77,766,000 Internet fund liability......................... 17,453,000 25,873,000 627,000 ----------- ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities............. 55,241,000 83,222,000 100,496,000 Capital lease obligations....................... -- 1,081,000 436,000 Long-term deferred revenue, net................. 9,440,000 17,662,000 28,964,000 ----------- ------------ ------------ Total liabilities..................... 64,681,000 101,965,000 129,896,000 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $.001 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding in 1996, 1997 and 1998........................ -- -- -- Class A common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; none issued in 1996, 3,795,000 issued and outstanding in 1997.......................................... -- 4,000 4,000 Class B common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; 12,500,000 and 11,925,000 issued and outstanding in 1996 and 1997.......................................... 12,000 12,000 12,000 Additional paid-in capital...................... 4,468,000 56,451,000 63,147,000 Accumulated deficit............................. (3,043,000) (8,812,000) (1,295,000) Accumulated other comprehensive income.......... -- -- 151,000 ----------- ------------ ------------ Total stockholders' equity............ 1,437,000 47,655,000 62,019,000 ----------- ------------ ------------ Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.............................. $66,118,000 $149,620,000 $191,915,000 =========== ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-4 63 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPANY ------------------------- PREDECESSOR COMPANY --------------- --------------------------------------------- NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 1, 1995 MARCH 11, 1995 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, TO MARCH 10, TO DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ------------------------- 1995 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998 --------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- (UNAUDITED) Net revenue.............. $ 1,177,000 $ 5,309,000 $18,862,000 $45,326,000 $30,896,000 $62,395,000 Cost of revenue.......... 884,000 4,820,000 14,666,000 25,798,000 18,468,000 26,451,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Gross profit............. 293,000 489,000 4,196,000 19,528,000 12,428,000 35,944,000 Research and development expenses............... -- -- 680,000 1,653,000 1,095,000 2,893,000 Selling, general and administrative expenses............... 280,000 2,114,000 6,280,000 12,268,000 7,893,000 24,438,000 Interest income.......... -- -- (496,000) (2,211,000) (1,054,000) (4,423,000) Other expenses........... 9,000 52,000 -- 116,000 -- 93,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Income (loss) before income taxes........... 4,000 (1,677,000) (2,268,000) 7,702,000 4,494,000 12,943,000 Provision (benefit) for income taxes........... 48,000 (287,000) (643,000) 3,471,000 2,006,000 5,426,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Income (loss) from continuing operations............. (44,000) (1,390,000) (1,625,000) 4,231,000 2,488,000 7,517,000 Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes........... (1,375,000) (28,000) -- -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss)........ $(1,419,000) $(1,418,000) $(1,625,000) $ 4,231,000 $ 2,488,000 $ 7,517,000 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE: Income (loss) from continuing operations............. $ (0.04) $ (0.11) $ (0.13) $ 0.32 $ 0.20 $ 0.47 Loss from discontinued operations............. (1.32) -- -- -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss)........ $ (1.36) $ (0.11) $ (0.13) $ 0.32 $ 0.20 $ 0.47 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE: Income (loss) from continuing operations............. $ (0.04) $ (0.11) $ (0.13) $ 0.31 $ 0.20 $ 0.45 Loss from discontinued operations............. (1.32) -- -- -- -- -- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income (loss)........ $ (1.36) $ (0.11) $ (0.13) $ 0.31 $ 0.20 $ 0.45 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-5 64 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A COMMON STOCK CLASS B COMMON STOCK TREASURY STOCK ----------------------- ------------------------- --------------------- SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------- PREDECESSOR Balance, December 31, 1994............. 1,159,000 $ 12,000 110,000 $(628,000) Purchase of treasury stock............. -- -- 7,000 (30,000) Net loss for the period from January 1 to March 10, 1995.................... -- -- -- -- --------- ---------- ------- --------- Balance, March 10, 1995................ 1,159,000 $ 12,000 117,000 $(658,000) ========= ========== ======= =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPANY Purchase of outstanding common stock by SAIC on March 10, 1995............... -- -- 12,500,000 $ 12,000 Net loss for the period from March 11 to December 31, 1995................. -- -- -- -- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance, December 31, 1995............. -- -- 12,500,000 12,000 Net loss for the year ended December 31, 1996............................. -- -- -- -- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance, December 31, 1996............. -- -- 12,500,000 12,000 Declaration of Class B dividend........ -- -- -- -- Conversion of Class B common stock..... 575,000 -- (575,000) -- Issuance of Class A common stock....... 3,220,000 $ 4,000 -- -- Net income for the year ended December 31, 1997.................... -- -- -- -- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance, December 31, 1997............. 3,795,000 4,000 11,925,000 12,000 Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans.......................... 344,838 -- -- Tax benefit associated with stock plans................................ -- -- -- -- Unrealized gain on securities.......... -- -- -- -- Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1998................... -- -- -- -- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Balance, September 30, 1998 (unaudited).......................... 4,139,838 $ 4,000 11,925,000 $ 12,000 ========= ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-6 65 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -- (CONTINUED)
----------------------------------------------------------- ACCUMULATED ADDITIONAL OTHER RETAINED TOTAL PAID-IN COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS STOCKHOLDERS' CAPITAL INCOME (DEFICIT) EQUITY ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- PREDECESSOR Balance, December 31, 1994........................... $ 1,241,000 $ (373,000) $ 252,000 Purchase of treasury stock........................... -- -- (30,000) Net loss for the period from January 1 to March 10, 1995..................................... -- (1,419,000) (1,419,000) ----------- ------------ ------------ Balance, March 10, 1995.............................. $ 1,241,000 $ (1,792,000) $ (1,197,000) =========== ============ ============ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMPANY Purchase of outstanding common stock by SAIC on March 10, 1995............................. $ 4,468,000 -- $ 4,480,000 Net loss for the period from March 11 to December 31, 1995.................................. $ (1,418,000) (1,418,000) ----------- ------------ ------------ Balance, December 31, 1995........................... 4,468,000 (1,418,000) 3,062,000 Net loss for the year ended December 31, 1996............................................... -- (1,625,000) (1,625,000) ----------- ------------ ------------ Balance, December 31, 1996........................... 4,468,000 (3,043,000) 1,437,000 Declaration of Class B dividend...................... -- (10,000,000) (10,000,000) Conversion of Class B common stock................... -- -- -- Issuance of Class A common stock..................... 51,983,000 -- 51,987,000 Net income for the year ended December 31, 1997.................................. -- 4,231,000 4,231,000 ----------- ------------ ------------ Balance, December 31, 1997........................... 56,451,000 (8,812,000) 47,655,000 Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans.............................................. 4,456,000 -- 4,456,000 Tax benefit associated with stock plans.............. 2,240,000 -- 2,240,000 Unrealized gain on securities........................ -- $ 151,000 -- 151,000 Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1998................................. -- -- 7,517,00 7,517,000 ----------- ---------- ------------ ------------ Balance, September 30, 1998 (Unaudited).............. $63,147,000 $ 151,000 $ (1,295,000) $ 62,019,000 =========== ========== ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-7 66 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PREDECESSOR COMPANY ----------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ JANUARY 1, 1995 MARCH 11, 1995 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED TO MARCH 10, 1995 TO DECEMBER 31, 1995 DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1997 ----------------- -------------------- ----------------- ----------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss)..................... $ (1,419,000) $ (1,418,000) $ (1,625,000) $ 4,231,000 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Net loss from discontinued operations...................... 1,376,000 28,000 -- -- Depreciation and amortization..... 68,000 765,000 1,417,000 2,432,000 Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable............. -- 124,000 3,597,000 8,082,000 Deferred income taxes............. -- (2,221,000) (12,834,000) (13,226,000) Tax benefit associated with stock plans........................... -- -- -- -- Change in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable...................... (161,000) (3,385,000) (12,144,000) (1,287,000) (Increase) decrease in prepaids and other assets................ (36,000) 45,000 (925,000) (69,000) (Increase) decrease in deposits... (49,000) 1,053,000 -- -- Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities............. 233,000 282,000 1,226,000 3,845,000 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities..................... 8,000 (89,000) -- -- Increase in income taxes payable......................... -- -- -- 5,042,000 Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue......................... (30,000) 3,239,000 26,006,000 32,099,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.......... (10,000) (1,577,000) 4,718,000 41,149,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of furniture and equipment... (134,000) (518,000) (1,901,000) (3,240,000) Purchase of short-term investments, net................................. -- -- -- (40,200,000) Purchase of long-term investments..... -- -- -- -- Net investment in net assets of discontinued operations............. 331,000 563,000 (208,000) -- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.......... 197,000 45,000 (2,109,000) (43,440,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Repayment of bank borrowings.......... (293,000) (834,000) -- -- Dividend paid......................... -- -- -- (10,000,000) Capital lease obligations............. -- -- -- (463,000) Proceeds from issuance of common stock............................... -- -- -- 52,405,000 Purchase of treasury stock............ (30,000) -- -- -- Net transactions with SAIC............ -- 2,371,000 12,926,000 (14,045,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.......... (323,000) 1,537,000 12,926,000 27,897,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.................... (136,000) 5,000 15,535,000 25,606,000 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period........................... 136,000 -- 5,000 15,540,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.............................. $ -- $ 5,000 $ 15,540,000 $ 41,146,000 ============ ============ ============ ============ COMPANY --------------------------- NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------------- 1997 1998 ------------ ------------ (UNAUDITED) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss)..................... $ 2,488,000 $ 7,517,000 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Net loss from discontinued operations...................... -- -- Depreciation and amortization..... 1,635,000 2,613,000 Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable............. 5,577,000 2,168,000 Deferred income taxes............. (9,649,000) (14,061,000) Tax benefit associated with stock plans........................... -- 2,240,000 Change in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable...................... 348,000 (10,298,000) (Increase) decrease in prepaids and other assets................ (896,000) (507,000) (Increase) decrease in deposits... -- -- Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities............. 1,811,000 9,139,000 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities..................... -- -- Increase in income taxes payable......................... -- (1,952,000) Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue......................... 25,156,000 45,279,000 ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.......... 26,470,000 42,138,000 ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of furniture and equipment... (1,254,000) (5,639,000) Purchase of short-term investments, net................................. (28,321,000) (67,676,000) Purchase of long-term investments..... -- (6,012,000) Net investment in net assets of discontinued operations............. -- -- ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.......... (29,575,000) (79,327,000) ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Repayment of bank borrowings.......... -- -- Dividend paid......................... -- -- Capital lease obligations............. -- (626,000) Proceeds from issuance of common stock............................... -- 4,456,000 Purchase of treasury stock............ -- -- Net transactions with SAIC............ 6,627,000 1,337,000 ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.......... 6,627,000 5,167,000 ------------ ------------ Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.................... 3,522,000 (32,022,000) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period........................... 15,540,000 41,146,000 ------------ ------------ Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.............................. $ 19,062,000 $ 9,124,000 ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-8 67 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1 -- ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Network Solutions, Inc. (the "Company") currently acts as the exclusive registrar of Internet domain names within the .com, .org, .net, and .edu top level domains ("TLDs") pursuant to a Cooperative Agreement with the National Science Foundation ("NSF") (Note 3). Domain names are used to identify a unique site or presence on the Internet. As registry and registrar to these top level domains, the Company registers new domain names and is responsible for the maintenance and dissemination of the master file of domain names through daily updates to the Internet. The Company also provides enterprise network consulting services, focusing on network engineering, network and systems security and network management solutions for commercial customers. The Company was acquired by Science Applications International Corporation ("SAIC") on March 10, 1995 (the "acquisition"). Prior to the acquisition of the Company by SAIC, the Company's business included commercial and government contracts awarded to the Company on a competitive basis, including government contracts that were awarded to the Company partially upon the Company's then minority-owned status. The contracts which had been awarded to the Company based partially on the Company's then minority-owned status were transferred into a separately-owned entity prior to the acquisition of the Company by SAIC. In November 1995, SAIC adopted a plan to transfer the Company's remaining government-based business to SAIC in order to enable the Company to focus on the growth of its commercial business, which includes registration and consulting services. This transfer was effective as of February 1996. The operating results of both the minority-based government contract business and the remaining government-based business, are reflected as discontinued operations in the financial statements of the Company for all periods presented (Note 13). The commercial operations, as defined, are reflected as continuing operations in the financial statements of the Company for all periods presented. The financial statements for periods subsequent to March 10, 1995 are presented on the new basis of accounting arising from the acquisition (Note 9). The financial statements for the period from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 are presented on the Company's previous basis of accounting. Subsequent to the acquisition, the results of continuing and discontinued operations include allocations by SAIC of: (i) costs for administrative functions and services performed on behalf of the continuing and discontinued operations of the Company by centralized staff groups within SAIC, (ii) SAIC's general corporate expenses, (iii) pension and other retirement benefit costs, and (iv) cost of capital (Notes 8, 9 and 12). Only costs directly attributable to the Company's government-based business that were not incurred by the Company subsequent to the transfer of this business to SAIC have been included in discontinued operations. NOTE 2 -- RECAPITALIZATION AND INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING On June 26, 1997, the board of directors amended the certificate of incorporation to provide for two classes of common stock, designated as Class A and Class B. The holders of Class A and Class B common stock generally have identical rights except that holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share while holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible at the holder's option into one share of Class A common stock. On October 1, 1997, the Company completed an initial public offering (the "IPO") of 3,795,000 shares of its $.001 par value Class A common stock, including 495,000 shares resulting from the exercise of certain overallotment provisions. The Company's net proceeds from the IPO, including overallotment, were $52.4 million based on the Company's direct sale of 3,220,000 shares of Class A common stock. Prior to the offering, the Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAIC. In conjunction with the IPO, SAIC converted 575,000 shares (including 75,000 overallotment shares) of Class B common stock into 575,000 shares of Class A common stock and directly sold the shares as a selling stockholder. Upon completion of the offering, F-9 68 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) SAIC owned 100% of the outstanding Class B common stock representing 75.9% of the Company's equity and 96.9% of the combined voting power of the Company's outstanding Class B and Class A common stock. On August 21, 1997, the Company's board of directors declared a $10,000,000 dividend to be paid to SAIC upon consummation of the IPO. This dividend was paid to SAIC on October 1, 1997. NOTE 3 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES NSF Cooperative Agreement In December 1992, the Company entered into the Cooperative Agreement with the NSF under which the Company was to provide Internet domain name registration services for five top level domains: .com, .org, .net, .edu and .gov. These "registration services" include domain name registration and renewal, and throughout the registration term, maintenance of and unlimited modifications to individual domain name records and dissemination of records through updates to the Internet. The Cooperative Agreement became effective January 1, 1993. It includes a three-month phase-in period, a five-year operational period (commencing April 1, 1993 and ending March 31, 1998), and a six-month "flexibility period" through September 30, 1998. The Cooperative Agreement is subject to review by the NSF and may be terminated by the NSF at any time at its discretion or by mutual agreement. The NSF has stated that it will not be re-awarding a cooperative agreement at the end of the flexibility period. The original terms of the Cooperative Agreement provided for a cost reimbursement plus fixed-fee contract (with a fee of 8%). Effective September 14, 1995, the NSF and the Company amended the Cooperative Agreement to require the Company to begin charging end users a services fee of $50 per year for each domain name in the .com, .org and .net top level domains. Registrants pay a services fee of $100 for two years of domain name services upon each initial registration and an annual renewal fee of $50 per year thereafter (collectively "registration fees"). The NSF paid the registration fees to the Company for domain names within the .edu and .gov top level domains through March 31, 1997. Commencing April 1, 1997, the Company agreed with the NSF to provide domain name services within the .edu and .gov top level domains free of charge. As of October 1, 1997, the Company no longer registers or administers domain names in the .gov top level domain. Under the terms of the September 14, 1995 amendment to the Cooperative Agreement, 30% of the registration fees collected by the Company is required to be set aside for the enhancement of the intellectual infrastructure of the Internet ("set aside funds") and, as such, is not recognized as revenue by the Company. The Company has reflected these set aside funds, along with the appropriate percentage of net accounts receivable (Note 4), as restricted assets and has recorded an equivalent, related current liability. The Company maintains the cash received relating to the set aside funds in a separate interest bearing account. This restricted cash at December 31, 1996 and 1997 was approximately $13,049,000 and $23,512,000, respectively. The set aside funds, plus any interest earned, are intended to be disbursed at the direction of the NSF. In November 1997, the Company disbursed $23 million out of this fund to the NSF at its direction. Future collection or disbursement of these set aside funds will have no significant effect on the Company's business, net financial position, or results of operations (Note 15). For purposes of the Company's statements of cash flows, amounts relating to these restricted assets and the Internet fund liability have been excluded in their entirety. Revenue Recognition Prior to September 14, 1995, net revenue was recognized under the Cooperative Agreement on the basis of direct cost plus allowable indirect costs and the earned portion of the fee. Since September 14, 1995, registration fees charged to end users for registration services provided by the Company have been recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the registration term, two years for initial registrations and one year for F-10 69 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) renewals. The Company records revenue net of an estimated provision for uncollectible accounts receivable (Note 4). Substantially all of the Company's enterprise network consulting services revenue is derived from professional services which are generally provided to clients on a "time and expense" basis and is recognized as services are performed. Net revenue from two customers approximated 45% and 21% for the period from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995; 40% and 21% for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, and 20% and 0% for the year ended December 31, 1996. One of these customers was the NSF, whose impact on the above percentages of revenue was reflective of activity prior to the September 14, 1995 amendment of the Cooperative Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 1997, there were no customers which individually represented more than 5% of net revenues. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue primarily represents the unearned portion of revenue related to the unexpired term of registration fees, net of an estimate for uncollectible accounts receivable (Note 4). Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. Financial Instruments The recorded value of the Company's financial instruments, which include short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximates market value. Concentration of credit risks with respect to registration receivables is limited due to the wide variety and number of customers, as well as their dispersion across geographic areas. The Company has no derivative financial instruments. Furniture and Equipment Furniture and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation on furniture, office and computer equipment is calculated principally using a declining-balance method over the useful lives of three to seven years. Equipment under capital leases is amortized using a declining-balance method over the shorter of the assets' useful lives or lease term, ranging from two to three years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally six years. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in the acquisition and is amortized over five years using the straight-line method. Amortization expense of $580,000, $715,000 and $686,000 for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, and the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively, was included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Software Development Costs Effective January 1, 1996, research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs incurred for all periods presented prior to January 1, 1996 were reimbursed to the Company by direct charges to contracts and are included in cost of revenue for those periods. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 86 "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed", the Company has not capitalized any significant software development costs as of December 31, 1997. F-11 70 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) Income Taxes Deferred taxes are accounted for under SFAS No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes," whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement reporting and income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is recorded if it is "more likely than not" that some portion of or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. For the period from the acquisition until the IPO, the Company filed tax returns as part of SAIC's consolidated tax group. Tax expense during this period has been determined as if the Company was a separate taxpayer and was charged to the Company by SAIC. Effective October 1, 1997, the Company is no longer part of SAIC's consolidated tax group for federal income tax purposes and will prepare its income tax returns as a separate entity. Stock Based Compensation The Company accounts for its stock option and employee stock purchase plans in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". No compensation cost has been recognized by the Company for its employee stock plans. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", provides an alternative accounting method to APB No. 25 and requires additional pro forma disclosures (Note 12). The Company expects to continue to account for its employee stock plans in accordance with the provisions of APB No. 25. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make reasonable estimates and assumptions, based upon all known facts and circumstances that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Newly Issued Accounting Standards Effective December 31, 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share", which replaces the presentation of primary earnings per share ("EPS") with a presentation of basic EPS and necessitates the dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the statement of operations. In addition, during February 1998, the Company adopted Securities and Exchange Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 98, which, among other things, rescinded SAB No. 83 and thus eliminates the impact of common share equivalents granted by the Company at prices below the IPO offering price during the twelve months preceding the initial IPO filing and through the filing's effective date. All prior period EPS data have been restated as required by SFAS No. 128 and SAB No. 98. See Note 11 for the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted EPS computations. In June 1997, SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" was issued. SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual and interim financial statements issued to stockholders. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. SFAS No. 131 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997 and will have no impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The interim financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, these interim financial statements included in this report reflect all normal recurring adjustments which the Company considers necessary for fair presentation of the results of F-12 71 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) operations for the interim periods covered and of the financial position of the Company at the date of the interim balance sheet. Certain information and footnote disclosures for the interim periods normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate for understanding the information presented. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year. Prior periods have been restated for comparative purposes. NOTE 4 -- ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable consist of the following amounts as of December 31:
------------------------------- 1996 1997 ------------ ------------ Billed...................................................... $ 27,430,000 $ 24,483,000 Unbilled.................................................... 5,000,000 1,526,000 ------------ ------------ Total accounts receivable before allowances............ 32,430,000 26,009,000 Less -- Allowance for doubtful accounts..................... (15,439,000) (17,856,000) -- Accounts receivable allocable to 30% NSF set aside (Note 3)............................................... (4,404,000) (2,361,000) ------------ ------------ Accounts receivable, net.................................... $ 12,587,000 $ 5,792,000 ============ ============
Unbilled receivables consist of registration fees and time and material contract costs which have been incurred but which have not yet been billed. Under the Cooperative Agreement, 30% of collected registration fees will be set aside for disbursement at the direction of the NSF. In accounting for registration fees, the Company initially records the gross amount of the registration fee to accounts receivable and deferred revenue. The allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts is recorded against both accounts receivable and deferred revenue balances (see Note 3 for treatment of the 30% NSF set aside). From the net deferred revenue balance, the Company records revenue on a straight-line basis over the registration term. The provision for uncollectible accounts receivable, which is recorded on a straight-line basis over the registration term and deducted from gross registration fees in determining net registration revenue, was $124,000 for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and $3,597,000 and $7,782,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997. An additional $300,000 of bad debt expense was recorded in 1997 for the write-off of consulting services receivables. The Company's allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable is associated solely with its registration services business. The Company believes it has been necessary to establish its provision for uncollectible accounts receivable due to the large number of individuals and corporations that have registered multiple domain names with the intention of reselling such names at a profit. The Company's experience has been that, in contrast to other registrants, such resellers have a higher tendency of default on their registration fees. F-13 72 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) NOTE 5 -- FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT Furniture and equipment consist of the following amounts as of December 31:
----------------------------- 1996 1997 ----------- ----------- Furniture and office equipment.............................. $ 879,000 $ 476,000 Computer equipment.......................................... 4,033,000 8,619,000 Leasehold improvements...................................... 234,000 288,000 ----------- ----------- Furniture and equipment, at cost....................... 5,146,000 9,383,000 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization............. (2,880,000) (3,237,000) ----------- ----------- Furniture and equipment, net................................ $ 2,266,000 $ 6,146,000 =========== ===========
The above table includes $2,386,000 of computer equipment acquired during 1997 under capital lease agreements. Amortization expense related to capital leases totaled $915,000 in 1997. Total depreciation and amortization expense for the periods from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 was $68,000, $185,000, $702,000 and $1,746,000, respectively. NOTE 6 -- ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following amounts as of December 31:
----------------------------- 1996 1997 ----------- ----------- Accounts payable............................................ $ 1,054,000 $ 1,896,000 Accrued expenses............................................ 1,412,000 2,384,000 Accrued payroll............................................. 115,000 2,146,000 ----------- ----------- Total accounts payable and accrued expenses................. $ 2,581,000 $ 6,426,000 =========== ===========
NOTE 7 -- LEASES Future minimum lease payments, including fixed escalation increases, for office space and equipment under capital and operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 1997 are:
----------------------------- CAPITAL OPERATING YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31: LEASES LEASES ------------------------ ----------- ----------- 1998........................................................ $ 957,000 $ 3,437,000 1999........................................................ 885,000 3,438,000 2000........................................................ 252,000 2,806,000 2001........................................................ -- 1,818,000 2002........................................................ -- 1,427,000 ----------- ----------- Total minimum lease payments................................ 2,094,000 $12,926,000 =========== Less: Amounts representing interest......................... (171,000) ----------- Present value of minimum lease payments..................... 1,923,000 Less: Current portion....................................... (842,000) ----------- Long-term portion of capital lease obligations.............. $ 1,081,000 ===========
F-14 73 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) In December 1992, the Company entered into a lease agreement for the Company's headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Subsequent to the acquisition, SAIC re-negotiated the lease with the landlord whereby SAIC posted a $1,000,000 letter of credit and then subleased the facilities to the Company under a lease expiring November 2002. During 1997, the Company leased a second facility in Herndon whose lease term expires in July 2002. Lease expense related to the continuing operations for the periods from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995, and for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 was $36,000, $342,000, $924,000 and $2,188,000, respectively. Lease expense incurred by the discontinued operations for the periods from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 was $208,000 and $328,000, respectively. Subsequent to March 10, 1995, the Company generated rental income from subleases in 1995 of $135,000, and $187,000 and $291,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. NOTE 8 -- INTEREST EXPENSE AND INCOME Interest expense reflected in continuing operations and discontinued operations for the period January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 was $9,000 and $51,000, respectively. Interest charges prior to the acquisition have been reflected in continuing and discontinued operations based on the debt balances associated with each of the continuing and discontinued operations. In addition, interest expense of $52,000 and $164,000 for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 was allocated by SAIC to the Company's continuing operations and discontinued operations, respectively, based upon SAIC's cost of capital calculation. For the year ended December 31, 1996, interest income of $496,000 was allocated by SAIC based upon the cost of capital calculation. From its acquisition by SAIC in March 1995 until December 1996, the Company participated in SAIC's centralized cash management system whereby cash received from operations was transferred to SAIC's centralized cash accounts and cash disbursements were funded from such centralized cash accounts. Accordingly, the SAIC cost of capital formula provided for charges and credits to the Company based upon management of certain assets, including accounts receivable and fixed assets. Such amounts are not necessarily indicative of the cost that would have been incurred if the Company had been operated as a separate entity. Effective January 1, 1997, the Company was no longer subject to SAIC's cost of capital calculation in connection with the Company fulfilling its own treasury function. Interest paid for the periods from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 and March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 was $0, $103,000, $0 and $116,000, respectively. NOTE 9 -- TRANSACTIONS WITH SAIC Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company was acquired by SAIC on March 10, 1995 in a stock-for-stock transaction accounted for as a purchase. The fair market value of the SAIC stock exchanged for the outstanding stock of the Company was approximately $3.9 million. The acquisition agreement provided for certain purchase adjustments and related additional stock issuance payments of approximately $600,000. After F-15 74 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) reflecting certain purchase accounting adjustments, the net assets included on the opening balance sheet were as follows: ---------- Current assets.............................................. $ 929,000 Furniture and equipment..................................... 734,000 Goodwill.................................................... 3,576,000 Other non-current assets.................................... 1,047,000 ---------- 6,286,000 Current liabilities......................................... 1,625,000 Net liabilities of discontinued operations.................. 181,000 ---------- Net assets acquired at March 11, 1995....................... $4,480,000 ==========
The financial statements as of and for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 include significant transactions with other SAIC business units involving functions and services (such as cash management, tax administration, accounting, legal, data processing and employee benefit plans) that were provided to the Company by centralized SAIC organizations. The costs of these functions and services have been directly charged and/or allocated to the Company using methods that SAIC management believes are reasonable; primarily a percentage of budgeted administrative and overhead costs. Such charges and allocations are not necessarily indicative of the costs that would have been incurred if the Company had been a separate entity. Through August 9, 1996, the amounts allocated by SAIC to the Company included both administrative and overhead costs which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and cost of revenue, respectively. Effective August 10, 1996, SAIC stopped allocating costs based generally upon pro rata labor and began assessing the Company for corporate services provided by SAIC at a fee equal to 2.5% of annual net revenue. The agreement may be terminated by either party upon 180 days prior written notice. Amounts charged and allocated to the Company for these functions and services for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 were $516,000, $1,196,000 and $1,126,000, respectively, and are principally included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Additionally, certain interest charges/credits were allocated by SAIC to the Company (Note 8). Sales as a subcontractor to SAIC for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 were $509,000, $1,505,000 and $2,445,000, respectively. In addition, because the Company was included in SAIC's consolidated tax returns for periods from acquisition until the IPO, the Company was obligated to make payment for its tax liability to SAIC in accordance with the tax sharing arrangement (Note 10). The due to parent balance represents the cumulative net activity of all transactions between the Company and SAIC. The Company reflects this activity in the statement of cash flows on a net basis because of the quick turnover, the large amounts and the short maturities of these related party cash transactions. NOTE 10 -- PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES The results of the Company since its acquisition by SAIC until its IPO are to be included in SAIC's consolidated tax returns. The tax expense allocation is set forth in Note 3. Subsequent to the IPO, the Company is no longer part of SAIC's consolidated tax group for federal income tax purposes and will prepare its income tax returns as a separate entity. F-16 75 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) The provision for (benefit) from income taxes charged to continuing operations consists of the following:
-------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE PERIOD 1995 ------------------------------ YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 11 TO DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 10 DECEMBER 31 1996 1997 ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Current: Federal.......................... $40,000 $1,521,000 $ 10,171,000 $ 13,931,000 State............................ 8,000 311,000 2,020,000 2,766,000 ------- ----------- ------------ ------------ Total current provision.............. 48,000 1,832,000 12,191,000 16,697,000 ------- ----------- ------------ ------------ Deferred: Federal.......................... -- (1,759,000) (10,716,000) (11,035,000) State............................ -- (360,000) (2,118,000) (2,191,000) ------- ----------- ------------ ------------ Total deferred (benefit).............. -- (2,119,000) (12,834,000) (13,226,000) ------- ----------- ------------ ------------ Provision for (benefit) from income taxes............................ $48,000 $ (287,000) $ (643,000) $ 3,471,000 ======= =========== ============ ============
Deferred tax assets are comprised of the following temporary differences as of December 31:
----------------------------- 1996 1997 ----------- ----------- Deferred Revenue....................................... $13,846,000 $26,295,000 Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable........ 1,091,000 1,841,000 Other.................................................. 118,000 145,000 ----------- ----------- Total deferred tax asset............................... $15,055,000 $28,281,000 =========== ===========
Tax valuation allowances were provided through March 10, 1995 against the net deferred tax assets of both continuing operations and discontinued operations. In connection with the acquisition purchase accounting, a determination was made that tax valuation allowances were no longer required. Although the Company had a past history of net losses, it has not established a current valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets since, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The deferred tax assets relate primarily to registration fees which are taxable upon initial registration but are recognized in the financial statements over the next 12 to 24 months, the registration term. A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is provided below. The statutory federal income tax rate used was 34% for the periods during 1995 and 35% for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997.
----------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE PERIOD 1995 ----------------------------- YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 11 TO DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 10 DECEMBER 31 1996 1997 ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ Federal tax at statutory rate............ $ 1,000 $(570,000) $(794,000) $2,696,000 State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit................................ -- (68,000) (96,000) 374,000 Nondeductible goodwill amortization...... -- 348,000 281,000 240,000 Other.................................... 1,000 3,000 (34,000) 161,000 Valuation allowance...................... 46,000 -- -- -- ------- --------- --------- ---------- Provision for (benefit) from income taxes.................................. $48,000 $(287,000) $(643,000) $3,471,000 ======= ========= ========= ==========
The Company paid income taxes of $119,000 for the period from January 1, to March 10, 1995. F-17 76 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) NOTE 11 -- COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted EPS computations for continuing operations:
----------------------------------------------- INCOME PER (LOSS) SHARES SHARE (NUMERATOR) (DENOMINATOR) AMOUNT ----------- ------------- --------- January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 Loss Per Share: Basic............................................... $ (44,000) 1,046,000 $(0.04) ====== Dilutive securities: Outstanding options............................... -- -- ----------- ---------- Diluted............................................. $ (44,000) 1,046,000 $(0.04) =========== ========== ====== March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 Loss Per Share: Basic............................................... $(1,390,000) 12,500,000 $(0.11) ====== Dilutive securities: Outstanding options............................... -- -- ----------- ---------- Diluted............................................. $(1,390,000) 12,500,000 $(0.11) =========== ========== ====== 1996 Loss Per Share: Basic............................................... $(1,625,000) 12,500,000 $(0.13) ====== Dilutive securities: Outstanding options............................... -- -- ----------- ---------- Diluted............................................. $(1,625,000) 12,500,000 $(0.13) =========== ========== ====== 1997 Earnings Per Share: Basic............................................... $ 4,231,000 13,305,000 $ 0.32 ====== Dilutive securities: Outstanding options............................... -- 178,000 ----------- ---------- Diluted............................................. $ 4,231,000 13,483,000 $ .031 =========== ========== ====== Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 (Unaudited): Basic............................................... $ 7,517,000 15,888,000 $ 0.47 ====== Dilutive securities: Outstanding options............................... -- 656,000 ----------- ---------- Diluted............................................. $ 7,517,000 16,544,000 $ 0.45 =========== ========== ====== Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 (Unaudited): Basic............................................... $ 2,488,000 12,501,000 $ 0.20 ====== Dilutive securities: Outstanding options............................... -- 99,000 ----------- ---------- Diluted............................................. $ 2,488,000 12,600,000 $ 0.20 =========== ========== ======
F-18 77 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) Common shares issued are weighted for the period the shares were outstanding and incremental shares assumed issued under the treasury stock method for dilutive EPS are weighted for the period the underlying options were outstanding. Options outstanding in 1995 and 1996 are not reflected in the computation of diluted EPS because the effects are antidilutive and would increase diluted EPS. NOTE 12 -- EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 1996 Stock Incentive Plan The 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") of the Company was adopted by the board of directors on September 18, 1996. The Incentive Plan provides for awards in the form of restricted shares, stock units, stock appreciation rights, and stock options (including incentive stock options ("ISOs") and nonstatutory stock options ("NSOs")). A total of 2,306,250 shares of Class A common stock have been initially reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan. The number of shares are increased by 2% of the total number of common shares of the Company outstanding at the end of the most recent calendar year, subject to a cumulative limit of 1,000,000 shares. Through December 31, 1997, an additional 564,400 shares were eligible for issuance and have subsequently been reserved for a combined total of 2,870,650 eligible shares under the Incentive Plan. Following is a summary of activity pursuant to the Company's Incentive Plan:
-------------------------------- WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE --------- ---------------- Balance at December 31, 1995................................ -- -- Granted..................................................... 1,225,725 $12.97 Exercised................................................... -- -- Cancelled................................................... -- -- --------- Balance at December 31, 1996................................ 1,225,725 $12.97 Granted..................................................... 600,500 $14.21 Exercised................................................... -- -- Cancelled................................................... (36,500) $14.00 --------- Balance at December 31, 1997................................ 1,789,725 $13.36 =========
Granted stock options generally become exercisable one year after the date of the grant, vest 30%, 30%, 20% and 20% on each anniversary date of the grant and have a term of five years. The number of options exercisable at December 31, 1997 are 360,821 with an exercise price range of $11.25 to $14.00 and a weighted average exercise price of $12.95. The weighted average contractual life of all options outstanding at December 31, 1997 is 4.10 years. All options granted to date have been NSOs except for 100,900 ISOs granted in 1996. No restricted shares, stock units or SARs have been granted to date. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Effective January 7, 1998, the Company adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan to provide substantially all full time employees an opportunity to purchase shares of its Class A common stock through payroll deductions of up to 10% of eligible compensation. Semiannually, on June 30 and December 31, participant account balances are used to purchase stock at the lesser of 85 percent of the fair market value on the trading day before the participation period starts or the trading day preceding the day on which the participation period ends. A total of 250,000 shares are available for purchase under the plan. SAIC Benefit Plans Employees of the Company participate in various SAIC benefit plans, including stock, bonus and retirement plans, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements. SAIC charges the Company directly for the costs of F-19 78 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) such employee benefit plans. Charges related to the administration of the SAIC benefit plans in which employees of the Company participate are included within SAIC general corporate allocations (Notes 1 and 9). SAIC has one principal Cash or Deferred Arrangement ("CODA") which allows eligible participants to defer a portion of their income through payroll contributions. Such deferrals are fully vested, are not taxable to the participant until distributed from the CODA upon termination, retirement, permanent disability or death and may be matched by SAIC. SAIC also has an SAIC Employee Stock Purchase Plan which allows eligible employees to purchase shares of SAIC's Class A common stock, with SAIC currently contributing 10% of the existing fair market value. SAIC has a Bonus Compensation Plan which provides for bonuses to reward outstanding performance. Bonuses are paid in the form of cash, fully vested shares of SAIC Class A common stock or vesting shares of SAIC Class A common stock. The Company participated in this plan during the period from acquisition until December 31, 1996. During the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, a total of 24,450, 53,040 and 11,450 SAIC options were granted to the Company's employees, respectively, with exercise prices ranging from $15.72 to $17.79, $19.33 to $22.83 and $25.96 to $34.78 per share, respectively, with a weighted average price of $16.17, $20.51 and $28.13, respectively. These options were granted under the SAIC 1995 Stock Option Plan to purchase SAIC Class A common stock and vest 20%, 20%, 20% and 40% on each anniversary date of grant and have a term of five years. Pro Forma Disclosures The weighted average fair value of the options granted during the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 under the SAIC Bonus Compensation Plan were estimated at $3.66, $4.30 and $7.56, respectively, and $2.76 and $4.68, respectively, for the options granted during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 under the Company's Incentive Plan using the Black-Scholes model. The following weighted average assumptions were used in calculating the option fair values:
------------------------------------------------------------------------ SAIC STOCK OPTIONS ------------------------------------------ COMPANY STOCK OPTIONS MARCH 11, --------------------------- 1995 TO YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 1995 1996 1997 1996 1997 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Expected life (years)....... 4.0 4.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 Risk-free interest rate..... 6.45% 5.91% 6.30% 5.98% 6.25% Volatility.................. 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 20.79% Dividend yield.............. 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Under the above models, the total value of SAIC stock options granted during 1995, 1996 and 1997 was approximately $89,000, $228,000 and $87,000, respectively, and $3,379,000 and $2,809,000, respectively, for the Company's stock options granted in 1996 and 1997, all of which would be amortized ratably on a pro forma basis over their respective option terms. Had the Company recorded compensation costs for these plans in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company's pro forma income (loss) would have been ($1,430,000) for the period March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and ($1,763,000) and $3,510,000, respectively for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997. Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share would have been ($0.14) and $0.26, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997. F-20 79 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) NOTE 13 -- DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS As discussed in Note 1, in November 1995 SAIC adopted a plan to transfer the Company's government-based business to SAIC in order for the Company to focus on the growth of the commercial business. Such transfer was substantially completed as of February 1996. Prior to SAIC's acquisition of the Company, the portion of the Company's business relating to the minority-based government business had been transferred into a separately-owned entity. The activities of both the minority-based government business and the government-based business are reflected as discontinued operations in the financial statements of the Company for all periods presented. Net income (loss) from discontinued operations exclude general corporate overhead of the Company. No gain or loss was incurred as a consequence of the transfer of these businesses. Summary operating results of the discontinued operations were as follows:
----------------------------- FOR THE PERIOD 1995 ----------------------------- JANUARY 1 MARCH 11 TO TO MARCH 10 DECEMBER 31 ----------- ----------- Revenues................................................. $ 4,270,000 $ 7,882,000 Costs and expenses....................................... (5,478,000) (7,773,000) ----------- ----------- (Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes.................................................. (1,208,000) 109,000 Provision for income taxes............................... 167,000 137,000 ----------- ----------- Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes... $(1,375,000) $ (28,000) =========== ===========
NOTE 14 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES As of December 31, 1997, the Company was a defendant in 5 lawsuits involving domain name disputes between trademark owners and domain name holders. The Company is drawn into such disputes, in part, as a result of claims by trademark owners that the Company is legally required, upon request by a trademark owner, to terminate the right the Company granted to an alleged trademark infringer to register the domain name in question. Further, trademark owners have also alleged that the Company should be required to monitor future domain name registrations and reject registrations of domain names which are identical or similar to their federally registered trademark. The holders of the domain name registrations in dispute have, in turn, questioned the Company's right, absent a court order, to take any action which suspends their registration or use of the domain names in question. Although 41 of these objections have resulted in litigation involving the Company, as of December 31, 1997, no damages have been awarded against the Company to any plaintiff in the 36 cases that have been resolved. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims. On October 17, 1997, a group of six plaintiffs filed a lawsuit (the "Thomas suit") against the Company and the NSF in the United States District Court, District of Columbia, challenging the legality of fees defendants charge for the registration and renewal of domain names on the Internet and seeking restitution of fees collected from domain name registrants in an amount in excess of $100 million, damages, and injunctive and other relief. Plaintiffs originally alleged violations of the Competition in Contracting Act ("CICA"), the Sherman Act and the U.S. Constitution. Following the filing of motions to dismiss by the defendants, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on January 30, 1998, dropping the cause of action based upon CICA, but adding alleged violations of the Administrative Procedures Act and the Independent Offices Appropriations Act. The plaintiffs also filed a motion for preliminary injunctive relief against the NSF concerning the "Intellectual Infrastructure Fund." On February 2, 1998, the United States District Court, District of Columbia, issued an order granting the plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, enjoining the NSF from spending any of the money collected by the Company for the Intellectual Infrastructure Fund. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses and F-21 80 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims in the Thomas suit. While the Company cannot reasonably estimate the potential impact of such claims, a successful claim under the plaintiffs' theories could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See Note 15. On June 27, 1997, SAIC received a Civil Investigative Demand ("CID") from the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") issued in connection with an investigation to determine whether there is, has been, or may be an antitrust violation under the Sherman Act relating to Internet registration products and services. The CID seeks documents and information from SAIC and the Company relating to their Internet registration business. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the potential impact of the investigation nor can it predict whether a civil action will ultimately be filed by the DOJ. The Company is unable to predict the form of relief that might be sought in such an action or that might be awarded by a court or imposed as a result of any settlement. Any such relief could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. On March 20, 1997, PG Media, Inc., a New York-based corporation ("PG Media"), filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York alleging that the Company had restricted access to the Internet by not adding PG Media's requested top level domains in violation of the Sherman Act. In its complaint, PG Media has, in addition to requesting damages, asked that the Company be ordered to include reference to PG Media's top level domains and name servers in the root zone file administered by the Company under the Cooperative Agreement. The Company has answered the complaint. In addition, in June 1997, the Company received written direction from the NSF not to take any action to create additional top level domains or to add any new top level domains to the Internet root zone until the NSF provides further guidance. On September 17, 1997, PG Media filed a Second Amended Complaint adding the NSF as a defendant. No motions are pending as of December 31, 1997. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims of PG Media. Although the Company cannot reasonably estimate the potential impact of such claims, a successful claim under the plaintiff's theory could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company is involved in various other investigations, claims and lawsuits arising in the normal conduct of its business, none of which, in the opinion of the Company's management, will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows or its ability to conduct business. NOTE 15 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED) NSF Cooperative Agreement Pursuant to an amendment to the Cooperative Agreement, on March 12, 1998, the NSF directed the Company to begin charging end users $70 upon each initial registration for domain names registered April 1, 1998 or later and $35 for each renewal with an anniversary date of April 1, 1998 or later. In conjunction with this amendment to the Cooperative Agreement, the Company will no longer set aside 30% of the collected registration fees for the enhancement of the intellectual infrastructure of the Internet. This amendment does not alter the Company's existing revenue per net registration since the 30% set aside funds were previously not recognized as revenue. The set aside funds plus any interest earned, are intended to be disbursed at the direction of the NSF. In September 1998, the Company disbursed $39.2 million of this fund to the NSF at its direction. In December 1998, the Company disbursed the remaining monies due to the NSF of approximately $138,000, bringing the cumulative disbursements since September 14, 1995 to approximately $62.3 million. Effective in September 1998, the responsibility for the Cooperative Agreement was transferred to the NTIA. In October 1998, the Cooperative Agreement was amended (the "October 1998 Amendment") to extend the flexibility period through September 30, 2000. As the U.S. Government transitions certain responsibilities for the DNS to the not-for-profit corporation, corresponding obligations under the Cooperative Agreement may be F-22 81 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED) terminated and, as appropriate, covered in a contract between the not-for-profit corporation and the Company. In the October 1998 Amendment, the Company agreed with the NTIA to plan for the transition to a shared registration system, in which multiple registrars may register domain names with the single registry for each top level domain administered by the Company, in a phased approach, the first phase of which is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 1999. The Cooperative Agreement by its terms expires in September 2000, although it may be terminated earlier. Litigation In August 1998, the court dismissed all of the plaintiffs' claims against the Company in the Thomas suit. In October 1998, the plaintiffs appealed the court's dismissal of their claims, with the oral argument scheduled for February 25, 1999. Stock Split On December 31, 1998, the board of directors of the Company approved a 2-for-1 stock split of the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, to be effected in the form of a stock dividend on shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding on February 26, 1999. The stock dividend will be distributed on March 23, 1999. After giving effect to this stock split, pro forma earnings (loss) per share for all periods presented would be as follows: [CAPTION]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PREDECESSOR COMPANY ----------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, JANUARY 1, 1995 MARCH 11, 1995 YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED ----------------- TO MARCH 10, 1995 TO DECEMBER 31, 1995 DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1997 1997 1998 ----------------- -------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----- ----- Basic................ $(0.68) $(0.06) $(0.07) $0.16 $0.10 $0.24 Diluted.............. $(0.68) $(0.06) $(0.07) $0.16 $0.10 $0.23
F-23 82 [INSIDE BACK COVER] ENTERPRISE NETWORK CONSULTING SERVICES
NETWORK ENGINEERING NETWORK SYSTEM SECURITY - - Network Architecture Design - Expertise in Security Strategy Development Review and Assessment - Backbone, LAN/WAN Remote Access and Facilities - - DNS and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Security Engineering - Virtual Private Network Design and Implementation - - intranet and Extranet Infrastructure Engineering - - Routing and Switching Architecture Implementation
[NETWORK SOLUTIONS LOGO] NETWORK MANAGEMENT - MISSION CRITICAL PERFORMANCE AND REMOTE MONITORING - NETWORK CAPACITY AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES - NEW TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION AND MANAGEMENT - DISASTER RECOVERY AND NETWORK SYSTEM FAILURE CONTINGENCY PLANNING 83 [OUTSIDE BACK COVER] [NETWORK SOLUTIONS LOGO] 84 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION The following table sets forth the various expenses payable by the Registrant in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered hereby. Normal commission expenses and brokerage fees are payable individually by the Selling Stockholders. All amounts are estimated except the SEC registration fee and the NASD filing fee.
AMOUNT -------- SEC registration fee........................................ $203,527 NASD filing fee............................................. 30,500 Accounting fees and expenses................................ 75,000 Printing and engraving...................................... 250,000 Legal fees and expenses..................................... 250,000 Miscellaneous fees and expenses............................. 15,973 -------- Total............................................. $825,000 ========
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides for the indemnification of officers, directors, and other corporate agents in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify such persons under certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act. Article IX of the Registrant's Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997) limits the liability of the Registrant's directors to the extent and under the circumstances permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Certain provisions of the Company's Bylaws provide for indemnification of the Registrant's directors and officers. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and officers that will require the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Underwriting Agreement (Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration Statement) provides for indemnification by the Underwriters of the Registrant, its directors and officers, and by the Registrant of the Underwriters, for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act, and affords certain rights of contribution with respect thereto. ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT - ------- ----------------------- 1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement. 4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-30705, and incorporated herein by this reference. 4.2 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and incorporated herein by this reference. 4.3 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant, as amended February 9, 1998, filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and incorporated herein by this reference. 5.1* Opinion of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP. 23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 23.2* Consent of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP (included in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement). 24.1* Power of Attorney.
- --------------- * Previously filed. II-1 85 ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) and 497(h) under the Act shall be deemed part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective. (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (3) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. II-2 86 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3, and has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Washington, District of Columbia, on February 1, 1999. NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. By: /s/ MICHAEL A. DANIELS ------------------------------------ Name: Michael A. Daniels Title: Acting Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME TITLE DATE ---- ----- ---- /s/ MICHAEL A. DANIELS Chairman of the Board and Acting February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Daniels /s/ ROBERT J. KORZENIEWSKI Chief Financial Officer and Acting February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- Chief Operating Officer (Principal Robert J. Korzeniewski Financial Officer) /s/ MICHAEL G. VOSLOW Vice President, Finance and Treasurer February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer) Michael G. Voslow * Director February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- J. Robert Beyster * Director February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- Craig I. Fields * Director February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- John E. Glancy * Director February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- J. Dennis Heipt * Director February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- William A. Roper, Jr. * Director February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- Stratton D. Sclavos * Director February 1, 1999 - ------------------------------------- Donald N. Telage *By: /s/ JONATHAN W. EMERY - ------------------------------------- Jonathan W. Emery Attorney-in-Fact
II-3 87 EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT - ------- ----------------------- 1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.............................. 4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-30705, and incorporated herein by this reference........ 4.2 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and incorporated herein by this reference.................................... 4.3 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant, as amended February 9, 1998, filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and incorporated herein by this reference................... 5.1* Opinion of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP.................... 23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP....................... 23.2* Consent of Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP (included in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).................................................. 24.1* Power of Attorney...........................................
- --------------- * Previously filed. EX-1.1 2 FORM OF UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT 1 NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. 4,580,000 Shares of Class A Common Stock Underwriting Agreement , 1999 J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. Hambrecht & Quist LLC PaineWebber Incorporated BancBoston Robertson Stephens As Representatives of the several Underwriters listed in Schedule I hereto c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. 60 Wall Street New York, New York 10260 Ladies and Gentlemen: Certain stockholders named in Schedule II hereto (the "Selling Stockholders") of Network Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), propose to sell to the several Underwriters listed in Schedule I hereto (the "Underwriters"), for whom you are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"), an aggregate of 4,580,000 shares (the "Underwritten Shares") of Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company (the "Class A Common Stock"). In addition, for the sole purpose of covering over-allotments in connection with the sale of the Underwritten Shares, the Company proposes to issue and sell to the Underwriters, at the option of the Underwriters, up to an additional 687,000 shares (the "Option Shares") of Class A Common Stock. The Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares are herein referred to as the "Shares." Science Applications International Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("SAIC") and holder of all of the Company's outstanding Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Class B Common Stock" and, together with the Class A Common Stock, the "Common Stock"), is herein referred to as the "Principal Stockholder," and the other Selling Stockholders set forth on Schedule II are herein referred to as the "Management Stockholders." 2 -2- The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the "Securities Act"), a registration statement, including a prospectus, relating to the Shares. The registration statement as amended at the time when it became or shall become effective, including information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, is referred to in this Agreement as the "Registration Statement," and the prospectus in the form first used to confirm sales of Shares is referred to in this Agreement as the "Prospectus." If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the "Rule 462 Registration Statement"), then any reference herein to the term "Registration Statement" shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement. Any reference in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the Securities Act, as of the effective date of the Registration Statement or the date of such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be, and any reference to "amend," "amendment" or "supplement" with respect to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any documents filed after such date under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the "Exchange Act") that are deemed to be incorporated by reference therein. 1. Each of the Selling Stockholders agrees, severally and not jointly, to sell the Underwritten Shares to the several Underwriters as hereinafter provided, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, agrees to purchase, severally and not jointly, from each of the Selling Stockholders at a purchase price per share of $ (the "Purchase Price") the number of Underwritten Shares (to be adjusted by you so as to eliminate fractional shares) determined by multiplying the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares to be sold by each of the Selling Stockholders as set forth opposite their respective names under the heading "Number of Underwritten Shares" in Schedule II hereto by a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares to be purchased by such Underwriter as set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares to be purchased by all the Underwriters from all the Selling Stockholders hereunder. In addition, the Company agrees to issue and sell the Option Shares to the several Underwriters as hereinafter provided, and the Underwriters, upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, shall have the option to purchase, severally and not jointly, from the Company at the Purchase 3 -3- Price that portion of the number of Option Shares as to which such election shall have been exercised (to be adjusted by you so as to eliminate fractional shares) determined by multiplying such number of Option Shares by a fraction, the numerator of which is the maximum number of Option Shares which such Underwriter is entitled to purchase as set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto and the denominator of which is the maximum number of Option Shares which all of the Underwriters are entitled to purchase hereunder, for the sole purpose of covering over-allotments (if any) in the sale of Underwritten Shares by the several Underwriters. The Underwriters may exercise the option to purchase the Option Shares at any time (but not more than once) on or before the thirtieth day following the date of this Agreement, by written notice from the Representatives to the Company. Such notice shall set forth the aggregate number of Option Shares as to which the option is being exercised and the date and time when the Option Shares are to be delivered and paid for, which may be the same date and time as the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) but shall not be earlier than the Closing Date nor later than the tenth full Business Day (as hereinafter defined) after the date of such notice (unless such time and date are postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 hereof). Any such notice shall be given at least two Business Days prior to the date and time of delivery specified therein. On December 31, 1998, the Company approved a 2-for-1 stock split of the shares of Common Stock, to be effected in the form of a stock dividend on shares of Common Stock outstanding on February 26, 1999 (the "Record Date"). The stock dividend will be distributed to stockholders on March 23, 1999 (the "Distribution Date"). In the event the Additional Closing Date (as defined below) is after the Record Date, the Company shall issue to each Underwriter on the Additional Closing Date the number of Option Shares to be purchased by such Underwriter as determined above together with a "due bill" for an equal number of shares of Common Stock to be issued by the Company on or after the Distribution Date in exchange for such "due bill." 2. The Company and the Selling Stockholders understand that the Underwriters intend (i) to make a public offering of the Shares as soon after (A) the Registration Statement has become effective and (B) the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as in the judgment of the Representatives is advisable and (ii) initially to offer the Shares upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus. 3. Payment for the Shares shall be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Principal Stockholder and the Attorneys-in-Fact to the Representatives in the case of the Underwritten Shares, on , 1999, or at such other time on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth Business Day thereafter, as the Representatives, the Principal Stockholder and the Attorneys-in-Fact may agree upon in writ- 4 -4- ing, or to an account specified to the Representatives by the Company, in the case of the Option Shares, on the date and time specified by the Representatives in the written notice of the Underwriters' election to purchase such Option Shares. The time and date of such payment for the Underwritten Shares is referred to herein as the "Closing Date," and the time and date for such payment for the Option Shares, if other than the Closing Date, are herein referred to as the "Additional Closing Date." As used herein, the term "Business Day" means any day other than a day on which banks are permitted or required to be closed in New York City. Payment for the Shares to be purchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be made against delivery to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters of the Shares to be purchased on such date registered in such names and in such denominations as the Representatives shall request in writing not later than two full Business Days prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer to the Underwriters of the Underwritten Shares duly paid by the Selling Stockholders and any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer to the Underwriters of the Option Shares duly paid by the Company. The certificates for the Shares will be made available for inspection and packaging by the Representatives at the office of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. set forth above not later than 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Business Day prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be. 4. (A) The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter and the Selling Stockholders that: (a) each preliminary prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, complied when so filed in all material respects with the Securities Act, and did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements in, or omissions from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters expressly for use therein; (b) the Registration Statement and Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) comply, or will comply, as the case may be, in all material respects with the Securities Act and do not and will not, as of the applicable effective date as to the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and as of the date of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any 5 -5- material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, at the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that the foregoing representations and warranties shall not apply to statements or omissions in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the Representatives expressly for use therein; (c) the documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none of such documents contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, when such documents are filed with the Commission, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act, and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (d) the financial statements, and the related notes thereto, included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the financial position of the Company as of the dates indicated and the results of its operations and changes in cash flows for the periods specified; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and the supporting schedules included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement present fairly the information required to be stated therein; (e) since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there has not been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company, or any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the general affairs, business, prospects, management, financial position, stockholders' equity or results of operations of the Company (a "Material Adverse Change"), otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus; and except as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus, the Company has not entered into any transaction or agreement (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) material to the Company; 6 -6- (f) the Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus, and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any business, so as to require such qualification, other than where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the general affairs, business, prospects, management, financial position, stockholders' equity or results of operations of the Company (a "Material Adverse Effect"); (g) the Company has no subsidiaries; (h) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company; (i) the Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Prospectus and such authorized capital stock conforms as to legal matters to the description thereof set forth in the Prospectus, and all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company (including the Shares) have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are not subject to any pre-emptive or similar rights; and, except as described in or expressly contemplated by the Prospectus, there are no outstanding rights (including, without limitation, pre-emptive rights), warrants or options to acquire, or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for, any shares of capital stock or other equity interest in the Company, or any contract, commitment, agreement, understanding or arrangement of any kind relating to the issuance of any capital stock of the Company, any such convertible or exchangeable securities or any such rights, warrants or options; (j) the Option Shares have been duly authorized, and, when issued and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be duly issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable and will conform to the description thereof in the Prospectus; and the issuance of the Option Shares is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights; (k) the Company is not, and with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would not be, in violation of or in default under its certificate of incorporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation") or by-laws (the "By-Laws") or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement (including, without limitation, the Cooperative Agreement between the National Science Foundation and the Company dated as of January 1, 1993, as amended to date (the "Cooperative Agreement")) or in- 7 -7- strument to which the Company is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound, except for violations and defaults which individually and in the aggregate are not material to the Company; the issuance and sale of the Option shares and the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not conflict with or result in a breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company is subject, nor will any such action result in any violation of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Company or any applicable law or statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties; no consent, approval, authorization, order, license, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, licenses, registrations or qualifications as have been obtained under the Securities Act and as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters; (l) other than as set forth in the Prospectus, there are no legal or governmental investigations, actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its properties or to which the Company is or may be a party or to which any property of the Company is or may be subject which, if determined adversely to the Company, could individually or in the aggregate have, or reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, and, to the Company's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or threatened by others; and there are no statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required; (m) no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers or suppliers of the Company, on the other hand, which is required by the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus which is not so described; (n) except as set forth in the Prospectus, no person has the right to require the Company to register any securities for offering and sale under the Securities Act by reason of the filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission or, to the 8 -8- knowledge of the Company, the sale of the Shares by the Selling Stockholders pursuant hereto; (o) the Company is not an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an "investment company," as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"); (p) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PricewaterhouseCoopers"), who have certified certain financial statements of the Company, are independent public accountants as required by the Securities Act; (q) the Company, or the Principal Stockholder on its behalf, has filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns which have been required to be filed and has paid all taxes shown thereon and all assessments received by them or either of them to the extent that such taxes have become due and are not being contested in good faith; and, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, no tax deficiency has been determined adversely to the Company which has had, nor does the Company have any knowledge of any tax deficiency, which if determined adversely to the Company might have, a Material Adverse Effect; (r) the Company has not taken nor will it take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or that might be reasonably expected to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Stock; (s) the unissued Shares issuable upon the exercise of options (the "Options") to be exercised by certain of the Management Stockholders (the "Optionholders") have been duly and validly authorized and reserved for issuance, and at the time of delivery to the Underwriters with respect to such Shares, such Shares will be issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the applicable stock option agreements between the Company and such Selling Stockholders pursuant to which such Options were granted (the "Option Agreements") and will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will conform to the description thereof in the Prospectus; (t) the Options were duly authorized and issued pursuant to the Option Agreements and constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, and the Optionholders are entitled to the benefits provided by the Option Agreements; the Option Agreements were duly authorized, executed and delivered and constitute valid and binding instruments enforceable in accordance with their terms subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; and the Op- 9 -9- tions and the Option Agreements conform to the descriptions thereof in the Prospectus; (u) the statistical and market-related data included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources which are believed by the Company to be reliable; (v) except as set forth in the Prospectus, the Company owns or possesses the patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and know-how, including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, databases, computer applications, programs and other software and other intellectual property (collectively, the "Intellectual Property"), reasonably necessary to carry on the business conducted by it, except to the extent that the failure to own or possess such Intellectual Property would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and, except as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the Company has no knowledge of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any Intellectual Property, except for notices the content of which if accurate would not have a Material Adverse Effect; (w) there are no existing or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened labor disputes with the employees of the Company which are likely to have a Material Adverse Effect; (x) the Company carries, or is covered by, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is adequate for the conduct of its business and the value of its properties and as is customary for companies engaged in similar businesses in similar industries; (y) the Company (i) is in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants ("Environmental Laws"), (ii) has received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of it under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct its businesses and (iii) is in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except where such noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or other approvals or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; and (z) each employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), that is 10 -10- maintained, administered or contributed to by the Company or any of its affiliates for employees or former employees of the Company and its affiliates has been maintained in material compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"). No prohibited transaction, within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to any such plan excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administrative exemption. For each such plan which is subject to the funding rules of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, no "accumulated funding deficiency," as defined in Section 412 of the Code, has been incurred, whether or not waived, and the fair market value of the assets of each such plan (excluding for these purposes accrued but unpaid contributions) exceed the present value of all benefits accrued under such plan determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions. (B) The Principal Stockholder hereby represents and warrants to each of the Underwriters, the Company and the Management Stockholders that: (a) the Principal Stockholder has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware; (b) the Principal Stockholder has good and marketable title to all the shares of Class B Common Stock to be converted into Shares to be sold by the Principal Stockholder hereunder, and upon conversion of such Class B Common Stock, will have good and marketable title to all the Shares to be sold by the Principal Stockholder hereunder, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities, security interests and claims whatsoever, with full right and authority to deliver the same hereunder, and upon the delivery of and payment for such Shares hereunder, the several Underwriters will receive good and marketable title thereto, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities, security interests or claims whatsoever; (c) the Principal Stockholder: (i) has taken all actions required under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to convert shares of Class B Common Stock into the Underwritten Shares to be delivered by the Principal Stockholder hereunder on the Closing Date; and (ii) will take such action with respect to the conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding thereafter into shares of Class A Common Stock on or prior to May 31, 1999; (d) the Principal Stockholder has not taken nor will it take, directly or indirectly, any action which is designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Stock; 11 -11- (e) the Principal Stockholder has no actual knowledge that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4(A) of this Agreement are not true and correct, is familiar with the Registration Statement and has no knowledge of any material fact, condition or information not disclosed in the Registration Statement which has had or may have a Material Adverse Effect; the sale of the Shares by the Principal Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement is not prompted by any information concerning the Company which is not set forth in the Registration Statement; and the information pertaining to such Principal Stockholder under the caption "Selling Stockholders" in the Prospectus is complete and accurate in all material respects; (f) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) comply, or will comply, as the case may be, in all material respects with the Securities Act and do not and will not, as of the applicable effective date of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and as of the date of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, at the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that the foregoing representations and warranties shall not apply to statements or omissions in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the Representatives expressly for use therein; (g) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Principal Stockholder; and (h) the sale of the Shares by the Principal Stockholder hereunder, the compliance by the Principal Stockholder with all of the provisions of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under (in each case material to the Principal Stockholder and its subsidiaries, considered as a whole), any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Principal Stockholder is a party or by which the Principal Stockholder is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Principal Stockholder is subject, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Principal Stockholder, nor will such action result in any violation (in each case material to the Principal Stockholder and its subsidiaries, considered as a whole) of any applicable statute or any applicable 12 -12- order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Principal Stockholder or any of its properties; no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the sale of the Shares or the consummation by the Principal Stockholder of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, licenses, registrations or qualifications as have been obtained or made under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters; the Principal Stockholder has full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares to be sold by it; each agreement between the Company and the Principal Stockholder referred to in the Prospectus has been duly executed and delivered by the Principal Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Principal Stockholder enforceable against the Principal Stockholder in accordance with its terms. (C) Each of the Management Stockholders severally represents and warrants to each of the Underwriters that: (a) all consents, approvals, authorizations and orders necessary for the execution and delivery by such Management Stockholder of this Agreement and the Power of Attorney (the "Power of Attorney") and the Custody Agreement (the "Custody Agreement") hereinafter referred to, and for the sale and delivery of the Shares to be sold by such Management Stockholder hereunder, have been obtained; and such Management Stockholder has full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement, the Power of Attorney and the Custody Agreement and to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares to be sold by such Management Stockholder hereunder; and this Agreement, the Power of Attorney and the Custody Agreement have each been duly, executed and delivered by such Management Stockholder; (b) the sale of the Shares to be sold by such Management Stockholder hereunder and the compliance by such Management Stockholder with all of the provisions of this Agreement, the Power of Attorney and the Custody Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein and therein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any statute or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which such Management Stockholder is a party or by which such Management Stockholder is bound or to which any of the property or assets of such Management Stockholder is subject, nor will such action result in any violation of any statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental 13 -13- agency or body having jurisdiction over such Management Stockholder or the property of such Management Stockholder; and (c) such Management Stockholder has good and valid title to the Shares to be sold at the Closing Date by such Management Stockholder hereunder (other than the Shares to be issued upon exercise of Options), free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or adverse claims; such Management Stockholder will have, immediately prior to the Closing Date, assuming due issuance of any Shares to be issued upon exercise of Options, good and valid title to the Shares to be sold at the Closing Date by such Management Stockholder, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or adverse claims; and, upon delivery of the certificates representing such Shares and payment therefor pursuant hereto, good and valid title to such Shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities, security interests or claims, will pass to the several Underwriters. (d) such Management Stockholder has not taken nor will such Management Stockholder take, directly or indirectly, any action which is designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Stock; (e) the information pertaining to such Management Stockholder under the caption "Selling Stockholders" in the Prospectus is complete and accurate in all material respects; (f) when the Registration Statement becomes effective and at all times subsequent thereto through the latest of the Closing Date, the Additional Closing Date or the termination of the offering of the Shares, such parts of the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and any supplements or amendments thereto, as they relate to such Management Stockholder will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and (g) the lock-up letter previously delivered to the Underwriters by such Management Stockholder is in full force and effect on the date of this Agreement. (D) Each of Robert J. Korzeniewski and Donald N. Telage (collectively, the "Senior Management Stockholders") represents and warrants to each of the Underwriters that such Senior Management Stockholder has no reason to believe that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4(A) of this Agreement are not true and correct in all material respects. 14 -14- Each of the Management Stockholders severally represents and warrants to each of the Underwriters that certificates in negotiable form representing all of the Shares to be sold by such Management Stockholders hereunder, other than any such Shares to be issued upon the exercise of Options, have been, and each of the Management Stockholders who is selling Shares upon the exercise of Options to each of the Underwriters represents and warrants that duly completed and executed irrevocable Option exercise notices, in the forms specified by the relevant Option Agreement, with respect to all of the Shares to be sold by such Management Stockholder to law of the Underwriters hereunder have been, placed in custody under a Custody Agreement relating to such Shares, in the form heretofore furnished to you, duly executed and delivered by such Management Stockholder to the Company, as custodian (the "Custodian"), and that such Management Stockholder has duly executed and delivered Powers of Attorney, in the form heretofore furnished to you, appointing the person or persons indicated in such Power of Attorney, and each of them, as such Management Stockholder's Attorneys-in-Fact (the "Attorneys-in-Fact" or any one of them the "Attorney-in Fact") with authority to execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of such Management Stockholder, to determine the purchase price to be paid by the Underwriters to the Management Stockholders as provided herein, to authorize the delivery of the Shares to be sold by such Management Stockholder hereunder, to effect (if applicable) the exercise of the Options to be exercised with respect to the Shares to be sold by such Management Stockholder hereunder and otherwise to act on behalf of such Management Stockholder in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Custody Agreement. Each of the Management Stockholders specifically agrees that the Shares represented by the certificates or the irrevocable Option exercise notice, in either case held in custody for such Management Stockholder under the Custody Agreement, are subject to the interests of the Underwriters hereunder, and that the arrangements made by such Management Stockholder for such custody, and the appointment by such Management Stockholder of the Attorneys-in-Fact by the Power of Attorney, are to that extent irrevocable. Each of the Management Stockholders specifically agrees that the obligations of such Management Stockholder hereunder shall not be terminated by operation of law, whether by the death or incapacity of any individual Management Stockholder, or, in the case of an estate or trust, by the death or incapacity of any executor or trustee or the termination of such estate or trust, or in the case of a partnership or corporation, by the dissolution of such partnership or corporation, or by the occurrence of any other event. If any individual Management Stockholder or any such executor or trustee should die or become incapacitated, or if any such estate or trust should be terminated, or if any such partnership or corporation should be dissolved, or if any other such event should occur, before the delivery of the Shares by it hereunder, certificates representing such Shares shall be delivered by or on behalf of such Management Stockholder in accordance with their terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Custody Agreement, and actions taken by the Attorneys-in-Fact pursuant to the Powers of Attorney shall be as 15 -15- valid as if such death, incapacity, termination, dissolution or other event had not occurred, regardless of whether or not the Custodian, the Attorneys-in-Fact, or any of them, shall have received notice of such death, incapacity, termination, dissolution or other event. 5. (A) The Company covenants and agrees with each of the several Underwriters as follows: (a) to use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective at the earliest possible time and, if required, to file the final Prospectus with the Commission within the time periods specified by Rule 424(b) and Rule 430A under the Securities Act and to file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of the Prospectus and for so long as the delivery of a prospectus is required in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares; and to furnish copies of the Prospectus to the Underwriters in New York City prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request; (b) to deliver, at the expense of the Company, to the Representatives five signed copies of the Registration Statement (as originally filed) and each amendment thereto, in each case including exhibits and documents incorporated by reference therein, and to each other Underwriter a conformed copy of the Registration Statement (as originally filed) and each amendment thereto, in each case without exhibits but including the documents incorporated by reference therein and, during the period in which a prospectus is required by law to be delivered by an Underwriter or a dealer, to each of the Underwriters as many copies of the Prospectus (including all amendments and supplements thereto) and documents incorporated by reference therein as the Representatives may reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by the Securities Act; (c) before filing any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, whether before or after the time the Registration Statement becomes effective, to furnish to the Representatives a copy of the proposed amendment or supplement for review and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object; (d) to advise the Representatives promptly, and to confirm such advice in writing (i) when the Registration Statement has become effective, (ii) when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective, (iii) when any supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed and 16 -16- to furnish the Representatives with copies thereof, (iv) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for any additional information, (v) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose, (vi) of the occurrence of any event, within the period referenced in paragraph (e) below, as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, and (vii) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to any suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and to use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order, or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, or of any order suspending any such qualification of the shares, or notification of any such order thereof and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof; (e) if, during such period of time after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters a prospectus relating to the Shares is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by the Underwriters or any dealer, any event shall occur as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with law, forthwith to prepare and furnish, at the expense of the Company, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses the Representatives will furnish to the Company) to which Shares may have been sold by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request, such amendments or supplements to the Prospectus as may be necessary so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus will comply with law; (f) to endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall reasonably request and to continue such qualification in effect so long as reasonably required for distribution of the Shares; provided that the Company shall not be required to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction; 17 -17- (g) to make generally available to its security holders and to the Representatives as soon as practicable an earnings statement covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the effective date of the Registration Statement, which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated thereunder; (h) during a period of five years commencing with the date hereof, to furnish to the Representatives copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to holders of the Shares, and copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission; (i) for a period of 180 days after the date of the initial public offering of the Shares not to, (i) directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of Common Stock or any securities of the Company which are substantially similar to the Common Stock, including but not limited to any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Common Stock or any such substantially similar securities or (ii) enter into any swap, option, future, forward or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock or any such substantially similar securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise without the prior written consent of the Representatives, other than the Option Shares to be sold hereunder, any shares of Common Stock of the Company issued upon the exercise of options granted under the Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan or as otherwise set forth in the Prospectus; (j) to list for quotation the Shares on the National Market System of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (the "Nasdaq National Market"); and (k) whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all costs and expenses (i) incident to the preparation, reregistration, transfer, execution and delivery of the Shares, (ii) incident to the preparation, printing and filing under the Securities Act of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and any preliminary prospectus (including in each case all exhibits, amendments and supplements thereto) (but not after nine (9) months after the date hereof), (iii) incurred in connection with the registration or qualification of the Shares under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate (in- 18 -18- cluding fees of counsel for the Underwriters and its disbursements), (iv) in connection with the listing of the Shares on the Nasdaq National Market, (v) related to the filing with, and clearance of the offering by, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (vi) in connection with the printing (including word processing and duplication costs) and delivery of this Agreement, any blue sky memoranda and the furnishing to the Underwriters and dealers of copies of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, including mailing and shipping, as herein provided, (vii) any expenses incurred by the Company in connection with a "road show" presentation to potential investors, (viii) the cost of preparing stock certificates and (ix) the cost and charges of any transfer agent and any registrar. (B) The Principal Stockholder covenants and agrees with the several Underwriters as follows: (a) on or prior to May 31, 1999, to take all actions required under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to convert all the shares of Class B Common Stock held by it into shares of Class A Common Stock; and (b) for a period of 180 days after the date of the initial public offering of the Shares not to, (i) offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of Common Stock or any securities of the Company which are substantially similar to the Common Stock, including but not limited to any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Common Stock or any such substantially similar securities or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock or any such substantially similar securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise or (iii) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any such substantially similar securities without the prior written consent of the Representatives, in each case other than the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder hereunder. (C) Each of the Management Stockholders covenants and agrees with each of the several Underwriters to deliver to the Representatives prior to or at the Closing Date a properly completed and executed United States Treasury Department Form W-9 (or other applicable form or statement specified by the Treasury Department regulations in lieu thereof) in order to facilitate the Underwriters' documentation of their compliance with the reporting and 19 -19- withholding provisions of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 with respect to the transactions herein contemplated. 6. The several obligations of the Underwriters hereunder to purchase the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, are subject to the performance by the Company and each of the Selling Stockholders of their respective obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions: (a) the Registration Statement shall have become effective (or if a post-effective amendment is required to be filed under the Securities Act, such post-effective amendment shall have become effective) not later than 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the date hereof; and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment shall be in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose shall be pending before or threatened by the Commission; the Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Securities Act and in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof; and all requests for additional information shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Representatives; (b) the representations and warranties of the Company and the Selling Stockholders contained herein are true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, as if made on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, and each of the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall have complied with all agreements and all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be; (c) subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of (i) any downgrading, (ii) any intended or potential downgrading or (iii) any review or possible change that does not indicate an improvement, in the rating accorded any securities of or guaranteed by the Company by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization", as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act; (d) since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus, there shall not have been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any Material Adverse Change, or any development involving a prospective Material Adverse Change otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus, the effect of which in the judgment of the Representatives makes it impracti- 20 -20- cable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus; and the Company has not sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus; (e) the Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, (1) a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect set forth in subsections (a) through (c) (with respect to the respective representations, warranties, agreements and conditions of the Company) of this Section 6 and to the further effect that there has not occurred any Material Adverse Change, or any development involving a prospective Material Adverse Change from that set forth or contemplated in the Registration Statement and (2) a certificate from each of the Principal Stockholder and the Management Stockholders, satisfactory to the Representatives to the effect set forth in subsection (b) of this Section 6 (with respect to the respective representations, warranties, agreements and conditions of such Selling Stockholders); (f) Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro LLP, counsel for the Company and the Selling Stockholders, shall have furnished to the Representatives their written opinion, dated the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect that: (i) each of the Company and the Principal Stockholder has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation. The Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and in good standing in each state of the United States of America in which its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification (except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect) and has full corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement; (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share, of which there are no outstanding shares, 30,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, of which there are outstanding shares (excluding the shares of Class B Common Stock converted into Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares, if any, issued on 21 -21- the date hereof), and 100,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, of which there are outstanding shares (including the Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares, if any, issued pursuant to the terms of the Agreement); proper corporate proceedings have been taken validly to authorized such authorized capital stock; all of the outstanding shares of such capital stock (including the Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares, if any, issued pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) have been duly and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable; and no preemptive rights of, or rights of refusal in favor of, stockholders exist with respect to the Shares, or the issue and sale thereof, and no restrictions on transfer or voting exist with respect to the Shares in each case pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or under law and, to the knowledge of such counsel, there are no contractual preemptive rights that have not been waived, rights of first refusal or rights of co-sale which exist with respect to the issue and sale of the Shares and there are no contractual restrictions on transfer or voting which exist with respect to the Shares; (iii) the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act and, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or suspending or preventing the use of the Prospectus is in effect and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or contemplated by the Commission; (iv) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (except as to the financial statements and schedules and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and with the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; (v) such counsel have no reason to believe that the Registration Statement (except as to the financial statements and schedules and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need not express any opinion or belief) at the Effective Date contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Prospectus (except as to the financial statements and schedules and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need not express any opinion or belief), as of its date or at the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; 22 -22- (vi) the information required to be set forth in the Registration Statement in answer to Items 9, 10 (insofar as it relates to such counsel), 11 (insofar as it relates to legal proceedings or security ownership of beneficial owners and management) and 15 of Form S-3 is to the best of such counsel's knowledge accurately and adequately set forth therein in all material respects or no response is required with respect to such Items, and the description of the stock option plan and the options granted and which may be granted thereunder set forth in the Prospectus accurately and fairly presents the information required to be shown with respect to said plans and options to the extent required by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; (vii) the documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus or any further amendment or supplement thereto made by the Company prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be (except as to the financial statements and schedules and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel need not express any opinion), when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; and they have no reason to believe that any of such documents, when such documents became effective or were so filed, as the case may be, contained, in the case of a registration statement which became effective under the Securities Act, an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or, in the case of other documents which were filed under the Exchange Act with the Commission, an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such documents were so filed, not misleading; (viii) such counsel do not know of any franchises, contracts, leases, documents or legal or governmental proceedings, pending or threatened, which in the opinion of such counsel are of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, which are not described and filed as required; (ix) the Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on or behalf of by the Company and the Selling Stockholders; (x) a Power of Attorney and a Custody Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each Management Stockholder and con- 23 -23- stitute valid and binding agreements of each Management Stockholder in accordance with their terms; the Attorneys-in-Fact have been duly authorized by the Management Stockholders to execute and deliver on their behalf this Agreement and any other document necessary or desirable in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and to deliver the Shares to be sold by the Management Stockholders and receive payment therefor pursuant hereto; (xi) each of the intercompany agreements referred to in the Prospectus has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the Principal Stockholder; (xii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Company and the Selling Stockholders of the Underwriting Agreement, the sale by the Selling Stockholders of the Underwritten Shares and the issuance and sale by the Company of the Option Shares, each as contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement, have been duly authorized on the part of the Company and each of the Selling Stockholders and will not conflict with, or result in a breach of, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or the Principal Stockholder or any agreement (including, without limitation, the Cooperative Agreement) or instrument known to such counsel to which the Company or any Selling Stockholder is a party or any applicable law or regulation, or so far as is known to such counsel, any order, writ, injunction or decree, or any jurisdiction, court or governmental instrumentality; (xiii) all holders of securities of the Company having rights to the registration of shares of Common Stock, or other securities, because of the filing of the Registration Statement by the Company have waived such rights or such rights have expired by reason of lapse of time following notification of the Company's intent to file the Registration Statement; (xiv) no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or body is required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Underwriting Agreement, except such as have been obtained under the Securities Act and such as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters; (xv) each Selling Stockholder is the sole registered owner of the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder under the Underwriting Agreement; the Principal Stockholder has full corporate power, right and authority to sell the Shares sold by it; and 24 -24- (xvi) good and marketable title to the Shares sold by each Selling Stockholder under the Underwriting Agreement, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities, security interests and claims, has been transferred to the Underwriters, who have severally purchased such Shares under the Underwriting Agreement, assuming for the purpose of this opinion that the Underwriters purchased the same in good faith without notice of any adverse claims. In rendering such opinions, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters involving the application of laws other than the laws of the United States and the States of New York, Delaware and California, to the extent such counsel deems proper and to the extent specified in such opinion, if at all, upon an opinion or opinions (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Underwriters' counsel) of other counsel reasonably acceptable to the Underwriters' counsel, familiar with the applicable laws; (B) as to matters of fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the Company and certificates or other written statements of officials of jurisdictions having custody of documents respecting the corporate existence or good standing of the Company. The opinion of such counsel for the Company shall state that the opinion of any such other counsel upon which they relied is in form satisfactory to such counsel and, in such counsel's opinion, the Underwriters and they are justified in relying thereon. With respect to the matters to be covered in subparagraph (v) above counsel may state their opinion and belief is based upon their participation in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto (other than the documents incorporated by reference therein) and review and discussion of the contents thereof (including the documents incorporated by reference therein) but is without independent check or verification except as specified. The opinion of Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro LLP described above shall be rendered to the Underwriters at the request of the Company and shall so state therein. (g) on the effective date of the Registration Statement and the effective date of the most recently filed post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement and also on the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, PricewaterhouseCoopers shall have furnished to you letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, in form and substance satisfactory to you, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; (h) the Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel, 25 -25- counsel to the Underwriters, with respect to the due authorization and valid issuance of the Shares, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters; (i) the Shares to be delivered on the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq National Market, subject to official notice of issuance; (j) on or prior to the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall have furnished to the Representatives such further certificates and documents as the Representatives shall reasonably request; and (k) the lock-up agreements of each of the Company's executive officers and directors, delivered to you on or before the date hereof, shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be. 7. Each of the Company, the Principal Stockholder and each Senior Management Stockholder agrees, jointly and severally, to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, the legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the obligations of each of the Principal Stockholder and each such Senior Management Stockholder under the foregoing indemnity shall not exceed the net proceeds received by such Selling Stockholder from the sale of Shares sold by such Selling Stockholder hereunder (which net proceeds shall not include the Underwriters' discount and, in the case of a Senior Management Stockholder who sells Shares upon the exercise of Options, shall not include the amount remitted to the Company to effect the exercise thereof); and provided, further, that the foregoing indemnity shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter from whom the person asserting such losses, 26 -26- claims, damages, liabilities and judgments purchased Shares, or any person controlling such Underwriter, if a copy of the Prospectus (including any amendment or supplement thereto) was not sent or given by or on behalf of such Underwriter to such person at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of the Shares to such person, and if the Prospectus (including any amendment or supplement thereto) would have cured the defect giving rise to such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments, unless such failure to deliver a copy of the Prospectus was a result of the failure of the Company to provide as many copies of such Prospectus as such Underwriter may reasonably request in a timely manner. Each of David H. Holtzman and Jonathan W. Emery (collectively, the "Other Management Stockholders") agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company, the Principal Stockholders and the Senior Management Stockholders to each Underwriter, but only with reference to information furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of such Other Management Stockholder expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment and supplement thereto, or any preliminary prospectus; provided, however, that the obligations of each of the Other Management Stockholders under the foregoing indemnity shall not exceed the net proceeds received by such Other Management Stockholder from the sale of Shares sold by such Other Management Stockholder hereunder (which net proceeds shall not include the Underwriters' discount and, in the case of an Other Management Stockholder who sells Shares upon the exercise of Options, shall not include the amount remitted to the Company to effect the exercise thereof). Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each of the Selling Stockholders to the same extent as the foregoing indemnities from the Company and the Selling Stockholders to each Underwriter, but only with reference to information furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto, or any preliminary prospectus. If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7, such person (the "Indemnified Person") shall promptly notify the person or persons against whom such indemnity may be sought (each an "Indemnifying Person") in writing, and such Indemnifying Persons, upon request of the Indemnified Person, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others the In- 27 -27- demnifying Persons may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person and not the Indemnifying Persons unless (i) the Indemnifying Persons and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary, (ii) the Indemnifying Persons has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person or (iii) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both an Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood that no Indemnifying Person shall, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm for the Underwriters and such control persons of Underwriters shall be designated in writing by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and any such separate firm for the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and such control persons of the Company shall be designated in writing by the Company and any such separate firm for the Selling Stockholders shall be designated in writing by the Attorney-in-Fact. No Indemnifying Person shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, each Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify any Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested an Indemnifying Person to reimburse the Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, such Indemnifying Person agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such Indemnifying Person of the aforesaid request and (ii) such Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding. If the indemnification provided for in the first four paragraphs of this Section 7 is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabili- 28 -28- ties (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling Stockholders on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Selling Stockholders on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling Stockholders on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Selling Stockholders and the total underwriting discounts and the commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate public offering price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Company and the Selling Stockholders on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company and the Selling Stockholders and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company, the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Selling Stockholders or the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purposes) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, (i) in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission and (ii) in no event shall a Selling Stockholder be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by it through the sale of its shares to the Underwriters exceeds the amount of any damages that such Selling Stockholder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission (which net proceeds, in the case of a Management Stockholder who sell Shares upon the exercise of Options, shall not include the amount remitted to the Company to effect the exercise thereof). 29 -29- No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section ll(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to the respective number of Shares set forth opposite their names in Schedule I hereto, and not joint. The remedies provided for in this Section 7 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity. The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 7 and the representations and warranties of the Company and the Selling Stockholders set forth in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter or by or on behalf of the Company, its officers or directors or any other person controlling the Company or the Selling Stockholders and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares. 8. Notwithstanding anything herein contained, this Agreement (or the obligations of the several Underwriters with respect to the Option Shares) may be terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice given to the Selling Stockholders, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date (or, in the case of the Option Shares, to the Company prior to the Additional Closing Date) (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on or by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or the Chicago Board of Trade, (ii) trading of any securities of or guaranteed by the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities in New York shall have been declared by either Federal or New York State authorities, or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and adverse and which, in the judgment of the Representatives, makes it impracticable to market the Shares being delivered at the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus. 9. This Agreement shall become effective upon the later of (x) execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto and (y) release of notification of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (or, if applicable, any post-effective amendment) by the Commission. 30 -30- If on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares which it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally in the proportions that the number of Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I bears to the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as the Representatives may specify, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the number of Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to Section 1 be increased pursuant to this Section 9 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such number of Shares without the written consent of such Underwriter. If on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares which it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives and the Selling Stockholders for the purchase of such Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement (or the obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase the Option Shares, as the case may be) shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Selling Stockholder. In any such case either you or the Selling Stockholders shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date (or, in the case of the Option Shares, the Additional Closing Date), but in no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement. 10. If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Company or the Selling Stockholders to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason any of the Company or the Selling Stockholders shall be unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any condition of the Underwriters' obligations cannot be fulfilled, the Company and the Selling Stockholders agree to reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and expenses of its counsel) reasonably incurred by the Underwriter in connection with this Agreement or the offering contemplated hereunder. 11. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company, the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters any controlling persons referred to 31 -31- herein and their respective successors and assigns. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person, firm or corporation any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. No purchaser of Shares from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase. 12. Any action by the Underwriters hereunder may be taken by the Representatives jointly or by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. alone on behalf of the Underwriters, and any such action taken by the Representatives jointly or by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. alone shall be binding upon the Underwriters. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be given to the Representatives, c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260 (telefax: 212-648-5705), Attention: Syndicate Department, copy to Cahill Gordon & Reindel, 80 Pine Street, New York, New York 10005 (telefax: 212-269-5420), Attention: Gerald S. Tanenbaum, Esq. Notices to the Company shall be given to it at its office, 505 Huntmar Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia 20170, (telefax: 703-742-3386), Attention: Chief Executive Officer. Notices to the Principal Stockholder shall be given to it at its office, 10260 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, California 92121 (telefax: 619-535-7992), Attention: General Counsel. Notices to the Management Stockholders shall be given to the Attorneys-in-Fact, c/o the Company, 505 Huntman Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia 20170, (telefax: 703-742-3386), Attention: Chief Executive Officer. Copies of notices to any of the Company or the Selling Stockholders should be given to Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP, 2700 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, California 94025 (telefax: 650-233-4545), Attention: Jorge A. del Calvo, Esq. 13. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 14. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF. 32 -32- If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return five counterparts hereof. Very truly yours, NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. By: ------------------------------ Name: Title: SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION By: ------------------------------ Name: Title: MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDERS By: ------------------------------ Name: Title: As Attorney-in-Fact acting on behalf of each of the Management Stockholders named in Schedule II to this Agreement. 33 -33- Accepted: , 1999 J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC. HAMBRECHT & QUIST LLC PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED BANCBOSTON ROBERTSON STEPHENS Acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several Underwriters listed in Schedule I hereto. By: J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC. By: ------------------------------- Name: Title: 34 SCHEDULE I
Number of Underwritten Underwriter Shares To Be Purchased - ----------- ------------------------ J.P. Morgan Securities Inc............................................. Hambrecht & Quist LLC.................................................. BancBoston Robertson Stephens.......................................... PaineWebber Incorporated............................................... ------------------------ Total ========================
35 SCHEDULE II
Number of Selling Stockholders Underwritten Shares - -------------------- ------------------- Science Applications International Corporation 4,500,000 David H. Holtzman 16,413 Robert J. Korzeniewski 24,978 Donald N. Telage 30,236 Jonathan W. Emery 8,373 ----- Total 4,580,000 =========
EX-23.1 3 CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS 1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 6, 1998, relating to the financial statements of Network Solutions, Inc., for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and of our report dated March 17, 1997, relating to the financial statements of Network Solutions, Inc., for the period from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995, which appear in such Prospectus. We also consent to the application of such reports to the Financial Statement Schedule for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the period from March 11, 1995 to December 31, 1995 and the period from January 1, 1995 to March 10, 1995 listed under Item 14(a) of Network Solutions, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 when such schedule is read in conjunction with the financial statements referred to in our reports. The audits referred to in such reports also included this schedule. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus. /S/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP McLean, VA January 29, 1999 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----