-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, K4SfcqWQHDjkFmkxyskPuz8MB3lz5n5uBXpJQsIeMvBdaxbI8TiVukynOv2sf8cs zFBQfEzVKK6VWWpg9jMbGQ== 0000950134-00-003963.txt : 20000508 0000950134-00-003963.hdr.sgml : 20000508 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950134-00-003963 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20000331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000505 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ECHOSTAR DBS CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001042642 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COMMUNICATION SERVICES, NEC [4899] IRS NUMBER: 841328967 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CO FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-31929 FILM NUMBER: 620262 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5701 SOUTH SANTA FE DR CITY: LITTLETON STATE: CO ZIP: 80120 BUSINESS PHONE: 3037998222 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 5701 SOUTH SANTA FE DR CITY: LITTLETON STATE: CO ZIP: 80120 10-Q 1 FORM 10-Q FOR QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 1 ================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ---------------------- FORM 10-Q (MARK ONE) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _______________ to ________________. Commission file number 333-31929 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) COLORADO 84-1328967 (State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.) 5701 S. SANTA FE DRIVE LITTLETON, COLORADO 80120 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) (303) 723-1000 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) NOT APPLICABLE (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE REGISTRANT WAS REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS. YES [X] NO [ ] AS OF MAY 5, 2000, REGISTRANT'S OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK CONSISTED OF 1,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK. THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION (H)(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM 10-Q WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT. ================================================================================ 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1999 and March 31, 2000 (Unaudited)............................................... 1 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 2000 (Unaudited)......................................... 2 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 2000 (Unaudited)......................................... 3 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)................................... 4 Item 2. Management's Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations........................................... 10 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk......................................... None PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings.................................................................................. 15 Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.......................................................... * Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.................................................................... * Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders................................................ * Item 5. Other Information.................................................................................. None Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................................................... 17
- -------- * This item has been omitted pursuant to the reduced disclosure format as set forth in General Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q. 3 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands)
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, 1999 2000 ------------ ------------ ASSETS (Unaudited) Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents ................................................... $ 159,761 $ 106,241 Marketable investment securities ............................................ 24,774 9,923 Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $13,109 and $16,182, respectively ......................................... 157,944 153,764 Insurance receivable ........................................................ 106,000 106,000 Inventories ................................................................. 123,184 151,318 Other current assets ........................................................ 27,027 32,025 ------------ ------------ Total current assets ........................................................... 598,690 559,271 Property and equipment, net .................................................... 1,314,007 1,291,206 FCC authorizations, net ........................................................ 722,234 723,648 Other noncurrent assets ........................................................ 95,276 95,546 ------------ ------------ Total assets .............................................................. $ 2,730,207 $ 2,669,671 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current Liabilities: Trade accounts payable ...................................................... 187,703 151,839 Deferred revenue ............................................................ 181,034 210,414 Accrued expenses ............................................................ 483,635 522,788 Advances from affiliates, net ............................................... 272,440 353,558 Current portion of long-term debt ........................................... 21,017 19,932 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities ...................................................... 1,145,829 1,258,531 Long-term obligations, net of current portion: 1994 Notes .................................................................. 1,503 1,503 1996 Notes .................................................................. 1,097 1,097 1997 Notes .................................................................. 15 15 Seven Year Notes ............................................................ 375,000 375,000 Ten Year Notes .............................................................. 1,625,000 1,625,000 Mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion ................... 25,445 22,313 Long-term deferred satellite services revenue and other long-term liabilities ..................................................... 18,812 26,260 ------------ ------------ Total long-term obligations, net of current portion ............................ 2,046,872 2,051,188 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities ......................................................... 3,192,701 3,309,719 Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5) Stockholder's Equity (Deficit): Common Stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding ............................................................... -- -- Additional paid-in capital .................................................. 1,448,324 1,448,324 Deferred stock-based compensation ........................................... (117,780) (104,071) Accumulated other comprehensive income ...................................... -- (81) Accumulated deficit ......................................................... (1,793,038) (1,984,220) ------------ ------------ Total stockholder's equity (deficit) ........................................... (462,494) (640,048) ------------ ------------ Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit) ...................... $ 2,730,207 $ 2,669,671 ============ ============
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 1 4 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands) (Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ---------------------------- 1999 2000 ------------ ------------ REVENUE: DISH Network: Subscription television services ....................... $ 260,945 $ 476,305 Other .................................................. 2,265 1,934 --------- --------- Total DISH Network ....................................... 263,210 478,239 DTH equipment sales and integration services ............. 31,193 60,815 Satellite services ....................................... 7,949 14,095 C-band and other ......................................... 7,983 14,909 --------- --------- Total revenue ............................................... 310,335 568,058 COSTS AND EXPENSES: DISH Network Operating Expenses: Subscriber-related expenses ............................ 111,432 203,960 Customer service center and other ...................... 24,109 56,049 Satellite and transmission ............................. 9,446 12,324 --------- --------- Total DISH Network operating expenses .................... 144,987 272,333 Cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration services ... 23,143 46,928 Cost of sales - C-band and other ......................... 4,050 8,115 Marketing: Subscriber promotion subsidies ......................... 130,717 256,026 Advertising and other .................................. 11,681 23,165 --------- --------- Total marketing expenses ................................. 142,398 279,191 General and administrative ............................... 28,632 53,595 Non-cash, stock-based compensation ....................... -- 14,009 Depreciation and amortization ............................ 24,562 39,343 --------- --------- Total costs and expenses .................................... 367,772 713,514 --------- --------- Operating loss .............................................. (57,437) (145,456) Other Income (Expense): Interest income .......................................... 3,366 3,202 Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized ............. (50,594) (48,617) Other .................................................... 147 (279) --------- --------- Total other income (expense) ................................ (47,081) (45,694) --------- --------- Loss before income taxes .................................... (104,518) (191,150) Income tax provision, net ................................... (66) (33) --------- --------- Net loss before extraordinary charges ....................... (104,584) (191,183) Extraordinary charge for early retirement of debt, net of tax ................................................ (228,733) -- --------- --------- Net loss .................................................... $(333,317) $(191,183) ========= =========
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 2 5 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, ---------------------------- 1999 2000 ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss ..................................................................... $ (333,317) $ (191,183) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities: Extraordinary charge for early retirement of debt ......................... 228,733 -- Deferred stock-based compensation recognized .............................. -- 13,709 Depreciation and amortization ............................................. 24,562 39,343 Interest on notes payable to ECC added to principal ....................... 330 -- Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs ................ 10,973 820 Change in reserve for excess and obsolete inventory ....................... (405) 305 Change in long-term deferred satellite services revenue and other long-term liabilities .................................................................. 5,728 7,448 Other, net ................................................................ -- 1,007 Changes in current assets and current liabilities ......................... 65,612 1,415 ----------- ----------- Net cash flows from operating activities ..................................... 2,216 (127,136) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of marketable investment securities ................................ (149,558) -- Sales of marketable investment securities .................................... 18,465 14,770 Funds released from escrow and restricted cash and marketable investment securities ................................................................... 77,657 -- Purchases of property and equipment .......................................... (8,171) (18,055) Other ........................................................................ 121 -- ----------- ----------- Net cash flows from investing activities ..................................... (61,486) (3,285) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Advances from affiliates ..................................................... 191,876 81,118 Proceeds from issuance of Seven Year Notes ................................... 375,000 -- Proceeds from issuance of Ten Year Notes ..................................... 1,625,000 -- Debt issuance costs and prepayment premiums .................................. (233,452) -- Retirement of 1994 Notes ..................................................... (575,674) -- Retirement of 1996 Notes ..................................................... (501,350) -- Retirement of 1997 Notes ..................................................... (378,110) -- Capital contribution to ECC .................................................. (268,588) -- Repayment of notes payable to ECC ............................................ (60,142) -- Repayments of mortgage indebtedness and notes payable ........................ (4,956) (4,217) ----------- ----------- Net cash flows from financing activities ..................................... 169,604 76,901 ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ......................... 110,334 (53,520) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ............................... 25,308 159,761 ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ..................................... $ 135,642 $ 106,241 =========== ===========
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 3 6 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) 1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Principal Business EchoStar DBS Corporation ("DBS Corp," or the "Company"), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Communications Corporation ("ECC" and together with its subsidiaries "EchoStar"), a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq National Market. Unless otherwise stated herein, or the context otherwise requires, references herein to EchoStar shall include ECC, DBS Corp and all direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof. DBS Corp's management refers readers of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to EchoStar's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2000. Substantially all of EchoStar's operations are conducted by subsidiaries of DBS Corp. The operations of EchoStar include three interrelated business units: o The DISH Network - a direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") subscription television service in the United States. As of March 31, 2000, EchoStar had approximately 3.9 million DISH Network subscribers. o EchoStar Technologies Corporation ("ETC") - engaged in the design, distribution and sale of DBS set-top boxes, antennae and other digital equipment for the DISH Network ("EchoStar receiver systems"), and the design and distribution of similar equipment for direct-to-home ("DTH") projects of others internationally, together with the provision of uplink center design, construction oversight and other project integration services for international DTH ventures. o Satellite Services - engaged in the delivery of video, audio and data services to business television customers and other satellite users. These services may include satellite uplink services, satellite transponder space usage, billing, customer service and other services. Since 1994, EchoStar has deployed substantial resources to develop the "EchoStar DBS System." The EchoStar DBS System consists of EchoStar's FCC-allocated DBS spectrum, DBS satellites ("EchoStar I," "EchoStar II," "EchoStar III," "EchoStar IV," and "EchoStar V"), digital satellite receivers, digital broadcast operations centers, customer service facilities, and other assets utilized in its operations. EchoStar's principal business strategy is to continue developing its subscription television service in the United States to provide consumers with a fully competitive alternative to cable television service. Recent Developments During March 2000, EchoStar acquired Kelly Broadcasting Systems, Inc. ("KBS"), a New Jersey based provider of international and foreign-language programming in the United States. In connection with the acquisition, EchoStar issued approximately 510,000 shares of its Class A common stock and paid $3.5 million in cash, for 100% ownership of KBS. During March 2000, EchoStar completed a $50 million investment in iSKY Inc. Pursuant to the investment agreement, following the launch of iSKY's service, currently anticipated during late 2001, EchoStar would distribute the iSKY satellite Internet service along with DISH Network satellite TV service through its retailers nationwide. With this investment, EchoStar acquired a 11.03% interest in iSKY and received warrants which, subject to reaching certain iSKY customer targets through the DISH Network, could increase its stake up to 19.26% on an outstanding basis. 4 7 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (Unaudited) 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2000 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2000. For further information, refer to the combined and consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 3. INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, 1999 2000 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) Raw materials ........................... $ 35,751 $ 61,774 Finished goods - DBS .................... 63,054 54,393 Finished goods - reconditioned and other 19,509 25,281 Work-in-process ......................... 7,666 13,220 Consignment ............................. 1,084 835 Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory (3,880) (4,185) ------------ ------------ $ 123,184 $ 151,318 ============ ============
4. ECHOSTAR IV IMPAIRMENT As a result of the failure of EchoStar IV solar arrays to fully deploy and the failure of 22 transponders to date, a maximum of approximately 16 of the 44 transponders on EchoStar IV are currently available for use at this time. Due to the normal degradation of the solar arrays, the number of available transponders may further decrease over time. Based on current data from Lockheed Martin, we expect that at least 10 high power transponders or 5 extra-high power transponders will probably be available over the remaining useful life of the satellite, absent significant additional transponder problems or other failures. In addition to transponder failures, EchoStar IV experienced anomalies affecting its heating systems and fuel system during 1999. As a result of the heating system and fuel system anomalies, the estimated remaining useful life of EchoStar IV has been reduced to approximately 4 years. This change increased EchoStar's net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2000 by approximately $2.4 million. 5 8 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (Unaudited) During September 1998, EchoStar recorded a $106 million provision for loss in connection with the partial failure of EchoStar IV solar arrays to deploy. During December 1999, EchoStar recorded an additional $13.7 million provision for loss. The aggregate loss provision of $119.7 million represented EchoStar's estimate, at December 31, 1999, of the asset impairment attributable to lost transmission capacity on EchoStar IV resulting from the solar array anomaly described above. EchoStar also recorded a $106 million gain, during September 1998, attributable to an anticipated insurance claim receivable that it believes is probable of receipt. While there can be no assurance as to the amount of the final insurance settlement, EchoStar believes that it will receive insurance proceeds at least equal to the $106 million receivable recorded. To the extent that it appears probable that EchoStar will receive insurance proceeds in excess of the $106 million currently recorded and that no further provision for loss is necessary, a gain will be recognized for the incremental amount in the period that the amount of the final settlement can be reasonably estimated. In September 1998, EchoStar filed a $219.3 million insurance claim for a constructive total loss under the launch insurance policy related to EchoStar IV. However, if the Company receives $219.3 million for a constructive total loss on the satellite, the insurers would obtain the sole right to the benefits of salvage from EchoStar IV under the terms of the launch insurance policy. Although we believe we have suffered a total loss of EchoStar IV under that definition in the launch insurance policy, we intend to negotiate a settlement with the insurers to compensate us for the reduced satellite transmission capacity and allow us to retain title to the asset. The satellite insurance policy for EchoStar IV consists of separate identical policies with different carriers for varying amounts which, in combination, create a total insured amount of $219.3 million. Two of the participants in EchoStar's insurance line have notified EchoStar they believe that its alleged delay in providing required insurance claim information may reduce their obligation to pay any settlement related to the claim. During April 2000, the insurance carriers offered EchoStar a total of approximately $88 million, or 40% of the total policy amount, in settlement of the EchoStar IV insurance claim. The insurers allege that all other impairment to the satellite occurred after expiration of the policy period and is not covered by the policy. EchoStar strongly disagrees with the position of the insurers. As a result, EchoStar filed for arbitration to resolve its insurance claim for constructive total loss with respect to the EchoStar IV satellite. There can be no assurance that EchoStar will receive the amount claimed or, if it does, that EchoStar will retain title to EchoStar IV with its reduced capacity. While there can be no assurance, we do not currently expect a material adverse impact on short term satellite operations. We will continue to evaluate the performance of EchoStar IV and may modify our loss assessment as new events or circumstances develop. 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES DirecTV During February 2000 EchoStar filed suit against DirecTV and Thomson Consumer Electronics/RCA in the Federal District Court of Colorado. The suit alleges that DirecTV has utilized improper conduct in order to fend off competition from the DISH Network. According to the complaint, DirecTV has demanded that certain retailers stop displaying EchoStar merchandise and has threatened to cause economic damage to retailers if they continued to offer both product lines in head-to-head competition. The suit alleges, among other things, that DirecTV has acted in violation of federal and state anti-trust laws in order to protect DirecTV's market share. EchoStar is seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages. It is too early in the litigation to make an assessment of the probable outcome. The DirecTV defendants filed a counterclaim against EchoStar. DirecTV alleges that EchoStar tortuously interfered with a contract that DirecTV allegedly had with Kelly Broadcasting Systems, Inc. (KBS). DirecTV alleges that EchoStar "merged" with KBS, in contravention of DirecTV's contract with KBS. DirecTV also alleges that EchoStar has falsely advertised to consumers about EchoStar's right to offer network programming. DirecTV 6 9 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (Unaudited) further alleges that EchoStar improperly used certain marks owned by PrimeStar, now owned by DirecTV. Finally, DirecTV alleges that EchoStar has been marketing National Football League games in a misleading manner. The amount of damages DirecTV is seeking is as yet unquantified. EchoStar intends to vigorously defend against these claims. The case is currently in discovery. The News Corporation Limited During February 1997, News Corporation agreed to acquire approximately 50% of our outstanding capital stock. During late April 1997, substantial disagreements arose between the parties regarding their obligations under this agreement. Those substantial disagreements led to litigation which the parties subsequently settled. In connection with the News Corporation litigation, we have a contingent fee arrangement with the attorneys who represented us in that litigation, which provides for the attorneys to be paid a percentage of any net recovery obtained in the News Corporation litigation. The attorneys have asserted that they may be entitled to receive payments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars under this fee arrangement. We are vigorously contesting the attorneys' interpretation of the fee arrangement, which we believe significantly overstates the magnitude of our liability. We also believe that the fee arrangement is void and unenforceable because the attorneys who represented us are seeking a fee that we believe is unreasonable and excessive, among other things. If we are unable to resolve this fee dispute with the attorneys, it would be resolved through arbitration or litigation. During mid-1999, we initiated litigation against the attorneys in the District Court, Arapahoe County, Colorado, arguing that the fee arrangement is void and unenforceable. In December 1999, the attorneys initiated an arbitration proceeding before the American Arbitration Association. It is too early to determine the outcome of negotiations, arbitration or litigation regarding this fee dispute. WIC Premium Television Ltd. During July 1998, a lawsuit was filed by WIC Premium Television Ltd., an Alberta corporation, in the Federal Court of Canada Trial Division, against General Instrument Corporation, HBO, Warner Communications, Inc., John Doe, Showtime, United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc., EchoStar, and two of EchoStar's wholly-owned subsidiaries. The lawsuit seeks, among other things, an interim and permanent injunction prohibiting the defendants from activating receivers in Canada and from infringing any copyrights held by WIC. It is too early to determine whether or when any other lawsuits or claims will be filed. It is also too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. During September 1998, WIC filed another lawsuit in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta Judicial District of Edmonton against certain defendants, including EchoStar. WIC is a company authorized to broadcast certain copyrighted work, such as movies and concerts, to residents of Canada. WIC alleges that the defendants engaged in, promoted, and/or allowed satellite dish equipment from the United States to be sold in Canada and to Canadian residents and that some of the defendants allowed and profited from Canadian residents purchasing and viewing subscription television programming that is only authorized for viewing in the United States. The lawsuit seeks, among other things, an interim and permanent injunction prohibiting the defendants from importing hardware into Canada and from activating receivers in Canada, together with damages in excess of $175 million. We filed motions to dismiss each of the actions for lack of personal jurisdiction. The Court in the Alberta action recently denied our Motion to Dismiss. The Alberta Court also granted a motion to add more EchoStar parties to the lawsuit. EchoStar Satellite Corporation, EchoStar DBS Corporation, EchoStar Technologies Corporation, and EchoStar Satellite Broadcast Corporation have been added as defendants in the litigation. The newly added defendants have also challenged jurisdiction. The Court in the Federal action has stayed that case before ruling on our motion to dismiss. We intend to vigorously defend the suits in the event our motions are denied. It is too early to determine whether or when any other lawsuits or claims will be filed. It is also too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. 7 10 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (Unaudited) Broadcast network programming Under the Satellite Home Viewer Act, the determination of whether a household qualifies as "unserved" for the purpose of eligibility to receive a distant network channel depends, in part, on whether that household can receive a signal of "Grade B intensity" as defined by the FCC. During 1998, the national networks and local affiliate stations challenged, based upon copyright infringement, PrimeTime 24's methods of selling network programming to consumers. Historically, we obtained distant broadcast network signals for distribution to our customers through PrimeTime 24. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered a nationwide permanent injunction preventing PrimeTime 24 from selling its programming to consumers unless the programming was sold in accordance with certain stipulations in the injunction. The injunction covers distributors as well. The plaintiffs in the Florida litigation informed us they considered us a distributor for purposes of that injunction. A federal district court in North Carolina also issued an injunction against PrimeTime 24 prohibiting certain distant signal retransmissions in the Raleigh area. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently affirmed the North Carolina Court's decision. We have implemented Satellite Home Viewer Act compliance procedures which materially restrict the market for the sale of network channels by us. In October 1998, we filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against the four major networks. We asked the court to enter a judgment declaring that our method of providing distant network programming does not violate the Satellite Home Viewer Act and hence does not infringe the networks' copyrights. In November 1998, the four major broadcast networks and their affiliate groups filed a complaint against us in federal court in Miami alleging, among other things, copyright infringement. The court combined the case that we filed in Colorado with the case in Miami and transferred it to the Miami court. In February 1999, CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC filed a "Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Contempt Finding" against DirecTV in Miami related to the delivery of distant network channels to DirecTV customers by satellite. Under the terms of a settlement between DirecTV and the networks, some DirecTV customers were scheduled to lose access to their satellite-provided network channels by July 31, 1999, while other DirecTV customers were to be disconnected by December 31, 1999. Subsequently, PrimeTime 24 and substantially all providers of satellite-delivered network programming other than us agreed to this cut-off schedule. The networks are pursuing a Motion for Preliminary Injunction in the Miami Court, asking the Court to enjoin us from providing network programming except under very limited circumstances, and to turn off network programming to many of our customers. A preliminary injunction hearing was held during September 1999. The Court took the issues under advisement to consider the networks' request for an injunction, whether to hear live testimony before ruling upon the request, and whether to hear argument on why the Satellite Home Viewer Act may be unconstitutional, among other things. The Court did not say when a decision will be made, or whether an additional hearing will be necessary prior to ruling on the networks' preliminary injunction motion. Additional motions and affidavits have been filed with the Court over the past several months and a ruling adverse, or favorable, to us could issue at any time. If this case is decided against us, or a preliminary injunction is issued, significant material restrictions on the sale of distant ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox channels by us could result, including potentially a nationwide permanent prohibition on our broadcast of ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox network channels by satellite. The litigation and the new legislation discussed above, among other things, could also require us to terminate delivery of network signals to a material portion of our subscriber base, which could cause many of these subscribers to cancel their subscription to our other services. While the networks have not sought monetary damages, they have sought to recover attorney fees 8 11 ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED (Unaudited) if they prevail. We have sent letters to some of our subscribers warning that their access to distant broadcast network channels might be terminated soon and have terminated ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox programming to many customers. In November 1999, Congress passed new legislation regarding the satellite delivery of network programming and it was signed into law by President Clinton. This new law has the potential of reducing the number of customers whose network channels EchoStar may otherwise be required to terminate, as the law "grandfathers" many subscribers to continue to receive network channels by satellite. 6. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("FAS No. 131") effective as of the year ended December 31, 1998. FAS No. 131 establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements of public business enterprises and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders.
ECHOSTAR OTHER DISH SATELLITE ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED ECHOSTAR NETWORK ETC SERVICES AND OTHER TOTAL ACTIVITY DBS CORP --------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ --------- --------- THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 Revenue ....................... $ 269,189 $ 26,517 $ 9,110 $ 4,760 $ 309,576 $ 759 $ 310,335 Net income (loss) before extraordinary charges ....... (495,439) (3,776) 4,962 390,921 (103,332) (1,252) (104,584) THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 Revenue ....................... $ 484,448 $ 52,469 $ 17,661 $ 11,143 $ 565,721 $ 2,337 $ 568,058 Net income (loss) ............. (534,017) (4,494) 11,062 342,319 (185,130) (6,053) (191,183)
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS During April 2000, EchoStar announced an investment of $50 million in Gilat-To-Home Inc. Gilat-To-Home, a joint venture whose partners now include EchoStar, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., and Microsoft, plans to provide consumer, two-way satellite, broadband Internet service later this year. With the investment, EchoStar will hold approximately a 17.6% stake in Gilat-To-Home. EchoStar and Gilat previously announced an agreement to jointly offer consumers two-way, Ku-band, high-speed satellite Internet access along with DISH Network satellite television programming via a single small consumer dish. Under the terms of the agreement, EchoStar will distribute the Gilat-To-Home broadband satellite Internet service powered by MSN along with DISH Network satellite TV service through its retailers nationwide. The Gilat-To-Home services are expected to be available during late 2000. 9 12 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS All statements contained herein, as well as statements made in press releases and oral statements that may be made by us or by officers, directors or employees acting on our behalf, that are not statements of historical fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially are the following: a total or partial loss of a satellite due to operational failures, space debris or otherwise; an unsuccessful launch or deployment of our sixth satellite, EchoStar VI; delays in the construction of our seventh, eighth or ninth satellites; a decrease in sales of digital equipment and related services to international direct-to-home or DTH service providers; a decrease in DISH Network subscriber growth; an increase in subscriber turnover; an increase in subscriber acquisition costs; an inability to obtain certain retransmission consents; our inability to retain necessary authorizations from the FCC; an increase in competition from cable, direct broadcast satellite, other satellite system operators, and other providers of subscription television services; the introduction of new technologies and competitors into the subscription television business; a change in the regulations governing the subscription television service industry; the outcome of any litigation in which we may be involved; general business and economic conditions; and other risk factors described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition to statements that explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that include the terms "believes," "belief," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends" or the like to be uncertain and forward-looking. All cautionary statements made herein should be read as being applicable to all forward-looking statements wherever they appear. In this connection, investors should consider the risks described herein and should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 1999. Revenue. Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2000 was $568 million, an increase of $258 million compared to total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 1999 of $310 million. The increase in total revenue was primarily attributable to DISH Network subscriber growth. We expect that our revenues will continue to increase as the number of DISH Network subscribers increases. DISH Network subscription television services revenue totaled $476 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000, an increase of $215 million compared to the same period in 1998. This increase was directly attributable to the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers and higher average revenue per subscriber. DISH Network subscribers for the three months ended March 31, 2000 increased approximately 71% compared to the same period in 1999. As March 31, 2000, we had approximately 3.9 million DISH Network subscribers compared to 2.3 million at March 31, 1999. The strong subscriber growth reflects the impact of aggressive marketing promotions, including our free installation program, together with increased interest in satellite television resulting from the availability of local network channels by satellite, together with generally good economic conditions and positive momentum for the DISH Network generally. Monthly revenue per subscriber was approximately $43.85 during the three months ended March 31, 2000 and approximately $41.50 during the same period during 1999. DISH Network subscription television services revenue principally consists of revenue from basic, premium and pay-per-view subscription television services. DISH Network subscription television services revenue will continue to increase to the extent we are successful in increasing the number of DISH Network subscribers and maintaining or increasing revenue per subscriber. For the three months ended March 31, 2000, DTH equipment sales and integration services totaled $61 million, an increase of $30 million compared to the same period during 1999. DTH equipment sales consist of sales of digital set-top boxes and other digital satellite broadcasting equipment to international DTH service operators and sales of DBS accessories. This increase in DTH equipment sales and integration services revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in international demand for digital set-top boxes as compared to the same period during 1999. 10 13 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED Substantially all of our EchoStar Technologies Corporation, or ETC, revenues have resulted from sales to two international DTH providers. We currently have agreements to provide equipment to DTH service operators in Spain and Canada. As a result, our ETC business currently is economically dependent on these two DTH providers. Our future revenue from the sale of DTH equipment and integration services in international markets depends largely on the success of these DTH operators and continued demand for our digital set-top boxes. Although there can be no assurance, we expect that our DTH equipment and integration services revenue for the year ended December 31, 2000 will approximate DTH equipment and integration services revenue during 1999. Although we continue to actively pursue additional distribution and integration service opportunities internationally, no assurance can be given that any such efforts will be successful. As previously reported, since 1998, Telefonica, one of the two DTH service providers described above, has had recurrent discussions and negotiations for a possible merger with Sogecable (Canal Plus Satellite), one of its primary competitors. While we are not currently aware of any formal negotiations between Telefonica and Canal Plus Satellite, there are again rumors of a potential merger in the marketplace. Although we have binding purchase orders from Telefonica for deliveries of DTH equipment in 2000, we cannot predict the impact, if any, eventual consummation of this possible merger might have on our future sales to Telefonica. Satellite services revenue totaled $14 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, an increase of $6 million as compared to the same period during 1999. These revenues principally include fees charged to content providers for signal carriage and revenues earned from business television, or BTV customers. The increase in satellite services revenue was primarily attributable to increased BTV revenue due to the addition of new full-time BTV customers. Satellite services revenue for the year ended December 31, 2000 is expected to increase as compared to the year ended December 31, 1999, to the extent we are successful in increasing the number of our BTV customers and developing and implementing new services. In order, among other things, to prepare for a potential adverse result in our pending litigation with the four major broadcast networks and their affiliate groups, we have sent letters to some of our subscribers warning that their access to CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC distant network channels might be terminated this year. Such terminations would result in a small reduction in average monthly revenue per subscriber and possibly increased subscriber turnover. While there can be no assurance, any such decreases could be offset by increases in average monthly revenue per subscriber resulting from the delivery of local network channels by satellite, and increases in other programming offerings that will follow the launch of EchoStar VI this summer. DISH Network Operating Expenses. DISH Network operating expenses totaled $272 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, an increase of $127 million or 88%, compared to the same period in 1999. The increase in DISH Network operating expenses was consistent with, and primarily attributable to, the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers. DISH Network operating expenses represented 57% and 56% of subscription television services revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The percentage increase is primarily attributable to operating inefficiencies resulting from our rapid growth including upgrades to our installation and call center infrastructure. We believe these issues will be resolved shortly and will provide long term efficiency improvement. Subscriber-related expenses totaled $204 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, an increase of $93 million compared to the same period in 1999. Such expenses, which include programming expenses, copyright royalties, residuals currently payable to retailers and distributors, and billing, lockbox and other variable subscriber expenses, represented 43% of subscription television services revenues during each of the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999. Although we do not currently expect subscriber-related expenses as a percentage of subscription television services revenue to increase materially in future periods, there can be no assurance this expense to revenue ratio will not materially increase. Customer service center and other expenses principally consist of costs incurred in the operation of our DISH Network customer service centers, such as personnel and telephone expenses, as well as subscriber equipment installation and other operating expenses. Customer service center and other expenses totaled $56 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, an increase of $32 million as compared to the same period in 1999. The increase 11 14 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED in customer service center and other expenses primarily resulted from increased personnel and telephone expenses to support the growth of the DISH Network and from installation expenses related to the expansion of our installation business. Customer service center and other expenses totaled 12% of subscription television services revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2000, as compared to 9% during the same period in 1999. These expenses in total, and as a percentage of subscription television services revenue, may continue to increase in future periods as we continue to develop and expand our customer service centers and installation business to provide additional customer support and help us better accommodate anticipated subscriber growth, resulting in long term efficiency improvements. Satellite and transmission expenses include expenses associated with the operation of our digital broadcast center, contracted satellite telemetry, tracking and control services, and satellite in-orbit insurance. Satellite and transmission expenses totaled $12 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, a $3 million increase compared to the same period in 1999. This increase resulted from higher satellite and other digital broadcast center operating expenses due to an increase in the number of operational satellites. We expect satellite and transmission expenses to continue to increase in the future as additional satellites or digital broadcast centers are placed in service. Satellite and transmission expenses totaled 3% and 4% of subscription television services revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Cost of sales - DTH equipment and Integration Services. Cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration services totaled $47 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, an increase of $24 million compared to the same period in 1999. Cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration services principally includes costs associated with digital set-top boxes and related components sold to international DTH operators and DBS accessories. This increase in cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration services is consistent with the increase in DTH equipment sales and integration services revenue. Cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration services represented 77% and 74% of DTH equipment revenue, during the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The increase reflects price pressure resulting from increased competition from other providers of DTH equipment. Marketing Expenses. Marketing expenses totaled $279 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, an increase of $137 million compared to the same period in 1999. The increase in marketing expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in subscriber promotion subsidies. Subscriber promotion subsidies include the excess of transaction costs over transaction proceeds at the time of sale of EchoStar receiver systems, activation allowances paid to retailers, and other promotional incentives. Advertising and other expenses totaled $23 million and $12 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. We subsidize the purchase and installation of EchoStar receiver systems in order to attract new DISH Network subscribers. Consequently, our subscriber acquisition costs are significant. In connection with our plans to encourage as many new subscribers as possible to be ready for the additional services that will become available at the 110(Degree) WL orbital location, and as a result of continuing competition and our plans to attempt to continue to drive rapid subscriber growth, we expect our subscriber acquisition costs for 2000 may average as much as $450 or more for the full year. During the three months ended March 31, 2000, our marketing promotions included our DISH Network One-Rate Plan, C-band bounty program, Great Rewards program (PrimeStar bounty), cable bounty and a free installation program. Our subscriber acquisition costs under these programs are significantly higher than those under our marketing programs historically. Under the DISH Network One-Rate Plan, consumers are eligible to receive a rebate that ranges from $100 up to $299 on the purchase of certain EchoStar receiver systems. To be eligible for this rebate, a subscriber must make a one-year commitment to subscribe to our America's Top 100 CD programming package plus additional channels. The amount of the monthly programming commitment determines the amount of the rebate. Although subscriber acquisition costs are materially higher under this plan compared to previous promotions, DISH Network One-Rate Plan customers generally provide materially greater average revenue per subscriber than a typical DISH Network subscriber. In addition, we believe that these customers represent lower credit risk and therefore may be marginally less likely to disconnect their service than other DISH Network subscribers. To the extent that actual consumer participation levels 12 15 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED exceed present expectations, subscriber acquisition costs may increase. Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate duration of the DISH Network One-Rate Plan, it will continue through at least July 2000. Under our bounty programs, current cable, C-band and PrimeStar customers are eligible to receive a free base-level EchoStar receiver system and free installation. In addition, PrimeStar customers are eligible to receive six months of our America's Top 40 programming or our DISH Latino programming (both packages retail for $19.99 per month) without charge. A subscriber must make a one-year commitment to subscribe to either our America's Top 40, our DISH Latino programming package or our America's Top 100 CD programming package and prove that they are a current cable, C-band or PrimeStar customer to be eligible for these programs. Under our free installation program all customers who purchase an EchoStar receiver system through April 30, 2000 are eligible to receive a free professional installation. The free installation program was responsible, in part, for the strong subscriber growth during the first quarter of 2000. The free installation program was also largely responsible for the increase in subscriber acquisition costs during the first quarter. While there can be no assurance, we expect that subscriber acquisition costs may be lower during the remainder of 2000 following expiration of the free installation program and commencement of other less expensive programs including our new Digital Home Plan. That plan provides consumers with the use of two receivers plus installation, in home service and our America's Top 150 programming package for only $49.99, plus a $99 up front fee. During the three months ended March 31, 2000, our total subscriber acquisition costs, inclusive of acquisition marketing expenses, totaled approximately $273 million, or approximately $467 per new subscriber activation. Comparatively, our subscriber acquisition costs during the three months ended March 31, 1999, inclusive of acquisition marketing expenses, totaled $142 million, or approximately $355 per new subscriber activation. The increase in our subscriber acquisition costs, on a per new subscriber activation basis, principally resulted from the impact of several aggressive marketing promotions to acquire new subscribers, including most significantly our free installation offer which commenced in January and is scheduled to conclude during the second quarter. In connection with the launch of EchoStar V and EchoStar VI, we will utilize the 110(Degree) orbital location to enhance revenue opportunities with new value added services for our current and future subscribers, and maintain our primary DBS service at the 119(Degree) orbital location. Our existing subscribers will need to upgrade their dish and receiver systems in order to take advantage of all of the services we offer. To encourage existing subscribers to upgrade their systems and remain subscribers, we are currently subsidizing upgrades by existing subscribers to our DISH 500 system. The cost of this program could be significant if utilized by a large number of our existing subscribers. The anticipated date for the launch of EchoStar VI, previously scheduled for June 2000, is now expected in July as a result of a delay of an Atlas launch scheduled prior to EchoStar VI. Our subscriber acquisition costs, both in the aggregate and on a per new subscriber activation basis, may materially increase further to the extent that we continue or expand our bounty programs, our "free system/free installation" program, or the DISH Network One-Rate Plan, or if we determine that other more aggressive promotions are necessary to respond to competition, or for other reasons. General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses totaled $54 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, an increase of $25 million as compared to the same period in 1999. The increase in G&A expenses was principally attributable to increased personnel expenses to support the growth of the DISH Network. G&A expenses represented 9% of total revenue during each of the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999. Although we expect G&A expenses as a percentage of total revenue to remain near the current level or decline modestly in future periods, this expense to revenue ratio could increase. Non-cash, Stock-based Compensation. During 1999, we adopted an incentive plan which provided certain key employees a contingent incentive including stock options. The payment of these incentives was contingent upon our achievement of certain financial and other goals. We met certain of these goals during 1999. Accordingly, we recorded approximately $179 million of deferred compensation related to post-grant appreciation of stock options granted pursuant to the 1999 incentive plan. The related deferred compensation will be recognized over the five-year vesting period. As a result of substantial post-grant appreciation of options, during the three months ended 13 16 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - CONTINUED March 31, 2000 we recognized $14 million of the total of $179 million of deferred stock-based compensation under this performance based plan. The remainder will be recognized over the remaining vesting period. EBITDA. EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and non-cash, stock-based compensation. EBITDA was negative $92 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000 compared to negative $33 million during the same period in 1999. This decline in EBITDA principally resulted from an increase in subscriber acquisition costs due to the success of several aggressive marketing promotions to acquire new subscribers, as well as other previously described factors. It is important to note that EBITDA does not represent cash provided or used by operating activities. Further, our calculation of EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2000 does not include approximately $14 million of non-cash compensation expense resulting from post-grant appreciation of employee stock options. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. As previously discussed, to the extent we expand our current marketing promotions and our subscriber acquisition costs materially increase, our EBITDA results will be negatively impacted because subscriber acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses aggregated $39 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, a $14 million increase compared to the same period in 1999. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses principally resulted from an increase in depreciation related to the commencement of operation of EchoStar V in November 1999 and other depreciable assets placed in service during 1999. Other Income and Expense. Other expense, net totaled $46 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000, a decrease of $1 million compared to the same period in 1999. This decrease resulted from an increase in interest income partially offset by an increase in interest expense. 14 17 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS DirecTV During February 2000 we filed suit against DirecTV and Thomson Consumer Electronics/RCA in the Federal District Court of Colorado. The suit alleges that DirecTV has utilized improper conduct in order to fend off competition from the DISH Network. According to the complaint, DirecTV has demanded that certain retailers stop displaying our merchandise and has threatened to cause economic damage to retailers if they continued to offer both product lines in head-to-head competition. The suit alleges, among other things, that DirecTV has acted in violation of federal and state anti-trust laws in order to protect DirecTV's market share. We are seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages. It is too early in the litigation to make an assessment of the probable outcome. The DirecTV defendants filed a counterclaim against us. DirecTV alleges that we tortuously interfered with a contract that DirecTV allegedly had with Kelly Broadcasting Systems, Inc., or KBS. DirecTV alleges that we "merged" with KBS, in contravention of DirecTV's contract with KBS. DirecTV also alleges that we have falsely advertised to consumers about our right to offer network programming. DirecTV further alleges that we improperly used certain marks owned by PrimeStar, now owned by DirecTV. Finally, DirecTV alleges that we have been marketing National Football League games in a misleading manner. The amount of damages DirecTV is seeking is as yet unquantified. We intend to vigorously defend against these claims. The case is currently in discovery. The News Corporation Limited During February 1997, News Corporation agreed to acquire approximately 50% of our outstanding capital stock. During late April 1997, substantial disagreements arose between the parties regarding their obligations under this agreement. Those substantial disagreements led to litigation which the parties subsequently settled. In connection with the News Corporation litigation, we have a contingent fee arrangement with the attorneys who represented us in that litigation, which provides for the attorneys to be paid a percentage of any net recovery obtained in the News Corporation litigation. The attorneys have asserted that they may be entitled to receive payments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars under this fee arrangement. We are vigorously contesting the attorneys' interpretation of the fee arrangement, which we believe significantly overstates the magnitude of our liability. We also believe that the fee arrangement is void and unenforceable because the attorneys who represented us are seeking a fee that we believe is unreasonable and excessive, among other things. If we are unable to resolve this fee dispute with the attorneys, it would be resolved through arbitration or litigation. During mid-1999, we initiated litigation against the attorneys in the District Court, Arapahoe County, Colorado, arguing that the fee arrangement is void and unenforceable. In December 1999, the attorneys initiated an arbitration proceeding before the American Arbitration Association. It is too early to determine the outcome of negotiations, arbitration or litigation regarding this fee dispute. WIC Premium Television Ltd. During July 1998, a lawsuit was filed by WIC Premium Television Ltd., an Alberta corporation, in the Federal Court of Canada Trial Division, against General Instrument Corporation, HBO, Warner Communications, Inc., John Doe, Showtime, United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc., EchoStar, and two of EchoStar's wholly-owned subsidiaries. The lawsuit seeks, among other things, an interim and permanent injunction prohibiting the defendants from activating receivers in Canada and from infringing any copyrights held by WIC. It is too early to determine whether or when any other lawsuits or claims will be filed. It is also too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. During September 1998, WIC filed another lawsuit in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta Judicial District of Edmonton against certain defendants, including EchoStar. WIC is a company authorized to broadcast certain copyrighted work, such as movies and concerts, to residents of Canada. WIC alleges that the defendants engaged in, promoted, and/or allowed satellite dish equipment from the United States to be sold in Canada and to Canadian residents and that some of the defendants allowed and profited from Canadian residents purchasing and viewing subscription television programming that is only authorized for viewing in the United States. The lawsuit 15 18 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION seeks, among other things, an interim and permanent injunction prohibiting the defendants from importing hardware into Canada and from activating receivers in Canada, together with damages in excess of $175 million. We filed motions to dismiss each of the actions for lack of personal jurisdiction. The Court in the Alberta action recently denied our Motion to Dismiss. The Alberta Court also granted a motion to add more EchoStar parties to the lawsuit. EchoStar Satellite Corporation, EchoStar DBS Corporation, EchoStar Technologies Corporation, and EchoStar Satellite Broadcast Corporation have been added as defendants in the litigation. The newly added defendants have also challenged jurisdiction. The Court in the Federal action has stayed that case before ruling on our motion to dismiss. We intend to vigorously defend the suits in the event our motions are denied. It is too early to determine whether or when any other lawsuits or claims will be filed. It is also too early to make an assessment of the probable outcome of the litigation or to determine the extent of any potential liability or damages. Broadcast network programming Under the Satellite Home Viewer Act, the determination of whether a household qualifies as "unserved" for the purpose of eligibility to receive a distant network channel depends, in part, on whether that household can receive a signal of "Grade B intensity" as defined by the FCC. During 1998, the national networks and local affiliate stations challenged, based upon copyright infringement, PrimeTime 24's methods of selling network programming to consumers. Historically, we obtained distant broadcast network signals for distribution to our customers through PrimeTime 24. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered a nationwide permanent injunction preventing PrimeTime 24 from selling its programming to consumers unless the programming was sold in accordance with certain stipulations in the injunction. The injunction covers distributors as well. The plaintiffs in the Florida litigation informed us they considered us a distributor for purposes of that injunction. A federal district court in North Carolina also issued an injunction against PrimeTime 24 prohibiting certain distant signal retransmissions in the Raleigh area. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently affirmed the North Carolina Court's decision. We have implemented Satellite Home Viewer Act compliance procedures which materially restrict the market for the sale of network channels by us. In October 1998, we filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against the four major networks. We asked the court to enter a judgment declaring that our method of providing distant network programming does not violate the Satellite Home Viewer Act and hence does not infringe the networks' copyrights. In November 1998, the four major broadcast networks and their affiliate groups filed a complaint against us in federal court in Miami alleging, among other things, copyright infringement. The court combined the case that we filed in Colorado with the case in Miami and transferred it to the Miami court. In February 1999, CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC filed a "Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Contempt Finding" against DirecTV in Miami related to the delivery of distant network channels to DirecTV customers by satellite. Under the terms of a settlement between DirecTV and the networks, some DirecTV customers were scheduled to lose access to their satellite-provided network channels by July 31, 1999, while other DirecTV customers were to be disconnected by December 31, 1999. Subsequently, PrimeTime 24 and substantially all providers of satellite-delivered network programming other than us agreed to this cut-off schedule. The networks are pursuing a Motion for Preliminary Injunction in the Miami Court, asking the Court to enjoin us from providing network programming except under very limited circumstances, and to turn off network programming to many of our customers. A preliminary injunction hearing was held during September 1999. The Court took the issues under advisement to consider the networks' request for an injunction, whether to hear live testimony before ruling upon the request, and whether to hear argument on why the Satellite Home Viewer Act may be unconstitutional, among other things. The Court did not say when a decision will be made, or whether an additional hearing will be necessary prior to ruling on the networks' preliminary injunction motion. Additional motions and affidavits have 16 19 been filed with the Court over the past several months and a ruling adverse, or favorable to us could be issued at any time. If this case is decided against us, or a preliminary injunction is issued, significant material restrictions on the sale of distant ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox channels by us could result, including potentially a nationwide permanent prohibition on our broadcast of ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox network channels by satellite. The litigation and the new legislation discussed above, among other things, could also require us to terminate delivery of network signals to a material portion of our subscriber base, which could cause many of these subscribers to cancel their subscription to our other services. While the networks have not sought monetary damages, they have sought to recover attorney fees if they prevail. We have sent letters to some of our subscribers warning that their access to distant broadcast network channels might be terminated soon and have terminated ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox programming to many customers. In November 1999, Congress passed new legislation regarding the satellite delivery of network programming and it was signed into law by President Clinton. This new law has the potential of reducing the number of customers whose network channels EchoStar may otherwise be required to terminate, as the law "grandfathers" many subscribers to continue to receive network channels by satellite. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits. 27(+) Financial Data Schedule. - ---------- (+) Filed herewith. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the first quarter of 2000. 17 20 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION By: /s/ David K. Moskowitz ----------------------------------------------- David K. Moskowitz Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Director (Duly Authorized Officer) By: /s/ Steven B. Schaver ----------------------------------------------- Steven B. Schaver Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Date: May 5, 2000 21 EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION - ------ ----------- 27 Financial Data Schedule.
EX-27 2 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM (A) THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION AS OF AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH (B) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000 3-MOS DEC-31-2000 JAN-01-2000 MAR-31-2000 106,241 9,923 153,764 16,182 151,318 559,271 1,291,206 298,638 2,669,671 1,258,531 2,044,860 0 0 0 (640,048) 2,669,671 553,963 568,058 327,376 713,514 45,694 11,811 48,617 (191,150) (33) (191,183) 0 0 0 (191,183) 0 0 INCLUDES PROGRAMMING REVENUE. INCLUDES COSTS OF PROGRAMMING.
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