Quick10K

J2 Global

Price	91.74		EPS	3
Shares	49		P/E	31
MCap	4,501		P/FCF	15
Net Debt	1,308		EBIT	171
TEV	5,809		TEV/EBIT	34
TTM 2019-09-30, in MM, except price, ratios

10-Q	2021-03-31	Filed 2021-05-10 Print
10-K	2020-12-31	Filed 2021-03-01 Print
10-Q	2020-09-30	Filed 2020-11-09 Print
10-Q	2020-06-30	Filed 2020-08-10 Print
10-Q	2020-03-31	Filed 2020-05-11 Print
10-K	2019-12-31	Filed 2020-03-02 Print
10-Q	2019-09-30	Filed 2019-11-08 Print
10-Q	2019-06-30	Filed 2019-08-09 Print
10-Q	2019-03-31	Filed 2019-05-10 Print
10-K	2018-12-31	Filed 2019-03-01 Print
10-Q	2018-09-30	Filed 2018-11-09 Print
10-Q	2018-06-30	Filed 2018-08-09 Print
10-Q	2018-03-31	Filed 2018-05-10 Print
10-K	2017-12-31	Filed 2018-03-01 Print
10-Q	2017-09-30	Filed 2017-11-09 Print
10-Q	2017-06-30	Filed 2017-08-09 Print
10-Q	2017-03-31	Filed 2017-05-10 Print
10-K	2016-12-31	Filed 2017-03-01 Print
10-Q	2016-09-30	Filed 2016-11-09 Print
10-Q	2016-06-30	Filed 2016-08-09 Print
10-Q	2016-03-31	Filed 2016-05-10 Print
10-K	2015-12-31	Filed 2016-02-29 Print
10-Q	2015-09-30	Filed 2015-11-09 Print
10-Q	2015-06-30	Filed 2015-08-10 Print
10-Q	2015-03-31	Filed 2015-05-11 Print
10-K	2014-12-31	Filed 2015-03-02 Print
10-Q	2014-09-30	Filed 2014-11-10 Print
10-Q	2014-06-30	Filed 2014-08-11 Print
10-Q	2014-03-31	Filed 2014-05-09 Print
10-K	2013-12-31	Filed 2014-03-03 Print
10-Q	2013-09-30	Filed 2013-11-12 Print
10-Q	2013-06-30	Filed 2013-08-09 Print
10-Q	2013-03-31	Filed 2013-05-10 Print
10-K	2012-12-31	Filed 2013-03-01 Print
10-Q	2012-09-30	Filed 2012-11-06 Print
10-Q	2012-06-30	Filed 2012-08-07 Print
10-Q	2012-03-31	Filed 2012-05-07 Print
10-K	2011-12-31	Filed 2012-02-28 Print
10-Q	2011-09-30	Filed 2011-11-08 Print
10-Q	2011-06-30	Filed 2011-08-08 Print
10-Q	2011-03-31	Filed 2011-05-09 Print
10-K	2010-12-31	Filed 2011-02-28 Print
10-Q	2010-09-30	Filed 2010-11-05 Print
10-Q	2010-06-30	Filed 2010-08-05 Print
10-Q	2010-03-31	Filed 2010-05-05 Print
10-K	2009-12-31	Filed 2010-02-23 Print

8-K	2020-11-18
8-K	2020-11-03
8-K	2020-10-12
8-K	2020-10-02
8-K	2020-10-02
8-K	2020-10-01
8-K	2020-09-24
8-K	2020-09-08
8-K	2020-08-10
8-K	2020-08-10
8-K	2020-07-02
8-K	2020-06-25
8-K	2020-06-02
8-K	2020-05-11
8-K	2020-03-03
8-K	2020-02-24
8-K	2020-02-10
8-K	2020-01-27
8-K	2020-01-06
8-K	2019-12-02
8-K	2019-11-27
8-K	2019-11-19
8-K	2019-11-12
8-K	2019-11-11
8-K	2019-09-05
8-K	2019-09-04
8-K	2019-08-16
8-K	2019-08-12
8-K	2019-08-06
8-K	2019-07-01
8-K	2019-06-04
8-K	2019-05-21
8-K	2019-05-03
8-K	2019-03-12
8-K	2019-02-26
8-K	2019-02-12
8-K	2019-01-11
8-K	2019-01-07
8-K	2018-12-04
8-K	2018-11-13
8-K	2018-11-05
8-K	2018-09-05
8-K	2018-08-09
8-K	2018-06-06
8-K	2018-05-10
8-K	2018-05-03
8-K	2018-02-27
8-K	2018-02-06
8-K	2018-02-02
8-K	2018-01-18

top bs is cf

Balance Sheet	Income Statement	Cash Flow
CopyHistoryView Assets, Equity	CopyHistoryView Rev, G Profit, Net Income	CopyHistoryView Ops, Inv, Fin

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PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.Financial Statements

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J2 Global, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“J2 Global”, the “Company”, “our”, “us”, or “we”), is a leading provider of internet information and services. Our Digital Media business specializes in the technology, shopping, gaming, and healthcare markets offering content, tools and services to consumers and businesses. Our Cloud Services business provides cloud-based subscription services to consumers and businesses including cloud fax, cybersecurity, privacy and marketing technology.

The accompanying interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of J2 Global and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make that information not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected in these interim financial statements. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the related notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in our Annual Report (Form 10-K) filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021. Accordingly, significant accounting policies and other disclosures normally provided have been omitted since such items are disclosed therein.

 

The results of operations for this interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year or for any future period.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, including judgments about investment classifications and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company believes that its most significant estimates are those related to revenue recognition, valuation and impairment of investments, its assessment of ownership interests as variable interest entities and the related determination of consolidation, share-based compensation expense, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with business combinations, long-lived and intangible asset impairment, contingent consideration, income taxes and contingencies and allowances for doubtful accounts. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates based on historical experience and on various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates due to risks and uncertainties, including uncertainty in the current economic environment due to the novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”).

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

J2 Global maintains an allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable, which is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable and changes in such are classified as general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company assesses collectability by reviewing accounts receivable on a collective basis where similar characteristics exist and on an individual basis when it identifies specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, the Company considers historical collectability based on past due status. It also considers customer-specific information, current market conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions to inform adjustments to historical loss data. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates the adequacy of these reserves.

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Revenue Recognition

J2 Global recognizes revenue when the Company satisfies its obligation by transferring control of the goods or services to its customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services (see Note 3 - Revenues).

Principal vs. Agent

The Company determines whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis by assessing whether the Company is acting as the principal or an agent in the transaction. If the Company is acting as the principal in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a gross basis. If the Company is acting as an agent in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a net basis. In determining whether the Company acts as the principal or an agent, the Company follows the accounting guidance under Topic 606 for principal-agent considerations and assesses: (i) if another party is involved in providing goods or services to the customer and (ii) whether the Company controls the specified goods or services prior to transferring control to the customer.

Sales Taxes

The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are (i) both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and (ii) collected by the Company from a customer.

Investments

The Company accounts for its investments in debt securities in accordance with ASC Topic No. 320, Investments - Debt Securities (“ASC 320”). Debt investments are typically comprised of corporate debt securities, which it classifies as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income. All debt securities are accounted for on a specific identification basis.

The Company’s available-for-sale debt securities are carried at an estimated fair value with any unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Available-for-sale debt securities with an amortized cost basis in excess of estimated fair value are assessed to determine what amount of that difference, if any, is caused by expected credit losses. Expected credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recognized in loss on investments, net on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and any remaining unrealized losses, net of taxes, are included in accumulated comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity.

The Company accounts for its investments in equity securities in accordance with ASC Topic No. 321, Investments - Equity Securities (“ASC 321”) which requires the accounting for equity investments (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) generally be measured at fair value for equity securities with readily determinable fair values. For equity securities without a readily determinable fair value that are not accounted for by the equity method, the Company measures the equity security using cost, less impairment, if any, and plus or minus observable price changes arising from orderly transactions in the same or similar investment from the same issuer. Any unrealized gains or losses will be reported in current earnings (see Note 5 - Investments).

The Company assesses whether an other-than-temporary impairment loss on an investment has occurred due to declines in fair value or other market conditions (see Note 5 - Investments).

Variable Interest Entities (“VIE”)

A VIE requires consolidation by the entity’s primary beneficiary. The Company evaluates its investments in entities in which it is involved to determine if the entity is a VIE and if so, whether it holds a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary. The Company has determined that it holds a variable interest in its investment as a limited partner in the OCV Fund I, LP (“OCV Fund”, “OCV” or the “Fund”). In determining whether the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, both of the following characteristics must be present:

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a) the Company has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impacts the VIEs economic performance (the power criterion); and

b) the Company has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE, or the right to receive benefits of the VIE, that could potentially be significant to the VIE (the economic criterion).

The Company has concluded that, as a limited partner, although the obligation to absorb losses or the right to benefit from the gains is not insignificant, the Company does not have “power” over OCV because it does not have the ability to direct the significant decisions which impact the economics of OCV. J2 believes that the OCV general partner, as a single decision maker, holds the ability to make the decisions about the activities that most significantly impact the OCV Fund’s economic performance. As a result, the Company has concluded that it will not consolidate OCV, as it is not the primary beneficiary of the OCV Fund, and will account for this investment under the equity-method of accounting. See Note 5, “Investments”.

OCV qualifies as an investment company under ASC 946 - Financial Services, Investment Companies (“ASC 946”). Under ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures, an investor that holds investments that qualify for specialized industry accounting for investment companies in accordance with ASC 946 should record its share of the earnings or losses, realized or unrealized, as reported by its equity method investees in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company recognizes its equity in the net earnings or losses relating to the investment in OCV on a one-quarter lag due to the timing and availability of financial information from OCV. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value that is other-than-temporary, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.

 

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

J2 Global accounts for long-lived assets, which include property and equipment, operating lease right-of-use assets and identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives (subject to amortization), in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic No. 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”), which requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the expected undiscounted future net cash flows generated by the asset. If it is determined that the asset may not be recoverable, and if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent of the difference.

J2 Global assessed whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that potentially indicate the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company recorded impairment of certain operating right-of-use assets (see Note 10 - Leases). No impairment was recorded in the first quarter of 2020.

The Company classifies its long-lived assets to be sold as held for sale in the period (i) it has approved and committed to a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to sell the asset have been initiated, (iv) the sale of the asset is probable, (v) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (vi) it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The Company initially measures a long-lived asset that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset until the date of sale. Upon designation as an asset held for sale, the Company stops recording depreciation expense on the asset. The Company assesses the fair value of a long-lived asset less any costs to sell at each reporting period and until the asset is no longer classified as held for sale.

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Business Combinations and Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

J2 Global applies the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations in accordance with GAAP and uses estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price paid for acquisitions to the fair value of the assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities acquired. Such estimates may be based on significant unobservable inputs and assumptions such as, but not limited to, revenue growth rates, gross margins, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, discount rates and terminal growth rate assumptions. J2 Global uses established valuation techniques and may engage reputable valuation specialists to assist with the valuations. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Intangible assets resulting from the acquisitions of entities accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting are recorded at the estimated fair value of the assets acquired. Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of purchased customer relationships, trademarks and trade names, developed technologies and other intangible assets. Intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized over the period of estimated economic benefit ranging from 1 to 20 years and are included in general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company evaluates its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment pursuant to FASB ASC Topic No. 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which provides that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but tested annually for impairment or more frequently if J2 Global believes indicators of impairment exist. In connection with the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then it performs the impairment test upon goodwill. The impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. The Company generally determines the fair value of its reporting units using the income approach methodology of valuation. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. No impairments to goodwill or other intangible assets were recorded in the first quarter of 2021 or 2020. In 2021, the Company changed the annual goodwill impairment assessment date for the Cloud Services business from September 30 to October 1, as it determined this date is preferable, and concluded this was not a material change in accounting principal.

Contingent Consideration

Certain of J2 Global’s acquisition agreements include contingent earn-out arrangements, which are generally based on the achievement of future income thresholds or other metrics. The contingent earn-out arrangements are based upon the Company’s valuations of the acquired companies and reduce the risk of overpaying for acquisitions if the projected financial results are not achieved.

The fair values of these earn-out arrangements are included as part of the purchase price of the acquired companies on their respective acquisition dates. For each transaction, the Company estimates the fair value of contingent earn-out payments as part of the initial purchase price and records the estimated fair value of contingent consideration as a liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. J2 Global considers several factors when determining that contingent earn-out liabilities are part of the purchase price, including the following: (1) the valuation of our acquisitions is not supported solely by the initial consideration paid, and the contingent earn-out formula is a critical and material component of the valuation approach to determining the purchase price; and (2) the former shareholders of acquired companies that remain as key employees receive compensation other than contingent earn-out payments at a reasonable level compared with the compensation of the Company’s other key employees. The contingent earn-out payments are not affected by employment termination.

J2 Global measures the contingent earn-out liabilities in connection with acquisitions at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements). The Company may use various valuation techniques depending on the terms and conditions of the contingent consideration including a Monte-Carlo simulation. This simulation uses a probability distribution for each significant input to produce hundreds or thousands of possible outcomes and the results are analyzed to determine probabilities of different outcomes occurring. Significant increases or decreases to these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower liability with a higher liability capped by the contractual maximum of the contingent earn-out obligation. Ultimately, the

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liability will be equivalent to the amount paid, and the difference between the fair value estimate and the amount paid will be recorded in earnings. The amount paid that is less than or equal to the liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in financing activities in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Any amount paid in excess of the liability on the acquisition date is reflected as cash used in operating activities.

J2 Global reviews and re-assesses the estimated fair value of contingent consideration on a quarterly basis, and the updated fair value could be materially different from the initial estimates or prior quarterly amounts. Changes in the estimated fair value of its contingent earn-out liabilities are reported in general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

J2 Global’s income is subject to taxation in both the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. J2 Global establishes reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves for tax contingencies are established when the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. J2 Global adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of a tax audit or lapse of a statute of limitations. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate.

J2 Global accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic No. 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. ASC 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance is reviewed quarterly based upon the facts and circumstances known at the time. In assessing this valuation allowance, J2 Global reviews historical and future expected operating results and other factors, including its recent cumulative earnings experience, expectations of future taxable income by taxing jurisdiction and the carryforward periods available for tax reporting purposes, to determine whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are realizable.

ASC 740 provides guidance on the minimum threshold that an uncertain income tax benefit is required to meet before it can be recognized in the financial statements and applies to all income tax positions taken by a company. ASC 740 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain income tax positions. 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. If it is not more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit will be recorded. Uncertain income tax positions that relate only to timing of when an item is included on a tax return are considered to have met the recognition threshold. J2 Global recognized accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions in income tax expense on its condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In addition, on March 27, 2020, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act” was enacted into law and provides for changes to various tax laws that impact businesses. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, increased limitations on qualified charitable contributions and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property.

The CARES Act also appropriated funds for the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans that are forgivable in certain situations to promote continued employment, as well as Economic Injury Disaster Loans to provide liquidity to small businesses harmed by COVID-19. The Company did not seek to borrow any funds under the program. However, as a result of an acquisition that closed during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Company assumed outstanding PPP loans that had started the process of being forgiven prior to the closing of the acquisition. The amount of the outstanding loan did not have a significant impact to the Company’s financial statements.

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The Company does not believe these provisions have a significant impact to our current and deferred income tax balances. The Company will benefit from the technical correction to tax depreciation related to qualified improvement property and has elected to defer income tax payments and employer side social security payments where eligible.

Share-Based Compensation

J2 Global accounts for share-based awards to employees and non-employees in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic No. 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Accordingly, J2 Global measures share-based compensation expense at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognizes the expense over the employee’s requisite service period using the straight-line method. The measurement of share-based compensation expense is based on several criteria, including but not limited to the valuation model used and associated input factors, such as expected term of the award, stock price volatility, risk free interest rate, dividend rate and award cancellation rate. These inputs are subjective and are determined using management’s judgment. If differences arise between the assumptions used in determining share-based compensation expense and the actual factors, which become known over time, J2 Global may change the input factors used in determining future share-based compensation expense. Any such changes could materially impact the Company’s results of operations in the period in which the changes are made and in periods thereafter. The Company estimates the expected term based upon the historical exercise behavior of its employees.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2021 presentation.

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this ASU simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2021 and has identified no material effect on its financial statements or disclosures.

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, Investments - Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investment - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The amendments in this ASU clarify certain interactions between the guidance to account for certain equity securities under Topic 321, the guidance to account for investments under the equity method of accounting in Topic 323, and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options under Topic 815. This ASU identifies two main areas for improvement: (1) accounting for certain equity securities upon the application or discontinuation of the equity method of accounting and (2) scope considerations for forward contracts and purchased options on certain securities. The amendment states, as it is related to the first area of improvement, that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. The amendment also states, as it is relates to forward contracts and purchased options on certain securities, an entity should consider certain criteria to determine the accounting for those forward contracts and purchased options. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2021 and has identified no effect on its financial statements or disclosures.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments in this ASU provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. LIBOR is expected to phased out by 2021. The amendments in this ASU are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The amendments in this ASU reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock in order to simplify the accounting for convertible instruments and reduce complexity. In addition, it amends the guidance for scope exception surrounding derivatives for contracts in an

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entity’s own equity. In each case, the related guidance surrounding EPS has also been amended. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this ASU on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements. The amendments in this ASU improve the consistency of the codification and reorganize the guidance into appropriate sections providing less opportunities for disclosures to be missed. The amendments in this update do not change GAAP and are not expected to result in a significant change in practice. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2021 and has identified no effect on its financial statements or disclosures.

Digital Media

    Digital Media revenues are earned primarily from the delivery of advertising services, from subscriptions to services and information.

    Revenue is earned from the delivery of advertising services on the Company’s owned and operated websites and on those websites that are part of Digital Media’s advertising network. Depending on the individual contracts with the customer, revenue for these services are recognized over the contract period when any of the following performance obligations are satisfied: (i) when an advertisement is placed for viewing, (ii) when a qualified sales lead is delivered, (iii) when a visitor “clicks through” on an advertisement or (iv) when commissions are earned upon the sale of an advertised product.

    Revenue from subscriptions is earned through the granting of access to, or delivery of, data products or services to customers. Subscriptions cover video games and related content, health information, data and other copyrighted material. Revenues under such agreements are recognized over the contract term for use of the service. Revenues are also earned from listing fees, subscriptions to online publications, and from other sources. Subscription revenues are recognized over time.

    J2 Global generates Digital Media revenues through the license of certain assets to clients. Assets are licensed for clients’ use in their own promotional materials or otherwise. Such assets may include logos, editorial reviews, or other copyrighted material. Revenues under such license agreements are recognized over the contract term for use of the asset. Technology assets are also licensed to clients. These assets are recognized over the term of the access period. The Digital Media business also generates revenue from other sources which include marketing and production services. Such other revenues are generally recognized over the period in which the products or services are delivered.

J2 Global also generates Digital Media revenues from transactions involving the sale of perpetual software licenses, related software support and maintenance, hardware used in conjunction with its software, and other related services. Revenue is recognized for these software transactions with multiple performance obligations after (i) the Company has had an approved contract and is committed to perform the respective obligations and (ii) the Company can identify and quantify each obligation and its respective selling price. Once the respective performance obligations have been identified and quantified, revenue will be recognized when the obligations are met, either over time or at a point in time depending on the nature of the obligation.

Revenues from software license performance obligations are generally recognized upfront at the point in time that the software is made available to the customer to download and use. Revenues for related software support and maintenance performance obligations are related to technical support provided to customers as needed and unspecified software product upgrades, maintenance releases and patches during the term of the support period when they are available. The Company is obligated to make the support services available continuously throughout the contract period. Therefore, revenues for support contracts are generally recognized ratably over the contractual period the support services are provided. Hardware product and related software performance obligations, such as an operating system or firmware, are highly interdependent and interrelated and are accounted for as a bundled performance obligation. The revenues for this bundled performance obligation are generally recognized at the point in time that the hardware and software products are delivered and ownership is transferred to the customer. Other service revenues are generally recognized over time as the services are performed.

The Company records revenue on a gross basis with respect to revenue generated (i) by the Company serving online display and video advertising across its owned and operated web properties, on third-party sites or on unaffiliated advertising networks, (ii) through the Company’s lead-generation business and (iii) through the Company’s subscriptions. The Company records revenue on a net basis with respect to revenue paid to the Company by certain third-party advertising networks who

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serve online display and video advertising across the Company’s owned-and-operated web properties and certain third-party sites.

Cloud Services

The Company’s Cloud Services revenues substantially consist of monthly recurring subscription and usage-based fees, which are primarily paid in advance by credit card. The Company defers the portions of monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually recurring subscription and usage-based fees collected in advance of the satisfaction of performance obligations and recognizes them in the period earned.

Along with our numerous proprietary Cloud Services solutions, the Company also generates revenues by reselling various third-party solutions, primarily through our email security and online backup lines of business. These third-party solutions, along with our proprietary products, allow the Company to offer customers a variety of solutions to better meet their needs. The Company records revenue on a gross basis with respect to reseller revenue because the Company has control of the specified good or service prior to transferring control to the customer.

Revenues from external customers classified by revenue source are as follows (in thousands):

Copy History

									Three Months Ended March 31,
Digital Media															2021						2020
Advertising															$	174,124					$	115,265
Subscription															50,881						45,428
Other															1,869						1,998
Total Digital Media revenues															$	226,874					$	162,691
Cloud Services
Subscription															$	171,337					$	169,748
Other															92						36
Total Cloud Services revenues															$	171,429					$	169,784
Corporate															$	—					$	1
Elimination of inter-segment revenues															(118)						(83)
Total Revenues															$	398,185					$	332,393
Timing of revenue recognition
Point in time															$	5,965					$	6,497
Over time															392,220						325,896
Total															$	398,185					$	332,393

The Company has recorded $78.8 million and $68.5 million of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which was previously included in the deferred revenue balance as of the beginning of each respective year.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company acquired no deferred revenue in connection with the Company’s business acquisitions (see Note 4 - Business Acquisitions) which are subject to purchase accounting adjustments.

Performance Obligations

The Company’s contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, revenues are allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price.

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The Company satisfies its performance obligations within the Digital Media business upon delivery of services to its customers. In addition, the Company provides content to its advertising partners which the Company sells to its partners’ customer base and receives a revenue share based on the terms of the agreement.

The Company satisfies its performance obligations within the Cloud Services business upon delivery of services to its customers. Payment terms vary by type and location of our customers and the services offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. Due to the nature of the services provided, there are no obligations for returns.

Significant Judgments

In determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. Judgment is also required to determine the standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation.

Performance Obligations Satisfied Over Time

The Company’s Digital Media business consists primarily of performance obligations that are satisfied over time. This was determined based on a review of the contracts and the nature of the services offered, where the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit of the services provided. Satisfaction of these performance obligations is evidenced in the following ways:

Advertising

•Website reporting by the Company, the customer, or a third-party contains the delivery evidence needed to satisfy the performance obligations within the advertising contract

•Successfully delivered leads are evidenced by either delivery reports from the Company’s internal lead management systems or through e-mail communication and/or other evidence of delivery showing acceptance of leads by the customer

•Commission is evidenced by direct site reporting from the affiliate or via direct confirmation from the customer

Subscription

•Evidence of delivery is contained in the Company’s systems or from correspondence with the customer which tracks when a customer accepts delivery of any assets, digital keys or download links

The Company has concluded revenue is recognized based on delivery of services over the contract period for advertising and on a straight-line basis over the contract period for subscriptions. The Company believes that the methods described are a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods and services.

The Company’s Cloud Services business consists primarily of performance obligations that are satisfied over time. This has been determined based on the fact that the nature of services offered are subscription based and include fax, voice, backup, security, CPP, and email marketing products where the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit of the services provided regardless of whether the customer uses the services or not. Depending on the individual contracts with the customer, revenue for these services are recognized over the contract period when any of the following materially distinct performance obligations are satisfied: 

•Faxing capabilities are provided

•Voice services are provided

•Email marketing services are provided

•Consumer privacy services are provided

•Security solutions, including email and endpoint are provided

•Online data backup capabilities are provided

The Company has concluded that the best measure of progress toward the complete satisfaction of the performance obligation over time is a time-based measure. The Company recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis throughout the subscription period and believes that the method used is a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods and services.

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Performance Obligations Satisfied at a Point in Time

    The Company’s Digital Media business has technology subscriptions that have standalone functionality. As a result, they are considered to be functional intellectual property where the performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time. This is evidenced once a digital key is delivered to the customer. Once the key is delivered to the customer, the customer has full control of the technology and the Company has no further performance obligations. The Company has concluded that revenue is recognized once the digital key is delivered. The Company believes that this method is a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods and services.

Practical Expedients

Existence of a Significant Financing Component in a Contract

As a practical expedient, the Company has not assessed whether a contract has a significant financing component because the Company expects at contract inception that the period between payment by the customer and the transfer of promised goods or services by the Company to the customer will be one year or less. In addition, the Company has determined that the payment terms that the Company provides to its customers are structured primarily for reasons other than the provision of finance to the Company. The Company typically charges a single upfront amount for the services because other payment terms would affect the nature of the risk assumed by the Company to provide service given the costs of the customer acquisition and the highly competitive and commoditized nature of the business we operate which allows customers to easily move from one provider to another. This additional risk may make it uneconomical to provide the service.

Costs to Fulfill a Contract

The Company’s revenues are primarily generated from customer contracts that are for one year or less. Costs primarily consist of incentive compensation paid based on the achievements of sales targets in a given period for related revenue streams and are recognized in the month when the revenue is earned. Incentive compensation is paid on the issuance or renewal of the customer contract. As a practical expedient, for amortization periods which are determined to be one year or less, the Company expenses any incremental costs of obtaining the contract with a customer when incurred. For those customers with amortization periods determined to be greater than one year, the Company capitalizes and amortizes the expenses over the period of benefit.

In addition, the Company partners with various affiliates in order to generate a portion of its revenue for certain lines of business. The commissions earned by the Company’s affiliates are incentive based and are paid on the acquisition of new customers in a given period. For those customers with amortization periods determined to be greater than one year, the Company capitalizes and amortizes the expenses over the period of benefit.

Revenues Invoiced

The Company has applied the practical expedient for certain revenue streams to exclude the value of remaining performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less or (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue in proportion to the amount it has the right to invoice for services performed.

The Company uses acquisitions as a strategy to grow its customer base by increasing its presence in new and existing markets, expand and diversify its service offerings, enhance its technology, and acquire skilled personnel.

The Company completed an immaterial media acquisition during the first three months of fiscal 2021, paying the purchase price in cash.

The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations since the date of the acquisition and balance sheet as of March 31, 2021, reflect the results of operations of the 2021 acquisition. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, this acquisition contributed an immaterial amount to the Company’s revenues. Net income contributed by this acquisition was not separately identifiable due to J2 Global’s integration activities and is impracticable to provide. Total consideration for this transaction was $0.2 million, net of cash acquired and assumed liabilities and is subject to certain post-closing adjustments which may increase or decrease the final consideration paid.

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During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the purchase price accounting has been finalized for immaterial digital media, consumer privacy and protection, email marketing, and fax businesses. The initial accounting for the 2021 acquisition is incomplete and subject to change. J2 Global has recorded provisional amounts which may be based upon past acquisitions with similar attributes for certain intangible assets (including trade names, software and customer relationships), preliminary acquisition date working capital and related tax items.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recorded adjustments to the initial working capital and to the purchase accounting due to the finalization of prior period acquisitions in the Digital Media business, which resulted in a net increase in goodwill of $2.5 million. In addition, the Company recorded adjustments to the initial working capital and to the purchase accounting due to the finalization of prior period acquisitions in the Voice, Backup, Security and CPP businesses which resulted in a net increase in goodwill of $0.3 million (see Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets). Such adjustments had an immaterial impact on the amortization expense within the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and represents intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. Goodwill recognized associated with these acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2021 is zero, of which zero is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Investments consist of equity and debt securities. 

The Company determined the equity securities that were received as part of the consideration for the sale of Tea Leaves Health, LLC (“Tea Leaves”) in fiscal year 2017 are without a readily determinable fair value because these securities are privately held, not traded on any public exchanges and not an investment in a mutual fund or similar investment. As a result, management has elected to alternatively measure this investment at cost, less impairment, adjusted for subsequent observable price changes to estimate fair value. The Company will make a “reasonable effort” to identify any observable price changes for identical or similar investments with the issuer that are known are can be reasonably known. Any changes in the carrying value of the equity securities will be reported in current earnings as (gain) loss on investments, net. In addition, the Company determined that the shares of redeemable preferred stock that were also received as part of the consideration for the sale of Tea Leaves are corporate debt securities and are classified as available-for-sale securities. These debt securities were subsequently exchanged in a non-cash transaction in the first quarter of 2020.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on the global financial markets. A prolonged adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could result in a decline in the equity and debt securities estimated fair value and, thus, a resulting charge to earnings in a future period.

The following table summarizes the gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values for the Company’s securities without a readily determinable fair value (in thousands):

Copy History

			Cost						Impairment						Adjustments						Reported Amount
March 31, 2021
Equity securities			$	31,779					$	—					$	(479)					$	31,300
Total			$	31,779					$	—					$	(479)					$	31,300
December 31, 2020
Equity securities			$	50,384					$	(19,605)					$	(479)					$	30,300
Total			$	50,384					$	(19,605)					$	(479)					$	30,300

In the first quarter of 2020, in a non-cash transaction of $18.3 million, the Company exchanged shares of redeemable preferred stock that were previously classified as available-for-sale corporate debt securities for a new series of preferred stock, classified as equity securities without a readily determinable fair value. The Company recognized a loss on exchange of $4.4 million, which is reflected in loss on investments, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

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During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a $19.6 million impairment loss related to a decline

in value primarily due to the recapitalization of the investee and overall market volatility. At March 31, 2021, cumulative impairment losses on these securities were $23.8 million. Impairment losses are recorded in loss on investments, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes the gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for investments classified as available-for-sale investments (in thousands):

Copy History

			Amortized Cost						Gross Unrealized Gains						Gross Unrealized Losses						Fair Value
March 31, 2021
Corporate debt securities			$	511					$	152					$	—					$	663
Total			$	511					$	152					$	—					$	663
December 31, 2020
Corporate debt securities			$	511					$	152					$	—					$	663
Total			$	511					$	152					$	—					$	663

At March 31, 2021, the Company’s available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income.

The following table summarizes J2 Global’s corporate debt securities designated as available-for-sale, classified by the contractual maturity date of the security (in thousands):

Copy History

			March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
Due within 1 year			$	663					$	663
Due within more than 1 year but less than 5 years			—						—
Due within more than 5 years but less than 10 years			—						—
Due 10 years or after			—						—
Total			$	663					$	663

Recognition and Measurement of Credit Loss of Debt Securities

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instrument-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments in the first quarter of 2020. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss model which requires the use of forward-looking information to calculate credit loss estimates. This ASU also eliminates the concept of other-than-temporary impairment and requires credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded though an allowance for credit losses rather than a reduction in amortized cost basis of the securities. These changes will result in earlier recognition of credit losses, if any.

The Company’s available-for-sale debt securities are carried at estimated fair value with any unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Available- for-sale debt securities with an amortized cost basis in excess of estimated fair value are assessed to determine what amount of that difference, if any, is caused by expected credit losses. Expected credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recognized in other (income) expense, net on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and any remaining unrealized losses, net of taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity.

There were no investments in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company did not recognize any credit losses related to debt securities.

On September 25, 2017, the Company entered into a commitment to invest $200 million (approximately 76.6% of equity) in the OCV Fund. The primary purpose of the Fund is to provide a limited number of select investors with the opportunity to realize long-term appreciation from public and private companies, with a particular focus on the technology and

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life science industries. The general activities of the OCV Fund is to buy, sell, hold and otherwise invest in securities of every kind and nature and rights and options with respect thereto, including, without limitation, stock, notes, bonds, debentures and evidence of indebtedness; to exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to securities held or owned by the OCV Fund; to enter into, make and perform all contracts and other undertakings; and to engage in all activities and transactions as may be necessary, advisable or desirable to carry out the foregoing.

The manager, OCV Management, LLC, and general partner of the Fund are entities with respect to which Richard S. Ressler, Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company, is indirectly the majority equity holder and a related party. As a limited partner in the Fund, the Company will pay an annual management fee to the manager equal to 2.0% (reduced by 10% each year beginning with the sixth year) of capital commitments. In addition, subject to the terms and conditions of the Fund’s limited partnership agreement, once the Company has received distributions equal to its invested capital, the Fund’s general partner would be entitled to a carried interest equal to 20%. The Fund has a six year investment period, subject to certain exceptions. The commitment was approved by the Audit Committee of the Board in accordance with the Company’s related-party transaction approval policy.

In the first three months of 2021, the Company received capital call notices from the management of OCV Management, LLC for $7.1 million, inclusive of certain management fees. Of the outstanding balance, $8.1 million has been paid for the three months ended March 31, 2021. In the first three months of 2020, the Company received capital call notices from the management of OCV Management, LLC for $22.8 million, inclusive of certain management fees, of which $22.8 million had been paid for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

The Company recognizes its equity in the net earnings or losses relating to the investment in OCV on a one-quarter lag due to the timing and availability of financial information from OCV. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value that is other-than-temporary, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized an investment (gain) loss of $(24.3) million and $4.3 million, net of tax (expense) benefit, respectively. The first quarter 2021 gain was primarily a result of a gain on the underlying investments. The first quarter 2020 loss was primarily a result of the impairment of two of its investments as a result of COVID-19 in the amount of $7.0 million, net of tax benefit; partially offset by investment income, net of tax expense, of $2.7 million. The loss is presented in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as (income) loss from equity method investment, net.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized management fees of $0.8 million and $0.8 million, net of tax benefit, respectively.

The following table discloses the carrying amount for the Company’s equity method investment (in thousands):

Copy History

			March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
Equity method investment			$	107,403					$	67,195
Maximum exposure to loss			$	107,403					$	67,195

As a limited partner, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss is limited to its proportional ownership in the partnership. In addition, the Company is not required to contribute capital in an aggregate amount in excess of its capital commitment and any expected losses will not be in excess of the Capital Account. Finally, there are no call or put options, or other types of arrangements, which limit the Company’s ability to participate in losses and returns of the Fund.

During the first quarter of 2021, the Company committed to a plan to sell certain Voice assets in the United Kingdom as they were determined to be non-core assets. Such assets are recorded within the Voice, Backup, Security, and CPP reportable segment. On February 9, 2021, in a cash transaction, the Company sold the assets for a gain of $2.0 million which was recorded in gain on sale of businesses on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The Company classifies asset held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan of sale with the expectation the sale will be completed within one year. The net assets of the business held for sale are then recorded at the lower of their current carrying value or the fair market value, less costs to sell.

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During the first quarter of 2021, the Company committed to a plan to sell its B2B Backup business as it was determined to be a non-core business. The business is recorded within the Voice, Backup, Security, and CPP reportable segment.

The following table presents information related to the assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands):

Copy History

			March 31, 2021
Accounts receivable, net			$			6,394
Prepaid expenses and other current assets						1,669
Property and equipment, net						9,280
Operating lease right-of-use assets