-----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, TdeRV9+A41WQXjpdYXHjHGrwUJrZmMt1ZpeqdQ+Pa9o/Nm5XrlXl++0qkxz9Q538 bikISx3pmPtoVYqQnNKn+A== 0001144204-05-024282.txt : 20050809 0001144204-05-024282.hdr.sgml : 20050809 20050809161849 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-05-024282 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20050630 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050809 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050809 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BANKRATE INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001080866 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-BUSINESS SERVICES, NEC [7389] IRS NUMBER: 650423422 STATE OF INCORPORATION: FL FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-25681 FILM NUMBER: 051010132 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 11811 US HIGHWAY ONE STREET 2: STE 101 CITY: N PALM BEACH STATE: FL ZIP: 33408 BUSINESS PHONE: 5616277330 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 11811 US HIGHWAY ONE STREET 2: STE 101 CITY: N PALM BEACH STATE: FL ZIP: 33408 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ILIFE COM INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20000329 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: INTELLIGENT LIFE CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990301 10-Q 1 v023113_10q.htm Unassociated Document

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2005

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _________ TO ______
 
Commission File No. 0-25681
 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Florida
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
11760 U.S. Highway One, Suite 500
North Palm Beach, Florida
(Address of principal executive offices)
65-0423422
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
33408
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (561) 630-2400

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
 
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No o

The number of outstanding shares of the issuer's common stock as of July 31, 2005 was as follows: 15,810,535 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value.


 
Bankrate, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2005
Index
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE NO.
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
Condensed Balance Sheets at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004
3
Condensed Statements of Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
4
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
5
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
6
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
10
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
20
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
20
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
21
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds
21
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
21
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
21
Item 5. Other Information
21
Item 6. Exhibits
21
Signatures
22
 
Introductory Note

This Report and our other communications and statements may contain “forward-looking statements,” including statements about our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, estimates, projections and intentions. These statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. For information concerning these factors and related matters, see Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in this Report, and the following sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (the “2004 Form 10-K”): (a) “Risk Factors” in Item 1, “Business,” and (b) “Introduction” in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
2


Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
 
Bankrate, Inc.
 
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
(Unaudited)
 
           
   
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
Assets
         
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
34,829,964
 
$
27,735,267
 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
             
of $400,000 at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively
   
6,051,094
   
4,343,747
 
Deferred income taxes
   
5,368,554
   
4,359,058
 
Insurance claim receivable
   
-
   
241,015
 
Prepaid and other current assets
   
425,402
   
369,572
 
Total current assets
   
46,675,014
   
37,048,659
 
               
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net
   
1,051,036
   
1,275,605
 
Deferred income taxes
   
3,330,000
   
7,047,521
 
Intangible assets, net
   
172,403
   
205,656
 
Other assets
   
317,054
   
429,079
 
               
Total assets
 
$
51,545,507
 
$
46,006,520
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
             
               
Liabilities:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
1,363,819
 
$
1,386,164
 
Accrued expenses
   
2,885,927
   
1,749,058
 
Deferred revenue
   
205,221
   
192,357
 
Other current liabilities
   
91,628
   
93,352
 
Total current liabilities
   
4,546,595
   
3,420,931
 
               
Other liabilities
   
160,618
   
251,391
 
               
Total liabilities
   
4,707,213
   
3,672,322
 
               
Stockholders' equity:
             
Preferred stock, 10,000,000 shares authorized and undesignated
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share-- 100,000,000 shares authorized; 15,807,368 and
             
15,780,811 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively
   
158,073
   
157,808
 
Additional paid in capital
   
70,222,939
   
70,137,462
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(23,542,718
)
 
(27,961,072
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
46,838,294
   
42,334,198
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
51,545,507
 
$
46,006,520
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
 
3


Bankrate, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
Revenue:
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
Online publishing
 
$
11,204,023
 
$
8,694,550
 
$
20,470,576
 
$
17,676,955
 
Print publishing and licensing
   
1,161,007
   
1,416,780
   
2,316,303
   
2,708,607
 
Total revenue
   
12,365,030
   
10,111,330
   
22,786,879
   
20,385,562
 
Cost of revenue:
                         
Online publishing
   
1,823,127
   
1,423,922
   
3,462,602
   
2,843,905
 
Print publishing and licensing
   
1,075,375
   
1,177,131
   
2,178,544
   
2,124,222
 
Total cost of revenue
   
2,898,502
   
2,601,053
   
5,641,146
   
4,968,127
 
                           
Gross margin
   
9,466,528
   
7,510,277
   
17,145,733
   
15,417,435
 
                           
Operating expenses:
                         
Sales
   
970,597
   
1,071,036
   
1,812,444
   
2,374,130
 
Marketing
   
1,713,010
   
1,805,215
   
3,232,633
   
3,555,076
 
Product development
   
510,777
   
617,561
   
1,014,883
   
1,319,124
 
General and administrative
   
2,221,655
   
1,529,831
   
4,135,933
   
3,216,407
 
Severance charge
   
-
   
260,000
   
-
   
260,000
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
208,335
   
193,311
   
397,574
   
365,822
 
     
5,624,374
   
5,476,954
   
10,593,467
   
11,090,559
 
Income from operations
   
3,842,154
   
2,033,323
   
6,552,266
   
4,326,876
 
Other income:
                         
Interest income
   
212,144
   
76,775
   
353,407
   
153,617
 
Insurance recovery (Note 4)
   
-
   
-
   
220,705
   
-
 
Total other income
   
212,144
   
76,775
   
574,112
   
153,617
 
                           
Income before income taxes
   
4,054,298
   
2,110,098
   
7,126,378
   
4,480,493
 
Provision for income taxes
   
1,540,634
   
-
   
2,708,024
   
-
 
Net income
 
$
2,513,664
 
$
2,110,098
 
$
4,418,354
 
$
4,480,493
 
                           
Basic and diluted net income per share:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.16
 
$
0.14
 
$
0.28
 
$
0.29
 
Diluted
 
$
0.15
 
$
0.13
 
$
0.27
 
$
0.28
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                         
Basic
   
15,804,045
   
15,310,318
   
15,795,981
   
15,254,496
 
Diluted
   
16,590,763
   
16,084,565
   
16,578,483
   
16,098,573
 
                           
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
                         
 
4



Bankrate, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
         
Net income
 
$
4,418,354
 
$
4,480,493
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
             
operating activities:
             
Deferred income taxes
   
2,708,025
   
-
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
397,574
   
365,822
 
Bad debt expense
   
127,218
   
120,000
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
   
(1,834,565
)
 
(1,521,581
)
Other assets
   
297,210
   
(346,483
)
Accounts payable
   
(22,345
)
 
(44,817
)
Accrued expenses
   
1,136,869
   
2,050
 
Other liabilities
   
(79,633
)
 
163,016
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
7,148,707
   
3,218,500
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
Purchases of equipment and software
   
(152,102
)
 
(387,535
)
Disposals of equipment
   
12,350
   
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(139,752
)
 
(387,535
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
85,742
   
436,607
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
85,742
   
436,607
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
7,094,697
   
3,267,572
 
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
   
27,735,267
   
20,874,482
 
Cash and equivalents, end of period
 
$
34,829,964
 
$
24,142,054
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid during the period for taxes
 
$
18,000
 
$
70,600
 
               
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
             
 
5


BANKRATE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2005
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company

Bankrate, Inc. (the "Company") owns and operates an Internet-based consumer banking marketplace. The Company’s flagship Web site, Bankrate.com, is the Web’s leading aggregator of information on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used automobile loans, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Additionally, the Company provides financial applications and information to a network of distribution partners and through national and state publications. The Company is organized under the laws of the state of Florida.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited interim condensed financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 included herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations relating to interim financial statements.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company at June 30, 2005, and the results of its operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, and its cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004. The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 are unaudited and are not necessarily indicative of the expected results for the full year or any future period.

The unaudited condensed financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s 2004 Form 10-K.

Barter Revenue

Online publishing revenue also includes barter revenue, which represents the exchange of advertising space on our Web site for reciprocal advertising space or traffic on other Web sites. Barter revenues and expenses are recorded at the fair market value of the advertisements delivered or received, whichever is more determinable in the circumstances. We follow the accounting literature provided by Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 99-17, Accounting for Advertising Barter Transactions. In accordance with EITF 99-17, barter transactions have been valued based on similar cash transactions which have occurred within six months prior to the date of the barter transaction. Revenue from barter transactions is recognized as income when advertisements are delivered on our Web site. Barter expense is recognized when our advertisements are run on the other companies’ Web sites, which is typically in the same period barter revenue is recognized. If the advertising impressions are delivered by the other companies prior to our delivering the advertising impressions, a liability is recorded. If we deliver advertising impressions to the other companies’ Web sites prior to the other companies delivering the advertising impressions, a prepaid expense is recorded. No prepaid expense or liability was recorded at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Barter revenue was approximately $721,000, and $820,000, and represented approximately 6% and 8% of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and was approximately $1,342,000 and $1,758,000, and represented approximately 6% and 9%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
 
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share

The Company computes basic net income per share by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of common stock equivalents, consisting of outstanding stock options, to the extent the effect is not anti-dilutive.

The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 includes the shares resulting from the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, 401,500 shares attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the effect was anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, 416,775 and 125,000 shares, respectively, attributable to the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the effect was anti-dilutive.
 
6


 Stock-Based Compensation

The Company applies the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations including Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation, an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25, issued in March 2000, to account for its fixed plan options. Under this method, compensation is recognized over the grant’s vesting period only if the current market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant exceeds the exercise price. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS No. 148, (“SFAS No. 123”), established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans. The Company has elected to continue to apply the intrinsic value-based method of accounting described above, and has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148.

Pro Forma Disclosures Under SFAS No. 148

The following table provides the fair value of the options granted during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 using the Black-Scholes pricing model together with a description of the assumptions used to calculate the fair value. Options for 133,000 and 625,000 shares, respectively, were granted during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004. Options for 462,500 and 1,013,000 shares, respectively, were granted during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
 

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
Weighted average fair value
 
$
17.81
 
$
6.73
 
$
17.62
 
$
8.01
 
Expected volatility
   
115
%
 
100
%
 
119
%
 
100
%
Weighted average risk free rate
   
2.8
%
 
3.9
%
 
3.6
%
 
3.5
%
Expected lives
   
5 years
   
5 years
   
5 years
   
5 years
 
Expected dividend yield
   
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its stock-based compensation. Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the net income and net income per share would have been reported at the pro forma amounts indicated below.

   
Three Months
 
Six Months
 
 
 
Ended June 30,
 
Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
Net income:
                 
As reported
 
$
2,513,664
 
$
2,110,098
 
$
4,418,354
 
$
4,480,493
 
Less total stock-based employee compensation
                         
determined under fair value-based method for all
                         
awards, net of related tax effect
   
(816,218
)
 
(327,089
)
 
(1,550,884
)
 
(565,827
)
Pro forma
 
$
1,697,446
 
$
1,783,009
 
$
2,867,470
 
$
3,914,666
 
Basic and diluted net income per common share as reported:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.16
 
$
0.14
 
$
0.28
 
$
0.29
 
Diluted
   
0.15
   
0.13
   
0.27
   
0.28
 
Basic and diluted net income per common share pro forma:
                         
Basic
   
0.11
   
0.12
   
0.18
   
0.26
 
Diluted
   
0.11
   
0.11
   
0.18
   
0.25
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding-reported:
                         
Basic
   
15,804,045
   
15,310,318
   
15,795,981
   
15,254,496
 
Diluted
   
16,590,763
   
16,084,565
   
16,578,483
   
16,098,573
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding-pro forma:
                         
Basic
   
15,804,045
   
15,310,318
   
15,795,981
   
15,254,496
 
Diluted
   
15,921,064
   
15,732,816
   
15,905,050
   
15,783,456
 
 
7

 
Stockholders’ Equity

The activity in stockholder’s equity for the three months ended June 30, 2005 is shown below.
 
   
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Deficit
 
Total
 
                       
Balances, December 31, 2004
   
15,780,811
 
$
157,808
 
$
70,137,462
 
$
(27,961,072
)
$
42,334,198
 
Stock options exercised
   
21,163
   
212
   
38,294
   
-
   
38,506
 
Net income for the period
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,904,690
   
1,904,690
 
Balances, March 31, 2005
   
15,801,974
   
158,020
   
70,175,756
   
(26,056,382
)
 
44,277,394
 
Stock options exercised
   
5,394
   
53
   
47,183
   
-
   
47,236
 
Net income for the period
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,513,664
   
2,513,664
 
Balances, June 30, 2005
   
15,807,368
 
$
158,073
 
$
70,222,939
 
$
(23,542,718
)
$
46,838,294
 

Income Taxes

As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, we recognize deferred tax assets on the balance sheet if it is more likely than not that they will be realized on future tax returns. Up to the third quarter of 2003, we had provided a full valuation allowance against accumulated deferred tax assets, reflecting the uncertainty associated with our future profitability. In the fourth quarter of 2003 management reassessed the valuation allowance previously established against deferred tax assets. Factors considered included: historical results of operations, volatility of the economic and interest rate environment and projected earnings based on current operations. Based on this evidence, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets would be realized and, accordingly, reduced the valuation allowance by $3,400,000, which resulted in an income tax benefit of approximately $3,100,000.

During the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2004, we continued to evaluate the need for a valuation allowance. We completed our business planning process during the fourth quarter of 2004, which included the following strategic initiatives for 2005: the enhancement of our quality control process and procedures; the re-design of our Web site; the execution of exclusive advertising contracts with two mortgage lead aggregators; broadening the breadth and depth of our products and services; a reorganization of our advertising sales force; and the migration to a cost-per-click revenue model on our rate tables. Considering these strategic initiatives and their impact on future earnings potential, we concluded that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize the entire deferred tax asset. At December 31, 2004, we reversed the remaining $9,400,000 valuation allowance resulting in an income tax benefit of $4,800,000 and a net deferred tax asset of $11,400,000. The realization of the $11,400,000 deferred tax asset depends on our ability to continue to generate taxable income in the future. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or a portion of the deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will be charged against earnings in the period such determination is made.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is the same as net income for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R which requires the measurement of all employee share-based payments to directors and employees, including stock option grants, using a fair value-based method and the recording of such expense in our statements of operations. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment, which delays adoption of SFAS No. 123R until the first interim or annual period after January 1, 2006. The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 123R in the first quarter of 2006. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS 123 will no longer be an alternative to financial statement recognition. See “Pro Forma Disclosures Under SFAS No. 148” in Note 1 above for the pro forma net income and earnings per share amounts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, as if we had used a fair value-based method similar to the methods required under SFAS No. 123R to measure compensation expense for director and employee stock option grants. We are evaluating the requirements under SFAS No. 123R and expect the adoption to significantly reduce net income and earnings per share.
 
8


NOTE 2 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company currently operates in two reportable business segments: online publishing, and print publishing and licensing. The online publishing division is primarily engaged in the sale of advertising, sponsorships, and hyperlinks in connection with the Company’s Internet site, Bankrate.com. The print publishing and licensing division is primarily engaged in the sale of advertising in the Consumer Mortgage Guide rate tables, newsletter subscriptions, and licensing of research information. The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment profit (loss).

The Company had two online customers that accounted for 12% and 10%, respectively, of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2005. Those same customers accounted for 11% and 9%, respectively, of total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2005. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004. No material revenues were generated outside of the United States.

Summarized segment information as of, and for, the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 is presented below.

   
 
 
Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Online
 
Publishing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publishing
 
and Licensing
 
Other
 
Total
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2005
                 
Revenue
 
$
11,204,023
 
$
1,161,007
 
$
-
 
$
12,365,030
 
Cost of revenue
   
1,823,127
   
1,075,375
   
-
   
2,898,502
 
Gross margin
   
9,380,896
   
85,632
   
-
   
9,466,528
 
Sales
   
970,597
   
-
   
-
   
970,597
 
Marketing
   
1,713,010
   
-
   
-
   
1,713,010
 
Product development
   
462,818
   
47,959
   
-
   
510,777
 
General and administrative
   
2,013,054
   
208,601
   
-
   
2,221,655
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
188,774
   
19,561
   
-
   
208,335
 
Other income
   
-
   
-
   
212,144
   
212,144
 
Provision for income taxes
   
-
   
-
   
(1,540,634
)
 
(1,540,634
)
Segment profit (loss)
 
$
4,032,644
 
$
(190,490
)
$
(1,328,490
)
$
2,513,664
 
Total assets
 
$
7,437,084
 
$
561,076
 
$
43,547,347
 
$
51,545,507
 
 
 
 
 
 
Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Online
 
Publishing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publishing
 
and Licensing
 
Other
 
Total
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004
                 
Revenue
 
$
8,694,550
 
$
1,416,780
 
$
-
 
$
10,111,330
 
Cost of revenue
   
1,423,922
   
1,177,131
   
-
   
2,601,053
 
Gross margin
   
7,270,628
   
239,649
   
-
   
7,510,277
 
Sales
   
1,071,036
   
-
   
-
   
1,071,036
 
Marketing
   
1,805,215
   
-
   
-
   
1,805,215
 
Product development
   
432,293
   
185,268
   
-
   
617,561
 
General and administrative
   
1,312,858
   
216,973
   
-
   
1,529,831
 
Severance charge
   
-
   
-
   
260,000
   
260,000
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
135,318
   
57,993
   
-
   
193,311
 
Other income
   
-
   
-
   
76,775
   
76,775
 
Segment profit (loss)
 
$
2,513,908
 
$
(220,585
)
$
(183,225
)
$
2,110,098
 
Total assets
 
$
7,998,057
 
$
1,880,505
 
$
24,142,054
 
$
34,020,616
 
 
 
 
 
 
Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Online
 
Publishing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publishing
 
and Licensing
 
Other
 
Total
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2005
                 
Revenue
 
$
20,470,576
 
$
2,316,303
 
$
-
 
$
22,786,879
 
Cost of revenue
   
3,462,602
   
2,178,544
   
-
   
5,641,146
 
Gross margin
   
17,007,974
   
137,759
   
-
   
17,145,733
 
Sales
   
1,812,444
   
-
   
-
   
1,812,444
 
Marketing
   
3,232,633
   
-
   
-
   
3,232,633
 
Product development
   
911,719
   
103,164
   
-
   
1,014,883
 
General and administrative
   
3,715,512
   
420,421
   
-
   
4,135,933
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
357,160
   
40,414
   
-
   
397,574
 
Other income
   
-
   
-
   
574,112
   
574,112
 
Provision for income taxes
   
-
   
-
   
(2,708,024
)
 
(2,708,024
)
Segment profit (loss)
 
$
6,978,505
 
$
(426,239
)
$
(2,133,912
)
$
4,418,354
 
Total assets
 
$
7,437,084
 
$
561,076
 
$
43,547,347
 
$
51,545,507
 
 
 
 
 
 
Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Online
 
Publishing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Publishing
 
and Licensing
 
Other
 
Total
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
                 
Revenue
 
$
17,676,955
 
$
2,708,607
 
$
-
 
$
20,385,562
 
Cost of revenue
   
2,843,905
   
2,124,222
   
-
   
4,968,127
 
Gross margin
   
14,833,050
   
584,385
   
-
   
15,417,435
 
Sales
   
2,374,130
   
-
   
-
   
2,374,130
 
Marketing
   
3,555,076
   
-
   
-
   
3,555,076
 
Product development
   
923,387
   
395,737
   
-
   
1,319,124
 
General and administrative
   
2,760,187
   
456,220
   
-
   
3,216,407
 
Severance charge
   
-
   
-
   
260,000
   
260,000
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
256,075
   
109,747
   
-
   
365,822
 
Other income
   
-
   
-
   
153,617
   
153,617
 
Segment profit (loss)
 
$
4,964,195
 
$
(377,319
)
$
(106,383
)
$
4,480,493
 
Total assets
 
$
7,998,057
 
$
1,880,505
 
$
24,142,054
 
$
34,020,616
 
 
9

 
NOTE 3 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

In March 2002, American Interbanc Mortgage, LLC (“AI”), a mortgage lender that advertised on Bankrate.com (the “Web site”), filed suit in the Superior Court of California against several of AI’s competitors (not including the Company) who also advertised on the Web site for (i) false advertising under the federal Lanham Act, (ii) common law unfair competition, and (iii) violations of certain sections of the California Business and Professions Code. In August 2002, the Company declined to renew AI’s advertising contract.  In December 2002, AI filed a First Amended Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”), adding the Company as a defendant, and asserting an additional claim for an alleged violation of the Cartwright Act, California’s antitrust law, alleging that the Company conspired with all of the co-defendants (various mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers) to allow them to engage in allegedly false advertising on the Web site while also precluding AI from advertising on the Website.  The Amended Complaint sought an undisclosed sum of monetary damages, restitution of profits, compensation acquired as a result of the allegedly wrongful conduct, attorney’s fees, costs, and injunctive relief. The Company filed a special motion to strike the Amended Complaint under California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute, contending that (i) AI’s claims against the Company were all based on publishing decisions protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and its counterpart in the California Constitution, and (ii) AI could not establish a probability of success on the merits of its claims.  The Company also filed a demurrer to the Amended Complaint, contending that it failed to state facts constituting a valid cause of action against the Company.  AI filed motions (i) for a preliminary injunction against the Company, seeking an order requiring the Company to publish AI’s advertisements and to cease publishing the alleged false advertisements of AI’s competitors, and (ii) seeking sanctions against the Company for having filed an allegedly “frivolous” anti-SLAPP motion.  By Orders dated April 24, and May 22, 2003, the trial court (i) denied the Company’s anti-SLAPP motion, (ii) granted the Company’s demurrer as to AI’s common law unfair competition claim, but otherwise overruled the demurrer, (iii) denied AI’s motion for a preliminary injunction, and (iv) denied AI’s motion for sanctions. On May 22, 2003, the Company appealed the order denying its anti-SLAPP claim, and AI, among other things, appealed the order denying its motion for preliminary injunction.  The Court of Appeal of the State of California, Fourth Appellate District, affirmed the various appeals and denied all relief requested. On January 15, 2004, AI filed its Second Amended Complaint asserting five counts, including claims for (i) false advertising under the Lanham Act, against all defendants, (ii) restraint of trade under the Cartwright Act, against all defendants, (iii) intentional interference with economic relations, against defendants other than the Company, (iv) intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, against some defendants including the Company, and (v) false advertising and unfair trade practices, against all defendants.  The complaint seeks unspecified damages, including treble damages, interest, attorney’s fees, and costs, disgorgement of property and profits allegedly wrongfully acquired, restitution, an accounting, and injunctive relief. On December 20, 2004, the Company received a Statement of Damages (the “Statement”) by which AI, for the first time, has indicated the amount of damages it allegedly seeks.  In the Statement AI states, without factual explanation, that it “is informed and believes that its damages are not less than $16.5 million,” allegedly “incurred as a proximate result of [all] defendants’ wrongful conduct.” AI seeks to have those damages trebled and also seeks “reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 1117(b) and California Business and Professions Code Section 16750(a),” and costs.  In connection with the causes of action for intentional interference with economic relations and prospective economic advantage, AI in its Statement “reserves the right to seek not less than $33 million in punitive damages when it seeks a judgment” in the action. The Company believes that all of AI’s claims against it are factually and legally without merit. The Company will continue vigorously to defend itself against all AI’s claims, and will continue to seek redress through all applicable remedies for any injuries suffered by the Company in connection with this matter. At June 30, 2005, the outcome of this matter was uncertain. The Company cannot estimate at this time, the amount of loss, if any, which could result from an adverse resolution of this litigation.

NOTE 4 - INSURANCE RECOVERY

In September 2004, the Company’s North Palm Beach, Florida corporate office building sustained severe damage from the two major hurricanes that hit the South Florida coast. The Company submitted insurance claims for the furniture and equipment lost, and the replacement cost reimbursement was greater than the book value of the assets destroyed. Accordingly, a $221,000 gain was recorded in other income in the first quarter of 2005 in the accompanying statement of income.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion may contain “forward-looking statements,” including statements about our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, estimates, projections and intentions. These statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. For information concerning these factors and related matters, see the following sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (the “2004 Form 10-K”): (a) “Risk Factors” in Item 1, “Business,” and (b) “Introduction” in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in addition to the other information set forth herein.
 
10

 
Overview

Bankrate, Inc. (the “Company”) owns and operates an Internet-based consumer banking marketplace. Our flagship site, Bankrate.com, is the Web’s leading aggregator of information on more than 300 financial products including mortgages, credit cards, new and used automobile loans, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Additionally, we provide financial applications and information to a network of distribution partners and also through national and state publications. Bankrate.com provides the tools and information that can help consumers make better financial decisions. We regularly survey approximately 4,800 financial institutions in more than 575 markets in 50 states in order to provide the most current objective, unbiased rates. Hundreds of print and online partner publications depend on Bankrate.com as the trusted source for financial rates and information.

Over two decades ago, we began as a print publisher of the newsletter Bank Rate Monitor. Our rate tables provide, at no cost to the consumer, a detailed list of lenders by market and include relevant details to help consumers compare loan products.

We continue to enhance our offerings in order to provide Bankrate.com users with the most complete experience. Features such as financial calculators and email newsletters allow users to interact with our site. Our Rate Trend Index is a weekly poll of industry insiders designed to help consumers forecast interest rate trends. We also broadened our offerings to include channels on investing, taxes, small business, financial advice, debt management and college finance. Each channel offers a unique look at its particular topic. Bankrate.com users can find advice and tips from the Tax channel, obtain business ideas from the Small Business channel and ask a financial expert a question in the Advice channel.

We believe that the recognition of our research as a leading source of independent, objective information on banking and credit products is essential to our success. As a result, we have sought to maximize distribution of our research to gain brand recognition as a research authority. We are seeking to build greater brand awareness of our Web site and to reach a greater number of online users. Bankrate.com had over 38 million unique visitors in 2004.

We operate a traditional media business on the Internet. We have a high quality, poised-to-transact audience that has been educated by us and is ready to do business with our advertisers. We are the number one site for financial information and advice, according to comScore Media Metrix. We sell graphic advertisements and hyperlinks on our Web site, we publish rates and sell advertisements in metropolitan newspapers, and we license our rates and editorial content.
 
Our potential market is growing and is still in the early stages of consumer awareness of the Internet as a personal finance tool. Financial institutions are still in the early stages of adopting the Internet for advertising products and customer acquisition. Their online advertising spending is still a very small percentage of their overall advertising budgets.

We compete for Internet advertising revenues with the personal finance sections of general interest sites such as Yahoo! Finance, AOL Personal Finance and MSN Money; personal finance destination sites such as The Motley Fool, MarketWatch, Inc., SmartMoney.com, Kiplinger.com and CNNMoney.com; e-commerce oriented sites that include banking and credit products such as LendingTree and Pricegrabber; lead aggregators such as LowerMyBills, iHomeowners and NexTag; print mortgage table sellers like MMIS and national Financial News Service; rate listing sites such as MonsterMoving, REALTOR.com, Informa Research Services, Checkinterestrates.com/CarsDirect, and Interest.com; and key word cost-per-click advertising sites/networks such as Google, Overture, Ask Jeeves and FindWhat. We also compete for traffic with brands like these. Our traffic has grown from 700,000 unique visitors per month in early 2000 to 4 million unique visitors a month according to comScore Media Metrix.
 
The key drivers to our business are the number of advertisers on our Web site and the number of consumers visiting our Web site or page views. We added over 40 new graphic advertisers and over 280 new hyperlink advertisers in 2004. We added over 30 new graphic advertisers and over 90 new hyperlink advertisers in 2005. The number of advertisers has grown from approximately 200 in 2000 to over 530 in 2004. Through June 30, 2005, the number of advertisers declined to just over 415 due to consolidation in the industry. Page views have grown from 134 million in 2000 to over 390 million in 2004, and were 114 million in the second quarter of 2005 and 225 million through June 30, 2005.
 
11

 
We have improved our gross margin from 37% in 2000 to 77% in 2005, and have reduced other operating expenses (excluding barter expense, the severance charge of $260,000, and the legal settlement charges of $510,000 recorded in 2004) as a percentage of total revenue (excluding barter revenue) from 140% in 2000 to 43% in 2005. Our income before taxes (excluding the insurance gain in the first quarter of 2005) as a percentage of total revenue (excluding barter) has grown to 32% in 2005, and we have increased cash and cash equivalents by approximately $26 million since December 31, 2000.
 
Adjusted Other Operating Expenses and Total Revenue Excluding Barter
($000's)  
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
Q1 05
 
Q2 05
 
Total revenue
 
$
15,205
 
$
18,257
 
$
26,571
 
$
36,621
 
$
39,204
 
$
10,422
 
$
12,365
 
Barter revenue
   
(757
)
 
(2,558
)
 
(2,912
)
 
(3,164
)
 
(3,088
)
 
(621
)
 
(721
)
     
14,448
   
15,699
   
23,659
   
33,457
   
36,116
   
9,801
   
11,644
 
Other operating expenses
   
20,915
   
13,724
   
15,334
   
19,301
   
21,130
   
4,969
   
5,624
 
Barter expense
   
(757
)
 
(2,750
)
 
(2,920
)
 
(3,164
)
 
(3,088
)
 
(621
)
 
(721
)
Severance charge
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(260
)
 
-
   
-
 
Legal settlement charge
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(510
)
 
-
   
-
 
   
$
20,158
 
$
10,974
 
$
12,414
 
$
16,137
 
$
17,272
 
$
4,348
 
$
4,903
 
Adjusted other operating expenses as a
                                           
percentage of total revenue
   
140
%
 
70
%
 
52
%
 
48
%
 
48
%
 
44
%
 
42
%
 
Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent gains and losses at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. We base our judgments, estimates and assumptions on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We evaluate our judgments, estimates and assumptions on a regular basis and make changes accordingly. We believe that the judgments, estimates and assumptions involved in the accounting for income taxes and the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Below we discuss the critical accounting estimates associated with these policies. Historically, our judgments, estimates and assumptions relative to our critical accounting policies have not differed materially from actual results. For further information on our critical accounting policies, see the discussion in the section titled “Results of Operations and Critical Accounting Policies” below, and Note 1 in Notes to Financial Statements in our 2004 Form 10-K.

Income Taxes

As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, we recognize deferred tax assets on the balance sheet if it is more likely than not that they will be realized on future tax returns. Up to the third quarter of 2003, we had provided a full valuation allowance against accumulated deferred tax assets, reflecting the uncertainty associated with our future profitability. In the fourth quarter of 2003 management reassessed the valuation allowance previously established against deferred tax assets. Factors considered included: historical results of operations, volatility of the economic and interest rate environment and projected earnings based on current operations. Based on this evidence, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets would be realized and, accordingly, reduced the valuation allowance by $3,400,000, which resulted in an income tax benefit of approximately $3,100,000.

During the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2004, we continued to evaluate the need for a valuation allowance. We completed our business planning process during the fourth quarter of 2004, which included the following strategic initiatives for 2005: the enhancement of our quality control process and procedures; the re-design of our Web site; the execution of exclusive advertising contracts with two mortgage lead aggregators; broadening the breadth and depth of our products and services; a reorganization of our advertising sales force; and the migration to a cost-per-click revenue model on our rate tables. Considering these strategic initiatives and their impact on future earnings potential, we concluded that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize the entire deferred tax asset. At December 31, 2004, we reversed the remaining $9,400,000 valuation allowance resulting in an income tax benefit of $4,800,000 and a net deferred tax asset of $11,400,000. The realization of the $11,400,000 deferred tax asset depends on our ability to continue to generate taxable income in the future. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or a portion of the deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will be charged against earnings in the period such determination is made.
 
12

 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments. We look at historical write-offs and sales growth when determining the adequacy of the allowance. Should the financial condition of our customers deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or if the level of accounts receivable increases, the need for possible additional allowances may be necessary. Any additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are recorded as bad debt expense and included in general and administrative expenses.

Legal Contingencies

We have been and currently are a party to proceedings as disclosed elsewhere in this report. Those proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties which make the estimates of loss, if any, extremely judgmental.

We recognize a loss contingency pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, when the estimated loss is probable of occurrence and the amount of the loss is estimable. In addition, we consider other factors including the nature of the litigation, claim or assessment, the progress on the case, the opinions or views of counsel and other advisors, the experience of the Company in similar cases, the experience of other enterprises, and any management decisions regarding how we intend to respond to the lawsuit, claim or assessment.

In March 2002, American Interbanc Mortgage, LLC (“AI”), a mortgage lender that advertised on Bankrate.com, filed suit in the Superior Court of California against several of AI’s competitors (not including Bankrate, Inc.) who also advertised on our Web site for (i) false advertising under the federal Lanham Act, (ii) common law unfair competition, and (iii) violations of certain sections of the California Business and Professions Code. In August 2002, we declined to renew AI’s advertising contract.  In December 2002, AI filed a First Amended Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”), adding us as a defendant, and asserting an additional claim for an alleged violation of the Cartwright Act, California’s antitrust law, alleging that we conspired with all of the co-defendants (various mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers) to allow them to engage in allegedly false advertising on our Web site while also precluding AI from advertising on our Web site.  The Amended Complaint sought an undisclosed sum of monetary damages, restitution of profits, compensation acquired as a result of the allegedly wrongful conduct, attorney’s fees, costs, and injunctive relief. We filed a special motion to strike the Amended Complaint under California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute, contending that (i) AI’s claims against us were all based on publishing decisions protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and its counterpart in the California Constitution, and (ii) AI could not establish a probability of success on the merits of its claims.  We also filed a demurrer to the Amended Complaint, contending that it failed to state facts constituting a valid cause of action against us.  AI filed motions (i) for a preliminary injunction against us, seeking an order requiring us to publish AI’s advertisements and to cease publishing the alleged false advertisements of AI’s competitors, and (ii) seeking sanctions against us for having filed an allegedly “frivolous” anti-SLAPP motion.  By Orders dated April 24, and May 22, 2003, the trial court (i) denied our anti-SLAPP motion, (ii) granted our demurrer as to AI’s common law unfair competition claim, but otherwise overruled the demurrer, (iii) denied AI’s motion for a preliminary injunction, and (iv) denied AI’s motion for sanctions. On May 22, 2003, we appealed the order denying our anti-SLAPP claim, and AI, among other things, appealed the order denying AI’s motion for preliminary injunction.  The Court of Appeal of the State of California, Fourth Appellate District, affirmed the various appeals and denied all relief requested. On January 15, 2004, AI filed its Second Amended Complaint asserting five counts, including claims for (i) false advertising under the Lanham Act, against all defendants, (ii) restraint of trade under the Cartwright Act, against all defendants, (iii) intentional interference with economic relations, against defendants other than us, (iv) intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, against some defendants including us, and (v) false advertising and unfair trade practices, against all defendants.  The complaint seeks unspecified damages, including treble damages, interest, attorney’s fees, and costs, disgorgement of property and profits allegedly wrongfully acquired, restitution, an accounting, and injunctive relief. On December 20, 2004, we received a Statement of Damages (the “Statement”) by which AI, for the first time, has indicated the amount of damages it allegedly seeks.  In the Statement AI states, without factual explanation, that it “is informed and believes that its damages are not less than $16.5 million,” allegedly “incurred as a proximate result of [all] defendants’ wrongful conduct.”  AI seeks to have those damages trebled and also seeks “reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 1117(b) and California Business and Professions Code Section 16750(a),” and costs.  In connection with the causes of action for intentional interference with economic relations and prospective economic advantage, AI in its Statement “reserves the right to seek not less than $33 million in punitive damages when it seeks a judgment” in the action. We believe that all of AI’s claims against it are factually and legally without merit.  We will continue vigorously to defend ourself against all AI’s claims, and will continue to seek redress through all applicable remedies for any injuries suffered by us in connection with this matter. At June 30, 2005, the outcome of this matter was uncertain. We cannot estimate at this time, the amount of loss, if any, that could result from an adverse resolution of this litigation.
 
13


Significant Developments

In September 2004, two major hurricanes made landfall within 30 miles north of our North Palm Beach, Florida office facility, resulting in periods of power outages and significant property damage throughout the region. Our contingency and disaster recovery plans were activated which allowed for the continued, uninterrupted operation of Bankrate.com during the recovery periods. Significant damage to the roof of the office building resulted in the loss of certain furniture, fixtures, equipment and leasehold improvements. The losses were covered by insurance for which the Company filed a claim. As a result, a $241,000 insurance claim receivable was recorded as of December 31, 2004. The replacement cost reimbursement in March 2005 was greater than the book value of the assets destroyed. Accordingly, a $221,000 gain was recorded in other income for the six months ended June 30, 2005 in the accompanying statement of income.

On January 22, 2005 and January 25, 2005, we entered into exclusive agreements with LowerMyBills, Inc. and iHomeowners, Inc. (the “companies”), respectively. Under the terms of the agreements, we will run graphic advertisements from the companies on our home page, mortgage and refinance channels, calculators, and other areas of the Bankrate.com Web site on a category exclusive basis, at agreed-upon cost per thousand impressions, or CPM’s. We may also earn additional revenue as a result of certain performance-based criteria with each of the companies. The agreements continue until the later of December 31, 2005 or until such time as we deliver the total number of advertising impressions specified in the agreements.

Results of Operations and Critical Accounting Policies

The following is our analysis of the results of operations for the periods covered by our financial statements, including a discussion of the accounting policies and practices (revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of deferred tax assets and legal contingencies) that we believe are critical to an understanding of our results of operations and to making the estimates and judgments underlying our financial statements. This analysis should be read in conjunction with our interim condensed financial statements, including the related notes. See “Results of Operations and Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in our 2004 Form 10-K for additional information concerning the revenue and expense components of our online and print publishing operations.
 
Results of Operations

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared to Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004


 Total Revenue
                           
Revenue:
 
Q1 04
 
Q2 04
 
Q3 04
 
Q4 04
 
Q1 05
 
Q2 05
 
Online publishing
 
$
8,982,405
 
$
8,694,550
 
$
8,158,241
 
$
8,107,045
 
$
9,266,553
 
$
11,204,023
 
Print publishing and licensing
   
1,291,827
   
1,416,780
   
1,310,911
   
1,242,502
   
1,155,296
   
1,161,007
 
Total revenue
 
$
10,274,232
 
$
10,111,330
 
$
9,469,152
 
$
9,349,547
 
$
10,421,849
 
$
12,365,030
 

Revenue

Online Publishing Revenue

We sell graphical advertisements on our Web site (including co-branded sites) consisting of banner, badge, billboard, poster and skyscraper advertisements. These advertisements are sold to advertisers according to the cost per thousand impressions, or CPM, the advertiser receives. The amount of advertising we sell is a function of (1) the number of visitors to our Web site, (2) the number of ad pages we serve to those visitors, (3) the number of advertisements per page, and (4) the capacity of our sales force. Advertising sales are invoiced monthly at amounts based on specific contract terms. When the number of impressions over the contract term is guaranteed, the monthly invoiced amount is based on the monthly contractual number of impressions to be delivered at the contractual price, or CPM. Revenue is recognized monthly based on the actual number of impressions delivered, and the revenue corresponding to any under-delivery is deferred as unearned revenue on the balance sheet and is recognized later when the under-delivery is served. When the number of impressions over the contract term is not guaranteed, the monthly invoiced amount is determined and revenue is recognized based on the actual number of impressions delivered at the contractual price or CPM. Additionally, we generate revenue on a “per action” basis (i.e., a purchase or completion of an application) when a visitor to our Web site transacts with one of our advertisers after viewing an advertisement. Revenue is recognized monthly based on the number of actions reported by the advertiser, subject to our verification. We are also involved in revenue sharing arrangements with our online partners where the consumer uses co-branded sites hosted by us. Revenue is allocated to each partner based on the percentage of advertisement views at each site. The allocated revenue is shared according to distribution agreements. Revenue is recorded at gross amounts and partnership payments are recorded in cost of revenue, pursuant to the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 99-19 Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent. We also sell hyperlinks (on our interest rate table listings) to various third-party Internet sites that generate a fixed monthly fee, which is recognized in the month earned. We also sell text links on our interest rate table pages to advertisers on a cost-per-click (“CPC”) basis. Advertisers enter an auction bidding process on a third party Web site for placement of their text link based on the amount they are willing to pay for each click through to their Web site. We recognize revenue monthly for each text link based on the number of clicks at the CPC contracted for during the auction bidding process.
 
14


Online publishing revenue also includes barter revenue, which represents the exchange of advertising space on our Web site for reciprocal advertising space or traffic on other Web sites. Barter revenues and expenses are recorded at the fair market value of the advertisements delivered or received, whichever is more determinable in the circumstances. We follow the accounting literature provided by EITF 99-17, Accounting for Advertising Barter Transactions. In accordance with EITF 99-17, barter transactions have been valued based on similar cash transactions which have occurred within six months prior to the date of the barter transaction. Revenue from barter transactions is recognized as income when advertisements are delivered on our Web site. Barter expense is recognized when our advertisements are run on the other companies’ Web sites, which is typically in the same period barter revenue is recognized. If the advertising impressions are received from the customer prior to our delivering the advertising impressions, a liability is recorded. If we deliver advertising impressions to the other companies’ Web sites prior to receiving the advertising impressions, a prepaid expense is recorded. No prepaid expense or liability was recorded at June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Barter revenue was approximately $721,000, and $820,000, and represented approximately 6% and 8% of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and was approximately $1,342,000 and $1,758,000, and represented approximately 6% and 9%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
 
 
Quarterly Online Publishing Revenue
                           
   
Q1 04
 
Q2 04
 
Q3 04
 
Q4 04
 
Q1 05
 
Q2 05
 
Graphic ads
 
$
4,188,189
 
$
3,923,813
 
$
4,033,213
 
$
4,222,809
 
$
5,351,065
 
$
6,665,380
 
Hyperlinks
   
3,856,381
   
3,950,737
   
3,487,527
   
3,191,581
   
3,294,682
   
3,817,716
 
Barter
   
937,835
   
820,000
   
637,501
   
692,655
   
620,806
   
720,927
 
   
$
8,982,405
 
$
8,694,550
 
$
8,158,241
 
$
8,107,045
 
$
9,266,553
 
$
11,204,023
 
 
Excluding barter revenue, online publishing revenue of $10,483,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2005 was $2,609,000, or 33%, higher than the $7,875,000 reported for the same period in 2004. This increase was due to a $2,742,000, or 70%, increase in graphic ad sales. Page views for the quarter were 113.8 million and were 21.2 million, or 23%, higher than the 92.6 million reported in the same period in 2004. Our mortgage lead aggregator program generated approximately $703,000 more revenue than the comparable period in 2004 on higher CPM’s while using 22% less available inventory. Approximately half of the remaining inventory was sold to other advertisers at approximately 50% higher CPM’s.

For the first half of 2005, graphic ad revenue of $12,016,000 was $3,904,000, or 48%, greater than the $8,112,000 reported for the first half of 2004. Page views for the first half of 2005 were 224.9 million and were 15.1 million, or 7%, higher than the 209.8 million reported in the same period in 2004. The mortgage lead aggregator program generated $1,163,000, or 31%, more revenue than in the first half of 2004 on higher CPM’s while using 38% less available inventory. Approximately half of the remaining inventory was sold to other advertisers at over 50% higher CPM’s.

Hyperlink sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 were down $133,000, or 3%, compared to the second quarter in 2004 due to a 28% decline in the number of hyperlink advertisers as a result of consolidation in the industry in the post refinance markets.

For the first half of 2005, hyperlink revenue was $695,000, or 9% lower than the first half of 2004. Sequentially, hyperlink revenue for the second quarter was up $523,000, or 16%, from the first quarter of 2005 due to higher pricing, and the Yahoo! CPC rate table launch in April 2005.

Effective October 1, 2005, we plan to convert our hyperlink business model on our interest rate tables from a fixed monthly fee basis to a CPC basis. We believe we will see an increase in hyperlink revenue of approximately 20% in the fourth quarter of 2005.
 
15


Barter revenue was intentionally reduced and was down $99,000, or 12%, from the second quarter in 2004, and was down $416,000, or 24%, for the first half of 2005 compared to 2004, as we focus more on monetizing our available views through paid advertising.

A majority of our advertising customers purchase advertising under short-term contracts. Customers have the ability to stop, and have on occasion stopped, advertising on relatively short notice. Online publishing revenue would be adversely impacted if we experienced contract terminations, or if we were not able to renew contracts with existing customers or obtain new customers. The market for Internet advertising is intensely competitive and has, in the past, experienced significant downturns in demand that could impact advertising rates. Future revenue could be adversely affected if we were forced to reduce our advertising rates or if we were to experience lower CPM’s.

 Historically, our first calendar quarter had been our highest in terms of page views, and we had typically experienced a slowdown in traffic during our third and fourth quarters. During 2002, certain traffic initiatives and expanded commitments from our distribution partners as well as the activity in mortgage lending caused increases in traffic inconsistent with our historical trends that continued through the second quarter of 2004. As brand awareness continues to strengthen for Bankrate.com, we believe our quarterly page views will become more consistent with a possible decline in the fourth quarter due to the holiday season.
 

Page Views
(Millions)
   
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
Q1
   
111.1
   
117.2
   
106.7
   
58.4
   
70.5
   
37.0
 
Q2
   
113.8
   
92.6
   
121.8
   
48.0
   
52.2
   
34.1
 
Q3
   
-
   
92.0
   
100.3
   
82.1
   
47.3
   
30.5
 
Q4
   
-
   
91.3
   
75.8
   
79.3
   
66.5
   
32.8
 
                                       
Year
   
-
   
393.1
   
404.6
   
267.8
   
236.5
   
134.4
 

Print Publishing and Licensing Revenue

Print publishing and licensing revenue represents advertising revenue from the sale of advertising in Consumer Mortgage Guide rate tables, newsletter subscriptions, and licensing of research information. We charge a commission for placement of the Consumer Mortgage Guide in a print publication. Advertising revenue and commission income is recognized when the Consumer Mortgage Guide runs in the publication. Revenue from our newsletters is recognized ratably over the period of the subscription, which is generally up to one year. Revenue from the sale of research information is recognized ratably over the contract period.

We also earn fees from distributing editorial rate tables that are published in newspapers and magazines across the United States, from paid subscriptions to three newsletters, and from providing rate surveys to institutions and government agencies. In addition, we license research data under agreements that permit the use of rate information we develop to advertise the licensee’s products in print, radio, television and web site promotions. Revenue for these products is recognized ratably over the contract/subscription periods.

Quarterly Print Publishing & Licensing Revenue
                           
   
Q1 04
 
Q2 04
 
Q3 04
 
Q4 04
 
Q1 05
 
Q2 05
 
Consumer Mortgage Guide
 
$
1,085,490
 
$
1,224,200
 
$
1,073,519
 
$
1,022,420
 
$
945,083
 
$
928,504
 
Editorial
   
206,337
   
192,580
   
237,392
   
220,082
   
210,213
   
232,503
 
   
$
1,291,827
 
$
1,416,780
 
$
1,310,911
 
$
1,242,502
 
$
1,155,296
 
$
1,161,007
 

Print publishing and licensing revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 was down $256,000, or 18%, compared to the comparable period in 2004 primarily due to a $296,000, or 24%, decrease in Consumer Mortgage Guide revenue. This decrease was primarily the result of on average, approximately 21% fewer Consumer Mortgage Guide advertisers during the quarter ended June 30, 2005 than in the comparable quarter in 2004, reflecting the softness in newspaper advertising. This decline was offset by a $40,000, or 21%, increase in licensed rate and rate survey data sales as a result of a more focused sales effort.

Print publishing and licensing revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was down $392,000, or 14%, compared to the comparable period in 2004 primarily due to a $436,000, or 19%, decrease in Consumer Mortgage Guide revenue. This decrease was primarily the result of on average, approximately 23% fewer Consumer Mortgage Guide advertisers during the six months ended June 30, 2005 than in the comparable period in 2004, reflecting the softness in newspaper advertising. This decline was offset by a $44,000, or 11%, increase in licensed rate and rate survey data sales as a result of a more focused sales effort.
 
16


Cost of Revenue

Online Publishing Costs

Online publishing costs represent expenses directly associated with the creation of online publishing revenue. These costs include contractual revenue sharing obligations resulting from our distribution arrangements (distribution payments), editorial costs, research costs and allocated overhead. Distribution payments are made to Web site operators for visitors directed to our Web site; these costs increase proportionately with gains in traffic to our site. Editorial costs relate to writers and editors who create original content for our online publications and associates who build Web pages; these costs have increased as we have added online publications and co-branded versions of our site under distribution arrangements. These sites must be maintained on a daily basis. Research costs include expenses related to gathering data on banking and credit products and consist primarily of compensation and benefits and allocated overhead.

Online Publishing Gross Margin
                           
   
Q1 04
 
Q2 04
 
Q3 04
 
Q4 04
 
Q1 05
 
Q2 05
 
Online publishing revenue, excluding barter
 
$
8,044,570
 
$
7,874,550
 
$
7,520,740
 
$
7,414,390
 
$
8,645,747
 
$
10,483,096
 
Cost of online publishing revenue
   
1,419,983
   
1,423,922
   
1,337,122
   
1,353,428
   
1,639,475
   
1,823,127
 
Gross margin
 
$
6,624,587
 
$
6,450,628
 
$
6,183,618
 
$
6,060,962
 
$
7,006,272
 
$
8,659,969
 
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue
   
82
%
 
82
%
 
82
%
 
82
%
 
81
%
 
83
%
 
Online publishing costs for the three months ended June 30, 2005 were $399,000, or 28%, higher than the comparable period in 2004 primarily due to higher human resource costs ($146,000) supporting new hires; and higher revenue sharing payments ($294,000) to our distribution partners due to higher associated revenue. These higher expenses were offset by numerous other lower expenses, primarily legal and consulting fees.

For the first half of 2005, online publishing costs were $619,000, or 22%, higher than the first half of 2004 due to higher human resource costs ($281,000) supporting new hires; higher revenue sharing payments ($370,000) to our distribution partners due to higher associated revenue, and higher data acquisition costs ($78,000). These higher expenses were offset by numerous other lower expenses, primarily legal and consulting fees.

Print Publishing and Licensing Costs

Print publishing and licensing costs represent expenses associated with print publishing and licensing revenue. These costs include contractual revenue sharing obligations with newspapers related to the Consumer Mortgage Guide, compensation and benefits, printing and allocated overhead. These costs vary proportionately with the related revenues and decreased $102,000, or 9%, for the three months ended June 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 due to a $175,000 decline in Consumer Mortgage Guide revenue sharing payments as associated revenue declined 24%, offset by approximately $60,000 related to including certain licensing product development expenses in cost of revenue in 2005 while in 2004, those expenses were included in other operating expenses.

For the first half of 2005, print publishing and licensing costs were $54,000, or 3% higher, than the first half of 2004 due to $58,000 in higher human resource costs, approximately $128,000 related to including certain licensing product development expenses in cost of revenue in 2005 while in 2004, those expenses were included in other operating expenses, offset by lower Consumer Mortgage Guide revenue sharing payments as associated revenue was 19% lower in 2005 compared to 2004. The decline in print publishing and licensing margins is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, reflecting more difficult business conditions for newspapers as they face competition from other types of advertising media, particularly Internet advertising. 
 
17


Print Publishing & Licensing Gross Margin
                           
 
 
Q1 04
 
Q2 04
 
Q3 04
 
Q4 04
 
Q1 05
 
Q2 05
 
Print publishing & licensing revenue
 
$
1,291,827
 
$
1,416,780
 
$
1,310,911
 
$
1,242,502
 
$
1,155,296
 
$
1,161,007
 
Cost of print publishing & licensing revenue
   
947,091
   
1,177,131
   
1,089,374
   
1,050,536
   
1,103,169
   
1,075,375
 
Gross margin
 
$
344,736
 
$
239,649
 
$
221,537
 
$
191,966
 
$
52,127
 
$
85,632
 
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue
   
27
%
 
17
%
 
17
%
 
15
%
 
5
%
 
7
%

Operating Expenses

Sales

Sales costs represent direct selling expenses, principally for online advertising, and include compensation and benefits, sales commissions, and allocated overhead. Sales costs for the three months ended June 30, 2005 were down $100,000, or 9%, from the comparable period in 2004, and were $562,000, or 24%, lower for the first half of 2005 compared to the first half of 2004. These decreases reflect reductions in human resource costs, consulting and market research and commissions following our restructuring of the online sales compensation plans and the ad sales talent pool.

Marketing

Marketing costs represent expenses associated with expanding brand awareness of our products and services to consumers and include key word (pay per performance) campaigns on Internet search engines, print and Internet advertising, marketing and promotion costs. Marketing costs also include barter expense, which represents the non-cash cost of our advertisements that are run on other companies’ Web sites in our barter transactions. Barter expense was $721,000 and $820,000 for the quarters ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Excluding barter expense, marketing expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 of $992,000 were essentially flat compared to the same quarter in 2004. For the first half of 2005, marketing expenses were $94,000, or 5%, higher than the first half of 2004 primarily reflecting our efforts to improve search engine results with key word (pay per performance) campaigns as traffic acquisition becomes more competitive.

Product Development

Product development costs represent compensation and benefits related to site development, network systems and telecommunications infrastructure support, programming, new product design and development and other technology costs. Product development costs for the three months ended June 30, 2005 were $107,000, or 17%, lower than the same period in 2004, and were $304,000, or 23%, lower than the first half of 2004 reflecting certain licensing product development expenses now included in cost of print publishing and licensing revenue. While those products were being developed, the operating costs were included in product development costs.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses represent compensation and benefits for executive, finance and administrative personnel, professional fees, non-allocated overhead and other general corporate expenses. These costs were up $692,000, or 45%, compared to the second quarter in 2004 due primarily to higher accounting costs ($356,000), management incentive plan accruals ($429,000), and a special mid-year bonus paid to all employees ($132,000), offset by lower public/investor relations costs ($181,000), and lower bad debt expense ($48,000). For the first half of 2005 general and administrative expenses were $920,000, or 29%, higher than the first half of 2004 due primarily to higher legal and accounting fees ($570,000), management incentive plan accruals ($532,000), and a special mid-year bonus paid to all employees ($132,000), offset by lower public/investor relations costs ($191,000), and lower consulting fees ($126,000).

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization was $15,000, or 8%, and $32,000, or 9%, higher for the three and six months, respectively, ended June 30, 2005 compared to 2004 due to assets placed in service during the fourth quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005.
 
18

 
Other Income

Other income consists of interest income generated from invested cash and cash equivalents. Interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 was higher than the amounts reported in the same period in 2004 due to higher cash balances. In September 2004, our North Palm Beach, Florida corporate office building sustained severe damage from the two major hurricanes that hit the South Florida coast. We submitted insurance claims for the furniture and equipment lost, and the replacement cost reimbursement was greater than the book value of the assets destroyed. Accordingly, a $221,000 gain was recorded in other income in the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

Income Taxes
 
As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, we recognize tax assets on the balance sheet if it is more likely than not that they will be realized on future tax returns. Up to the third quarter of 2003, we had provided a full valuation allowance against accumulated deferred tax assets, reflecting the uncertainty associated with our future profitability. In the fourth quarter of 2003 management reassessed the valuation allowance previously established against deferred tax assets. Factors considered included: historical results of operations, volatility of the economic and interest rate environment and projected earnings based on current operations. Based on this evidence, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets would be realized and, accordingly, released $3,400,000 of the valuation allowance, which resulted in an income tax benefit of approximately $3,100,000.

During the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2004, we continued to evaluate the need for a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset. We completed our business planning process during the fourth quarter of 2004, which included the following strategic initiatives for 2005: the enhancement of our quality control process and procedures; the re-design of our Web site; the execution of exclusive advertising contracts with two mortgage lead aggregators; broadening the breadth and depth of our products and services; a reorganization of our advertising sales force; and the migration to a cost-per-click revenue model on our rate tables. Considering these strategic initiatives and their impact on future earnings potential, we concluded that it was more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income in future periods to realize the entire deferred tax asset. At December 31, 2004, we reversed the remaining $9,400,000 valuation allowance resulting in an income tax benefit of $4,800,000 and a net deferred tax asset of $11,400,000. As of June 30, 2005, we had $8,699,000 in deferred tax assets. The realization of the deferred tax asset depends on our ability to continue to generate taxable income in the future. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or a portion of the deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will be charged against earnings in the period such determination is made.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal source of liquidity is the cash generated by our operations. As of June 30, 2005, we had working capital of $42,128,000, and our primary commitments were approximately $1,251,000 in operating lease payments over the next three years, as well as capital expenditures and recurring payables and accruals arising during the course of operating our business, estimated at approximately $4,333,000 through June 30, 2006. We generally establish payment terms with our vendors that extend beyond the amount of time required to collect from our customers. There are no other significant commitments or any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

The following table represents the amounts due under the specified types of contractual obligations as of June 30, 2005.
 
   
Payments Due
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Less than
 
One to
 
Three to
 
More than
 
Contractual obligations
 
one year
 
three years
 
five years
 
five years
 
Long-term debt obligations
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Capital lease obligations
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Operating lease obligations (1)
   
689,556
   
561,049
   
-
   
-
 
Purchase obligations (2)
   
843,548
   
204,939
   
-
   
-
 
Other long-term obligations
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
                           
(1) Includes our obligations under existing operating leases.
(2) Represents base contract amounts for Internet hosting, co-location content distribution and other infrastructure costs.
19

 
During the six months ended June 30, 2005, we generated $7,149,000 of net cash from operating activities. Our net income of $4,418,000 was adjusted for the deferred income tax provision of $2,708,000, depreciation and amortization of $398,000, bad debt expense of $127,000, and a net negative change in the components of operating assets and liabilities of $502,000. Of this negative change, $1,835,000 resulted from an increase in accounts receivable, and $1,137,000 resulted from an increase in accrued expenses. Accounts receivable balances were higher at June 30, 2005 supporting higher sales levels. The increase in accrued expenses was due to accruals for sales commissions, the management incentive plan and the special mid-year bonus paid to employees. During the three months ended June 30, 2005, cash of $152,000 was used to purchase furniture & equipment and software, and $86,000 was provided by financing activities, primarily the result of stock option exercises.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

The primary objective of our investment strategy is to preserve principal while maximizing the income we receive from investments without significantly increasing risk. To minimize this risk, to date we have maintained our portfolio of cash equivalents in short-term and overnight investments which are not subject to market risk, as the interest paid on such investments fluctuates with the prevailing interest rates. As of June 30, 2005, all of our cash equivalents matured in less than three months.

Exchange Rate Sensitivity

Our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations is minimal to none as we do not have any revenues denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, we have not engaged in any derivative or hedging transactions to date.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluations as of June 30, 2005, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) were sufficiently effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and instructions for Form 10-Q.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect its internal control over financial reporting.

Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
 
20


Part II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In March 2002, American Interbanc Mortgage, LLC (“AI”), a mortgage lender that advertised on Bankrate.com (the “Web site”), filed suit in the Superior Court of California against several of AI’s competitors (not including the Company) who also advertised on the Web site for (i) false advertising under the federal Lanham Act, (ii) common law unfair competition, and (iii) violations of certain sections of the California Business and Professions Code. In August 2002, the Company declined to renew AI’s advertising contract.  In December 2002, AI filed a First Amended Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”), adding the Company as a defendant, and asserting an additional claim for an alleged violation of the Cartwright Act, California’s antitrust law, alleging that the Company conspired with all of the co-defendants (various mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers) to allow them to engage in allegedly false advertising on the Web site while also precluding AI from advertising on the Website.  The Amended Complaint sought an undisclosed sum of monetary damages, restitution of profits, compensation acquired as a result of the allegedly wrongful conduct, attorney’s fees, costs, and injunctive relief. The Company filed a special motion to strike the Amended Complaint under California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute, contending that (i) AI’s claims against the Company were all based on publishing decisions protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and its counterpart in the California Constitution, and (ii) AI could not establish a probability of success on the merits of its claims.  The Company also filed a demurrer to the Amended Complaint, contending that it failed to state facts constituting a valid cause of action against the Company.  AI filed motions (i) for a preliminary injunction against the Company, seeking an order requiring the Company to publish AI’s advertisements and to cease publishing the alleged false advertisements of AI’s competitors, and (ii) seeking sanctions against the Company for having filed an allegedly “frivolous” anti-SLAPP motion.  By Orders dated April 24, and May 22, 2003, the trial court (i) denied the Company’s anti-SLAPP motion, (ii) granted the Company’s demurrer as to AI’s common law unfair competition claim, but otherwise overruled the demurrer, (iii) denied AI’s motion for a preliminary injunction, and (iv) denied AI’s motion for sanctions. On May 22, 2003, the Company appealed the order denying its anti-SLAPP claim, and AI, among other things, appealed the order denying its motion for preliminary injunction.  The Court of Appeal of the State of California, Fourth Appellate District, affirmed the various appeals and denied all relief requested. On January 15, 2004, AI filed its Second Amended Complaint asserting five counts, including claims for (i) false advertising under the Lanham Act, against all defendants, (ii) restraint of trade under the Cartwright Act, against all defendants, (iii) intentional interference with economic relations, against defendants other than the Company, (iv) intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, against some defendants including the Company, and (v) false advertising and unfair trade practices, against all defendants.  The complaint seeks unspecified damages, including treble damages, interest, attorney’s fees, and costs, disgorgement of property and profits allegedly wrongfully acquired, restitution, an accounting, and injunctive relief. On December 20, 2004, the Company received a Statement of Damages (the “Statement”) by which AI, for the first time, has indicated the amount of damages it allegedly seeks.  In the Statement AI states, without factual explanation, that it “is informed and believes that its damages are not less than $16.5 million,” allegedly “incurred as a proximate result of [all] defendants’ wrongful conduct.” AI seeks to have those damages trebled and also seeks “reasonable attorney’s fees pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 1117(b) and California Business and Professions Code Section 16750(a),” and costs.  In connection with the causes of action for intentional interference with economic relations and prospective economic advantage, AI in its Statement “reserves the right to seek not less than $33 million in punitive damages when it seeks a judgment” in the action. The Company believes that all of AI’s claims against it are factually and legally without merit. The Company will continue vigorously to defend itself against all AI’s claims, and will continue to seek redress through all applicable remedies for any injuries suffered by the Company in connection with this matter. At June 30, 2005, the outcome of this matter was uncertain. The Company cannot estimate at this time, the amount of loss, if any, which could result from an adverse resolution of this litigation.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.


Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

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

The Company held its annual meeting of shareholders on June 16, 2005. At the meeting, the shareholders elected Peter C. Morse (12,884,232 affirmative votes and 1,349,149 votes withheld) and William C. Martin (14,109,528 affirmative votes and 123,853 votes withheld) to the Company’s Board of Directors. The shareholders also ratified the selection of KPMG LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005 (14,211,031 affirmative votes, 22,150 votes against, and 200 votes abstaining).
 
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

Item 6. EXHIBITS

(a)  
Exhibits

10.1
Executive Employment Agreement effective May 31, 2005, between Daniel P. Hoogterp and the Company.
  31.1 Certification of Thomas R. Evans, Chief Executive Officer and President of Bankrate, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
  31.2
Certification of Robert J. DeFranco, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bankrate, Inc., Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
  32.1 Certification of Thomas R. Evans, Chief Executive Officer and President of Bankrate, Inc., Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
  32.2 Certification of Robert J. DeFranco, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bankrate, Inc., Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
21

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
  Bankrate, Inc
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated: August 9, 2005 By:   /s/ ROBERT J. DEFRANCO
 
Robert J. DeFranco
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
 
22

 
 
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 Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT
 
THIS EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made effective as of the 31st day of May, 2005 (the "Effective Date") between Daniel P. Hoogterp, an individual resident of the State of Connecticut ("Executive"), and BANKRATE, INC., a Florida corporation with its principal places of business located in North Palm Beach, Florida and New York City (the "Company").
 
WHEREAS, the Company desires to engage Executive to perform certain services for the Company, and Executive desires to accept said engagement from the Company; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive have agreed upon the terms and conditions of Executive's engagement by the Company, and the parties desire to express the terms and conditions in this Agreement.
 
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive intend for this Agreement to supersede all agreements between Executive and the Company.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged and accepted, the parties hereby agree as follows:
 
1.  Employment of Executive. The Company hereby employs Executive initially as its Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Executive hereby accepts such employment by the Company, under the terms of this Agreement subject to termination pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 hereof.
 
2.  Duties and Location.
 
A.  Executive's position and duties will consist of a position and duties normally associated with the position identified in Section 1. Executive shall initially report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or his designee. Executive shall devote his full business time to the Company’s business and shall not render to others any service of any kind for compensation or engage in any activity which conflicts or interferes with the performance of his obligations under this Agreement without the express written consent of the Board; provided, however, that Executive may engage in non-profit or charitable activities which do not involve substantial time and which do not materially interfere with his employment under this Agreement and which activities are not in competition with the Company as determined in the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
B.  Executive agrees that he shall at all times faithfully and to the best of his ability and experience perform all of the duties that may be required of him pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
 
C.  Executive will perform his services from Company's North Palm Beach office in or at any other location within 50 miles of North Palm Beach at the Company’s discretion.
 
3.  Base Salary. Executive shall receive a base salary commencing on the Effective Date and during his employment hereunder of $185,000 per annum (the "Base Salary"), which amount may be increase annually at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Committee"). The Base Salary shall be paid to Executive by the Company in accordance with the Company's regular payroll practice as in effect from time to time.
 
 
 

 
 
4.  Annual Bonus. Executive will be eligible for an annual bonus program generally available to executive officers of the Company as approved at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board. The target bonus is to be $80,000. Executive will be guaranteed a bonus of $50,000 for the remainder of 2005, payable in the first quarter of 2006.
 
5.  Stock Incentive. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company' stock option, stock purchase, or other stock incentive plans which are generally available to executive officers of the Company and shall be eligible for the grant of stock options, restricted stock or other awards there under in accordance with the terms and provisions of such plans. The executive will be granted 80,000 options of the company’s stock, subject to the approval of the board of directors. The options will vest in accordance with the company’s stock option plan.
 
Company represents and warrants that it shall timely prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission all documents as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, with respect to such plans and Executive’s grants and awards thereunder.
 
6.  Executive Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in all benefit plans as shall be in effect for other executive officers of Company from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of each such plan. Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation each year in accordance with Company policy. All vacation times shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or, absent the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld.
 
7.  Expenses. Executive shall be reimbursed by the Company monthly for the ordinary and necessary reasonable business expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties for the Company, including travel and lodging expenses, meals, client entertainment, and cell phone expense, all in accordance with Company policy; provided that Executive shall first document said business expenses in the manner generally required by the Company under its policies and procedures, and in any event, in the manner required to meet applicable regulations of the Internal Revenue Service relating to the deductibility of such expenses. In addition, Executive will be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses associated with his move of his family from his current home to Florida.
 
8.  Termination.
 
This Agreement shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
 
A.  Death of Executive;
 
B.  Mental or physical disability of Executive which prevents him from performing substantially all of his duties hereunder for a period of 90 consecutive days or 120 days during any one year.
 
C.  For Cause, as defined below:
 
 
 

 
 
1.  The Executive's material breach of this agreement which is not cured within ten (10) days of receipt of written notice to Executive specifying the breach;
 
2.  The Executive's dishonesty, fraud, malfeasance, gross negligence or misconduct which, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors, is, or is likely to, lead to material injury to the Company or the business reputation of the Company;
 
3.  The Executive's willful failure to comply with the direction (consistent with the Executive's duties) of the Board or to follow the policies, procedures, and rules of the Company;
 
4.  The Executive's negligent failure to comply with the direction (consistent with the Executive's duties) of the Board or to follow the policies, procedures, and rules of the Company which is not cured within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice;
 
5.  Executive's conviction of, or the Executive's entry of a plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude; or
 
6.  Executive’s resignation.
 
D.  By either party in their sole discretion upon at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice.
 
E.  Without Cause. "Without Cause" means any termination of employment by Company which is not defined in sub-sections A, B, or C, above.
 
9.  Post Termination Payment Obligations.
 
A.  If this Agreement terminates for any of the reasons stated in sub-sections A, B or C of Section 8 of this Agreement or is terminated by Executive pursuant to subsection D of Section 8 of this Agreement, then the Executive shall be entitled to receive his Base Salary at the then current rate and any accrued bonus through the effective date of the termination, payable within fifteen (15) days of the effective termination date, and thereafter the Company shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, but Executive shall continue to be bound by Sections 12, 13, and 14 and all other post-termination obligations contained in this Agreement and provisions of this Agreement that specifically survive termination of this Agreement.
 
B.  If this Agreement terminates in accordance with sub-sections E of Section 8 of this Agreement or is terminated by Company pursuant to subsection D of Section 8 of this Agreement then Company shall pay Executive his Base Salary at the then current rate and any accrued bonus through the effective termination date, payable within fifteen (15) days of the termination date and the Company shall pay Executive a separation payment in the amount of one years Base Salary at the then current rate (the “Separation Payment”). The Separation Payment shall be paid in three installments as follows:
 
1.  One-Third of the Separation Payment shall be payable upon the later of (a) fifteen (15) days after the termination date or (b) the day after the expiration date of Executive’s legally required right, if any, to revoke his signature or agreement in connection with the Separation and Release Agreement described in Section 9(C) below;
 
2.  One-Third of the Separation Payment shall be payable on the six (6) month anniversary of the termination date; and
 
3.  One-Third of the Separation Payment shall be payable on the twelve (12) month anniversary of the termination date.
 
The post-termination obligations under this Section 9(B) shall be binding upon the Company regardless of the Executive's subsequent employment with any other person, firm, partnership, association, business organization, corporation or other entity which is not affiliated with the Company.
 
C.  In consideration of, and as a condition to the Company’s obligation to pay the Separation Payment, Executive shall:
 
 
 

 
 
1.  Execute a Separation and Release Agreement in a form prepared by and acceptable to the Company whereby Executive releases the Company from any and all liability and settles claims of any kind; and
 
2.  Comply with the restrictive covenants (Sections 12 and 13 of this Agreement), all other post-termination obligations contained in this Agreement and the provisions of this Agreement that specifically survive termination of this Agreement.
 
10.  Work Product. All Work Product (defined below) shall be work made for hire by Executive and owned by the Company. If any of the Work Product may not, by operation of law or otherwise, be considered work made for hire by Executive for the Company, or if ownership of all right, title, and interest to the legal rights therein shall not otherwise vest exclusively in the Company, Executive hereby assigns to the Company, and upon the future creation thereof automatically assigns to the Company, without further consideration, the ownership of all Work Product. The Company shall have the right to obtain and hold in its own name copyrights, patents, registrations, and any other protection available in the Work Product. Executive agrees to perform, during or after termination of Executive's employment by the Company, such further acts as may be necessary or desirable to transfer, perfect and defend the Company's ownership of the Work Product as requested by the Company. "Work Product" means the data, materials, formulas, research, documentation, computer programs, communication systems, audio systems, system designs, inventions (whether or not patentable), and all works of authorship, including all worldwide rights therein under patent, copyright, trade secret, confidential information, moral rights and other property rights, created or developed in whole or in part by Executive, while employed by the Company, within the scope of Executive's employment or which otherwise relates in any manner to the Company's Business.
 
11.  Set-Off. If at the time of termination of this Agreement for any reason, Executive has any outstanding obligations to the Company, Executive acknowledges that the Company is authorized to deduct from Executive's final paycheck and the Separation Payment any then documented amounts owed to the Company.
 
12.  Trade Secrets and Confidential Information. During the course of Executive's employment with the Company, the Company may disclose to Executive Trade Secrets and Confidential Information (defined below). The Trade Secrets and the Confidential Information of the Company are the sole and exclusive property of the Company (or a third party providing such information to the Company). The disclosure of the Trade Secrets and the Confidential Information of the Company to Executive does not give the Executive any license, interest or rights of any kind in the Trade Secrets or Confidential Information.
 
A.  Executive may use the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information solely for the benefit of the Company while Executive is an employee of the Company. Executive shall hold in confidence the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of the Company. Except in the performance of services for the Company, Executive shall not reproduce, distribute, transmit, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or transfer the Trade Secrets or the Confidential Information of the Company or any portion thereof.
 
B.  The obligations under this Agreement with regard to the Trade Secrets of the Company remain in effect as long as the information constitutes a trade secret under applicable law. The obligations with regard to the Confidential Information of the Company shall remain in effect while Executive is employed by the Company and for a period of three (3) years thereafter.
 
C.  Executive agrees to return to the Company, upon Executive's resignation, termination, or upon request by the Company, the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information of the Company and all materials relating thereto.
 
D.  As used herein, "Trade Secrets" means information of the Company, and its licensors, suppliers, clients and customers, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers, which is not commonly known or available to the public and which information (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
 
As used herein, "Confidential Information" means information, other than Trade Secrets, that is treated as confidential, and that would potentially damage or interfere with, in any manner, the Company's business if disclosed. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Company's financial structure, pricing, revenue sharing, partner agreements, customer agreements, marketing plans, methods of operation, and internal operating procedures.
 
 
 

 
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this sub-section D do not apply to (i) information which is general knowledge in the Company's industry, (ii) information that has been disclosed to Executive by third parties who are unrelated to the Company and who are not bound by agreements of confidentiality with respect thereto, and (iii) as Executive may be required to disclose by law but only to the extent required by law.
 
13.  Restrictive Covenants.
 
A.  Non-competition. Executive agrees that for so long as Executive is employed by the Company and for a period of six (6) months thereafter, Executive will not, individually or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, association, business organization, corporation or other entity engaged in the Business of the Company, engage in or perform, anywhere within the United States, Canada and any other such geography in which the Company operates, which shall constitute the territory, any activities which are competitive with the Business of the Company. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit Executive from acquiring shares of capital stock of any public corporation, provided that such investment does not exceed 5% of the stock of such public corporation.
 
B.  Non-Recruit. Executive agrees that for so long as Executive is employed by the Company and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Executive will not call upon, solicit, recruit, or assist others in calling upon, recruiting or soliciting any person who is an employee of the Company and with whom Executive had contact or became aware of by virtue of Executive's employment, for the purpose of having such person work for Executive or for any Client (as defined below) of the Company, or for any other person, firm, corporation or entity which is engaged in the Business (defined below).
 
C.  For purposes of this Section 13, the term "Business" shall mean the business of the delivery of editorial content and product research related to consumer financial services delivered in print or over the Internet; and the term "Client" shall mean any individual or business entity which employs the Company for purposes of delivery of editorial content and product research related to consumer financial services delivered in print or over the Internet.
 
14.  Injunctive Relief.
 
Executive acknowledges that breach of the provisions of Sections 12, and/or 13 of this Agreement would result in irreparable injury and permanent damage to the Company, which prohibitions or restrictions Executive acknowledges are both reasonable and necessary under the circumstances, singularly and in the aggregate, to protect the interests of the Company. Executive recognizes and agrees that the ascertainment of damages in the event of a breach of Sections 12 and/or 13 of this Agreement would be difficult, and that money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries and damages which would be suffered by the Company from breach by Executive.
 
Executive therefore agrees: (i) that, in the event of a breach of Sections 12 and/or 13 of this Agreement, the Company, in addition to and without limiting any of the remedies or rights which it may have at law or in equity or pursuant to this Agreement, shall have the right to injunctive relief or other similar remedy in order to specifically enforce the provisions hereof; and (ii) to waive and not to (A) assert any defense to the effect that the Company has an adequate remedy at law with respect to any such breach, (B) require that the Company submit proof of the economic value of any Trade Secret, or (C) require that the Company post a bond or any other security. Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Company from seeking monetary damages of any kind, including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel and other expenses, in a court of law.
 
15.  Survival. The provisions of Paragraphs 9 through 31 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
 
16.  Invalidity of Any Provision. It is the intention of the parties hereto that Sections 12 through 14 of this Agreement shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies of each state and jurisdiction in which such enforcement is sought, but that the unenforceability (or the modification to conform with such laws or public policies) of any provision hereof shall not render unenforceable or impair the remainder of this Agreement which shall be deemed amended to delete or modify, as necessary, the invalid or unenforceable provisions. The parties further agree to alter the balance of this Agreement in order to render the same valid and enforceable.
 
17.  Waiver of Breach. The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.
 
18.  Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and assigns, and the Company shall require any successors and assigns to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken place. Neither this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable or transferable by Executive, his beneficiaries or legal representatives, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
 
 
 

 
 
19.  License. To the extent that any pre-existing materials are contained in the materials Executive delivers to the Company or the Company's customers, and such preexisting materials are not Work Product, Executive grants to the Company an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to: (i) use and distribute (internally or externally) copies of, and prepare derivative works based upon, such pre-existing materials and derivative works thereof and (ii) authorize others to do any of the foregoing. Executive shall notify Company in writing of any and all pre-existing materials delivered to the Company by Executive.
 
20.  Release. Executive acknowledges that Executive may provide the image, likeness, voice, or other characteristics of Executive or third parties ("Owner") in the services, materials, computer programs and other deliverables that Executive provides as a part of this Agreement ("Deliverables"). Executive hereby consents to the use of such characteristics of Executive by the Company in the products or services of the Company and releases the Company, its agents, contractors, licensees and assigns from any claims which Executive has or may have for invasion of privacy, right of publicity, defamation, copyright infringement, or any other causes of action arising out of the use, adaptation, reproduction, distribution, broadcast, or exhibition of such characteristics ("Release"). Executive represents that Executive has obtained the same Release in writing benefiting Company from all third party Owners whose characteristics are included in the Deliverables.
 
21.  Severability. If any provision or part of a provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be void and unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable.
 
22.  Costs of Enforcement. In the event either party breaches this Agreement, the breaching party shall be liable to the non-breaching party for all costs of enforcement, including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs, in addition to all other damages and redress available in equity or at law.
 
23.  No Prior Agreements. Executive hereby represents and warrants to Company that the execution of this Agreement by Executive and Executive's employment by Company and the performance of Executive's duties hereunder shall not violate or be a breach of any agreement with a former employer, client or any other person or entity.
 
24.  Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire understanding of the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior communications, agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. The language contained herein shall be deemed to be that negotiated and approved by both parties and no rule of strict construction shall be applied.
 
25.  Modification. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement in writing signed by both Company and Executive.
 
26.  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all aspects by the laws of the State of Florida without regard to its rules governing conflicts of law.
 
27.  Section Headings. The section headings are included for convenience and are not intended to limit or affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
 
28.  Notice. Whenever any notice is required, it shall be given in writing addressed as follows:
 
To Company:
Bankrate, Inc.
11811 U.S. Highway One Suite 101
North Palm Beach, Florida 33408
Attention: Thomas R. Evans
 
With a copy to:
David G. Bates, Esq.
Gunster Yoakley & Stewart, P.A.
777 South Flagler Drive, Suite 500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

 
 

 

To Executive:                Daniel P. Hoogterp
3 Cherry Hill Circle
Monroe, CT 06468
 
Notice shall be deemed given and effective three (3) days after the deposit in the U.S. mail of a writing addressed as above and sent first class mail, certified, return receipt requested, or when actually received. Either party may change the address for notice by notifying the other party of such change in accordance with this Section.
 
29.  Indemnification. The Company agrees, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the Company's Articles of Incorporation, to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Executive against any and all loss, damage, liability and expense, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, disbursements court costs, and any amounts paid in settlement and the costs and expenses of enforcing this section of the Agreement, which may be suffered or incurred by Executive in connection with the provision of his services hereunder, including, without limitation, any claims, litigations, disputes, actions, investigations or other matters, provided that such loss, damage, liability and expense (i) arises out of or in connection with the performance by Executive of his obligations under this Agreement and (ii) is not the result of any material breach by Executive of his obligations hereunder, and provided further that Company shall be under no obligation to defend, indemnify or hold harmless Executive if Executive has acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
 
In addition to the foregoing, Company agrees to provide Executive with coverage under a Directors & Officers insurance policy to the same extent as the Company currently provides its executive officers.
 
30.  Jurisdiction and Venue.  The parties acknowledge that a substantial portion of the negotiations, anticipated performance and execution of this Agreement occurred or shall occur in Palm Beach County, Florida.  Any civil action or legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in the courts of record of the State of Florida in Palm Beach County or the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida.  Each party consents to the jurisdiction of such Florida court in any such civil action or legal proceeding and waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such civil action or legal proceeding in such Florida court.  Service of any court paper may be effected on such party by mail, as provided in this Agreement, or in such other manner as may be provided under applicable laws, rules of procedure or local rules.
 
 
 

 
 
31.  JURY WAIVER.  IN ANY CIVIL ACTION, COUNTERCLAIM, OR PROCEEDING, WHETHER AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, WHICH ARISES OUT OF, CONCERNS, OR RELATES TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY AND ALL TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE RELATIONSHIP CREATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, TRIAL SHALL BE TO A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION AND NOT TO A JURY.  EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY.  ANY PARTY MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT, AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT OF THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.  NEITHER PARTY HAS MADE OR RELIED UPON ANY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS TO OR BY ANY OTHER PARTY REGARDING THE ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS PROVISION.  EACH PARTY HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THE EFFECT OF THIS JURY WAIVER PROVISION.  EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN ADVISED BY ITS OWN COUNSEL WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSACTION GOVERNED BY THIS AGREEMENT AND SPECIFICALLY WITH RESPECT TO THE TERMS OF THIS SECTION.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
 
EXECUTIVE:       COMPANY:
       
      BANKRATE, INC.
       
/s/ DANIEL P. HOOGTERP  
By:  
/s/ THOMAS R. EVANS

   
   
Thomas R. Evans
President & CEO
 
 
 
 

 
 
EX-31.1 4 v023113_ex31-1.htm
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of CEO Pursuant to
Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
I, Thomas R. Evans, the Chief Executive Officer and President of Bankrate, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Bankrate, Inc. (“Bankrate”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Bankrate as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. Bankrate’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for Bankrate and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to Bankrate is made known to us, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of Bankrate’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in Bankrate’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting; and

5. Bankrate’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to our auditors and the audit committee of our Board of Directors:

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 9, 2005 By:   /s/ Thomas R. Evans
 
Thomas R. Evans
Chief Executive Officer & President
 
 



EX-31.2 5 v023113_ex31-2.htm
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of CFO Pursuant to
Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
I, Robert J. DeFranco, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Bankrate, Inc., certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Bankrate, Inc. (“Bankrate”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Bankrate as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4. Bankrate’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for Bankrate and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to Bankrate is made known to us, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of Bankrate’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in Bankrate’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting; and

5. Bankrate’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to our auditors and the audit committee of our Board of Directors:

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 9, 2005  By:   /s/ Robert J. DeFranco
 
Robert J. DeFranco
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
   



EX-32.1 6 v023113_ex32-1.htm
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT
TO 18 U.S.C SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002  
 
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned certifies that (1) this Quarterly Report of Bankrate, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (this “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (2) the information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and its results of operations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 9, 2005 By:   /s/ Thomas R. Evans
 
Thomas R. Evans
Chief Executive Officer & President
 
 



EX-32.2 7 v023113_ex32-2.htm
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT
TO 18 U.S.C SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002  
 
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned certifies that (1) this Quarterly Report of Bankrate, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (this “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (2) the information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and its results of operations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

     
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
August 9, 2005  By:   /s/ Robert J. DeFranco
 
Robert J. DeFranco
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
   


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