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ITEM 7.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
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In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements include, among other things, statements concerning our expectations:
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regarding the growth and growth rate of our operations, business, revenues, operating margins, costs and expenses;
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that seasonal fluctuations in internet usage and traditional advertising seasonality are likely to affect our business;
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that growth in advertising revenues from our web sites will continue to exceed that from our Google Network members web sites;
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regarding our future stock-based compensation charges including charges related to our TSO program;
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that we will continue to pay most of the Google AdSense fees we receive from advertisers to our Google Network members;
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that we may take steps to improve the relevance of the ads we deliver;
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regarding our actions to reduce the number of accidental clicks;
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that we will continue to make significant capital expenditure investments;
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that the growth rate of our costs and expenses may exceed the growth rate of our revenues;
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that our cost of revenues will increase in dollars and may increase as a percentage of revenues;
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that traffic acquisition costs may increase as a percentage of revenues;
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regarding the increase of research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses in the future;
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regarding quarterly fluctuations in paid clicks;
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that we will continue to make investments and acquisitions;
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regarding the sufficiency of our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and cash generated from operations;
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regarding continued investments in international markets;
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regarding our expectations about making future donations to the Google Foundation;
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as well as other statements regarding our future operations, financial condition and prospects and business strategies. These forward-looking statements are subject
to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those
discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular, the risks discussed under the heading Risk Factors in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and those discussed in other documents we file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read
together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
38
Overview
Google is a global technology leader focused on improving the ways people connect with information. Our innovations in web search and advertising have made our web site a top internet destination and our brand one of the most recognized in
the world. Our mission is to organize the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful. We serve three primary constituencies:
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Users
. We provide users with products and services that enable people to more quickly and easily find, create and organize information that is useful to
them.
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Advertisers
. We provide advertisers with several ways to deliver relevant targeted advertising including:
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Google AdWords
, an auction-based advertising program that enables advertisers to deliver relevant ads targeted to search results or web content on our web
site and our Google Network members web sites.
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Google Audio Ads
, an automated online media platform that schedules and places advertising into radio programs.
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Google Print Ads
, a web-based marketplace for placing ads in print media.
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Google TV Ads
, an automated online media platform that schedules and places advertising into TV programs.
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Google Video Ads
, user-initiated click-to-play video ads that run on our web sites and the web sites of our Google Network members.
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These advertising programs provide advertisers with a cost-effective way to deliver ads to customers across Google sites
and through the Google Network, which is the network of online and offline third parties that use our advertising programs to deliver relevant ads with the search results and content they provide.
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Google Network Members and Other Content Providers
. We provide the online and offline members of our Google Network with our Google AdSense programs. These
include programs through which we distribute our advertisers AdWords ads for display on the web sites of our Google Network members as well as programs to deliver audio ads on radio broadcasts, print ads for display in newspapers and magazines
and ads on television. We share most of the fees these ads generate with our Google Network members, thereby creating an important revenue stream for them. In addition, we have entered into arrangements with certain other content providers under
which we distribute or license their video and other content, and we may display ads next to or as part of this content on the pages of our web sites and our Google Network members web sites. We share most of the fees these ads generate with
these content providers and our Google Network members, thereby creating an important revenue stream for these partners.
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How We
Generate Revenue
Advertising revenues made up 99% of our revenues in 2005, 2006 and 2007. We derive the balance of our revenues from
the license of our web search technology, the license of our search solutions to enterprises and the sale and license of other products and services.
Google AdWords is our automated online program that enables advertisers to place targeted text-based and display ads on our web sites and the web sites of our Google Network members. Most of our AdWords customers pay
us on a cost-per-click basis, which means that an advertiser pays us only when a user clicks on one of its ads. We also offer AdWords on a cost-per-impression basis that enables advertisers to pay us based on the number of times their ads appear on
Google Network members sites specified by the advertiser. For advertisers using our AdWords cost-per-click pricing, we recognize as revenue the fees charged advertisers each time a user clicks on one of the ads that appears next to the search
results on our web sites or next to the search results or content on
39
Google Network members sites. For advertisers using our AdWords cost-per-impression pricing, we recognize as revenue the fees charged advertisers each
time their ads are displayed on the Google Network members sites. Our AdWords agreements are generally terminable at any time by our advertisers.
Google AdSense is the program through which we distribute our advertisers AdWords ads for display on the web sites of our Google Network members. Our AdSense program includes AdSense for search and AdSense for
content.
AdSense for search is our service for distributing relevant ads from our advertisers for display with search results on our
Google Network members sites. To use AdSense for search, most of our AdSense for search partners add Google search functionality to their web pages in the form of customizable Google search boxes. When visitors of these web sites search either
the web site or the internet using these customizable search boxes, we display relevant ads on the search results pages, targeted to match user search queries. Ads shown through AdSense for search are generally text ads.
AdSense for content is our service for distributing ads from our advertisers that are relevant to content on our Google Network members sites.
Under this program, we use automated technology to analyze the meaning of the content on the web site and serve relevant ads based on the meaning of such content. For example, a web page on an automotive blog that contains an entry about vintage
cars might display ads for vintage car parts or vintage car shows. These ads are displayed in spaces that our AdSense for content partners have set aside on their web sites for our AdWords content. AdSense for content allows a variety of ad types to
be shown, including text ads, image ads, Google Video Ads, link units (which are sets of clickable links to topic pages related to page content), themed units (which are regular text ads with graphic treatments that change seasonally and by
geography) and gadget ads (which are customized mini-sites that run as ads on AdSense publisher web sites).
For our AdSense
program, our advertisers pay us a fee each time a user clicks on one of our advertisers ads displayed on Google Network members web sites or, for those advertisers who choose our cost-per-impression pricing, as their ads are displayed.
To date, we have paid most of these advertiser fees to the members of the Google Network, and we expect to continue doing so for the foreseeable future. We recognize these advertiser fees as revenue and the portion of the advertiser fee we pay to
our Google Network members as traffic acquisition costs under cost of revenues. In some cases, we guarantee our Google Network members minimum revenue share payments. Members of the Google Network do not pay any fees associated with the use of our
AdSense program on their web sites.
Our agreements with Google Network members consist largely of uniform online click-wrap
agreements that members enter into by interacting with our registration web sites. The standard agreements have no stated term and are terminable at will. Agreements with our larger members are individually negotiated. Both the standard agreements
and the negotiated agreements contain provisions requiring us to share with the Google Network member most of the advertiser fees generated by users clicking on ads on the Google Network members web site or, for advertisers who choose our
cost-per-impression pricing, as the ads are displayed on the Google Network members web site.
We have entered into arrangements with
certain content providers under which we distribute or license their video and other content. In a number of these arrangements we display ads on the pages of our web sites and our Google Network members web sites from which the content is
viewed and share most of the fees these ads generate with the content providers and Google Network members. We recognize these advertiser fees as revenue and the portion of the advertiser fee we pay to our content providers as content acquisition
costs under cost of revenues. In some cases, we guarantee our content providers minimum revenue share or other payments.
Our agreements
with content providers are typically standard agreements with no stated term and are terminable at will. Agreements with our larger members are individually negotiated. Both the standard
40
agreements and the negotiated agreements contain provisions requiring us to pay the content providers for the content we license or share, and the content
providers receive most of the advertiser fees generated by ads displayed on our web sites and our Google Network members web sites.
In the third quarter of 2005, we launched our Google Print Ads program through which we distribute our advertisers ads for publication in print media. We recognize as revenue the fees charged advertisers when their ads are published
in print media. Also, in the first quarter of 2006, we acquired dMarc Broadcasting, Inc. (dMarc), a digital solutions provider for the radio broadcast industry and launched our Google Audio Ads program, which distributes our advertisers ads
for broadcast in radio programs. We recognize as revenue the fees charged advertisers each time an ad is broadcasted or a listener responds to that ad. We consider the magazines and radio stations that participate in these programs to be members of
our Google Network.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, we acquired YouTube, a consumer media company for people to watch and share videos
worldwide through the web. We recognize as revenue the fees charged advertisers each time an ad is displayed on the YouTube site.
In the
second quarter of 2007, we began delivering Google TV ads to viewers and helping advertisers, operators and programmers buy, schedule, deliver and measure ads on television. We recognize as revenue the fees charged advertisers each time an ad is
displayed on TV in accordance with the terms of the related agreements. We consider the TV providers that participate in this program to be members of our Google Network.
We believe the factors that influence the success of our advertising programs include the following:
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The relevance, objectivity and quality of our search results.
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The number and type of searches initiated at our web sites.
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The number and type of searches initiated at, as well as the number of visits to and the content of, our Google Network members web sites.
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The advertisers return on investment (ad cost per sale or cost per conversion) from advertising campaigns on our web sites or our Google Network members
web sites or other media compared to other forms of advertising.
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The number of advertisers and the breadth of items advertised.
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The total and per click or per impression advertising spending budgets of each advertiser.
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The amount we ultimately pay our Google Network members and our content providers for traffic and content compared to the amount of revenue we generate.
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The monetization of (or generation of revenue from) traffic on our web sites and our Google Network members web sites.
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We believe that the monetization of traffic on our web sites, and our Google Network members web sites is affected by the following factors:
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The relevance and quality of ads displayed with each search results page on our web sites and our Google Network members web sites, as well as with each
content page on our Google Network members web sites, including the relevance and quality of an ads landing page or page a user views after an ad is clicked.
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The number and prominence of ads displayed with each search results page on our web sites and our Google Network members web sites, as well as with each
content page on our Google Network members web sites.
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The rate at which our users and users of our Google Network members web sites click on advertisements.
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Our minimum fee per click.
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41
We also generate revenue from the sale and license of our Search Appliance, which includes hardware,
software and 12 to 24 months of post-contract support. We recognize as revenue the fee we charge customers ratably over the term of the post-contract support arrangement.
In the second quarter of 2006, we launched Google Checkout, an online shopping payment processing system for both consumers and merchants. We did not charge merchants any fees associated with the use of Google
Checkout in 2007. On February 1, 2008, we began charging merchants who use Google Checkout to process sales 2% of the transaction amount plus $0.20 per transaction to the extent these fees exceed 10 times the amount they spend on AdWords
advertising. We recognize as revenue any fees charged merchants on transactions processed through Google Checkout. Further, cash ultimately paid to merchants under Google Checkout promotions, including cash paid to merchants as a result of discounts
provided to consumers on certain transactions processed through Google Checkout, is accounted for as an offset to revenues.
In the third
quarter of 2007, we acquired Postini, a provider of electronic communications security, compliance, and productivity software. We recognize as revenue the fees we charge customers for hosting enterprise applications and services ratably over the
terms of the service arrangements.
Trends in Our Business
Our business has grown rapidly since inception, resulting in substantially increased revenues, and we expect that our business will continue to grow. However, our revenue growth rate has generally declined over time,
and we expect it will continue to do so as a result of increasing competition and the difficulty of maintaining growth rates as our revenues increase to higher levels. In addition, the main focus of our advertising programs is to provide relevant
and useful advertising to our users, reflecting our commitment to constantly improve their overall web experience. As a result, we may continue to take steps to improve the relevance of the ads displayed on our web sites and our Google Network
members web sites. These steps include removing ads that generate low click-through rates or that send users to irrelevant or otherwise low quality sites and terminating Google Network members whose web sites do not meet our quality
requirements. In addition, we may continue to take steps to reduce the number of accidental clicks. These steps could negatively affect our near-term advertising revenues. Both seasonal fluctuations in internet usage and traditional retail
seasonality have affected, and are likely to continue to affect, our business. Internet usage generally slows during the summer months, and commercial queries typically increase significantly in the fourth quarter of each year. These seasonal trends
have caused and will likely continue to cause, fluctuations in our quarterly results, including fluctuations in sequential revenue and paid click growth rates.
From the inception of the Google Network in 2002 through the first quarter of 2004, the growth in advertising revenues from our Google Network members web sites exceeded that from our web sites, which had a
negative impact on our operating margins. The operating margin we realize on revenues generated from ads placed on our Google Network members web sites through our AdSense program is significantly lower than the operating margin we realize
from revenues generated from ads placed on our web sites because most of the advertiser fees from ads served on Google Network member web sites are shared with our Google Network members. However, beginning in the second quarter of 2004, growth in
advertising revenues from our web sites has exceeded that from our Google Network members web sites. This trend has had a positive impact on our operating margins, and we expect that this will continue for the foreseeable future, although the
relative rate of growth in revenues from our web sites compared to the rate of growth in revenues from our Google Network members web sites may vary over time.
We are heavily investing in building the necessary employee and systems infrastructures required to manage our growth and develop and promote our products and services, and this may cause our operating margins to
decrease. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience substantial growth in our operations as we build our research and development programs, expand our base of users, advertisers, Google Network members and content providers and
increase our presence in international markets. Also, we have acquired and expect to
42
continue to acquire businesses and other assets from time to time. These acquisitions generally enhance the breadth and depth of our expertise in engineering
and other functional areas, our technologies and our product offerings. In addition, we are incurring significant costs and expenses to support our Google Checkout product and promote its adoption by merchants and consumers, as well as promote the
distribution of certain other products, including the Google Toolbar. Our headcount growth has required us to make substantial investments in property and equipment. Our full-time employee headcount has significantly increased over the last 12
months, growing from 10,674 at December 31, 2006 to 16,805 at December 31, 2007, and we also utilize a significant number of temporary employees. We also expect to continue to make significant capital expenditure investments, including
information and technology infrastructure and corporate facilities. In April 2007, we launched our employee transferable stock option (TSO) program. We modified employee options to allow them to participate in this program, and as a result we
incurred a modification charge of approximately $95 million in 2007 related to vested options, and we expect to incur an additional modification charge of approximately $134 million related to unvested options over their remaining vesting periods
through the second quarter of 2011. In addition, the fair value of each option granted under the TSO program will be greater than it would have been otherwise because of a longer expected life, resulting in more stock-based compensation per option.
As a result of all of the above, the growth rate of our costs and expenses may exceed the growth rate of our revenues.
We expect our cost
of revenues to continue to increase in dollars and may increase as a percentage of revenues in 2008 and in future periods, primarily as a result of forecasted increases in traffic acquisition costs, data center costs and credit card and other
transaction fees, including transaction processing fees related to Google Checkout, as well as content acquisition costs. In particular, traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues may increase in the future if we are unable to
continue to improve the monetization of traffic on our web sites and our Google Network members web sites, particularly with those members to whom we have guaranteed minimum revenue share payments.
Our international revenues have grown as a percentage of our total revenues to 48% in 2007 from 43% in 2006. This increase in the portion of our revenues
derived from international markets results largely from increased acceptance of our advertising programs, increases in our direct sales resources and customer support operations and our continued progress in developing localized versions of our
products in these international markets.
Results of Operations
The following table presents our historical operating results as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:
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Year Ended December 31,
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Three Months Ended
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2005
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2006
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2007
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|
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September 30,
2007
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December 31,
2007
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(unaudited)
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Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
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|
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|
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Revenues
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100.0
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%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
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Costs and expenses:
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Cost of revenues
|
|
42.0
|
|
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39.8
|
|
|
40.1
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|
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39.3
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|
|
40.5
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|
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Research and development
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9.8
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|
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11.6
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|
|
12.8
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|
|
13.0
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|
|
13.1
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|
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Sales and marketing
|
|
7.6
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|
|
8.0
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|
|
8.8
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|
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9.0
|
|
|
8.8
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General and administrative
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|
6.2
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|
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7.1
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|
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7.7
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7.6
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|
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7.8
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Contribution to Google Foundation
|
|
1.5
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|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
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Total costs and expenses
|
|
67.1
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|
|
66.5
|
|
|
69.4
|
|
|
68.9
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|
|
70.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Income from operations
|
|
32.9
|
|
|
33.5
|
|
|
30.6
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
|
29.8
|
|
|
Interest income and other, net
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Income before income taxes
|
|
34.9
|
|
|
37.8
|
|
|
34.2
|
|
|
34.7
|
|
|
33.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Net income
|
|
23.9
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%
|
|
29.0
|
%
|
|
25.3
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%
|
|
25.2
|
%
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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43
Revenues
The following table presents our revenues, by revenue source, for the periods presented (in millions):
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
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Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
2006
|
|
2007
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
Advertising Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Google web sites
|
|
$
|
3,377.1
|
|
$
|
6,332.8
|
|
$
|
10,624.7
|
|
$
|
2,734.8
|
|
$
|
3,121.6
|
|
Google Network web sites
|
|
|
2,687.9
|
|
|
4,159.8
|
|
|
5,787.9
|
|
|
1,454.7
|
|
|
1,635.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total advertising revenues
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|
|
6,065.0
|
|
|
10,492.6
|
|
|
16,412.6
|
|
|
4,189.5
|
|
|
4,757.4
|
|
Licensing and other revenues
|
|
|
73.6
|
|
|
112.3
|
|
|
181.4
|
|
|
41.9
|
|
|
69.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
6,138.6
|
|
$
|
10,604.9
|
|
$
|
16,594.0
|
|
$
|
4,231.4
|
|
$
|
4,826.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table presents our revenues, by revenue source, as a percentage of total revenues
for the periods presented:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Advertising Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Google web sites
|
|
55
|
%
|
|
60
|
%
|
|
64
|
%
|
|
65
|
%
|
|
65
|
%
|
|
Google Network web sites
|
|
44
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total advertising revenues
|
|
99
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
Google web sites as % of advertising revenues
|
|
56
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
Google Network web sites as % of advertising revenues
|
|
44
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
Licensing and other revenues
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
1
|
%
|
Growth in our revenues from 2006 to 2007 and from 2005 to 2006, as well as from the three months
ended September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31, 2007 resulted primarily from growth in advertising revenues for Google web sites and Google Network web sites. Our advertising revenue growth for Google web sites and Google
Network web sites resulted primarily from an increase in the total number of paid clicks and ads displayed through our programs, rather than from changes in the average fees paid by our advertisers. The increase in the number of paid clicks and ads
displayed through our programs was due to an increase in aggregate traffic both on our web sites and those of our Google Network members, certain monetization improvements and the continued global expansion of our products, our advertiser base and
our user base. Improvements in our ability to monetize this increased traffic primarily relate to enhancing the end user experience, including providing end users with ads that are more relevant to their search queries or to the content on the
Google Network members sites they visit. These improvements included, for instance, enhancements to the accuracy of our quality scoring, which is our measurement of an ads quality, a change in the background color from blue to yellow for
certain ads displayed on our search results pages, a change to the formula used to determine which ads appear at the top of our search results pages, a change to consider not only a users current search query, but also their immediately
preceding query, to determine the ads displayed on our search results pages, as well as a change to the clickable area around our AdSense for content text-based ads to only the title and URL to reduce the number of accidental clicks.
The sequential quarterly revenue growth rate from our web sites increased from 10.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 14.1% for the
three months ended December 31, 2007. This increase is primarily the result of increased traffic, substantially due to seasonality, and to a lesser extent, improvements in our ability
44
to monetize traffic on our web sites, as well as the continued global expansion of our products, our advertiser base and our user base. The sequential
quarterly revenue growth rate from our Google Network members web sites increased from 7.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, to 12.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2007. This increase is primarily the result
of increased traffic of certain core partners, substantially due to seasonality, as well as the continued global expansion of our advertiser base and partner network, partially offset by an improvement to AdSense for content text-based ads which
reduced the number of accidental clicks (see above). The sequential quarterly revenue growth from our web sites was greater than that from our Google Network members web sites primarily as a result of a greater increase in the total number of
paid clicks on our web sites, which was largely due to higher traffic growth and monetization improvements. We expect that our revenue growth rates will generally decline in the future as a result of increasing competition and the difficulty of
maintaining growth rates as our revenues increase to higher levels.
Aggregate paid clicks on our web sites and our Google Network
members web sites increased approximately 9% from the three months ended September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31, 2007, approximately 43% from the year ended 2006 to the year ended 2007 and approximately 65% from the
year ended 2005 to the year ended 2006. In general, the increase in paid clicks has historically correlated with increases in our revenues. However, the rate of increase in paid clicks, and its correlation with the rate of increase in revenues, may
fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on various factors including seasonality, advertiser competition for keywords and the revenue growth rates on our web sites compared to those of our Google Network members. In addition, traffic growth in
emerging markets compared to more mature markets and across various advertising verticals also contributes to these fluctuations.
We
believe that the increase in the number of paid clicks and ads displayed through our programs is substantially the result of our commitment to improving the relevance and quality of both our search results and the advertisements displayed, which we
believe results in a better user experience, which in turn results in more searches, advertisers, and Google Network members and other partners. Revenues realized through the Google Print Ads Program, Google Audio Ads, Google TV Ads, Google
Checkout, YouTube, Postini and Search Appliance were not material in any of the periods presented.
Revenues by Geography
Domestic and international revenues as a percentage of consolidated revenues, determined based on the billing addresses of our advertisers, are set forth
below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
United States
|
|
61
|
%
|
|
57
|
%
|
|
52
|
%
|
|
52
|
%
|
|
52
|
%
|
|
United Kingdom
|
|
14
|
%
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
14
|
%
|
|
Rest of the world
|
|
25
|
%
|
|
28
|
%
|
|
33
|
%
|
|
32
|
%
|
|
34
|
%
|
The decrease in the United Kingdom revenues as a percentage of total revenues from the three
months ended September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31, 2007 is primarily a result of seasonal slowdown in certain advertising verticals, such as finance and travel.
The yearly growth in international revenues resulted largely from increased acceptance of our advertising programs and increases in our direct sales
resources and customer support operations in international markets and our continued progress in developing localized versions of our products for these international markets.
In addition, the weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to other foreign currencies (primarily the euro and the British pound) in the three and twelve
months ended December 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 had a favorable impact on our international revenues, which increased $295.2 million and $3,321.2
million. Had foreign exchange rates
45
remained constant in these periods, our total revenues would have been approximately $93.6 million and $542.0 million, or 1.9% and 3.3%, lower.
While international revenues in each of the periods presented accounted for less than half of our total revenues, more than half of our user traffic
during these periods came from outside the U.S. Although we expect to continue to make investments in international markets, they may not result in an increase in our international revenues as a percentage of total revenues in 2008 or thereafter.
See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about geographic areas.
Costs and Expenses
Cost of Revenues
. Cost of revenues consists primarily of traffic
acquisition costs. Traffic acquisition costs consist of amounts ultimately paid to our Google Network members under AdSense arrangements and to certain other partners (our distribution partners) who distribute our toolbar and other
products (collectively referred to as access points) or otherwise direct search queries to our web site (collectively referred to as distribution arrangements). These amounts are primarily based on the revenue share
arrangements with our Google Network members and distribution partners. Certain distribution arrangements require us to pay our partners based on a fee per access point delivered and not exclusivelyor at allbased on revenue share. We
recognize fees under these arrangements over the estimated useful lives of the access points (two years) to the extent we can reasonably estimate those lives or based on any contractual revenue share, if greater. Otherwise, the fees are expensed as
incurred.
In addition, certain AdSense agreements obligate us to make guaranteed minimum revenue share payments to Google Network members
based on their achieving defined performance terms, such as number of search queries or advertisements displayed. To the extent we expect revenues generated under such an arrangement to exceed the guaranteed minimum revenue share payments, we
recognize traffic acquisition costs on a contractual revenue share or on a basis proportionate to forecasted revenues, whichever is greater. Otherwise, we recognize the guaranteed revenue share payments as traffic acquisition costs on a
straight-line basis over the term of the related agreements. In addition, concurrent with the commencement of a small number of AdSense and other agreements, we have purchased certain items from, or provided other consideration to, our Google
Network members and partners. We have determined that certain of these amounts are prepaid traffic acquisition costs and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related agreements.
Cost of revenues also includes the expenses associated with the operation of our data centers, including depreciation, labor, energy and bandwidth costs,
credit card and other transaction fees related to processing customer transactions as well as content acquisition costs. We have entered into arrangements with certain content providers under which we distribute or license their video and other
content. In a number of these arrangements we display ads on the pages of our web sites and our Google Network members web sites from which the content is viewed and share most of the fees these ads generate with the content providers and the
Google Network members. To the extent we are obligated to make guaranteed minimum revenue share or other payments to our content providers, we recognize content acquisition costs equal to the greater of the following three amounts: the contractual
revenue share amount, if any, based on the number of times the content is displayed, or on a straight-line basis over the terms of the agreements. The following tables present our cost of revenues and cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues,
and our traffic acquisition costs and traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues for the periods presented (dollars in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
$
|
2,577.1
|
|
|
$
|
4,225.0
|
|
|
$
|
6,649.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,662.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,955.8
|
|
|
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues
|
|
|
42.0
|
%
|
|
|
39.8
|
%
|
|
|
40.1
|
%
|
|
|
39.3
|
%
|
|
|
40.5
|
%
|
46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Traffic acquisition costs
|
|
$
|
2,114.9
|
|
|
$
|
3,308.8
|
|
|
$
|
4,933.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,221.1
|
|
|
$
|
1,439.8
|
|
|
Traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues
|
|
|
34.9
|
%
|
|
|
31.5
|
%
|
|
|
30.1
|
%
|
|
|
29.1
|
%
|
|
|
30.3
|
%
|
Cost of revenues increased $293.2 million from the three months ended September 30, 2007 to
the three months ended December 31, 2007. There was an increase in traffic acquisition costs of $218.7 million which includes an increase of $20.0 million in fees related to distribution arrangements. Over this same period there was an increase
in data center costs of $60.6 million primarily as a result of the depreciation of additional information technology assets and data center buildings as well as additional personnel required to manage the data centers. In addition, there was an
increase in credit card and other transaction processing fees of $8.3 million resulting from more advertiser fees generated through AdWords as well as more transaction processing fees related to Google Checkout. The traffic acquisition costs
associated with revenues generated from ads placed on our web sites is considerably lower that the traffic acquisition costs associated with revenues generated from ads placed on our Google Network members web sites. The increase in cost of
revenues as a percentage of revenues, as well as traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues, was primarily related to the performance of a few Google Network member web sites for which we are required to make guaranteed
payments, including social networking traffic, which is not monetizing as well as expected. This more than offset the increase in the proportion of advertising revenues coming from our web sites rather than from our Google Network members web
sites.
Cost of revenues increased $2,424.1 million from 2006 to 2007. This increase was primarily the result of additional traffic
acquisition costs, the depreciation of additional information technology assets purchased in the current and prior periods, other additional data center costs and additional credit card and other transaction fees. There was an increase in traffic
acquisition costs of $1,625.1 million which includes an increase of $216.7 million in fees related to distribution arrangements. Over this same period there was an increase in data center costs of $565.2 million primarily resulting from the
depreciation of additional information technology assets as well as additional labor required to manage the data centers. In addition, there was an increase in expenses related to acquiring content on our web sites of $80.7 million, an increase in
the amortization of developed technology of $56.0 million resulting from acquisitions in the current and prior years and an increase in credit card and other transaction processing fees of $44.5 million resulting from more advertiser fees being
generated through AdWords as well as transaction processing fees related to Google Checkout in 2007. The increase in cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues was primarily the result of the depreciation of additional information technology
assets purchased in the current and prior periods and other additional data center costs as well as the increased expenses related to acquiring content on our web sites, which more than offset the proportionately greater revenues from our web sites
compared to our Google Network members web sites. The decrease in traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues was primarily the result of proportionately greater revenues from our web sites compared to our Google Network
members web sites, partially offset by the factors discussed in the paragraph above.
Cost of revenues increased $1,647.9 million
from 2005 to 2006. There was an increase in traffic acquisition costs of $1,193.9 million which includes an increase of $84.1 million in fees expensed related to distribution arrangements. Over this same period there was an increase in data center
costs of $307.9 million primarily resulting from the depreciation of additional information technology assets purchased in the current and prior periods as well as additional labor required to manage the data centers. In addition, there was an
increase in credit card and other transaction processing fees of $58.4 million resulting from more advertiser fees being generated through AdWords as well as transaction processing fees related to Google Checkout in 2006, an increase in expenses
related to acquiring content on our web sites of $23.0 million, an increase in the amortization of developed technology of $21.6 million resulting from acquisitions in the current and prior years as well as an increase in Search Appliance costs of
$10.8 million. The decrease in cost of revenues as a
47
percentage of revenues, as well as traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues, was primarily the result of proportionately greater
revenues from our web sites compared to our Google Network members web sites.
We expect cost of revenues to continue to increase in
dollars and may increase as a percentage of revenues in 2008 and in future periods, primarily as a result of increases in traffic acquisition costs, data center costs, credit card and other transaction fees, including transaction processing fees
related to Google Checkout, content acquisition costs and other costs. Traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of advertising revenues may fluctuate in the future based on a number of factors, including:
|
|
|
|
the relative growth rates of revenues from our web sites and from our Google Network members web sites.
|
|
|
|
|
whether we are able to enter into more AdSense arrangements that provide for lower revenue share obligations or whether increased competition for arrangements with
existing and potential Google Network members results in less favorable revenue share arrangements.
|
|
|
|
|
whether we are able to continue to improve the monetization of traffic on our web sites and our Google Network members web sites, particularly with those
members to whom we have guaranteed minimum revenue share payments.
|
|
|
|
|
whether we share with existing and new partners proportionately more of the aggregate advertising fees that we earn from paid clicks derived from search queries
these partners direct to our web sites.
|
|
|
|
|
the relative growth rates of expenses associated with distribution arrangements and the related revenues generated.
|
Research and Development
. The following table presents our research and development expenses, and research and development expenses as a
percentage of our revenues for the periods presented (dollars in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
$
|
599.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,228.6
|
|
|
$
|
2,120.0
|
|
|
$
|
548.7
|
|
|
$
|
630.8
|
|
|
Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues
|
|
|
9.8
|
%
|
|
|
11.6
|
%
|
|
|
12.8
|
%
|
|
|
13.0
|
%
|
|
|
13.1
|
%
|
Research and development expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for
personnel responsible for the research and development of new products and services, as well as significant improvements to existing products and services. We expense research and development costs as they are incurred.
Research and development expenses increased $82.1 million from the three months ended September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31,
2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of $74.0 million as a result of a 7% increase in research and development headcount including an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $30.7
million.
Research and development expenses increased $891.4 million from the year ended December 31, 2006 to the year ended
December 31, 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of $708.0 million as a result of a 57% increase in research and development headcount, including an increase in stock-based compensation
expense of $282.3 million. In addition, there was an increase in depreciation and related expenses of $72.3 million due to our increased capital expenditure.
Research and development expenses increased $629.1 million from the year ended December 31, 2005 to the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of
$514.5 million as a result of a 77% increase in research and development headcount, including an increase in stock-
48
based compensation cost of $172.0 million. In addition, there was an increase in depreciation and related expenses of $53.4 million primarily as a result of
increasing dollar amounts of information technology assets purchased during 2005 and 2006, as well as an increase in the amortization of developed technology acquired in 2006 and prior years of $12.4 million.
We anticipate that research and development expenses will increase in dollar amount and may increase as a percentage of revenues in 2008 and future
periods because we expect to hire more research and development personnel and build the infrastructure required to support the development of new, and improve existing, products and services. In addition, we expect to recognize greater stock-based
compensation on a per option basis as a result of our employee transferable stock option (TSO) program.
Sales and Marketing
. The
following table presents our sales and marketing expenses, and sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues for the periods presented (dollars in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses
|
|
$
|
468.2
|
|
|
$
|
849.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,461.3
|
|
|
$
|
380.8
|
|
|
$
|
422.3
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues
|
|
|
7.6
|
%
|
|
|
8.0
|
%
|
|
|
8.8
|
%
|
|
|
9.0
|
%
|
|
|
8.8
|
%
|
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for personnel
engaged in customer service and sales and sales support functions, as well as promotional and advertising expenditures.
Sales and
marketing expenses increased $41.5 million from the three months ended September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31, 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of $43.6 million
mostly as a result of an increase in certain bonuses and a 3% increase in sales and marketing headcount, including an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $8.2 million, partially offset by a decrease in advertising and promotional expense
of $3.9 million.
Sales and marketing expenses increased $611.8 million from the year ended December 31, 2006 to the year ended
December 31, 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of $435.7 million mostly as a result of a 52% increase in sales and marketing headcount, including an increase in stock-based compensation
expense of $72.2 million, and an increase in depreciation and related expense of $74.2 million due to our increased capital expenditures. In addition, there was an increase in promotional and advertising expense of $37.5 million and an increase in
travel and entertainment expense of $28.9 million.
Sales and marketing expenses increased $381.3 million from the year ended
December 31, 2005 to the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of $240.1 million mostly as a result of an 88% increase in sales and marketing headcount, including
an increase in stock-based compensation of $31.0 million, an increase in promotional and advertising expenses of $83.5 million and an increase in depreciation and related expenses of $21.6 million.
We anticipate sales and marketing expenses will continue to increase in dollar amount and may increase as a percentage of revenues in 2008 and future
periods as we continue to expand our business on a worldwide basis. A significant portion of these increases relate to our plan to hire additional personnel and increase advertising and promotional expenditures to increase the level of service we
provide to our advertisers and Google Network members. We also plan to add a significant number of international sales personnel to support our worldwide expansion. In addition, we expect greater stock-based compensation expenses on a per option
basis as a result of our TSO program.
49
General and Administrative
. The following table presents our general and administrative expenses,
and general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for the periods presented (dollars in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
386.5
|
|
|
$
|
751.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,279.3
|
|
|
$
|
321.4
|
|
|
$
|
377.0
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues
|
|
|
6.2
|
%
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
|
|
7.7
|
%
|
|
|
7.6
|
%
|
|
|
7.8
|
%
|
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for
personnel and facilities related to our finance, human resources, facilities, information technology and legal organizations, and fees for professional services. Professional services are principally comprised of outside legal, audit, information
technology consulting and outsourcing services.
General and administrative expenses increased $55.6 million from the three months ended
September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31, 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of $24.9 million primarily as a result of a 6% increase in general and administrative
headcount, including an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $6.2 million, an increase in professional services of $15.9 million and an increase in charitable contributions of $7.3 million.
General and administrative expenses increased $527.5 million from the year ended December 31, 2006 to the year ended December 31, 2007. This
increase was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of $306.4 million, primarily as a result of a 72% increase in general and administrative headcount from 2006 to 2007, including an increase in stock-based compensation
expense of $51.3 million and an increase in professional services fees of $95.1 million. In addition, there was an increase in bad debt expense of $35.6 million. The additional personnel, professional services and bad debt expenses are primarily the
result of the growth of our business.
General and administrative expenses increased $365.3 million from the year ended December 31,
2005 to the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor and facilities related costs of $192.7 million, primarily as a result of a 92% increase in headcount from 2005 to 2006, including an increase in
stock-based compensation expense of $42.4 million, an increase in professional services fees of $76.3 million and an increase in depreciation and related costs of $43.4 million. We also recognized $30.0 million in plaintiffs
attorneys expenses related to the settlement of the Lanes Gift class action lawsuit recognized in 2006. The additional personnel, professional services and depreciation expenses are primarily the result of the growth of our business.
As we expand our business and incur additional expenses, we believe general and administrative expenses will increase in dollar amount and
may increase as a percentage of revenues in 2008 and future periods. In addition, we expect greater stock-based compensation expenses on a per option basis as a result of our TSO program.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
. The following table presents our stock-based compensation and stock-based compensation as a percentage of
revenues for the periods presented (dollars in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
$
|
200.7
|
|
|
$
|
458.1
|
|
|
$
|
868.6
|
|
|
$
|
198.0
|
|
|
$
|
245.3
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation as a percentage of revenues
|
|
|
3.3
|
%
|
|
|
4.3
|
%
|
|
|
5.2
|
%
|
|
|
4.7
|
%
|
|
|
5.1
|
%
|
50
Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for employee stock-based compensation using the intrinsic
value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees
(APB 25). Under APB 25, deferred stock-based compensation for options granted to employees is equal to its intrinsic
value, determined as the difference between the exercise prices and the values of the underlying stock on the dates of grant.
Prior to our
initial public offering we typically granted stock options at exercise prices equal to or less than the value of the underlying stock as determined by our board of directors on the date of option grant. For purposes of financial accounting, we
applied hindsight within each year or quarter prior to our initial public offering to arrive at reassessed values for the shares underlying these options. We recognized the difference between the exercise prices and the reassessed values as
stock-based compensation over the vesting periods on an accelerated basis.
After the initial public offering, we have generally granted
options at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the dates of option grant. As a result, only an immaterial amount of stock-based compensation was recognized over the vesting periods on an accelerated basis.
In the fourth quarter of 2004, we began granting restricted stock units (RSUs) to certain employees under our Founders
Award and other programs (see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as part of this Form 10-K for additional information). Under these programs, the fair values of the underlying stock on the dates of grant are
recognized as stock-based compensation over the four year vesting periods on an accelerated basis. In the second quarter of 2005, we began granting RSUs to newly hired employees. These RSUs vest from zero to 37.5 percent of the grant amount at the
end of each of the four years from date of hire based on the employees performance. We recognized compensation expense for these RSUs under the variable method based on the fair market value of the underlying shares at the end of each quarter
within the vesting periods.
On January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 123R (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payments
(SFAS 123R), using the modified-prospective method. Under this method, we recognize stock-based compensation over the related service periods for any stock-awards issued after
December 31, 2005, as well as for all stock awards issued prior to January 1, 2006 for which the requisite service has not been provided as of January 1, 2006 because these awards are unvested. Stock-based compensation is measured
based on the fair values of all stock awards on the dates of grant.
We have elected to use the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM)
option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock-based awards under SFAS 123R, consistent with that used for pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
.
We continue to recognize stock-based compensation using the accelerated method for all stock awards issued prior to January 1, 2006, other than RSUs
issued to new employees that vest based on the employees performance for which we use the straight-line method. We elected to recognize stock-based compensation using the straight-line method for all stock awards issued after January 1,
2006.
As noted above, prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R we accounted for RSUs issued to new employees that vest based on the
employees performance under the variable method, under which stock-based compensation is measured based on the fair value of the underlying shares at the end of each quarter within the vesting periods. As noted above, under SFAS 123R
stock-based compensation is measured based on the fair values of the underlying shares on the dates of grant for all such outstanding RSUs. As a result, to the extent the fair value of the underlying shares is greater at the end of each quarter
within the vesting periods compared to the fair values on the dates of grant, then we will recognize less stock-based compensation than we would have had we continued to use the variable method.
51
SFAS 123R requires compensation expense to be recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest. As
a result, forfeitures need to be estimated on the date of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. On January 1, 2006, we began to estimate forfeitures based on our historical
experience to determine stock-based compensation to be recognized. For the periods prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for forfeitures as they occurred.
In addition, we continue to account for stock awards issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R and EITF 96-18 under which we use the BSM method to measure the value of options
granted to non-employees at each vesting date to determine the appropriate charge to stock-based compensation.
In April 2007, we launched
our TSO program. Under the TSO program, certain employees are able to sell vested options granted after our initial public offering under our 2004 Stock Plan to selected financial institutions in an online auction. All employees may participate in
the program other than our executive management group and those who reside in countries where, due to local legal or tax implications, it would not be beneficial to employees or the TSO program would be impractical. At the time of sale, the vested
option is automatically amended to create a warrant that is exercisable by the financial institution within two years from the date of issuance. All eligible outstanding options were modified in the second quarter of 2007 to allow them to be sold
under the TSO program, and, as a result, we incurred a modification charge of approximately $95 million in 2007 related to vested options as of December 31, 2007, and we expect to incur an additional modification charge of approximately $134
million related to unvested options over their remaining vesting periods through the second quarter of 2011. The modification charge is equal to the difference between the values of those modified stock options on the date of modification and their
values immediately prior to modification in accordance with SFAS 123R. Further, to the extent the forfeiture rate is different from what we have anticipated, the modification charge related to the unvested awards will be different from our
expectations. The fair value of each option granted under the TSO program will be greater than it would have been otherwise because of a longer expected life, resulting in more stock-based compensation per option.
Stock-based compensation increased $47.3 million from the three months ended September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31, 2007.
This increase was primarily due to additional stock awards issued during the fourth quarter of 2007 primarily to existing employees.
Stock-based compensation increased $410.5 million from the year ended December 31, 2006 to the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to additional stock-based compensation associated with unvested stock
awards issued as a result of our acquisition of YouTube in the fourth quarter of 2006, the modification charge recognized as a result of the launch of our TSO program in the second quarter of 2007, as well as additional awards granted in 2007 to new
and existing employees.
Stock-based compensation increased $257.4 million from the year ended December 31, 2005 to the year
ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily a result of our adoption of SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006 under which stock-based compensation is recognized using the fair-value-based method as compared to the intrinsic value method
under APB 25.
We expect stock-based compensation to be approximately $950 million in 2008 and $1.5 billion thereafter. These amounts
do not include stock-based compensation related to stock awards that have been and may be granted to employees and directors subsequent to December 31, 2007 and stock awards that have been or may be granted to non-employees. In addition, to the
extent forfeiture rates are different than we have anticipated, stock-based compensation related to these awards will be different from our expectations.
52
Contribution to Google Foundation
In the three months ended December 31, 2005, we made a non-recourse, non-refundable $90.0 million cash contribution to the Google Foundation, a nonprofit related party of Google. As a result, this contribution
was recorded as an expense in the period made. We do not expect to make further donations to the Google Foundation for the foreseeable future. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K for additional information about the Google Foundation.
Interest Income and Other, Net
Interest income and other of $167.3 million in the three months ended December 31, 2007 was primarily comprised of $144.6 million of interest income
earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances. In addition, we recognized $34.2 million of net gains on sales of marketable securities and $13.9 million of net foreign exchange losses.
Interest income and other of $589.6 million in 2007 was primarily the result of $559.2 million of interest income earned on cash, cash equivalents and
marketable securities balances. In addition, we recognized $51.2 million of net gains on sales of marketable securities and $16.2 million of net foreign exchange losses.
Interest income and other of $461.0 million in 2006 was primarily the result of $412.1 million of interest income earned on cash, cash equivalents and
marketable securities balances. In addition, we recognized $40.2 million of net gains on sales of marketable securities primarily as a result of the sale of our investment in Baidu and $5.3 million of net foreign exchange gains.
Interest income and other of $124.4 million in 2005 was primarily the result of $121.0 million of interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents
and marketable securities balances.
Provision for Income Taxes
The following table presents our provision for income taxes, and effective tax rate for the periods presented (dollars in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
September 30,
2007
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes
|
|
$
|
676.3
|
|
|
$
|
933.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,470.3
|
|
|
$
|
402.3
|
|
|
$
|
401.6
|
|
|
Effective tax rate
|
|
|
31.6
|
%
|
|
|
23.3
|
%
|
|
|
25.9
|
%
|
|
|
27.3
|
%
|
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
Our provision for income taxes decreased $0.7 million from the three months ended
September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31, 2007 primarily as a result of certain discrete tax charges and benefits recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007, partially offset by
increases in federal and state income taxes, driven by higher taxable income period over period. Our effective tax rate decreased from the three months ended September 30, 2007 to the three months ended December 31, 2007, primarily as a
result of certain discrete tax charges and benefits recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2007.
Our provision for income taxes increased $536.7 million from 2006 to 2007. The increase in our provision for income taxes was primarily due to increases in federal and state income taxes, driven by higher taxable income period over period,
partially offset by proportionately more earnings realized in countries where we have lower statutory tax rates in 2007 compared to 2006. Our effective tax rate increased from 2006 to 2007 primarily a result of greater discrete income tax benefits
realized in 2006 than in 2007, partially offset by proportionately more earnings realized in countries where we have lower statutory tax rates in 2007 compared to 2006.
53
Our provision for income taxes increased $257.3 million from 2005 to 2006. The increase in our provision
for income taxes was primarily due to increases in federal and state income taxes, driven by higher taxable income period over period, partially offset by the discrete income tax benefit realized in 2006 related to the reduction to certain of our
income tax contingency reserves. Our effective tax rate decreased from 2005 to 2006 primarily because proportionately more of our earnings were recognized by our subsidiaries outside of the U.S. compared to in the U.S. in 2006 compared to 2005, and
such earnings were taxed at a lower weighted average statutory tax rate than in the U.S.
Our effective tax rate could fluctuate
significantly on a quarterly basis and could be adversely affected to the extent earnings are lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries where we have higher statutory rates, by
changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the
Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.
See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for additional information about our provision for income taxes.
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate is set forth in Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
54
Quarterly Results of Operations
You should read the following tables presenting our quarterly results of operations in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K. We have prepared
the unaudited information on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements. You should also keep in mind, as you read the following tables, that our operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for
any future quarters or for a full year.
The following table presents our unaudited quarterly results of operations for the eight quarters
ended December 2007. This table includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary for fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for the quarters presented. Both seasonal
fluctuations in internet usage and traditional retail seasonality have affected, and are likely to continue to affect, our business. Internet usage generally slows during the summer months, and commercial queries typically increase significantly in
the fourth quarter of each year. These seasonal trends have caused and will likely continue to cause, fluctuations in our quarterly results, including fluctuations in sequential revenue growth rates.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
|
Mar 31,
2006
|
|
Jun 30,
2006
|
|
Sep 30,
2006
|
|
Dec 31,
2006
|
|
Mar 31,
2007
|
|
Jun 30,
2007
|
|
Sep 30,
2007
|
|
Dec 31,
2007
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
2,253,755
|
|
$
|
2,455,991
|
|
$
|
2,689,673
|
|
$
|
3,205,498
|
|
$
|
3,663,971
|
|
$
|
3,871,985
|
|
$
|
4,231,351
|
|
$
|
4,826,679
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
904,119
|
|
|
989,032
|
|
|
1,048,728
|
|
|
1,283,148
|
|
|
1,470,426
|
|
|
1,560,255
|
|
|
1,662,579
|
|
|
1,955,825
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
246,599
|
|
|
282,552
|
|
|
312,632
|
|
|
386,806
|
|
|
408,384
|
|
|
532,106
|
|
|
548,712
|
|
|
630,783
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
190,943
|
|
|
196,397
|
|
|
206,972
|
|
|
255,206
|
|
|
302,552
|
|
|
355,604
|
|
|
380,820
|
|
|
422,291
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
169,395
|
|
|
172,638
|
|
|
190,010
|
|
|
219,744
|
|
|
261,400
|
|
|
319,405
|
|
|
321,398
|
|
|
377,046
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
|
1,511,056
|
|
|
1,640,619
|
|
|
1,758,342
|
|
|
2,144,904
|
|
|
2,442,762
|
|
|
2,767,370
|
|
|
2,913,509
|
|
|
3,385,945
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
742,699
|
|
|
815,372
|
|
|
931,331
|
|
|
1,060,594
|
|
|
1,221,209
|
|
|
1,104,615
|
|
|
1,317,842
|
|
|
1,440,734
|
|
Interest income and other, net
|
|
|
67,919
|
|
|
160,805
|
|
|
108,180
|
|
|
124,139
|
|
|
130,728
|
|
|
137,130
|
|
|
154,428
|
|
|
167,294
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
810,618
|
|
|
976,177
|
|
|
1,039,511
|
|
|
1,184,733
|
|
|
1,351,937
|
|
|
1,241,745
|
|
|
1,472,270
|
|
|
1,608,028
|
|
Provision for income taxes (1)
|
|
|
218,327
|
|
|
255,100
|
|
|
306,150
|
|
|
154,017
|
|
|
349,775
|
|
|
316,625
|
|
|
402,281
|
|
|
401,579
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
592,291
|
|
$
|
721,077
|
|
$
|
733,361
|
|
$
|
1,030,716
|
|
$
|
1,002,162
|
|
$
|
925,120
|
|
$
|
1,069,989
|
|
$
|
1,206,449
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
2.02
|
|
$
|
2.39
|
|
$
|
2.42
|
|
$
|
3.36
|
|
$
|
3.24
|
|
$
|
2.98
|
|
$
|
3.44
|
|
$
|
3.86
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
1.95
|
|
$
|
2.33
|
|
$
|
2.36
|
|
$
|
3.29
|
|
$
|
3.18
|
|
$
|
2.93
|
|
$
|
3.38
|
|
$
|
3.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55
The following table presents our unaudited quarterly results of operations as a percentage of revenues
for the eight quarters ended December 31, 2007 (unaudited).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
|
|
Mar 31,
2006
|
|
|
Jun 30,
2006
|
|
|
Sep 30,
2006
|
|
|
Dec 31,
2006
|
|
|
Mar 31,
2007
|
|
|
Jun 30,
2007
|
|
|
Sep 30,
2007
|
|
|
Dec 31,
2007
|
|
|
As Percentage of Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
40.1
|
|
|
40.3
|
|
|
39.0
|
|
|
40.0
|
|
|
40.1
|
|
|
40.3
|
|
|
39.3
|
|
|
40.5
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
10.9
|
|
|
11.5
|
|
|
11.6
|
|
|
12.1
|
|
|
11.1
|
|
|
13.7
|
|
|
13.0
|
|
|
13.1
|
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
8.0
|
|
|
7.7
|
|
|
8.0
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
|
9.2
|
|
|
9.0
|
|
|
8.8
|
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
7.5
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
|
7.1
|
|
|
6.8
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
|
8.2
|
|
|
7.6
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
67.0
|
|
|
66.8
|
|
|
65.4
|
|
|
66.9
|
|
|
66.7
|
|
|
71.4
|
|
|
68.9
|
|
|
70.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
33.0
|
|
|
33.2
|
|
|
34.6
|
|
|
33.1
|
|
|
33.3
|
|
|
28.6
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
|
29.8
|
|
|
Interest income and other, net
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
36.0
|
|
|
39.8
|
|
|
38.6
|
|
|
37.0
|
|
|
36.9
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
|
34.7
|
|
|
33.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
26.3
|
%
|
|
29.4
|
%
|
|
27.3
|
%
|
|
32.2
|
%
|
|
27.4
|
%
|
|
23.9
|
%
|
|
25.2
|
%
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In summary, our cash flows were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
$
|
2,459.4
|
|
|
$
|
3,580.5
|
|
|
$
|
5,775.4
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(3,358.2
|
)
|
|
|
(6,899.2
|
)
|
|
|
(3,681.6
|
)
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
4,370.8
|
|
|
|
2,966.4
|
|
|
|
403.1
|
|
As a result of our initial public offering in August 2004 and our follow-on public stock offerings
in September 2005 and April 2006, we raised approximately $7.5 billion of net proceeds. At December 31, 2007, we had $14.2 billion of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. Cash equivalents and marketable securities are comprised of
highly liquid debt instruments of the U.S. government and its agencies, municipalities in the U.S., time deposits as well as U.S. corporate securities. Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K describes further the composition of our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.
Our principal sources of liquidity
are our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, as well as the cash flow that we generate from our operations. At December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we had unused letters of credit for approximately $20.4 million and $17.7
million. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our currently anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months. Our liquidity could
be negatively affected by a decrease in demand for our products and services. In addition, we may make acquisitions or license products and technologies complementary to our business and may need to raise additional capital through future debt or
equity financing to provide for greater flexibility to fund any such acquisitions and licensing activities. Additional financing may not be available at all or on terms favorable to us.
Cash provided by operating activities consisted of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization, stock-based
compensation expense, excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity and deferred income taxes, and the effect of changes in working capital and other activities. Cash provided by operating activities in 2007 was $5,775.4 million and consisted
of net income of $4,203.7 million,
56
adjustments for non-cash items of $1,253.1 million and cash provided by working capital and other activities of $318.6 million. Adjustments for non-cash
items primarily consisted of $868.6 million of stock-based compensation and $807.7 million of depreciation expense on property and equipment, partially offset by $379.2 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity (see discussion
below). In addition, changes in working capital activities primarily consisted of a net increase in income taxes payable and deferred income taxes of $744.8 million (which includes the same $379.2 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based
awards included under adjustments for non-cash items), an increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $418.9 million, an increase in accrued revenue share of $150.3 million, an increase in accounts payable of $70.1 million and an increase
in deferred revenue of $70.3 million. The increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses are a direct result of the growth of our business and increases in headcount. These increases to working capital activities were partially offset by an
increase of $837.2 million in accounts receivable due to the growth in fees billed to our advertisers and an increase of $298.7 million in prepaid revenue shares, expenses and other assets.
Cash provided by operating activities in 2006 was $3,580.5 million and consisted of net income of $3,077.4 million, adjustments for non-cash items of
$362.3 million and cash provided by working capital and other activities of $140.8 million. Adjustments for non-cash items primarily consisted of $494.4 million of depreciation expense on property and equipment and $458.1 million of stock-based
compensation, partially offset by $581.7 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity (see discussion below). In addition, working capital activities primarily consisted of an increase of $624.0 million in accounts receivable due
to the growth in fees billed to our advertisers, partially offset by a net increase in income taxes payable and deferred income taxes of $496.9 million primarily comprised of the same $581.7 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based award
activity included under adjustments for non-cash items, an increase of $386.9 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses due to the increase in purchases of property and equipment and other general expenditures, as well as a net increase of
$149.9 million in prepaid revenue share, expenses and other assets and accrued revenue share primarily resulted from prepayments associated with AdSense and distribution arrangements.
Beginning January 1, 2006, SFAS 123R requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of the tax-affected compensation that would have been
recognized as if we had always accounted for our stock-based award activity under SFAS 123R to be reported as a cash flow from financing activities, rather than as a cash flow from operating activities, as was prescribed under accounting rules
applicable through December 31, 2005. In compliance with the modified prospective transition method under SFAS 123R, these excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity generated in 2006, as well as those previously generated in 2005
under the then applicable accounting rules, are reported as a cash flow from financing activities and a cash flow from operating activities, respectively. The benefits of tax deductions in excess of the tax-affected compensation could fluctuate
significantly from period to period based on the number of stock-based awards exercised, sold or vested, the tax benefit realized and the tax-affected compensation recognized.
Cash provided by operating activities in 2005 was $2,459.4 million and consisted of net income of $1,465.4 million, adjustments for non-cash and other
items of $971.4 million and cash provided by working capital and other activities of $22.6 million. Adjustments for non-cash and other items primarily consisted of $256.8 million of depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment and
$200.7 million of stock-based compensation, $433.7 million of tax benefits from stock-based award activity, which represents a portion of the $552.5 million reduction to income taxes payable that we realized over 2005 related to the exercise, sale
or vesting of these awards. Working capital activities primarily consisted of an increase of $372.3 million in accounts receivable due to growth in fees billed to our advertisers, an increase of $247.4 million in accounts payable and accrued
expenses due to the increase in purchases of property and equipment, other general expenditures as well as an increase in compensation as a result of the growth in the number of employees, an increase of $93.3 million in accrued revenue share due to
the growth in our AdSense programs and the timing of payments made to our Google Network members and a net decrease in income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes of $66.2 million.
57
As we expand our business internationally, we have offered payment terms to certain advertisers that are
standard in their locales, but longer than terms we would generally offer to our domestic advertisers. This may increase our working capital requirements and may have a negative effect on cash provided by our operating activities. In addition, since
we have become a public company our cash-based compensation per employee has increased and will likely continue to increase (primarily in the form of variable bonus awards and other incentive arrangements) in order to retain and attract employees.
Cash used in investing activities in 2007 of $3,681.6 million was attributable to capital expenditures of $2,402.8 million, cash
consideration used in acquisitions and other investments of $941.2 million, of which $545.7 million related to the acquisition of Postini in the third quarter of 2007, and net purchases of marketable securities of $337.6 million.
Cash used in investing activities in 2006 of $6,899.2 million was attributable to net purchases of marketable securities of $3,574.8 million primarily
driven by the additional cash raised from our follow-on public stock offering in April 2006, cash consideration used in acquisitions and other investments of $1,421.6 million primarily related to our $1.0 billion investment in America Online, Inc.
and to a lesser extent, the acquisition of dMarc Broadcasting, Inc. and capital expenditures of $1,902.8 million.
Cash used in investing
activities in 2005 of $3,358.2 million was attributable to net purchases of marketable securities of $2,418.7 million, capital expenditures of $838.2 million and cash consideration used in acquisitions and other investments of $101.3 million, net of
cash acquired. Capital expenditures are mainly for the purchase of information technology assets. In order to manage expected increases in internet traffic, advertising transactions and new products and services, and to support our overall global
business expansion, we will continue to invest heavily in data center operations, technology, corporate facilities and information technology infrastructure in 2008 and thereafter.
In addition, we expect to spend a significant amount of cash on acquisitions and other investments from time to time. These acquisitions generally
enhance the breadth and depth of our expertise in engineering and other functional areas, our technologies and our product offerings. In April 2007, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire DoubleClick, a privately held company,
for approximately $3.1 billion in cash. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as part of this Form 10-K for additional information on the pending DoubleClick acquisition.
In connection with certain acquisitions, we are obligated to make additional cash payments if certain criteria are met. As of December 31, 2007, our
remaining contingent obligations related to these acquisitions was approximately $800 million. Since these contingent payments are based on the achievement of performance targets, actual payments may be substantially lower.
Also, as part of our philanthropic program, we expect to make donations as well as investments in for-profit enterprises that aim to alleviate poverty,
improve the environment or achieve other socially or economically progressive objectives. We expect these payments to be made primarily in cash and to be approximately $175 million over the three years ending December 31, 2008, with any
unallocated amounts to be rolled over into the following year.
58
Cash provided by financing activities in 2007 of $403.1 million was due primarily to (i) excess tax
benefits of $379.2 million from stock-based award activity during the period and (ii) net proceeds from the issuance of common stock pursuant to stock-based award activity of $23.9 million. As a result of our TSO program, proceeds from the
exercise of stock options will be deferred and may be less than we would have received had we not adopted the TSO program. This is because the financial institutions that purchase TSOs will likely not exercise the related warrants until the
expiration of the contractual term from the date of purchase (generally, two years), and then only if the market value exceeds the exercise price on the expiration date. Cash provided by financing activities in 2006 of $2,966.4 million was due
primarily to (i) net proceeds of $2,063.5 million raised from the follow-on stock offering, (ii) excess tax benefits of $581.7 million from stock-based award activity during the period and (iii) net proceeds from the issuance of
common stock pursuant to stock-based award activity of $321.1 million. Cash provided by financing activities in 2005 of $4,370.8 million was due primarily to net proceeds from our follow-on stock offering of $4,287.2 million, after consideration of
related issuance costs of $66.8 million.
Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Less than
1 year
|
|
1-3
years
|
|
3-5
years
|
|
More than
5 years
|
|
|
|
(unaudited, in millions)
|
|
Guaranteed minimum revenue share payments
|
|
$
|
1,746.4
|
|
$
|
671.9
|
|
$
|
902.6
|
|
$
|
171.9
|
|
$
|
|
|
Operating lease obligations
|
|
|
2,203.7
|
|
|
151.6
|
|
|
328.7
|
|
|
288.7
|
|
|
1,434.7
|
|
Purchase obligations
|
|
|
734.0
|
|
|
171.6
|
|
|
229.5
|
|
|
165.2
|
|
|
167.7
|
|
Other long-term liabilities reflected on our balance sheet under GAAP
|
|
|
77.6
|
|
|
46.7
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
|
11.1
|
|
|
12.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual obligations
|
|
$
|
4,761.7
|
|
$
|
1,041.8
|
|
$
|
1,468.6
|
|
$
|
636.9
|
|
$
|
1,614.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The above table does not include contingent consideration that may be paid pursuant to asset
purchases or business combinations. It also does not include payments related to toolbar and other product distribution arrangements as those arrangements do not include guaranteed obligations.
Guaranteed Minimum Revenue Share Payments
In connection with our AdSense revenue share agreements, we are periodically required to make non-cancelable guaranteed minimum revenue share payments to a small number of our Google Network members over the term of
the respective contracts. Under our contracts, these guaranteed payments can vary based on our Google Network members achieving defined performance terms, such as number of advertisements displayed or search queries. In some cases, certain
guaranteed amounts will be adjusted downward if our Google Network members do not meet their performance terms and, in some cases, these amounts will be adjusted upward if they exceed their performance terms. The amounts included in the table above
assume that the historical upward performance adjustments with respect to each contract will continue, but do not make a similar assumption with respect to downward adjustments. We believe these amounts best represent a reasonable estimate of the
future minimum guaranteed payments. Actual guaranteed payments may differ from the estimates presented above. To date, the aggregate advertiser fees generated under these AdSense agreements have exceeded the aggregate guaranteed minimum revenue
share payments.
At December 31, 2007, our aggregate outstanding non-cancelable guaranteed minimum revenue share commitments totaled
$1,746.4 million through 2012 compared to $1,165.6 million at December 31, 2006.
59
Operating Leases
We have entered into various non-cancelable operating lease agreements for certain of our offices, land and data centers throughout the world with
original lease periods expiring between 2008 and 2051. We are committed to pay a portion of the related operating expenses under certain of these lease agreements. These operating expenses are not included in the table above. Certain of these leases
have free or escalating rent payment provisions. We recognize rent expense under such leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
The above minimum payments at December 31, 2007 under operating lease obligations do not include amounts related to certain non-cancelable service contracts for our data centers. The non-cancelable commitments under these service
contracts at December 31, 2007 are included under purchase obligations.
Purchase Obligations
Purchase obligations represent non-cancelable contractual obligations at December 31, 2007. In addition, we had $1,375.8 million of open purchase
orders for which we have not received the related services or goods at December 31, 2007. This amount is not included in the above table since we have the right to cancel the purchase orders prior to the date of delivery. The majority of our
purchase obligations are related to data center operations and facility build-outs. These non-cancelable contractual obligations and open purchase orders amounts do not include payments we may be obligated to make to vendors upon their attainment of
milestones under the related agreements.
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consist of cash obligations, primarily milestone and royalty payments owed in connection with certain acquisitions and
licensing agreements.
In addition, upon adoption of Financial Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,
(FIN 48) on January 1, 2007, we decreased current taxes payable by $219.4 million and increased long-term taxes payable by the same amount as FIN 48 specifies that tax positions for which the timing of the ultimate
resolution is uncertain should be recognized as long-term liabilities. We also recognized additional long-term taxes payable of $259.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2007. At this time, we are unable to make a reasonably reliable
estimate of the timing of payments in individual years beyond 12 months due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit outcomes. As a result, this amount is not included in the table above.
Off-Balance Sheet Entities
At December 31, 2007
and 2006, we did not have interests in any variable interest entities, as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (Revised 2003),
Consolidation of Variable Interest EntitiesAn Interpretation of ARB
No. 51
, having a significant effect on the financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. In doing so, we have to make
estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. In some cases, we could reasonably have used different accounting policies
and estimates. In some cases changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between
these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations will be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate
60
these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting policies and estimates, which we discuss further
below. We have reviewed our critical accounting policies and estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors.
Income
Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating
our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109
(FIN 48). FIN 48 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The first step is to
evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if
any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.
Although we believe we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and
circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the provision for income taxes in the
period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest.
Our effective tax rates have differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the tax impact of foreign operations, research and experimentation tax
credits, state taxes, and certain benefits realized related to stock option activity. The effective tax rate was 31.6%, 23.3% and 25.9% for 2005, 2006 and 2007. Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than
anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries where we have higher statutory rates, by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or by changes in tax laws,
regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of
adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.
Stock-Based
Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS 123R. Under the provisions of SFAS 123R, stock-based
compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the awards fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) option-pricing model and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. The BSM model
requires various highly judgmental assumptions including volatility, forfeiture rates and expected option life. If any of the assumptions used in the BSM model change significantly, stock-based compensation expense may differ materially in the
future from that recorded in the current period.
Traffic Acquisition Costs
We are obligated under certain agreements to make non-cancelable guaranteed minimum revenue share payments to Google Network members based on their
achieving defined performance terms, such as number of search queries or advertisements displayed. To the extent we expect revenues generated under such an arrangement to exceed the guaranteed minimum revenue share payments, we recognize traffic
acquisition costs on a contractual revenue share basis or on a basis proportionate to forecasted revenues, whichever is greater; if our estimate of revenues under such an arrangement is subsequently revised downward, then the amount of
61
traffic acquisition costs we would recognize thereafter would be proportionately greater. Otherwise, we recognize the guaranteed revenue share payments as
traffic acquisition costs on a straight-line basis over the term of the related agreements.
Effect of Recent Accounting
Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair
Value Measurements
(SFAS 157)
,
which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not
require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. However, on December 14, 2007, the FASB issued proposed FSP FAS 157-b which would delay the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized
or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This proposed FSP partially defers the effective date of Statement 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods
within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. Effective for 2008, we will adopt SFAS 157 except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as noted in proposed FSP FAS 157-b. The partial
adoption of SFAS 157 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities- including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115
(SFAS 159), which allows an entity to choose to measure
certain financial instruments and liabilities at fair value. Subsequent measurements for the financial instruments and liabilities an entity elects to fair value will be recognized in earnings. SFAS 159 also establishes additional disclosure
requirements. SFAS 159 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007),
Business Combinations
(SFAS 141R).
SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill
acquired. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective for us beginning January 1, 2009. We are currently
evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 141R on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statementsan amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51
(SFAS 160). SFAS 160 establishes
accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parents
ownership interest, and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent
and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. This statement is effective for us beginning January 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
62