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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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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 SEPTEMBER 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 of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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 OCTOBER 30, 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.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
December 31, 1997 and September 30, 1998 (Unaudited). . . . . 1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1998
(Unaudited) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 (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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1998
------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 62,058 $ 42,254
Marketable investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,906 1,999
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,347 and $3,530,
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66,045 83,893
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22,993 81,974
Subscriber acquisition costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,819 -
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,654 21,315
------------- -------------
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182,475 231,435
Restricted Assets:
Insurance receivable (Note 5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 106,000
Interest escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112,284 68,173
Satellite escrow and other restricted cash and marketable investment securities . . . . . . 75,478 8,410
------------- -------------
Total restricted cash and marketable investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187,762 182,583
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569,271 638,512
FCC authorizations, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80,716 85,780
Advances to affiliates, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230,227 146,650
Other noncurrent assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101,004 91,262
------------- -------------
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,351,455 $ 1,376,222
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 68,491 $ 90,917
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122,215 113,048
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97,090 131,255
Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,924 17,929
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302,720 353,149
Long-term obligations, net of current portion:
1994 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 499,863 552,776
1996 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438,512 481,966
1997 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375,000 375,000
Mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,495 39,999
Long-term deferred satellite services revenue and other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . 19,500 27,954
------------- -------------
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,373,370 1,477,695
------------- -------------
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,676,090 1,830,844
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholder's Equity (Deficit):
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding . . . . . - -
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108,839 128,839
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8) -
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (433,466) (583,461)
------------- -------------
Total stockholder's equity (deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (324,635) (454,622)
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,351,455 $ 1,376,222
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
1
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
1997 1998 1997 1998
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
REVENUE:
DISH Network:
Subscription television services . . . . . . . $ 82,078 $ 179,472 $ 192,986 $ 459,540
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,969 1,674 32,942 11,096
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total DISH Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95,047 181,146 225,928 470,636
DTH equipment sales and integration services . . 21,975 43,921 37,410 190,787
Satellite services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,669 5,436 7,879 15,805
C-band and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,970 6,253 25,243 19,716
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129,661 236,756 296,460 696,944
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
DISH Network Operating Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses . . . . . . . . . . 42,732 77,520 97,262 210,717
Customer service center and other . . . . . . . 10,754 19,539 23,140 45,641
Satellite and transmission . . . . . . . . . . 3,442 6,703 9,676 17,415
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total DISH Network operating expenses . . . . . 56,928 103,762 130,078 273,773
Cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration
services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,690 30,050 25,998 131,050
Cost of sales - C-band and other . . . . . . . . 5,205 3,331 16,337 12,555
Marketing:
Subscriber promotion subsidies . . . . . . . . . 67,466 60,295 98,556 165,123
Advertising and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,786 8,107 24,096 25,694
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84,252 68,402 122,652 190,817
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . 15,833 24,368 45,883 66,836
Amortization of subscriber acquisition costs . . 34,035 1,964 95,325 18,819
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . 12,922 15,955 38,220 42,975
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220,865 247,832 474,493 736,825
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (91,204) (11,076) (178,033) (39,881)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,475 2,021 8,569 8,172
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized . . (32,132) (43,966) (74,500) (117,367)
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (76) 95 (353) (699)
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total other income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . (26,733) (41,850) (66,284) (109,894)
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Loss before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (117,937) (52,926) (244,317) (149,775)
Income tax benefit (provision), net . . . . . . . . . (20) 63 (64) (220)
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(117,957) $(52,863) $(244,381) $(149,995)
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------
1997 1998
--------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................................................... $(244,381) $(149,995)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............................................................. 38,220 42,975
Amortization of subscriber acquisition costs.............................................. 95,325 18,819
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs................................ 60,650 89,455
Change in reserve for excess and obsolete inventory....................................... 2,230 374
Change in long-term deferred satellite services revenue and other long-term liabilities... 9,284 8,454
Other, net................................................................................ (365) -
Changes in current assets and current liabilities......................................... (126,924) (136)
--------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities.................................................... (165,961) 9,946
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of marketable investment securities............................................... (33,006) (3,969)
Sales of marketable investment securities................................................... 20,573 5,868
Purchases of restricted marketable investment securities.................................... (1,495) -
Funds released from escrow and restricted cash and marketable investment securities......... 100,445 116,468
Offering proceeds and investment earnings placed in escrow.................................. (224,858) (5,269)
Purchases of property and equipment......................................................... (49,518) (133,807)
Other....................................................................................... (1,730) 1,400
--------------------------------
Net cash flows from investing activities.................................................... (189,589) (19,309)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of 1997 Notes.................................................... 362,500 -
Repayments of mortgage indebtedness and notes payable....................................... (15,613) (10,441)
--------------------------------
Net cash flows from financing activities.................................................... 346,887 (10,441)
--------------------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents................................................... (8,663) (19,804)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.............................................. 38,438 62,058
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.................................................... $ 29,775 $ 42,254
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Capitalized interest, including amounts due from affiliates............................... $ 27,861 $ 21,619
Satellite vendor financing................................................................ - 12,950
Reclassification of satellite assets...................................................... - 55,104
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 or referring to particular subsidiaries in
certain circumstances, "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 September 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 September 30, 1998,
EchoStar had approximately 1.6 million DISH Network subscribers.
- ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION ("TECHNOLOGY") - engaged in 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 - engaged in the turn-key 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," 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 nine months ended September 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 NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
1997 1998 1997 1998
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Net loss $(117,957) $(52,863) $(244,381) $(149,995)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on
available-for-sale securities 12 - 12 8
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
Comprehensive loss $(117,945) $(52,863) $(244,369) $(149,987)
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
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 SEPTEMBER
31, 30,
1997 1998
---------------------------
(Unaudited)
EchoStar Receiver Systems . . . . . . . . . $ 7,649 $45,880
DBS receiver components . . . . . . . . . . 12,506 34,107
Consigned DBS receiver components . . . . . 3,122 2,749
Finished goods - analog DTH equipment . . . 2,116 2,505
Spare parts and other . . . . . . . . . . . 1,440 947
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory . (3,840) (4,214)
---------------------------
$22,993 $81,974
---------------------------
---------------------------
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):
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1998
-------------------------------
(Unaudited)
EchoStar I $ 201,607 $ 201,607
EchoStar II 228,694 228,694
EchoStar IV (Note 5) - 104,636
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 92,170 155,208
Buildings and improvements 22,114 48,465
Tooling and other 4,336 5,579
Land 1,636 1,638
Vehicles 1,320 1,288
Construction in progress 103,177 20,396
-------------------------------
Total property and equipment 655,054 767,511
Accumulated depreciation (85,783) (128,999)
-------------------------------
Property and equipment, net $ 569,271 $ 638,512
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
EchoStar IV, which was launched in May 1998, commenced commercial operation
in August 1998. As of December 31, 1997, construction in progress primarily
consisted of EchoStar IV.
5. ECHOSTAR IV DEVELOPMENTS
As previously announced, the south solar array on EchoStar IV did not
properly deploy subsequent to the launch of the satellite on May 8, 1998. This
anomaly resulted in a reduction of power available to operate the satellite. In
addition, an unrelated anomaly discovered during the third quarter of 1998 has
resulted in the failure of six traveling-wave-tube amplifiers ("TWTAs"). The
satellite is equipped with a total of 44 TWTAs. Only 24 TWTAs are necessary to
fully utilize EchoStar's 24 frequencies at 148DEG. West Longitude ("WL"), where
the satellite is located.
EchoStar is currently able to use a maximum of only 20 transponders as a
result of the solar array anomaly described above. The number of available
transponders will decrease over time, but based on existing data, EchoStar
expects that approximately 16 transponders will probably be available over the
entire expected 12 year life of the satellite, absent significant additional
TWTA failures. In September 1998, EchoStar filed a $219.3 million insurance
claim for a total constructive loss (as defined in the launch insurance policy)
related to EchoStar IV. However, if EchoStar were to receive $219.3 million for
a total constructive 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. While EchoStar believes it has suffered a total constructive
loss of EchoStar IV in accordance with that definition in the launch insurance
policy, EchoStar presently intends to negotiate a settlement with the insurers
that will compensate EchoStar for the reduced satellite transmission capacity
and allow EchoStar to retain title to the asset.
EchoStar Space Corporation ("Space"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECC,
originally contracted for the launch of EchoStar IV. Accordingly, all costs
associated with the launch of EchoStar IV were recognized by Space. Funds
necessary to pay for the launch of EchoStar IV were advanced to Space by ECC
($20 million) and DBS Corp ($64 million). However, because DBS Corp is the
named insured under the terms of the EchoStar IV launch insurance policy, it
will be entitled to all proceeds from any insurance settlement. Consequently,
in September 1998, Space transferred its cost-basis in EchoStar IV to DBS Corp
and ECC in settlement of prior advances. ECC then made a $20 million capital
contribution of its basis in EchoStar IV to DBS Corp. As a result of these
transactions (and prior to the impairment provision described below), all costs
associated with the construction, launch and insurance of EchoStar IV are
reflected on DBS Corp's balance sheet.
6
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
(Unaudited)
During the third quarter of 1998, EchoStar recorded a $106 million
provision for loss in connection with the estimated reduced operational capacity
of EchoStar IV. This loss provision represents EchoStar's present estimate of
its asset impairment attributable to lost transmission capacity on EchoStar IV
resulting from the anomalies described above. EchoStar also recorded a $106
million gain attributable to an anticipated insurance claim receivable. While
there can be no assurance as to the amount of the final insurance settlement,
EchoStar believes that it will receive insurance proceeds related to EchoStar IV
that will be sufficient to at least fully offset its asset impairment
attributable to the reduction in capacity sustained by EchoStar IV. While
EchoStar believes it has sustained a total constructive loss, insurers have
requested additional information and may contest the claim. To the extent that
it appears highly 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.
Likewise, if the satellite insurers obtain the right to salvage from EchoStar IV
by payment to EchoStar of the $219.3 million insured amount, EchoStar will
record an additional loss for the remaining carrying value of EchoStar IV.
Pursuant to the terms of one of its indentures, EchoStar is required to reinvest
all insurance proceeds received related to EchoStar IV in a replacement
satellite or, at EchoStar's option, offer to repurchase outstanding 12 1/2%
Senior Secured Notes due 2002 (the "1997 Notes"). EchoStar intends to procure a
replacement satellite on an accelerated basis.
6. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1998
-------------------------------
(Unaudited)
Accrued royalties and copyright . . . . . . . . $ 21,573 $ 42,310
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,839 40,663
Accrued programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,018 30,965
Accrued marketing expenses . . . . . . . . . . 4,660 17,317
-------------------------------
$97,090 $131,255
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
THE NEWS CORPORATION LIMITED
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. WL 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,
7
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
(Unaudited)
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.
WIC PREMIUM TELEVISION LTD.
On July 28, 1998, a lawsuit was filed by WIC Premium Television Ltd.
("WIC"), an Alberta corporation, in the Federal Court of Canada Trial Division,
against certain defendants which include: General Instrument Corporation, HBO,
Warner Communications, Inc., John Doe, Showtime, U.S. Satellite Broadcasting
Corporation ("USSB"), ECC and two of ECC's wholly-owned subsidiaries, Dish, Ltd.
("Dish") and Echosphere Corporation ("Echosphere"). 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 and/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.
On September 28, 1998, WIC filed another lawsuit in the Court of Queen's
Bench of Alberta Judicial District of Edmonton against certain defendants, which
also include ECC, Dish, and Echosphere. 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, interim and permanent injunction prohibiting the defendants
from importing hardware into Canada and from activating receivers in Canada and
damages in excess of the equivalent of US $175 million. It is too early to
determine whether or when any other lawsuits and/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
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.
The national networks and local affiliate stations have recently challenged
PrimeTime 24's methods of selling network programming (national and local) to
consumers based upon infringement of copyright. The U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of Florida entered a nationwide injunction preventing
PrimeTime 24 from selling its programming to consumers unless the programming
was sold according to certain stipulations in the injunction. The Court also
purported to enjoin PrimeTime 24's "distributors" as well. The Plaintiff in the
Florida litigation informed EchoStar that it considered EchoStar a "distributor"
and has since threatened EchoStar with litigation.
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
8
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
(Unaudited)
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. CBS and other broadcast networks have informed EchoStar
that they believe EchoStar's method of providing distant network programming
violates the SHVA and hence infringes their copyright.
On October 19, 1998, EchoStar filed a declaratory judgment action in the
United States District Court for the District of Colorado against the four major
networks. In the future, EchoStar may attempt to certify a class including the
networks as well as any and all owned and operated stations and any independent
affiliates. EchoStar has asked the court to enter a judgment declaring that
EchoStar's method of providing distant network programming does not violate the
SHVA and hence does not infringe the networks' copyrights.
Certain national television broadcast networks (and their local affiliates)
have threatened to file counter-claims or separate lawsuits against EchoStar for
both the retransmission of local-into-local and distant-into-local signals.
While to date EchoStar has not been served with a complaint, recent press
reports indicate that a lawsuit may have been filed in Miami by the networks and
their affiliates against EchoStar. 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 could be required to terminate delivery of network
signals to a material portion of its subscriber base. Further restrictions on
the sale of network channels imposed in the future could result in decreases in
subscriber activations and subscription television services revenue and an
increase in subscriber churn.
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.
METEOROID EVENTS
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.
While the probability that EchoStar's spacecraft will be damaged by space
debris is very small, that probability will increase by several orders of
magnitude during these meteoroid events. 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.
9
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; 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; A
MERGER OF EXISTING DBS COMPETITORS; A CHANGE IN THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE
SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SERVICE INDUSTRY; 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.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.
REVENUE. Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 1998 was
$237 million, an increase of $107 million or 83%, compared to total revenue for
the three months ended September 30, 1997 of $130 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
September 30, 1998, the Company experienced a corresponding increase in trade
accounts receivable at September 30, 1998.
DISH Network subscription television services revenue totaled $179 million
for the three months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $97 million or
119%, 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
September 30, 1998 increased approximately 116%, as compared to the same period
in 1997. Monthly revenue per subscriber approximated $40.00 during the
three-months ended September 30, 1998 and $39.50 during the three months ended
September 30, 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 and maintaining or increasing
revenue per subscriber.
For the three months ended September 30, 1998, DTH equipment sales and
integration services totaled $44 million, an increase of $22 million or 100%,
compared to the three months ended September 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 $35
million for the three months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $18
million, as compared to $17 million for the three months ended September 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. DBS
accessory and other sales totaled $9 million during the three months ended
September 30, 1998, a $4 million increase compared to the same period in 1997.
10
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--CONTINUED
Substantially all of the Company's Technology revenues have resulted from
sales to two international 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 the Company's digital set-top boxes. Due to several
factors, the Company expects that its DTH equipment and integration services
revenue could decline during the fourth quarter of 1998 as compared to revenue
reported during the third quarter of 1998, and may decline further during 1999
as compared to 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. 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. While the Company has binding purchase orders from
Telefonica for additional 1998 and 1999 deliveries of DTH equipment, the Company
can not yet predict what impact, if any, consummation of this merger might have
on its future sales to Telefonica. However in October 1998, Telefonica
announced that the merger negotiations have been suspended at this time. While
the Company continues to actively pursue additional distribution and integration
service opportunities internationally, no assurance can be given that any such
additional negotiations will be successful.
Satellite services revenue totaled $5 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1998, an increase of $1 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
$104 million for the three months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $47
million or 82%, 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 September 30, 1998, DISH Network operating expenses represented 58% of
subscription television services revenue compared to 69% 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 the third quarter 1998 level in
future periods, there can be no assurance that this expense to revenue ratio
will not increase.
Subscriber-related expenses totaled $78 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1998, an increase of $35 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 43% of subscription television services
revenues for the three months ended September 30, 1998 compared to 52% of
subscription television services revenues for the three months ended September
30, 1997. The decrease in subscriber-related expenses as a percentage of
subscription television services revenue resulted primarily from a decrease in
programming expenses on a per subscriber basis, 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
centers, such as personnel and telephone expenses, as well as subscriber
equipment installation and other operating expenses. Customer service center
and other expenses totaled $20 million for the three months ended September 30,
1998, an increase of $9 million as compared to the three months ended September
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 11% and 13% of subscription
television services revenue during the three months ended September 30, 1998 and
1997, respectively. While the Company expects customer service center and other
expenses as a percentage of subscription television services revenue to remain
near these levels in the future, 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 satellite in-orbit
insurance. Satellite and transmission expenses increased $4 million during the
three months ended
11
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--CONTINUED
September 30, 1998, as compared to the same period during 1997. This
increase resulted from higher satellite and other digital broadcast center
operating expenses due to an increase in the number of operational
satellites. The Company expects DISH Network operating expenses to continue
to 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 $30 million for the three months
ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $18 million, as compared to the three
months ended September 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 $68 million for the three
months ended September 30, 1998, a decrease of $16 million as compared to the
same period in 1997. The decrease in marketing expenses was primarily
attributable to a $9 million decrease in advertising and other expenses and a $7
million decrease in subscriber promotion subsidies. During the fourth quarter
of 1998, the Company expects that its marketing expenses will increase
materially compared to the third quarter of 1998 as a result of increases in
advertising expenses and subscriber promotion subsidies attributable to the
Company's new marketing promotion described below.
For the three months ended September 30, 1998, the Company's subscriber
acquisition costs, inclusive of acquisition marketing expenses, totaled
$64 million (approximately $240 per new subscriber activation). Comparatively,
the Company's subscriber acquisition costs, inclusive of acquisition marketing
expenses and deferred subscriber acquisition costs, totaled $84 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, will
increase in the near-term as a result of increased competition for DBS
subscribers.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative ("G&A")
expenses totaled $24 million for the three months ended September 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 10% for the three months ended September 30, 1998 compared
to 12% for the corresponding period in 1997. While the Company expects that G&A
expenses as a percentage of total revenue will continue to approximate this
level in the future, 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 September 30, 1998 improved to $7 million
compared to negative EBITDA of $44 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
(including subscriber promotion subsidies and advertising) and a decrease in
Technology revenue (as previously described), the Company expects to report
negative EBITDA during the fourth quarter of 1998.
During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company introduced a new marketing
promotion (the "DISH Network One-Rate Plan"). Under the DISH Network One-Rate
Plan, consumers are eligible to receive a $249 rebate on the purchase of certain
EchoStar Receiver Systems. The rebate is contingent upon the subscriber's
one-year commitment to subscribe to the America's Top 100 CD programming package
and two premium channel packages, committing the subscriber to a monthly
programming payment of at least $48.98. The consumer must pay the entire sales
price of the system at the time of purchase, but is not required to prepay for
the programming. After receiving the subscriber's first full programming
payment (equal to $97.96 for two months of programming), the Company issues a
$249 rebate to the subscriber. Although there can be no assurance as to the
ultimate duration of the DISH Network One-Rate Plan, it will continue through at
least December 1998.
12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--CONTINUED
The Company's subscriber acquisition costs, both in aggregate and on a per
subscriber basis, will increase in direct relation to the participation rate in
the DISH Network One-Rate Plan. While the Company presently expects less than
one-third of its fourth quarter subscriber activations to result from the DISH
Network One-Rate Plan, the actual consumer participation level could be
significantly higher. To the extent that actual consumer participation levels
exceed present expectations and subscriber acquisition costs materially
increase, the Company's EBITDA results will be negatively impacted in the
near-term because subscriber acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization expenses for
the three months ended September 30, 1998 (including amortization of subscriber
acquisition costs of $2 million) aggregated $18 million, a decrease of $29
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 (decrease of $32 million),
partially offset by an increase in depreciation related to the commencement of
operation of EchoStar IV and other depreciable assets placed in service during
1998. Since October 1997, net subscriber acquisition costs have been expensed
as incurred and no additional subscriber acquisition costs have been deferred.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE. Other expense, net totaled $42 million for the
three months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $15 million as compared to
the same period in 1997. The increase in other expense resulted primarily from
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")
combined with a decrease in capitalized interest.
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 1997.
REVENUE. Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 was
$697 million, an increase of $401 million compared to total revenue for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 of $296 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 $460 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $267 million or
138%, 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 nine months ended
September 30, 1998 increased approximately 137% as compared to the same period
in 1997.
For the nine months ended September 30, 1998, DTH equipment sales and
integration services totaled $191 million, an increase of $154 million compared
to the nine months ended September 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.
Satellite services revenue totaled $16 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998, an increase of $8 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
$274 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $144
million or 110%, 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. DISH Network operating
expenses represented 60% and 67% of subscription television services revenue
during the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Subscriber-related expenses totaled $211 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998, an increase of $114 million compared to the same period in
1997. Subscriber-related expenses totaled 46% of subscription television
services revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 compared to 50%
during the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--CONTINUED
Customer service center and other expenses totaled $46 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $23 million as compared to the
nine months ended September 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
10% of subscription television services revenue during the nine months ended
September 30, 1998 compared to 12% of subscription television services revenue
during the same period of the prior year.
Satellite and transmission expenses increased $7 million during the nine
months ended September 30, 1998, as compared to the same period during 1997.
This increase resulted from higher satellite and other digital broadcast center
operating expenses due to an increase in the number of operational satellites.
COST OF SALES - DTH EQUIPMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES. Cost of sales -
DTH equipment and integration services totaled $131 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $105 million, as compared to the nine
months ended September 30, 1997. This increase is consistent with the increase
in DTH equipment revenue.
MARKETING EXPENSES. Marketing expenses totaled $191 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $68 million or 56%, 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 $165 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $66 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 nine-month period ended September 30, 1997,
a portion of such expenses were initially deferred and amortized over the
related prepaid subscription term (generally one year). Advertising and other
expenses totaled $26 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, an
increase of $2 million over the same period in 1997.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. G&A expenses totaled $67 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $21 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 10% for the
nine months ended September 30, 1998 compared to 15% for the corresponding
period in 1997.
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. EBITDA for
the nine months ended September 30, 1998 improved to $22 million compared to
negative EBITDA of $44 million 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 nine months ended September 30, 1998 (including amortization of subscriber
acquisition costs of $19 million) aggregated $62 million, a $72 million decrease
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 (decrease of $76 million), partially offset by an
increase in depreciation related to the commencement of operation of EchoStar IV
and other depreciable assets placed in service during 1998.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE. Other expense, net totaled $110 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1998, an increase of $44 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") and increases in interest expense associated with
increased accreted balances on the 1994 Notes and the 1996 Notes.
14
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--CONTINUED
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Company has assessed and continues to assess the impact of the Year
2000 Issue on its computer systems and operations. The Year 2000 Issue exists
because many computer systems and applications currently use two-digit date
fields to designate a year. Thus, as the century date approaches, date
sensitive systems may recognize the year 2000 as 1900 or not at all. The
inability to recognize or properly treat the Year 2000 may cause computer
systems to process critical financial and operational information incorrectly.
The Company is currently engaged in the remediation and testing of its
critical computer systems to ensure Year 2000 compliance thereof. In connection
with this effort, the Company has segregated its computer systems and
corresponding Year 2000 compliance risk into three categories: internal
financial and administrative systems, service-delivery systems, and third-party
systems. With respect to the Company's internal financial and administrative
systems, the Company has substantially completed the identification,
modification (as necessary) and testing of all such systems. While there can be
no assurance, the Company currently believes that its internal financial and
administrative systems are Year 2000 compliant. The Company currently is
completing a similar effort with respect to its service-delivery systems and
although there can be no assurance, the Company expects all such systems to be
fully Year 2000 compliant by the end of 1998. The Company also is currently
assessing its vulnerability to unexpected business interruptions due to the
failure of external third-parties to remediate their Year 2000 compliance
issues. In connection with this assessment, the Company is in the process of
communicating with all of its significant third-party business partners,
suppliers and vendors to determine the extent to which the Company is vulnerable
to those third parties' failure to remediate their own Year 2000 issues.
While there can be no assurance, the Company believes its costs to
successfully mitigate the Year 2000 Issue will not be material to its
operations. If the Company's Plan is not successful or is not completed in a
timely manner, the Year 2000 Issue could significantly disrupt the Company's
ability to transact business with its customers and suppliers, and could have a
material impact on its operations. There can be no assurance that the systems
of other companies with which the Company's systems interact also will be timely
converted, or that any such failure to convert by another company would not have
an adverse effect on the Company's business or its operations.
15
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
THE NEWS CORPORATION LIMITED
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.
WIC PREMIUM TELEVISION LTD.
On July 28, 1998, a lawsuit was filed by WIC Premium Television Ltd.
("WIC"), an Alberta corporation, in the Federal Court of Canada Trial Division,
against certain defendants which include: General Instrument Corporation, HBO,
Warner Communications, Inc., John Doe, Showtime, U.S. Satellite Broadcasting
Corporation ("USSB"), ECC and two of ECC's wholly-owned subsidiaries, Dish, Ltd.
("Dish") and Echosphere Corporation ("Echosphere"). 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 and/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.
On September 28, 1998, WIC filed another lawsuit in the Court of Queen's
Bench of Alberta Judicial District of Edmonton against certain defendants, which
also include ECC, Dish, and Echosphere. 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, interim and permanent injunction prohibiting the defendants
from importing hardware into Canada and from activating receivers in Canada and
damages in excess of the equivalent of
16
US $175 million. It is too early to determine whether or when any other
lawsuits and/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
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.
The national networks and local affiliate stations have recently challenged
PrimeTime 24's methods of selling network programming (national and local) to
consumers based upon infringement of copyright. The U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of Florida entered a nationwide injunction preventing
PrimeTime 24 from selling its programming to consumers unless the programming
was sold according to certain stipulations in the injunction. The Court also
purported to enjoin PrimeTime 24's "distributors" as well. The Plaintiff in the
Florida litigation informed EchoStar that it considered EchoStar a "distributor"
and has since threatened EchoStar with litigation.
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. CBS and other broadcast networks have informed EchoStar
that they believe EchoStar's method of providing distant network programming
violates the SHVA and hence infringes their copyright.
On October 19, 1998, EchoStar filed a declaratory judgment action in the
United States District Court for the District of Colorado against the four major
networks. In the future, EchoStar may attempt to certify a class including the
networks as well as any and all owned and operated stations and any independent
affiliates. EchoStar has asked the court to enter a judgment declaring that
EchoStar's method of providing distant network programming does not violate the
SHVA and hence does not infringe the networks' copyrights.
Certain national television broadcast networks (and their local affiliates)
have threatened to file counter-claims or separate lawsuits against EchoStar for
both the retransmission of local-into-local and distant-into-local signals.
While to date EchoStar has not been served with a complaint, recent press
reports indicate that a lawsuit may have been filed in Miami by the networks and
their affiliates against EchoStar. 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 could be required to terminate delivery of network
signals to a material portion of its subscriber base. Further restrictions on
the sale of network channels imposed in the future could result in decreases in
subscriber activations and subscription television services revenue and an
increase in subscriber churn.
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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 September
30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to EchoStar's Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1998).
99.2* Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of EchoStar Satellite
Broadcasting Corporation for the quarterly period ended September
30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to ESBC's Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1998).
99.3* Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Dish, Ltd. for the
quarterly period ended September 30, 1998 (incorporated by
reference to Dish, Ltd.'s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September 30, 1998)
- --------------------
+ Filed herewith.
* Incorporated by reference.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the third quarter of 1998.
18
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: November 12, 1998
5
1,000
9-MOS
DEC-31-1998
JAN-01-1998
SEP-30-1998
42,254
1,999
87,423
3,530
81,974
231,435
767,511
128,999
1,376,222
353,149
1,449,741
0
0
0
(454,622)
1,376,222
681,139
696,944
417,378
736,825
109,894
8,201
117,367
(149,775)
220
(149,995)
0
0
0
(149,995)
(149,995)
(149,995)
Includes sales of programming.
Includes costs of programming.
Net of amounts capitalized.
