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 JUNE 30, 1998
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 Identification No.)
of Incorporation or Organization)
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 AUGUST 11, 1998, THE 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
December 31, 1997 and June 30, 1998 (Unaudited) . . . . . . . . . 1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
three and six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 (Unaudited) . . 2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1998 (Unaudited) . . . . . . . 3
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) . . . 4
Item 2. Management's Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations . . . . . . . 9
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . None
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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
DISH NETWORK-SM- IS A SERVICE MARK OF ECHOSTAR COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION.
- -----------------
* 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.
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
-------------------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 62,058 $ 35,973
Marketable investment securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,906 -
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible
accounts of $1,347 and $3,272, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . 66,045 95,072
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22,993 53,540
Subscriber acquisition costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,819 1,964
Other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,654 7,454
---------------------------
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182,475 194,003
Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities:
Satellite escrow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73,233 24,284
Interest escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112,284 90,599
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,245 2,245
---------------------------
Total restricted cash and marketable investment securities . . . . . . 187,762 117,128
Property and equipment, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569,271 624,137
FCC authorizations, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80,716 85,242
Advances to affiliates, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230,227 274,611
Other noncurrent assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101,004 95,396
---------------------------
Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,351,455 $1,390,517
---------------------------
---------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 68,491 $ 100,566
Deferred revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122,215 109,361
Accrued expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97,090 138,939
Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,924 17,626
---------------------------
Total current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302,720 366,492
Long-term obligations, net of current portion:
1994 Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 499,863 534,330
1996 Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438,512 467,005
1997 Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375,000 375,000
Mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion . . . . . . 40,495 43,789
Long-term deferred satellite services revenue and
other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,500 25,660
---------------------------
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion. . . . . . . . . . 1,373,370 1,445,784
---------------------------
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,676,090 1,812,276
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Stockholder's Equity (Deficit):
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - -
Additional paid-in capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108,839 108,839
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . (8) -
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (433,466) (530,598)
---------------------------
Total stockholder's equity (deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (324,635) (421,759)
---------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit). . . . . . . . $1,351,455 $1,390,517
---------------------------
---------------------------
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
1
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------- -----------------------------
1997 1998 1997 1998
--------------------------- -----------------------------
REVENUE:
DISH Network:
Subscription television services. . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 62,858 $151,527 $ 110,908 $280,068
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,767 3,238 19,973 9,422
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Total DISH Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74,625 154,765 130,881 289,490
DTH equipment sales and integration services. . . . . . . . 13,477 80,050 15,435 146,866
Satellite services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,045 5,774 4,210 10,369
C-band and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,685 5,575 16,273 13,463
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Total revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97,832 246,164 166,799 460,188
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
DISH Network Operating Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31,491 69,388 54,531 133,197
Customer service center and other . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,941 14,369 12,386 26,102
Satellite and transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,449 5,460 6,234 10,712
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Total DISH Network operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . 40,881 89,217 73,151 170,011
Cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration services. . . 12,079 53,749 14,307 101,000
Cost of sales - C-band and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,124 3,282 11,132 9,224
Marketing:
Subscriber promotion subsidies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,313 59,993 31,090 104,828
Advertising and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,034 9,337 7,310 17,587
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Total marketing expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22,347 69,330 38,400 122,415
General and administrative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,021 23,172 30,052 42,468
Amortization of subscriber acquisition costs. . . . . . . . 33,228 5,884 61,290 16,855
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,655 13,643 25,298 27,020
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141,335 258,277 253,630 488,993
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (43,503) (12,113) (86,831) (28,805)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,445 2,792 3,094 6,151
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized. . . . . . . (22,278) (36,416) (42,368) (73,401)
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (114) (701) (276) (794)
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Total other income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (20,947) (34,325) (39,550) (68,044)
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Loss before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (64,450) (46,438) (126,381) (96,849)
Income tax benefit (provision), net. . . . . . . . . . . . . (25) (112) (44) (283)
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(64,475) $(46,550) $(126,425) $(97,132)
--------------------------- -----------------------------
--------------------------- -----------------------------
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------------
1997 1998
------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(126,425) $(97,132)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows
from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,298 27,020
Amortization of subscriber acquisition costs. . . . . . . 61,290 16,855
Amortization of debt discount and deferred
financing costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38,731 56,387
Change in reserve for excess and obsolete inventory . . . 1,987 17
Change in long-term deferred satellite services
revenue and other long-term liabilities. . . . . . . . 5,880 6,159
Other, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (365) -
Changes in current assets and current liabilities . . . . (52,398) (43,016)
------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities . . . . . . . . . . (46,002) (33,710)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of marketable investment securities. . . . . . . . (4,706) (1,970)
Sales of marketable investment securities. . . . . . . . . . 18,561 5,868
Purchases of restricted marketable investment securities . . (1,995) -
Funds released from escrow and restricted cash and
marketable investment securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72,975 74,735
Offering proceeds and investment earnings placed in escrow . (221,654) (4,081)
Purchases of property and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . (29,678) (60,852)
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (957) 879
------------------------------
Net cash flows from investing activities . . . . . . . . . . (167,454) 14,579
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of 1997 Notes . . . . . . . . . . 362,500 -
Repayments of mortgage indebtedness and notes payable. . . . (5,551) (6,954)
------------------------------
Net cash flows from financing activities . . . . . . . . . . 356,949 (6,954)
------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . 143,493 (26,085)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period . . . . . . . 38,438 62,058
------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period . . . . . . . . . . $181,931 $35,973
------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Capitalized interest, including amounts due
from affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,632 $17,868
Accrued capital expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 -
Satellite vendor financing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 12,950
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
EchoStar DBS Corporation and subsidiaries ("DBS Corp" or the "Company")
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Communications Corporation ("ECC,"
and together with its subsidiaries "EchoStar"). EchoStar is 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 June 30, 1998. Substantially all of EchoStar's operations are
conducted by subsidiaries of DBS Corp. The operations of EchoStar include
three interrelated business units:
- THE DISH NETWORK - a direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") subscription
television service in the United States. As of June 30, 1998,
EchoStar had approximately 1.4 million DISH Network subscribers.
- ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION ("TECHNOLOGY") - the design,
manufacture, distribution and sale of DBS set-top boxes, antennae and
other digital equipment for the DISH Network ("EchoStar Receiver
Systems"), and the design, manufacture 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.
- SATELLITE SERVICES - the turn-key delivery of video, audio and data
services to business television customers and other satellite users.
These services include satellite uplink services, satellite
transponder space usage, 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," and "EchoStar IV"), digital satellite receivers, digital
broadcast operations center, 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 U.S. to
provide consumers with a fully competitive alternative to cable television
service.
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 and six months ended June
30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected
for the year ending December 31, 1998. For further information, refer to the
consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current
year presentation.
4
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-CONTINUED
(Unaudited)
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.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("FAS")
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("FAS No. 130") effective as of the
first quarter of 1998. FAS No. 130 establishes new rules for the reporting
and display of comprehensive income and its components, however it has no
impact on the Company's net income or stockholder's equity. The components
of comprehensive loss, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------- --------------------------
1997 1998 1997 1998
--------------------------- --------------------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(64,475) $(46,550) $(126,425) $(97,132)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on
available-for-sales securities . . . . . . 1 - - 8
--------------------------- --------------------------
Comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(64,474) $(46,550) $(126,655) $(97,124)
--------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------------- --------------------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income presented on the accompanying
condensed consolidated balance sheets consists of the accumulated net
unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes.
3. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
-------------------------
(Unaudited)
EchoStar Receiver Systems. . . . . . . . . . $ 7,649 $25,967
DBS receiver components. . . . . . . . . . . 12,506 24,254
Consigned DBS receiver components. . . . . . 3,122 4,135
Finished goods - analog DTH equipment. . . . 2,116 1,959
Spare parts and other. . . . . . . . . . . . 1,440 1,082
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. . (3,840) (3,857)
-------------------------
$22,993 $53,540
-------------------------
-------------------------
5
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-CONTINUED
(Unaudited)
4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
LIFE DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
(IN YEARS) 1997 1998
----------- --------------------------
(Unaudited)
EchoStar I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 $201,607 $201,607
EchoStar II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 228,694 228,694
Furniture, fixtures and equipment. . . . . . 2-12 92,170 108,516
Buildings and improvements . . . . . . . . . 7-40 22,114 22,645
Tooling and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4,336 5,182
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 1,636 1,628
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1,320 1,290
Construction in progress . . . . . . . . . . - 103,177 167,184
--------------------------
Total property and equipment . . . . . . . 655,054 736,746
Accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . (85,783) (112,609)
--------------------------
Property and equipment, net. . . . . . . . $569,271 $624,137
--------------------------
--------------------------
Construction in progress consists of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
---------------------------
(Unaudited)
Progress amounts for satellite construction,
launch, launch insurance and capitalized
interest:
EchoStar IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 63,924 $ 89,945
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,253 77,239
--------------------------
$103,177 $167,184
--------------------------
--------------------------
EchoStar IV, which was launched in May 1998, is expected to commence
commercial operation in the third quarter of 1998.
5. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
---------------------------
(Unaudited)
Accrued royalties and copyright. . . . . . . . . . $21,573 $ 37,975
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,454 27,376
Accrued programming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,018 25,516
Accrued marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,660 24,375
Accrued interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,385 23,697
---------------------------
$97,090 $138,939
---------------------------
---------------------------
6
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-CONTINUED
(Unaudited)
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
During February 1997, EchoStar and The News Corporation Limited ("News")
announced an agreement (the "News Agreement") pursuant to which, among other
things, News agreed to acquire approximately 50% of the outstanding capital
stock of EchoStar. News also agreed to make available for use by EchoStar
the DBS permit for 28 frequencies at 110DEG. West Longitude purchased by MCI
Communications Corporation for over $682 million following a 1996 FCC
auction. During late April 1997, substantial disagreements arose between the
parties regarding their obligations under the News Agreement.
In May 1997, EchoStar filed a Complaint requesting that the Court
confirm EchoStar's position and declare that News is obligated pursuant to
the News Agreement to lend $200 million to EchoStar without interest and upon
such other terms as the Court orders. EchoStar also filed a First Amended
Complaint significantly expanding the scope of the litigation, to include
breach of contract, failure to act in good faith, and other causes of action.
EchoStar seeks specific performance of the News Agreement and damages,
including lost profits based on, among other things, a jointly prepared
ten-year business plan showing expected profits for EchoStar in excess of $10
billion based on consummation of the transactions contemplated by the News
Agreement.
In June 1997, News filed an answer and counterclaims seeking unspecified
damages. News' answer denies all of the material allegations in the First
Amended Complaint and asserts numerous defenses, including bad faith,
misconduct and failure to disclose material information on the part of
EchoStar and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Charles W. Ergen. The
counterclaims, in which News is joined by its subsidiary American Sky
Broadcasting, L.L.C., assert that EchoStar and Ergen breached their
agreements with News and failed to act and negotiate with News in good faith.
EchoStar has responded to News' answer and denied the allegations in their
counterclaims. EchoStar also has asserted various affirmative defenses.
EchoStar is vigorously defending against the counterclaims. The case has
been set for trial commencing March 1999, but that date could be postponed.
While EchoStar is confident of its position and believes it will
ultimately prevail, the litigation process could continue for many years and
there can be no assurance concerning the outcome of the litigation.
EchoStar is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which
arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management,
the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions will not
materially affect the financial position or results of operations of EchoStar.
In November 1998 and 1999, certain meteoroid events will occur as the
earth's orbit passes through the particulate trail of Comet 55P
(Tempel-Tuttle). These meteoroid events pose a potential threat to all
in-orbit geosynchronous satellites, including EchoStar's DBS satellites.
EchoStar is presently evaluating the potential effects that these meteoroid
events may have on its DBS satellites. At this time, EchoStar has not
finally determined the impact, if any, these meteoroid events could have on
EchoStar's DBS satellites. However, many of the most sophisticated satellite
operators have assessed the risk of satellite damage as very small.
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
EchoStar IV was launched on May 8, 1998 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome,
Kazakhstan and was originally expected to provide video, audio and data
services to the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii from the 119DEG.
West Longitude ("WL") orbital location. Following launch and deployment of
EchoStar IV, EchoStar I was expected to be relocated from its current
position at 119DEG. WL to the 148DEG. WL orbital location. As a result of
anomalies described below, EchoStar IV has instead been moved to the 148DEG.
WL orbital location where it is expected to provide local, educational,
foreign language and other niche service to customers in the Western United
States. EchoStar I and EchoStar II will remain at 119DEG. WL and will
continue to provide DISH Network service without interruption or change.
As previously announced, the south solar array on EchoStar IV did not
properly deploy, resulting in a reduction of power available to operate the
satellite. While final evaluations have not been completed, it now
7
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-CONTINUED
(Unaudited)
appears likely that this anomaly will limit EchoStar to operation of a
maximum of 22 transponders on the satellite. The number of available
transponders will decrease over time, but based on existing data,
approximately 16 transponders should be available for the full planned 12
year life of the satellite absent additional failures.
An unrelated anomaly discovered subsequent to June 30, 1998 has resulted
in the failure of four primary transponders (transponders 5, 6, 9 and 10),
and two spare transponders on the satellite. The cause of this anomaly has
not yet been established. EchoStar recently received notification from the
manufacturer of the satellite, Lockheed Martin, that several transponders, in
addition to those which have failed, are not recommended for use until the
root cause of the anomaly has been determined and corrective procedures, if
possible, are implemented to avoid further failures.
While EchoStar IV is equipped with 32 transponders, EchoStar is only
licensed by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to use 24 of the
total of 32 frequencies at the 148DEG. WL orbital location, including
frequencies 5, 6, 9 and 10, which correspond to the failed transponders.
Consequently, while power continues to be available to operate 22
transponders on the satellite, to fully utilize the remaining available
capacity of the satellite, EchoStar will need to file an application with the
FCC to obtain authorization to operate transponders which correspond to
frequencies which are not currently assigned to EchoStar by the FCC.
EchoStar will also need to obtain FCC approval to operate EchoStar IV at
148DEG. WL on a permanent basis. FCC rules require that DBS satellites
positioned at 148DEG. WL also provide service to Alaska and Hawaii. In
April 1998, EchoStar received a waiver from the FCC with respect to this
obligation because EchoStar planned to provide DBS service to those states
via EchoStar IV from the 119DEG. WL orbital location. As a result of moving
EchoStar IV to the 148DEG. WL orbital location, EchoStar will not be able to
provide DBS service to Alaska and Hawaii from 119DEG. WL and probably will
not be able to fulfill its original obligation to provide DBS service to
Alaska and Hawaii from 148DEG. WL either. Consequently, EchoStar will
probably need to obtain a waiver of its obligation to provide service to
Alaska and Hawaii in connection with its application to operate EchoStar IV
at 148DEG. WL on a permanent basis.
While the FCC has typically shown flexibility when satellite failures
occur, there can be no assurance that EchoStar's request will be granted.
Further, it is likely that EchoStar will encounter opposition from certain
parties, including those attempting to enforce the obligation to serve Alaska
and Hawaii. To minimize potential opposition, EchoStar intends to enter into
an agreement with a third-party to provide DTH programming services to Alaska
and Hawaii on an interim basis on an fixed satellite service ("FSS")
satellite. EchoStar also intends to construct and launch a replacement
satellite at 119DEG. WL which would provide service to Alaska and Hawaii.
If the FCC were to deny EchoStar's request, EchoStar's ability to provide DBS
service from EchoStar IV would be significantly reduced.
EchoStar will file an insurance claim with respect to EchoStar IV in the
near future. The Company expects to use insurance proceeds, together with
other funds, to launch a new DBS satellite to its 119DEG. WL orbital
location in approximately three years or less. EchoStar also expects to file
an insurance claim with respect to EchoStar III, which was launched October
5, 1997. Certain of EchoStar III's electric power converters ("EPC") are
operating at temperatures slightly outside of engineering specifications.
The high EPC temperatures may require certain transponders on EchoStar III to
be turned off for several weeks during summer and winter solstice seasons to
avoid overheating.
Based on information currently available, management has evaluated the
potential financial statement impact of these satellite anomalies in
accordance with its stated accounting policies. The Company has not
completed its assessment of the impairment of these satellites, but currently
believes insurance proceeds will be sufficient to offset any write-downs of
its satellite assets that are required because of lost transmission capacity
caused by these anomalies. However, no assurance can be provided as to the
ultimate amount that may be received from these insurance claims. EchoStar
will continue to evaluate the operating performance of EchoStar III and
EchoStar IV and may modify its loss assessment as new events or circumstances
develop. EchoStar does not maintain insurance for lost profit opportunity.
8
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 THE COMPANY OR BY OFFICERS,
DIRECTORS OR EMPLOYEES OF THE COMPANY ACTING ON ITS 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 THE ACTUAL RESULTS OF THE COMPANY 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 ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY ARE THE FOLLOWING: A
TOTAL OR PARTIAL LOSS OF A SATELLITE DUE TO OPERATIONAL FAILURES, SPACE
DEBRIS OR OTHERWISE; A DECREASE IN SALES OF DIGITAL EQUIPMENT AND RELATED
SERVICES TO INTERNATIONAL DIRECT-TO-HOME ("DTH") SERVICE PROVIDERS; A
DECREASE IN DISH NETWORK SUBSCRIBER GROWTH; AN INCREASE IN SUBSCRIBER
ACQUISITION COSTS AND SUBSCRIBER PROMOTION SUBSIDIES; AN UNEXPECTED PRODUCT
SHORTAGE; IMPEDIMENTS TO THE RETRANSMISSION OF LOCAL OR DISTANT BROADCAST
NETWORK SIGNALS; LOWER THAN EXPECTED DEMAND FOR ECHOSTAR'S DELIVERY OF LOCAL
BROADCAST NETWORK SIGNALS; AN UNEXPECTED BUSINESS INTERRUPTION DUE TO THE
FAILURE OF THIRD-PARTIES TO REMEDIATE YEAR 2000 ISSUES; THE INABILITY OF THE
COMPANY TO RETAIN NECESSARY AUTHORIZATIONS FROM THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION ("FCC"); AN INCREASE IN COMPETITION FROM CABLE, DIRECT BROADCAST
SATELLITE ("DBS"), OTHER SATELLITE SYSTEM OPERATORS, AND OTHER PROVIDERS OF
SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SERVICES; THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND
COMPETITORS INTO THE SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION BUSINESS; THE OUTCOME OF ANY
LITIGATION IN WHICH THE COMPANY MAY BE INVOLVED; GENERAL BUSINESS AND
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS; AND OTHER RISK FACTORS DESCRIBED FROM TIME TO TIME IN
THE COMPANY'S REPORTS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
("SEC"). 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.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
SATELLITE ANOMALIES
EchoStar IV was launched on May 8, 1998 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome,
Kazakhstan and was originally expected to provide video, audio and data
services to the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii from the 119DEG.
West Longitude ("WL") orbital location. Following launch and deployment of
EchoStar IV, EchoStar I was expected to be relocated from its current
position at 119DEG. WL to the 148DEG. WL orbital location. As a result of
anomalies described below, EchoStar IV has instead been moved to the 148DEG.
WL orbital location where it is expected to provide local, educational,
foreign language and other niche service to customers in the Western United
States. EchoStar I and EchoStar II will remain at 119DEG. WL and will
continue to provide DISH Network service without interruption or change.
As previously announced, the south solar array on EchoStar IV did not
properly deploy, resulting in a reduction of power available to operate the
satellite. While final evaluations have not been completed, it now appears
likely that this anomaly will limit EchoStar to operation of a maximum of 22
transponders on the satellite. The number of available transponders will
decrease over time, but based on existing data, approximately 16 transponders
should be available for the full planned 12 year life of the satellite absent
additional failures.
An unrelated anomaly discovered subsequent to June 30, 1998 has resulted
in the failure of four primary transponders (transponders 5, 6, 9 and 10),
and two spare transponders on the satellite. The cause of this anomaly has
not yet been established. EchoStar recently received notification from the
manufacturer of the satellite, Lockheed Martin, that several transponders, in
addition to those which have failed, are not recommended for use until the
root cause of the anomaly has been determined and corrective procedures, if
possible, are implemented to avoid further failures.
While EchoStar IV is equipped with 32 transponders, EchoStar is only
licensed by the FCC to use 24 of the total of 32 frequencies at the 148DEG.
WL orbital location, including frequencies 5, 6, 9 and 10, which correspond
to the failed transponders. Consequently, while power continues to be
available to operate 22 transponders on the satellite, to fully utilize the
remaining available capacity of the satellite, EchoStar will need to file an
application with the
9
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONTINUED
FCC to obtain authorization to operate transponders which correspond to
frequencies which are not currently assigned to EchoStar by the FCC.
EchoStar will also need to obtain FCC approval to operate EchoStar IV at
148DEG. WL on a permanent basis. FCC rules require that DBS satellites
positioned at 148DEG. WL also provide service to Alaska and Hawaii. In
April 1998, EchoStar received a waiver from the FCC with respect to this
obligation because EchoStar planned to provide DBS service to those states
via EchoStar IV from the 119DEG. WL orbital location. As a result of moving
EchoStar IV to the 148DEG. WL orbital location, EchoStar will not be able to
provide DBS service to Alaska and Hawaii from 119DEG. WL and probably will
not be able to fulfill its original obligation to provide DBS service to
Alaska and Hawaii from 148DEG. WL either. Consequently, EchoStar will
probably need to obtain a waiver of its obligation to provide service to
Alaska and Hawaii in connection with its application to operate EchoStar IV
at 148DEG. WL on a permanent basis.
While the FCC has typically shown flexibility when satellite failures
occur, there can be no assurance that EchoStar's request will be granted.
Further, it is likely that EchoStar will encounter opposition from certain
parties, including those attempting to enforce the obligation to serve Alaska
and Hawaii. To minimize potential opposition, EchoStar intends to enter into
an agreement with a third-party to provide DTH programming services to Alaska
and Hawaii on an interim basis on an fixed satellite service ("FSS")
satellite. EchoStar also intends to construct and launch a replacement
satellite at 119DEG. WL which would provide service to Alaska and Hawaii.
If the FCC were to deny EchoStar's request, EchoStar's ability to provide DBS
service from EchoStar IV would be significantly reduced.
EchoStar will file an insurance claim with respect to EchoStar IV in the
near future. The Company expects to use insurance proceeds, together with
other funds, to launch a new DBS satellite to its 119DEG. WL orbital
location in approximately three years or less. EchoStar also expects to file
an insurance claim with respect to EchoStar III, which was launched October
5, 1997. Certain of EchoStar III's electric power converters ("EPC") are
operating at temperatures slightly outside of engineering specifications.
The high EPC temperatures may require certain transponders on EchoStar III to
be turned off for several weeks during summer and winter solstice seasons to
avoid overheating.
Based on information currently available, management has evaluated the
potential financial statement impact of these satellite anomalies in
accordance with its stated accounting policies. The Company has not
completed its assessment of the impairment of these satellites, but currently
believes insurance proceeds will be sufficient to offset any write-downs of
its satellite assets that are required because of lost transmission capacity
caused by these anomalies. However, no assurance can be provided as to the
ultimate amount that may be received from these insurance claims. EchoStar
will continue to evaluate the operating performance of EchoStar III and
EchoStar IV and may modify its loss assessment as new events or circumstances
develop. EchoStar does not maintain insurance for lost profit opportunity.
PRIMETIME 24
Section 119 of the Satellite Home Viewer Act ("SHVA") authorizes
EchoStar to sell satellite-delivered network signals (ABC, NBC, CBS Fox,
etc.) to EchoStar subscribers, but only if those subscribers qualify as
"unserved" households as that term is defined in the SHVA. Historically,
EchoStar obtained broadcast network signals for distribution to its
subscribers through PrimeTime 24, Joint Venture ("PrimeTime 24"). PrimeTime
24 also distributes network signals to certain of EchoStar's competitors in
the satellite industry.
Recently, a federal court in Florida issued a nationwide injunction in
CBS INC., FOX BROADCASTING CO., ET. AL. V. PRIMETIME 24, JOINT VENTURE, NO.
96-3650-CIV-NESBITT (S.D. FLA. JULY 10, 1998), severely restricting the
ability of PrimeTime 24 and its distributors to sell Fox and CBS programming,
and requiring the disconnection of significant numbers of existing PrimeTime
24 subscribers nationwide by early October 1998. The order also imposed
other obligations on PrimeTime 24 and its distributors with respect to future
sales of Fox and CBS programming nationwide. Additionally, in a federal
court suit in North Carolina, ABC, INC., V. PRIMETIME 24,
10
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONTINUED
JOINT VENTURE, NO. 1:97CV00090 (M.D.N.C. JULY 16, 1998), a judge recently
granted summary judgment to ABC severely restricting the ability of PrimeTime
24 to sell ABC programming in Raleigh-Durham.
As a result of: (a) these rulings; (b) EchoStar's determination to sell
local network channels back into the area from which they originate; (c) 1997
adjustments to copyright royalties payable in connection with delivery of
network signals by satellite; and (d) a number of other regulatory,
political, legal, contractual and business factors, during July 1998,
EchoStar ceased delivering PrimeTime 24 programming, and began uplinking and
distributing network signals directly. EchoStar has also implemented Section
119 compliance procedures which will materially restrict the market for the
sale of network signals by EchoStar. It is also possible that some or all of
the networks, and/or their affiliates, will bring copyright infringement
actions against EchoStar, similar to those described above, in the near
future. In the event of a decision adverse to EchoStar in any such
litigation, significant damage awards and additional material restrictions on
the sale of network signals by EchoStar could result. Among other things,
EchoStar may be required to terminate delivery of network signals to a
material portion of its subscriber base. The compliance program implemented
by EchoStar, and any further restrictions on sale of network channels imposed
in the future, may result in decreases in subscriber activations and
subscription television services revenue and an increase in subscriber churn.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
1997.
REVENUE. Total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 1998 was
$246 million, an increase of $148 million or 152%, as compared to total
revenue for the three months ended June 30, 1997 of $98 million. The
increase in total revenue was primarily attributable to DISH Network
subscriber growth combined with increased revenue from the Company's
Technology business unit. The Company expects that its revenues will
continue to increase as the number of DISH Network subscribers increases.
Consistent with the increases in total revenue and the number of DISH Network
subscribers during the three months ended June 30, 1998, the Company
experienced a corresponding increase in trade accounts receivable at June 30,
1998.
DISH Network subscription television services revenue totaled $152
million for the three months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $89 million,
or 141% compared to the same period in 1997. This increase was directly
attributable to the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers. The
average number of DISH Network subscribers during the three months ended June
30, 1998 increased approximately 160%, as compared to the same period in
1997. Monthly revenue per subscriber approximated $39 during each of the
three-month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997. 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 the Company is successful in increasing the number of DISH Network
subscribers.
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, DTH equipment sales and
integration services totaled $80 million, an increase of $67 million compared
to the three months ended June 30, 1997. DTH equipment sales consist of
sales of digital set-top boxes and other digital satellite broadcasting
equipment by the Company to international DTH service operators. The Company
currently has agreements to provide equipment to DTH service operators in
Spain and Canada. Sales pursuant to these agreements totaled $74 million for
the three months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $62 million, as compared
to $12 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997. Revenue for the
three months ended June 30, 1998 primarily related to sales of digital
set-top boxes and other equipment while revenue for the same period in 1997
resulted from the provision of integration services. The increase in DTH
equipment sales and integration services revenue was primarily attributable
to an increase in the volume of set-top boxes sold.
A substantial portion of the Company's Technology revenues have resulted
from sales to two DTH providers. As a result, the Company's Technology
business currently is economically dependent on these two DTH providers. The
Company's 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 EchoStar's digital set-top
11
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONTINUED
boxes. Due to several factors, the Company expects that its DTH equipment
and integration services revenue may decline during the third and fourth
quarters of 1998 by as much as 30% to 40% as compared to such revenue
reported during the first and second quarters of 1998. These factors include
an expected decrease in demand resulting from the fulfillment of initial
stock orders combined with a decrease in the sales price of digital set-top
boxes due to increased competition from other providers of DTH equipment.
Further, during July 1998 Telefonica S.A. ("Telefonica"), one of the two DTH
service providers described above, announced its intention to merge with
Sogecable ("Canal Plus Satellite"), one of its primary competitors. In
addition to providing competitive DTH services in Spain, the Canal Plus
satellite system in Spain has more set-top boxes in the field than
Telefonica, and its conditional access and compression systems are not
compatible with the equipment manufactured by EchoStar for Telefonica. The
Company can not yet determine the possible impact that such a merger might
have on future sales to Telefonica. The Company has binding purchase orders
from Telefonica for additional 1998 and 1999 deliveries of DTH equipment.
While the Company continues to actively pursue additional distribution and
integration service opportunities, no assurance can be given that any such
additional negotiations will be successful.
Satellite services revenue totaled $6 million for the three months ended
June 30, 1998, an increase of $4 million as compared to the same period in
1997. These revenues include, among other things, fees charged to content
providers for signal carriage and revenues earned from business television
("BTV") customers. The increase in satellite services revenue was primarily
attributable to increased BTV revenue.
DISH NETWORK OPERATING EXPENSES. DISH Network operating expenses
totaled $89 million for the three months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of
$48 million as compared to the same period in 1997. The increase in DISH
Network operating expenses was consistent with and primarily attributable to
the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers. For the three months
ended June 30, 1998, DISH Network operating expenses represented 59% of
subscription television services revenue compared to 65% of subscription
television revenue during the corresponding period in 1997. While the
Company expects DISH Network operating expenses as a percentage of
subscription television services revenue to approximate this level in future
periods, there can be no assurance that this expense to revenue ratio will
not increase.
Subscriber-related expenses totaled $69 million for the three months
ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $38 million compared to the same period
in 1997. Such expenses, which include programming expenses, copyright
royalties, residuals payable to retailers and distributors, and billing,
lockbox and other variable subscriber expenses, totaled 46% of subscription
television services revenues for the three months ended June 30, 1998,
compared to 50% of subscription television services revenues for the three
months ended June 30, 1997. The decrease in subscriber-related expenses as a
percentage of subscription television services revenue resulted primarily
from a decrease in programming expenses, which resulted from a change in
product mix combined with price discounts received from certain content
providers.
Customer service center and other expenses principally consist of costs
incurred in the operation of the Company's DISH Network customer service
center, such as personnel and telephone expenses, as well as subscriber
equipment installation and other operating expenses. Customer service center
and other expenses totaled $14 million for the three months ended June 30,
1998, an increase of $8 million as compared to the three months ended June
30, 1997. The increase in customer service center and other expenses
resulted from increased personnel expenses to support the growth of the DISH
Network. Customer service center and other expenses totaled 9% of
subscription television services revenue during each of the three-month
periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997. While the Company expects customer
service center and other expenses as a percentage of subscription television
services revenue to approximate this level for the remainder of 1998, there
can be no assurance that this expense to revenue ratio will not increase.
Satellite and transmission expenses include expenses associated with the
operation of the Company's digital broadcast center, contracted satellite
tracking, telemetry and control ("TT&C") services, and in-orbit insurance on
the Company's DBS satellites. Satellite and transmission expenses increased
$2 million during the three months ended June 30, 1998, as compared to the
same period during 1997. This increase resulted from higher TT&C services
expenses and other digital broadcast center operating expenses due to an
increase in the number of the Company's operational DBS satellites. The
Company expects DISH Network operating expenses to continue to
12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONTINUED
increase in the future as subscribers are added. However, as its DISH Network
subscriber base continues to expand, the Company expects that such costs as a
percentage of DISH Network revenue may decline.
COST OF SALES - DTH EQUIPMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES. Cost of sales -
DTH equipment and integration services totaled $54 million for the three
months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $42 million, as compared to the
three months ended June 30, 1997. This increase is consistent with the
increase in DTH equipment revenue. 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.
MARKETING EXPENSES. Marketing expenses totaled $69 million for the
three months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $47 million as compared to
the same period in 1997. The increase in marketing expenses was primarily
attributable to the 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. The Company
recognizes subscriber promotion subsidies as incurred. These expenses
totaled $60 million for the three months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of
$42 million over the same period in 1997. This increase resulted from
increased subscriber activations and the immediate recognition of all
subscriber promotion subsidies incurred in 1998, whereas during the
three-month period ended June 30, 1997, a portion of such expenses were
initially deferred and amortized over the related prepaid subscription term
(generally one year). This accelerated expense recognition resulted from the
introduction of the "1997 Promotion" in June 1997. The 1997 Promotion
maintained the suggested retail price for a standard EchoStar Receiver System
at $199, but eliminated the requirement for the coincident purchase of an
extended subscription commitment. For the three months ended June 30, 1998,
the Company's subscriber acquisition costs, inclusive of acquisition
marketing expenses, totaled $66 million (approximately $280 per new
subscriber activation). Comparatively, the Company's subscriber acquisition
costs, inclusive of acquisition marketing expenses and deferred subscriber
acquisition costs, totaled $43 million (in excess of $300 per new subscriber
activation) during the same period in 1997. The decrease in the Company's
subscriber acquisition costs, on a per new subscriber activation basis,
principally resulted from decreases in the manufactured cost of EchoStar
Receiver Systems. The Company expects that its subscriber acquisition costs,
on a per new subscriber activation basis, may increase during the remainder
of 1998 as a result of increased competition for DBS subscribers.
Advertising and other expenses totaled $9 million for the three months ended
June 30, 1998, an increase of $5 million over the same period in 1997, as a
result of increased marketing activity.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative ("G&A")
expenses totaled $23 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 1998,
an increase of $8 million as compared to the same period in 1997. The
increase in G&A expenses was principally attributable to increased personnel
expenses to support the growth of the DISH Network. G&A expenses as a
percentage of total revenue decreased to 9% for the three months ended June
30, 1998 compared to 15% for the corresponding period in 1997. While the
Company expects that G&A expenses as a percentage of total revenue will
approximate this level for the remainder of 1998, there can be no assurance
that this expense to revenue ratio will not increase.
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
("EBITDA"). EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 1998 improved to $7
million compared to $2 million for the same period in 1997. This improvement
in EBITDA principally resulted from increases in Technology (i.e., DTH
equipment sales and integration services) and DISH Network revenues. Due to
expected increases in new subscriber activations, increased marketing
activity and a decrease in Technology revenue (as previously described), the
Company expects that EBITDA results during the third and fourth quarters of
1998 may decline. To the extent that new subscriber activations exceed
expectations or subscriber acquisition costs materially increase, the
Company's EBITDA results may be negatively impacted in the near-term because
subscriber acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.
The Company expects to begin production of its next generation of
digital set-top boxes during the third quarter of 1998. While there can be
no assurance, the Company expects that the introduction of these digital
set-top boxes may result in manufacturing cost reductions, thereby reducing
subscriber acquisition costs. Previous delays in the design of this new
digital set-top box will have a negative impact on EBITDA during the third
quarter of 1998. In the event the Company experiences further delays in the
production of its next generation digital set-top boxes, its inventory of
digital set-top boxes, and consequently, its future new subscriber
activations, subscriber acquisition
13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONTINUED
costs and EBITDA results may be negatively impacted. While further delays
are not expected, new product introductions often involve schedule risks that
can not be anticipated or precisely quantified.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization expenses
for the three months ended June 30, 1998 (including amortization of
subscriber acquisition costs of $6 million) aggregated $20 million, a
decrease of $26 million as compared to the corresponding period in 1997. The
decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses principally resulted from
the decrease in amortization of subscriber acquisition costs of $27 million.
Beginning in October 1997, net subscriber acquisition costs are expensed as
incurred. Consequently, no additional subscriber acquisition costs are being
deferred. The unamortized balance of such costs is expected to be fully
amortized by September 1998.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE. Other expense, net totaled $34 million for
the three months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $13 million as compared
to the same period in 1997. The increase in other expense resulted primarily
from interest expense associated with the Company's 12 1/2% Senior Secured
Notes due 2002 (the "1997 Notes"), which were issued in June of 1997, and
increases in interest expense associated with increased accreted balances on
the Company's 12 7/8% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2004 (the "1994
Notes") and the Company's 13 1/8% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2004 (the
"1996 Notes").
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997.
REVENUE. Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1998 was $460
million, an increase of $293 million as compared to total revenue for the six
months ended June 30, 1997 of $167 million. The increase in total revenue
was primarily attributable to DISH Network subscriber growth combined with
increased revenue from the Company's Technology business unit.
DISH Network subscription television services revenue totaled $280
million for the six months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $169 million,
or 153%, compared to the same period in 1997. This increase was directly
attributable to the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers. The
average number of DISH Network subscribers during the six months ended June
30, 1998 increased approximately 154% as compared to the same period in 1997.
For the six months ended June 30, 1998, DTH equipment sales and
integration services totaled $147 million, an increase of $132 million
compared to the six months ended June 30, 1997. The increase in DTH
equipment sales and integration services revenue was primarily attributable
to an increase in the volume of set-top boxes sold. DTH equipment and
integration services revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1998
principally resulted from sales of digital set-top boxes and other equipment
while revenue for the same period in 1997 related to the provision of
integration services.
Satellite services revenue totaled $10 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1998, an increase of $6 million as compared to the same period in
1997. The increase in satellite services revenue was primarily attributable
to increased BTV revenue.
DISH NETWORK OPERATING EXPENSES. DISH Network operating expenses
totaled $170 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of
$97 million as compared to the same period in 1997. The increase in DISH
Network operating expenses was consistent with and primarily attributable to
the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers. For the six months
ended June 30, 1998, DISH Network operating expenses represented 61% of
subscription television services revenue compared to 66% of subscription
television revenue during the corresponding period in 1997.
Subscriber-related expenses totaled $133 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $78 million compared to the same period
in 1997. Subscriber-related expenses totaled 48% of subscription television
services revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1998, compared to 49%
during the six months ended June 30, 1997.
14
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-CONTINUED
Customer service center and other expenses totaled $26 million for the
six months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $14 million as compared to the
six months ended June 30, 1997. The increase in customer service center and
other expenses resulted from increased personnel expenses to support the
growth of the DISH Network. Customer service center and other expenses
totaled 9% of subscription television services revenue during the six months
ended June 30, 1998, compared to 11% of subscription television services
revenue during the same period of the prior year.
Satellite and transmission expenses increased $5 million during the six
months ended June 30, 1998, as compared to the same period during 1997. This
increase resulted from higher TT&C services expenses and other digital
broadcast center operating expenses due to an increase in the number of the
Company's operational DBS satellites.
COST OF SALES - DTH EQUIPMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES. Cost of sales -
DTH equipment and integration services totaled $101 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $87 million, as compared to the
six months ended June 30, 1997. This increase is consistent with the
increase in DTH equipment revenue.
MARKETING EXPENSES. Marketing expenses totaled $122 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $84 million as compared to the
same period in 1997. The increase in marketing expenses was primarily
attributable to the increase in subscriber promotion subsidies. These
expenses totaled $105 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998, an
increase of $74 million over the same period in 1997. The increase in
subscriber promotion subsidies resulted from increased subscriber activations
and the introduction of the 1997 Promotion in June 1997. Advertising and
other expenses totaled $18 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998, an
increase of $11 million over the same period in 1997, as a result of
increased marketing activity.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. G&A expenses totaled $42 million
for the six-month period ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $12 million as
compared to the same period in 1997. The increase in G&A expenses was
principally attributable to increased personnel expenses to support the
growth of the DISH Network. G&A expenses as a percentage of total revenue
decreased to 9% for the six months ended June 30, 1998 compared to 18% for
the corresponding period in 1997.
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. EBITDA
for the six months ended June 30, 1998 improved to $15 million compared to
negative EBITDA of $243,000 during the same period in 1997. This improvement
in EBITDA principally resulted from increases in Technology and DISH Network
revenues.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization expenses
for the six months ended June 30, 1998 (including amortization of subscriber
acquisition costs of $17 million) aggregated $44 million, a decrease of $43
million as compared to the corresponding period in 1997. The decrease in
depreciation and amortization expenses principally resulted from the decrease
in amortization of subscriber acquisition costs of $44 million.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE. Other expense, net totaled $68 million for
the six months ended June 30, 1998, an increase of $28 million as compared to
the same period in 1997. The increase in other expense resulted primarily
from interest expense associated with the 1997 Notes, and increases in
interest expense associated with increased accreted balances on the 1994
Notes and the 1996 Notes.
15
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
During February 1997, EchoStar and The News Corporation Limited ("News")
announced an agreement (the "News Agreement") pursuant to which, among other
things, News agreed to acquire approximately 50% of the outstanding capital
stock of EchoStar. News also agreed to make available for use by EchoStar
the DBS permit for 28 frequencies at 110DEG. West Longitude purchased by MCI
Communications Corporation for over $682 million following a 1996 FCC
auction. During late April 1997, substantial disagreements arose between the
parties regarding their obligations under the News Agreement.
In May 1997, EchoStar filed a Complaint requesting that the Court
confirm EchoStar's position and declare that News is obligated pursuant to
the News Agreement to lend $200 million to EchoStar without interest and upon
such other terms as the Court orders. EchoStar also filed a First Amended
Complaint significantly expanding the scope of the litigation, to include
breach of contract, failure to act in good faith, and other causes of action.
EchoStar seeks specific performance of the News Agreement and damages,
including lost profits based on, among other things, a jointly prepared
ten-year business plan showing expected profits for EchoStar in excess of $10
billion based on consummation of the transactions contemplated by the News
Agreement.
In June 1997, News filed an answer and counterclaims seeking unspecified
damages. News' answer denies all of the material allegations in the First
Amended Complaint and asserts numerous defenses, including bad faith,
misconduct and failure to disclose material information on the part of
EchoStar and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Charles W. Ergen. The
counterclaims, in which News is joined by its subsidiary American Sky
Broadcasting, L.L.C., assert that EchoStar and Ergen breached their
agreements with News and failed to act and negotiate with News in good faith.
EchoStar has responded to News' answer and denied the allegations in their
counterclaims. EchoStar also has asserted various affirmative defenses.
EchoStar is vigorously defending against the counterclaims. The case has
been set for trial commencing March 1999, but that date could be postponed.
While EchoStar is confident of its position and believes it will
ultimately prevail, the litigation process could continue for many years and
there can be no assurance concerning the outcome of the litigation.
EchoStar is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which
arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management,
the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions will not
materially affect the financial position or results of operations of EchoStar.
16
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) EXHIBITS.
27+ Financial Data Schedule.
99.1* Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of EchoStar
Communications Corporation for the quarterly period ended
June 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to EchoStar's
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998).
99.2* Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of EchoStar
Satellite Broadcasting Corporation for the quarterly period
ended June 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to ESBC's
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998).
99.3* Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Dish, Ltd. for the
quarterly period ended June 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference
to Dish, Ltd.'s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
June 30, 1998)
________________________________
+ Filed herewith.
* Incorporated by reference.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the second quarter of 1998.
17
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
By: /s/ JOHN R. HAGER
-----------------------------------------
John R. Hager
Vice President - Controller
(PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
Date: August 11, 1998
5
1,000
6-MOS
DEC-31-1998
JAN-01-1998
JUN-30-1998
35,973
0
98,344
3,272
53,540
194,003
736,746
112,609
1,390,517
366,492
1,420,124
0
0
0
(421,759)
1,390,517
449,819
460,188
280,235
488,993
68,044
4,900
73,401
(96,849)
283
(97,132)
0
0
0
(97,132)
(97,132)
(97,132)
INCLUDES SALES OF PROGRAMMING
INCLUDES COSTS OF PROGRAMMING
NET OF AMOUNTS CAPITALIZED
