America Online 2014 Annual Report Download - page 29

discriminating against content, but we do not know whether the rules implemented as a result of this vote will be
adequate to prevent such conduct. Broadband providers have threatened litigation to challenge this action. In
addition, Congress is considering legislation that would impose open internet protection, but it is unclear when
Congress may take such action or whether that action will be successful. Currently the uncertainty of regulation
or legislation preventing broadband ISPs from blocking or discriminating against our content could adversely
affect our business.
Various international laws and regulations also affect our growth and operations. In addition, various
legislative and regulatory proposals under consideration from time to time by the United States Congress and
various federal, state and international authorities have materially affected us in the past and may materially
affect us in the future. In particular, federal, state and international governmental authorities continue to evaluate
the privacy implications inherent in the use of mobile and video platforms and advertising networks. We use a
variety of tracking and data correlation technologies to facilitate authentication, preference management, research
and measurement, personalization, targeting and advertisement and content delivery. More sophisticated
targeting and measurement facilitate enhanced revenue opportunities. The regulation of these tracking and data
correlation technologies and other current online advertising practices could adversely affect our business.
Marketing
Our marketing efforts continue to support our mission to simplify the internet for consumers and creators by
unleashing the world’s best builders of culture and code. We connect tens of thousands of publishers with
thousands of advertisers on our global and programmatic, content and advertising platforms. We believe the most
effective type of marketing in the near term will be our ability to deliver compelling content, products and
services to the millions of consumers who visit us each day. We intend to continue to promote and support the
AOL brand while we increase our focus on our family of individual content, product and service brands. We look
for strategic opportunities to integrate our brands into high value sponsorships and targeted promotions aimed at
defining our core value proposition to consumers. We also engage in meaningful marketing partnerships that
allow us to grow our audience.
Employees
As of December 31, 2014, we employed approximately 4,500 people. Our employees are based in 19
countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Israel, Germany,
and India. At that time, the country outside of the United States where we had the largest employee population
was the United Kingdom, with approximately 320 employees.
As of February 18, 2015, we employed approximately 4,350 people. In general, we consider our relationship
with employees to be good.
Global Presence
We provide our products and services in over 30 countries. The United States accounted for approximately
89% of our revenues in 2014. Our foreign operations may expose us to risks such as those described in “Item 1A-
Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Business-We face risks relating to doing business internationally that could
adversely affect our business.” For geographic area data for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012,
see “Note 12” in our accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Seasonality
In the fourth quarter, we have historically seen a sequential increase in advertising revenues across our
segments associated with holiday advertising.
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