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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(b) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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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
LITTLETON, COLORADO 80120
(Address of principal (Zip Code)
executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 723-1000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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 [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
As of March 24, 1998, the Registrant's outstanding Common stock consisted
of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value.
THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
(I)(1)(A) AND (B) OF FORM 10-K AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference:
None
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business.......................................................... 1
Item 2. Properties........................................................ 2
Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................. 2
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............... *
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters............................................... 4
Item 6. Selected Financial Data........................................... *
Item 7. Management's Narrative Analysis of Results
of Operations..................................................... 4
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data....................... 7
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure............................... 7
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant................ *
Item 11. Executive Compensation............................................ *
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.... *
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................... *
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K... 8
Signatures...................................................... 14
Index to Financial Statements................................... F-1
DISH Network-SM- is a service mark of EchoStar Communications Corporation.
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* This item has been omitted purusnt to the reduced disclosure as set forth
in General Instructions (I)(l)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
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: THE
UNAVAILABILITY OF SUFFICIENT CAPITAL ON SATISFACTORY TERMS TO FINANCE THE
COMPANY'S BUSINESS PLAN; INCREASED 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; INCREASED SUBSCRIBER
ACQUISITION COSTS AND SUBSCRIBER PROMOTION SUBSIDIES; THE INABILITY OF THE
COMPANY TO OBTAIN NECESSARY SHAREHOLDER AND BONDHOLDER APPROVAL OF ANY STRATEGIC
TRANSACTIONS; THE INABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO OBTAIN AND RETAIN NECESSARY
AUTHORIZATIONS FROM THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION ("FCC"); 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF 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. DBS Corp was formed in January
1996 for the initial purpose of participating in an FCC auction. On January 26,
1996, DBS Corp submitted the winning bid of $52.3 million for 24 DBS frequencies
at 148(Degree) West Longitude. Funds necessary to complete the purchase of the
DBS frequencies and commence construction of the Company's fourth DBS satellite,
EchoStar IV, have been advanced to DBS Corp by ECC and EchoStar Satellite
Broadcasting Corporation ("ESBC"). 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K to EchoStar's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. 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 DBS subscription television service in the
United States. As of December 31, 1997, EchoStar had approximately
1,040,000 DISH Network subscribers.
- 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.
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On June 25, 1997, DBS Corp consummated an offering (the "1997 Notes
Offering") of 12 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2002 (the "1997 Notes"). The 1997
Notes Offering resulted in net proceeds of $363 million (after payment of
underwriting discounts and other issuance costs aggregating $12 million).
Interest accrues on the 1997 Notes at a rate of 12 1/2% and is payable in cash
semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year, with the first interest
payment due January 1, 1998. Of the net proceeds from the 1997 Notes Offering,
$109 million were placed in an escrow account (the "Interest Escrow") to fund
semi-annual interest payments through January 1, 2000. Additionally, $112
million of the net proceeds of the 1997 Notes Offering were placed in a separate
escrow account (the "Satellite Escrow") to fund the construction, launch and
insurance of EchoStar IV. The 1997 Notes mature on July 1, 2002. Prior to
consummation of the 1997 Notes Offering, ECC contributed (the "Contribution")
all of the outstanding capital stock of ESBC to DBS Corp. As a result of the
Contribution, ESBC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Corp. This transaction
was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control in which
ESBC is treated as the predecessor of DBS Corp. The financial statements
beginning on page F-1 retroactively reflect the resulting structure and
historical results of DBS Corp and its predecessors.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The following table sets forth certain information concerning
EchoStar's properties:
<TABLE>
APPROXIMATE OWNED OR
DESCRIPTION/USE LOCATION SQUARE FOOTAGE LEASED
- -------------------------------------------- ----------------------- -------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Corporate headquarters...................... Littleton, Colorado 156,000 Owned
EchoStar Technologies Corporation office
and distribution center.................... Englewood, Colorado 155,000 Owned
Office and distribution center.............. Sacramento, California 78,500 Owned
Digital Broadcast Operations Center......... Cheyenne, Wyoming 55,000 Owned
Customer Service Center..................... Thornton, Colorado 55,000 Owned
European headquarters and warehouse......... Almelo, The Netherlands 53,800 Owned
Warehouse facility.......................... Denver, Colorado 40,000 Owned
</TABLE>
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On July 29, 1996, EchoStar Acceptance Corporation ("EAC"), Dish Network
Credit Corporation ("DNCC"), ESC and Echosphere Corporation (collectively,
"EchoStar Credit"), filed a civil action against Associates Investment
Corporation ("Associates") which is currently pending in the U.S. District Court
in the District of Colorado. EchoStar Credit alleges that Associates, among
other things, breached its contract with EchoStar Credit pursuant to which
Associates agreed to finance the purchase of EchoStar Receiver Systems by
consumers. EchoStar Credit alleges that Associates' refusal to finance certain
prospective consumers has resulted in the loss of prospective customers to
EchoStar's competitors. In addition, EchoStar Credit alleges that the loss of
sales due to Associate's action forced EchoStar to lower the price on its
products. Associates filed counterclaims against EAC for fraud and breach of
contract. Associates seeks approximately $10.0 million by way of its
counterclaims. EAC intends to vigorously defend against such counterclaims. A
trial date has not yet been set. It is too early in the litigation to make an
assessment of the probable outcome.
Certain purchasers of C-band and DISH Network systems have filed
actions in various state courts in Alabama naming EchoStar, EAC or Echosphere
Corporation as a defendant and seeking actual and punitive damages. Eleven
lawsuits were filed against EAC in the state of Alabama. Eight of the suits
involve EAC and Household Retail Services, Inc. ("HRSI") and three suits involve
EAC and Bank One Dayton, N.A. ("Bank One"). All three of the EAC/Bank One cases
recently have been dismissed or are in the process of being dismissed against
all defendants including EAC. Therefore, only the cases involving EAC and HRSI
remain pending. In those cases, the plaintiffs in those suits allege that the
terms of the financing plan were misrepresented to them by the independent
retail dealers. The plaintiffs allege that the dealers were the agents of EAC
and that EAC did not properly train the dealers. Additional suits may be filed
or the plaintiffs' attorneys may attempt to certify a class and/or add
additional
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plaintiffs to the existing suits and seek exponentially greater damages. EAC
denies liability and intends to vigorously defend against all remaining
claims, which include allegations of fraud and lending law violations. While
the actual damages claimed in each of these cases are not material, EchoStar
is aware that juries in Alabama have recently issued a number of verdicts
awarding substantial punitive damages on actual damage claims of less than
$10,000.
EAC and HRSI entered into a Merchandise Financing Agreement in 1989
(the "Merchant Agreement") pursuant to which HRSI acted as a consumer financing
source for the purchase of, among other things, satellite systems distributed by
Echosphere Corporation, a subsidiary of EchoStar, to consumers through EAC
dealers. HRSI terminated the Merchant Agreement as of December 31, 1994. During
February 1995, EAC and Echosphere (the "EAC Parties") filed suit against HRSI.
The case is pending in U.S. District Court in Colorado (the "HRSI Litigation").
The EAC Parties have alleged, among other things, breach of contract, breach of
fiduciary duty, fraud and wanton and willful conduct by HRSI in connection with
termination of the Merchant Agreement and related matters. The EAC parties are
seeking damages in excess of $10.0 million. HRSI's counterclaims have been
dismissed with prejudice. Summary judgment motions have been pending on all
remaining issues since May 1996. A trial date has not been set.
During February 1997, EchoStar and 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
110(Degree) WL purchased by MCI 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 ASkyB, 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 intends to vigorously defend against the
counterclaims. Discovery commenced on July 3, 1997 and depositions are currently
being taken. The case has been set for trial commencing November 1998, 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.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
As of March 24, 1997, all 1,000 authorized, issued and outstanding
shares of the Company's Common Stock were held by EchoStar. There is currently
no established trading market for the Company's Common Stock.
DBS Corp has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common
stock and does not expect to declare dividends in the foreseeable future.
Payment of any future dividends will depend upon the earnings and capital
requirements of DBS Corp, DBS Corp's debt facilities, and other factors the
Board of Directors considers appropriate. The Company currently intends to
retain its earnings, if any, to support future growth and expansion. The
Company's ability to declare dividends is affected by covenants in its debt
facilities that prohibit DBS Corp from declaring dividends and its subsidiaries
from transferring funds in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances to ECC.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996.
REVENUE. Total revenue in 1997 was $476 million, an increase of 141%,
or $279 million, as compared to total revenue of $197 million in 1996. The
increase in total revenue in 1997 was primarily attributable to the operation of
the DISH Network during the entirety of 1997, combined with DISH Network
subscriber growth. The Company expects this trend to continue as the number of
DISH Network subscribers increases, and as it develops its Technology and
Satellite Services businesses. Consistent with the increases in total revenue
during 1997, the Company experienced a corresponding increase in trade accounts
receivable at December 31, 1997.
DISH Network subscription television services revenue totaled $299
million during 1997, an increase of $249 million compared to 1996. This increase
was directly attributable to the operation of the DISH Network during the
entirety of 1997, combined with the increase in the number of DISH Network
subscribers. Average monthly revenue per subscriber approximated $39 during 1997
compared to approximately $36 in 1996. The increase in monthly revenue per
subscriber was primarily due to additional channels added upon commencement of
operations of EchoStar II. DISH Network subscription television services revenue
consists primarily of revenue from basic, premium and pay-per-view subscription
television services.
Other DISH Network revenue totaled $43 million in 1997, an increase of
$35 million compared to 1996. Other DISH Network revenue primarily consists of
incremental revenues over advertised subscription rates realized from the
Company's 1996 Promotion (as described below), as well as installation revenues.
In August 1996, the Company lowered the suggested retail price for a standard
EchoStar Receiver System to $199 (as compared to an average retail price in
March 1996 of $499), conditioned upon the consumer's one-year prepaid
subscription to the DISH Network's America's Top 50 CD programming package for
$300 (the "1996 Promotion"). In 1997, the Company recognized incremental
revenues related to the 1996 Promotion of approximately $39 million, an increase
of $34 million over 1996. The Company expects incremental revenue related to the
1996 Promotion to decline at an accelerated rate in future periods and to cease
during the third quarter of 1998.
During 1997, DTH equipment sales and integration services totaled $90
million. EchoStar currently has agreements for the sale of digital satellite
broadcasting equipment using EchoStar technology to two international DTH
service operators. The Company realized revenues of $74 million related to these
agreements during 1997. Of this amount, $59 million related to sales of digital
set-top boxes and other DTH equipment while $15 million resulted from the
provision of integration services (revenue from uplink center design,
construction oversight, and other project integration services). DBS accessory
sales totaled $10 million during 1997, an $8 million increase compared to 1996.
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While EchoStar continues to actively pursue other distribution and
integration service opportunities, no assurance can be given that any such
additional negotiations will be successful. EchoStar's future revenue from the
sale of DTH equipment and integration services in international markets depends
largely on the success of the DBS operator in that country, which, in turn,
depends on other factors, such as the level of consumer acceptance of DBS
products and the intensity of competition for international subscription
television subscribers. No assurance can be given regarding the level of
expected future revenues which may be generated from EchoStar's alliances with
foreign DTH operators.
DTH equipment sales and integration services revenue totaled $77
million during 1996. These revenues consisted primarily of sales of EchoStar
Receiver Systems and related accessories prior to the August 1996 nationwide
rollout of the 1996 Promotion.
Satellite services revenue totaled $11 million during 1997, an increase
of $5 million, or 91%, compared to 1996. These revenues include, among other
things, fees charged to content providers for signal carriage and revenues
earned from business television ("BTV") customers for the broadcast of
organizationally specific programming. The increase in satellite services
revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of content
providers, increased usage by the Company's BTV customers, and an entire year of
operation in 1997.
C-band and other revenue totaled $33 million for 1997, a decrease of
$23 million compared to $56 million in 1996. Other revenue principally related
to domestic and international sales of C-band products and net domestic C-band
programming revenues. This decrease resulted from the world-wide decrease in
demand for C-band products and services. Effective January 1, 1998, EchoStar
ceased operation of its C-band programming business.
DISH NETWORK OPERATING EXPENSES. DISH Network operating expenses
totaled $193 million during 1997, an increase of $151 million as compared to
1996. The increase in DISH Network operating expenses was primarily attributable
to operation of the DISH Network during the entirety of 1997 and the increase in
the number of DISH Network subscribers. Subscriber-related expenses totaled $144
million in 1997, an increase of $121 million compared to 1996. Such expenses,
which include programming expenses, copyright royalties, residuals payable to
retailers and distributors, and billing, lockbox and other variable subscriber
expenses, totaled 48% of subscription television services revenues, compared to
46% of subscription television services revenues during 1996. Satellite and
transmission expenses are comprised primarily of costs associated with the
operation of EchoStar's digital broadcast center, contracted satellite TT&C
services, and costs of maintaining in-orbit insurance on EchoStar's DBS
satellites. Satellite and transmission expenses increased $8 million in 1997
compared to 1996 primarily as a result of the operation of the DISH Network
(including EchoStar II) during the entirety of 1997. Customer service center and
other operating expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in the operation of
the Company's DISH Network customer service center and expenses associated with
subscriber equipment installation. Customer service center and other operating
expenses totaled $35 million in 1997, an increase of $22 million as compared to
1996. The increase in customer service center and other operating expenses was
directly attributable to the operation of the DISH Network during the entirety
of 1997, combined with the increase in the number of DISH Network subscribers.
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 will decline.
COST OF SALES - DTH EQUIPMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES. Cost of sales -
DTH equipment and integration services totaled $61 million during 1997, a
decrease of $15 million, or 20%, as compared to 1996. During 1997, cost of sales
- - DTH equipment and integration services principally represented costs
associated with set-top boxes and related components sold to international DTH
operators. For 1996, cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration services
totaled $76 million and represented costs of EchoStar Receiver Systems sold
prior to the August 1996 rollout of the 1996 Promotion.
COST OF SALES - C-BAND AND OTHER. Cost of sales - C-band and other
totaled $24 million during 1997, a decrease of $18 million compared to 1996.
This decrease was consistent with the decrease in related revenues and resulted
from the world-wide decrease in the demand for C-band products and services.
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MARKETING EXPENSES. Marketing expenses totaled $183 million for 1997,
an increase of $130 million as compared to 1996. The increase in marketing
expenses was primarily attributable to the increase in subscriber promotion
subsidies. Subscriber promotion subsidies represent the excess of transaction
costs over transaction proceeds at the time of sale of EchoStar Receiver
Systems. These costs totaled $149 million during 1997, an increase of $113
million over 1996. This increase resulted from the commencement of the 1997
Promotion (as described below) and the increase in the number of EchoStar
Receiver Systems sold during 1997. During 1997, EchoStar further reduced the
"up-front" costs to consumers by maintaining the suggested retail price for a
standard EchoStar Receiver System at $199 and eliminating any related prepaid
subscription commitments (the "1997 Promotion"). Advertising and other expenses
increased $17 million to $35 million during 1997 as a result of increased
marketing activity and operation of the DISH Network during the entirety of
1997.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative ("G&A")
expenses totaled $66 million for 1997, an increase of $17 million as compared to
1996. 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 14% during 1997 as compared to 25%
during 1996. EchoStar expects that its G&A expenses as a percent of total
revenue may continue to decrease in future periods.
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") was
negative $52 million for 1997, as compared to negative EBITDA of $65 million for
1996. This improvement in EBITDA resulted from the factors affecting revenue and
expenses discussed above. The Company believes that EBITDA results will continue
to improve in future periods as the number of DISH Network subscribers
increases. In the event that new subscriber activations exceed expectations, the
Company's EBITDA results may be negatively impacted in the near-term because
subscriber acquisition costs are expensed upon shipment of EchoStar Receiver
Systems.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization expenses
for 1997 (including amortization of subscriber acquisition costs of $121
million) aggregated $173 million in 1997, an increase of $129 million, as
compared to 1996. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses
principally resulted from amortization of subscriber acquisition costs (increase
of $105 million) and depreciation of EchoStar II (placed in service during the
fourth quarter of 1996).
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE. Other expense, net totaled $93 million during
1997, an increase of $45 million as compared to 1996. The 1997 increase in other
expense resulted primarily from interest expense associated with the 1997 Notes,
which were issued in June 1997, and increases in interest expense associated
with the Company's 12 7/8% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2004 (the "1994
Notes") and its 13 1/8% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2004 (the "1996
Notes") due to higher accreted balances thereon. These increases in interest
expense were partially offset by increases in capitalized interest. Capitalized
interest (primarily related to satellite construction) totaled $43 million
during 1997, compared to $32 million during 1996.
INCOME TAX BENEFIT. The $55 million decrease in the income tax benefit
during 1997 principally resulted from the Company's decision to increase its
valuation allowance sufficient to fully offset net deferred tax assets arising
during the year. Realization of these assets is dependent on the Company
generating sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of the net
operating loss carryforwards. The Company's net deferred tax assets ($67 million
at each of December 31, 1996 and 1997) principally relate to temporary
differences for amortization of original issue discount on the 1994 Notes and
1996 Notes, net operating loss carryforwards, and various accrued expenses which
are not deductible until paid. If future operating results differ materially and
adversely from the Company's current expectations, its judgment regarding the
magnitude of its valuation allowance may change.
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 ISSUE
EchoStar 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
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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.
EchoStar presently believes that with modifications to existing
software and conversions to new software, the Year 2000 Issue can be mitigated.
EchoStar is utilizing both internal and external resources to identify, correct
or reprogram, and test all affected systems for Year 2000 compliance. EchoStar
has also initiated formal communications with all of its significant suppliers
to determine the extent to which EchoStar is vulnerable to those third parties'
failure to remediate their own Year 2000 Issue. EchoStar believes its costs to
successfully mitigate the Year 2000 Issue will not be material.
If EchoStar's remediation plan is not successful or is not completed in
a timely manner, the Year 2000 Issue could significantly disrupt EchoStar's
ability to transact business with its customers and suppliers, and could have a
material impact on its operations. In addition, there can be no assurance that
the systems of other companies with which EchoStar'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 EchoStar's systems.
EFFECTS OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
FAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("FAS No. 130"), which establishes
standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components
(revenues, expenses, gains and losses) in a full set of general-purpose
financial statements. In June 1997, the FASB issued FAS No. 131, "Disclosures
About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("FAS No. 131") which
establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in
annual financial statements of public business enterprises and requires that
those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in
interim financial reports issued to shareholders and for related disclosures
about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. FAS No. 130
and FAS No. 131 are effective for financial statements for periods beginning
after December 15, 1997. The adoption of FAS No. 130 and FAS No. 131 may require
additional disclosure in the Company's financial statements.
INFLATION
Inflation has not materially affected the Company's operations during
the past three years. The Company believes that its ability to increase the
prices charged for its products and services in future periods will depend
primarily on competitive pressures. The Company does not have any material
backlog of its products.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements are included in this
report beginning on page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
7
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE
----
Report of Independent Public Accountants...................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1997..... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997............................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity
for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997......... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997............................. F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................... F-7
(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
None. All schedules have been included in the Consolidated Financial
Statements or Notes thereto.
(3) EXHIBITS
2.1* Amended and Restated Agreement for Exchange of Stock and
Merger, dated as of May 31, 1995, by and among EchoStar
Communications Corporation, a Nevada corporation formed in
April 1995 ("EchoStar"), Charles W. Ergen and Dish, Ltd.
(formerly EchoStar Communications Corporation, a Nevada
corporation formed in December 1993) ("Dish") (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 of EchoStar, Registration No. 33-91276).
2.2* Plan and Agreement of Merger made as of December 21, 1995 by
and among EchoStar, Direct Broadcasting Satellite Corporation,
a Colorado Corporation ("MergerCo") and Direct Broadcasting
Satellite Corporation, a Delaware Corporation ("DBSC")
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of EchoStar, Registration No.
333-03584).
2.3* Merger Trigger Agreement entered into as of December 21, 1995
by and among EchoStar, MergerCo and DBSC (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.4 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 of EchoStar, Registration No. 333-03584).
3.1(a)* Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a) to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar, Registration
No. 33-91276).
3.1(b)* Bylaws of EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.1(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar,
Registration No. 33-91276).
3.2(a)* Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar Satellite Broadcasting
Corporation (formerly EchoStar Bridge Corporation, a Colorado
corporation) ("ESBC") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.1(e) to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of ESBC,
Registration No. 333-3980).
3.2(b)* Bylaws of ESBC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(f)
to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of ESBC,
Registration No. 333-3980).
3.3(a)* Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Dish
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(a) to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No.
33-76450).
8
<PAGE>
3.3(b)* Bylaws of Dish (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(b) to
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration
No. 33-76450).
3.4(a)* Articles of Incorporation of EchoStar DBS Corporation, a
Colorado corporation ("DBS Corp.") (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.4(a) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
DBS Corp., Registration No. 333-31929).
3.4(b)* Bylaws of DBS Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.4(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of DBS Corp.,
Registration No. 333-31929).
4.1* Indenture of Trust between Dish and First Trust National
Association ("First Trust"), as Trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).
4.2* Warrant Agreement between EchoStar and First Trust, as Warrant
Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No.
33-76450).
4.3* Security Agreement in favor of First Trust, as Trustee under
the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).
4.4* Escrow and Disbursement Agreement between Dish and First Trust
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).
4.5* Pledge Agreement in favor of First Trust, as Trustee under the
Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).
4.6* Intercreditor Agreement among First Trust, Continental Bank,
N.A. and Martin Marietta Corporation ("Martin Marietta")
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).
4.7* Series A Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation of
EchoStar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar, Registration
No. 33-91276).
4.8* Registration Rights Agreement by and between EchoStar and
Charles W. Ergen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar,
Registration No.
33-91276).
4.9* Indenture of Trust between ESBC and First Trust, as Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 1995,
Commission File No. 0-26176).
4.10* Security Agreement of ESBC in favor of First Trust, as Trustee
under the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.9 hereto (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 1995, Commission
File No. 0-26176).
4.11* Escrow and Disbursement Agreement between ESBC and First Trust
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December
31, 1995, Commission File No. 0-26176).
9
<PAGE>
4.12* Pledge Agreement of ESBC in favor of First Trust, as Trustee
under the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.9 hereto (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
of EchoStar for the year ended December 31, 1995, Commission
File No. 0-26176).
4.13* Pledge Agreement of EchoStar in favor of First Trust, as
Trustee under the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.9 hereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended December
31, 1995, Commission File No. 0-26176).
4.14* Registration Rights Agreement by and between ESBC, EchoStar,
Dish, MergerCo and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended
December 31, 1995, Commission File No. 0-26176).
4.15* Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 25, 1997, by
and among DBS Corp., EchoStar Communications Corporation, a
Nevada corporation formed in April 1995 ("EchoStar"), EchoStar
Satellite Broadcasting Corporation, a Colorado corporation,
Dish, Ltd. (formerly EchoStar Communications Corporation, a
Nevada corporation formed in December 1993), Donaldson, Lufkin
& Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ") and Lehman Brothers
Inc. ("Lehman Brothers") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.15 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of DBS Corp.,
Registration No. 333-31929).
4.16* Indenture of Trust, dated as of June 25, 1997, between DBS
Corp. and First Trust National Association ("First Trust"), as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
DBS Corp., Registration No. 333-31929).
4.17* 12 1/8% Series B Senior Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred
Stock Certificate of Correction for the Certificate of
Designation of EchoStar (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.17 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement
on Form S-3 of EchoStar, Registration No. 333-37683).
4.18* Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 2, 1997, by
and among EchoStar, DLJ and Lehman Brothers ((incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.18 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 of EchoStar, Registration
No. 333-37683).
4.19* 6 3/4% Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
Certificate of Designation of EchoStar (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.19 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 of EchoStar, Registration No. 333-39901).
4.20* Form of Deposit Agreement between EchoStar and American
Securities Transfer & Trust, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.20 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of EchoStar, Registration No.
333-37683).
4.21(a)* Form of Underwriting Agreement for 6 3/4% Series C Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock by and between EchoStar, DLJ and
Lehman Brothers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of
EchoStar, Registration No. 333-37683).
4.21(b)* Form of Underwriting Agreement for Class A Common Stock by and
between EchoStar, DLJ, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated and
Unterberg Harris (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of
EchoStar, Registration No. 333-37683).
10
<PAGE>
4.22* Form of Indenture for EchoStar's 12 1/8% Senior Exchange Notes
due 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarterly
period ended September 30, 1997, Commission File No. 0-26176).
10.1(a)* Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of February 6, 1990,
between EchoStar Satellite Corporation ("ESC") and Martin
Marietta as successor to General Electric EchoStar,
Astro-Space Division ("General Electric") (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1(a) to the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).
10.1(b)* First Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated
as of October 2, 1992, between ESC and Martin Marietta as
successor to General Electric (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).
10.1(c)* Second Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated
as of October 30, 1992, between ESC and Martin Marietta as
successor to General Electric (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1(c) to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).
10.1(d)* Third Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated
as of April 1, 1993, between ESC and Martin Marietta
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(d) to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No.
33-76450).
10.1(e)* Fourth Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated
as of August 19, 1993, between ESC and Martin Marietta
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(e) to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No.
33-76450).
10.1(f)* Form of Fifth Amendment to the Satellite Construction
Contract, between ESC and Martin Marietta (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1(f) to the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-81234).
10.1(g)* Sixth Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated
as of June 7, 1994, between ESC and Martin Marietta
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(g) to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No.
33-81234).
10.1(h)* Eighth Amendment to the Satellite Construction Contract, dated
as of July 18, 1996, between ESC and Martin Marietta
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(h) to the Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30,
1996, Commission File No. 0-26176).
10.2* Master Purchase and License Agreement, dated as of August 12,
1986, between Houston Tracker Systems, Inc. ("HTS") and
Cable/Home Communications Corp. (a subsidiary of General
Instruments Corporation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish,
Registration No. 33-76450).
10.3* Master Purchase and License Agreement, dated as of June 18,
1986, between Echosphere Corporation and Cable/Home
Communications Corp. (a subsidiary of General Instruments
Corporation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No.
33-76450).
10.4* Merchandising Financing Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1989,
between Echo Acceptance Corporation and Household Retail
Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration
No. 33-76450).
11
<PAGE>
10.5* Key Employee Bonus Plan, dated as of January 1, 1994
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-76450)**
10.6* Consulting Agreement, dated as of February 17, 1994, between
ESC and Telesat Canada (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish,
Registration No.
33-76450).
10.7* Form of Satellite Launch Insurance Declarations (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 of Dish, Registration No. 33-81234).
10.8* Dish 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
Dish, Registration No. 33-76450).**
10.9* Form of Tracking, Telemetry and Control Contract between AT&T
Corp. and ESC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to
the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Dish, Registration
No. 33-81234).
10.10* Manufacturing Agreement, dated as of March 22, 1995, between
HTS and SCI Technology, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
Dish, Commission File No. 33-81234).
10.11* Manufacturing Agreement dated as of April 14, 1995 by and
between ESC and Sagem Group (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.13 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
EchoStar, Registration No. 33-91276).
10.12* Statement of Work, dated January 31, 1995 from ESC to DiviCom,
Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of EchoStar, Registration
No. 33-91276).
10.13* Launch Services Contract, dated as of June 2, 1995, by and
between EchoStar Space Corporation and
Lockheed-Khrunichev-Energia International, Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-1 of EchoStar, Registration No. 33-91276).
10.14* EchoStar 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
EchoStar, Registration No. 33-91276)**
10.15(a)* Eighth Amendment to Satellite Construction Contract, dated as
of February 1, 1994, between DirectSat Corporation and Martin
Marietta (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(a) to the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter
ended June 30, 1996, Commission File No. 0-26176).
10.15(b)* Ninth Amendment to Satellite Construction Contract, dated as
of February 1, 1994, between DirectSat Corporation and Martin
Marietta (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the
Registration Statement of Form S-4 of EchoStar, Registration
No. 333-03584).
10.15(c)* Tenth Amendment to Satellite Construction Contract, dated as
of July 18, 1996, between DirectSat Corporation and Martin
Marietta (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(b) to the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter
ended June 30, 1996, Commission File No. 0-26176).
10.16* Satellite Construction Contract, dated as of July 18, 1996,
between EDBS and Lockheed Martin Corporation (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q of EchoStar for the quarter ended June 30, 1996,
Commission File No. 0-26176).
12
<PAGE>
10.17* Confidential Amendment to Satellite Construction Contract
between DBSC and Martin Marietta, dated as of May 31, 1995
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the
Registration Statement of Form S-4 of EchoStar, Registration
No. 333-03584).
10.18* Right and License Agreement by and among HTS and Asia
Broadcasting and Communications Network, Ltd., dated December
19, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the year ended
December 31, 1996, as amended, Commission file No.
0-26176).
10.19* Agreement between HTS, ESC and ExpressVu Inc., dated January
8, 1997, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.18 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar for the
year ended December 31, 1996, as amended, Commission File No.
0-26176).
10.20* Amendment No. 9 to Satellite Construction Contract, effective
as of July 18, 1996, between Direct Satellite Broadcasting
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("DBSC") and Martin
Marrieta Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the
quarterly period ended June 30, 1997, Commission File No.
0-26176).
10.21* Amendment No. 10 to Satellite Construction Contract, effective
as of May 31, 1996, between DBSC and Lockheed Martin
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the quarterly
period ended June 30, 1997, Commission File No.
0-26176).
10.22* Contract for Launch Services, dated April 5, 1996, between
Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, Inc. and EchoStar
Space Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of EchoStar for the
quarterly period ended June 30, 1997, Commission File No.
0-26176).
24+ Powers of Attorney authorizing signature of James DeFranco.
27+ Financial Data Schedule.
99.1* Consolidated Financial Statements of EchoStar Communications
Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1997 (incorporated
by reference to EchoStar's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997).
99.2* Consolidated Financial Statements of EchoStar Satellite
Broadcasting Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1997
(incorporated by reference to ESBC's Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1997).
99.3* Consolidated Financial Statements of Dish, Ltd. for the year
ended December 31, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Dish,
Ltd.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997)
+ Filed herewith
* Incorporated by reference.
** Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of 1997.
13
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, DBS Corp has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
By: /s/ STEVEN B. SCHAVER
--------------------------------------
Steven B. Schaver
Chief Financial Officer
Date: March 27, 1998
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of EchoStar
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ CHARLES W. ERGEN President and Director March 27, 1998
- ------------------------- (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER)
Charles W. Ergen
/s/ STEVEN B. SCHAVER Chief Financial Officer March 27, 1998
- ------------------------- (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER)
Steven B. Schaver
/s/ JOHN R. HAGER Treasurer and Controller March 27, 1998
- ------------------------- (PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
John R. Hager
* Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------
James DeFranco
/s/ DAVID K. MOSKOWITZ Director March 27, 1998
- -------------------------
David K. Moskowitz
* By: /s/ DAVID K. MOSKOWITZ
-----------------------------
David K. Moskowitz
Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE>
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
PAGE
<S> <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.............................. F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1997............. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997....................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1995, 1996 and 1997................................................ F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................ F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To EchoStar DBS Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
EchoStar DBS Corporation (a Colorado corporation) and subsidiaries, as
described in Note 1, as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholder's equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companies'
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
EchoStar DBS Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997,
and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Denver, Colorado,
February 27, 1998.
F-2
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1996 1997
----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................................. $ 38,438 $ 62,058
Marketable investment securities.......................................... 18,807 3,906
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of
$1,494 and $1,347, respectively......................................... 13,483 66,045
Inventories............................................................... 72,767 22,993
Subscriber acquisition costs, net......................................... 68,129 18,819
Other current assets...................................................... 19,861 8,654
----------------------------
Total current assets......................................................... 231,485 182,475
Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment Securities:
1996 Notes escrow......................................................... 47,491 -
Satellite escrow.......................................................... - 73,233
Interest escrow........................................................... - 112,284
Other..................................................................... 31,450 2,245
----------------------------
Total restricted cash and marketable investment securities................... 78,941 187,762
Property and equipment, net.................................................. 528,577 569,271
FCC authorizations, net...................................................... 72,500 80,716
Advances to affiliates, net.................................................. 68,607 230,227
Deferred tax assets.......................................................... 79,663 65,193
Other noncurrent assets...................................................... 25,770 35,811
----------------------------
Total assets............................................................ $ 1,085,543 $ 1,351,455
----------------------------
----------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable.................................................... $ 41,228 $ 68,491
Deferred revenue.......................................................... 104,095 122,215
Accrued expenses.......................................................... 41,804 97,090
Current portion of long-term debt......................................... 11,334 14,924
----------------------------
Total current liabilities.................................................... 198,461 302,720
Long-term obligations, net of current portion:
1994 Notes................................................................ 437,127 499,863
1996 Notes................................................................ 386,165 438,512
1997 Notes................................................................ - 375,000
Mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion................. 51,428 40,495
Note payable to ECC....................................................... 12,000 -
Long-term deferred satellite services revenue and other long-term
liabilities.............................................................. 7,037 19,500
----------------------------
Total long-term obligations, net of current portion.......................... 893,757 1,373,370
----------------------------
Total liabilities....................................................... 1,092,218 1,676,090
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholder's Equity (Deficit):
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and
outstanding............................................................... - -
Additional paid-in capital................................................ 108,839 108,839
Unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities, net of
deferred taxes........................................................... (12) (8)
Accumulated deficit....................................................... (115,502) (433,466)
----------------------------
Total stockholder's equity (deficit)......................................... (6,675) (324,635)
----------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit).................... $ 1,085,543 $ 1,351,455
----------------------------
----------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
DISH Network:
Subscription television services...................... $ - $ 49,650 $ 298,883
Other................................................. - 8,238 42,925
------------------------------------------
Total DISH Network...................................... - 57,888 341,808
DTH equipment sales and integration services............ 35,816 77,390 90,263
Satellite services...................................... - 5,822 11,135
C-band and other........................................ 112,704 56,003 32,696
------------------------------------------
Total revenue.............................................. 148,520 197,103 475,902
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
DISH Network Operating Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses........................... - 22,840 143,529
Customer service center and other..................... - 12,996 35,078
Satellite and transmission............................ - 6,573 14,563
------------------------------------------
Total DISH Network operating expenses................... - 42,409 193,170
Cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration services.. 30,404 75,984 60,918
Cost of sales - C-band and other........................ 84,846 42,345 23,909
Marketing:
Subscriber promotion subsidies........................ - 35,239 148,502
Advertising and other................................. 1,786 17,929 34,843
------------------------------------------
Total marketing expenses................................ 1,786 53,168 183,345
General and administrative.............................. 36,376 48,693 66,060
Amortization of subscriber acquisition costs............ - 16,073 121,428
Depreciation and amortization........................... 3,114 27,296 51,408
------------------------------------------
Total costs and expenses................................... 156,526 305,968 700,238
------------------------------------------
Operating loss............................................. (8,006) (108,865) (224,336)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income......................................... 12,545 15,111 12,512
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized............ (23,985) (62,430) (104,543)
Other................................................... 894 (345) (1,451)
------------------------------------------
Total other income (expense)............................... (10,546) (47,664) (93,482)
------------------------------------------
Loss before income taxes................................... (18,552) (156,529) (317,818)
Income tax benefit (provision), net........................ 6,191 54,853 (146)
------------------------------------------
Net loss................................................... $ (12,361) $(101,676) $(317,964)
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
ACCUMULATED
DEFICIT AND
UNREALIZED
COMMON STOCK COMMON ADDITIONAL HOLDING
------------------ PREFERRED STOCK PAID-IN GAINS
SHARES AMOUNT STOCK WARRANTS CAPITAL (LOSSES) TOTAL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Notes 1
and 2)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994............ 33,544 $ 336 $15,991 $ 26,133 $ 62,197 $ (849) $ 103,808
8% Series A Cumulative Preferred
Stock dividends (at $0.38 per
share)........................... - - 616 - - (616) -
Exercise of Common Stock Warrants.. 2,731 26 - (25,419) 25,393 - -
Common Stock Warrants exchanged for
ECC Warrants..................... - - - (714) 714 - -
Launch bonuses funded by issuance of
ECC's Class A Common Stock....... - - - - 1,192 - 1,192
Unrealized holding gains on
available-for-sale securities,
net.............................. - - - - - 251 251
Net loss........................... - - - - - (12,361) (12,361)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1995............ 36,275 362 16,607 - 89,496 (13,575) 92,890
Issuance of Common Stock (Note 1).. 1 - - - 2 - 2
Reorganization of entities under
common control (Note 1).......... (36,275) (362) (16,607) - 16,969 - -
Income tax benefit of deduction for
income tax purposes on exercise of
Class A Common Stock options..... - - - - 2,372 - 2,372
Unrealized holding losses on
available-for-sale securities,
net.............................. - - - - - (263) (263)
Net loss........................... - - - - - (101,676) (101,676)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996............ 1 - - - 108,839 (115,514) (6,675)
Unrealized holding gains on
available-for-sale securities,
net.............................. - - - - - 4 4
Net loss........................... - - - - - (317,964) (317,964)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997............ 1 $ - $ - $ - $108,839 $(433,474) $(324,635)
============================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................................. $ (12,361) $(101,676) $(317,964)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................................... 3,114 27,296 51,408
Amortization of subscriber acquisition costs........................... - 16,073 121,428
Deferred income tax benefit............................................ (4,825) (50,515) (361)
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs............. 23,528 61,695 83,221
Change in reserve for excess and obsolete inventory.................... 1,212 2,866 (1,823)
Change in long-term deferred satellite services revenue and other
long-term liabilities.................................................. - 5,949 12,056
Other, net............................................................. 608 536 403
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net....................................... (1,536) (4,368) (52,562)
Inventories.......................................................... (19,654) (36,864) 51,597
Subscriber acquisition costs......................................... - (84,202) (72,118)
Other current assets................................................. (14,088) (3,118) 13,366
Advances to affiliates, net.......................................... - (63,958) (134,698)
Trade accounts payable............................................... 4,111 22,165 27,263
Deferred revenue..................................................... (1,009) 103,511 18,120
Accrued expenses..................................................... (988) 17,816 59,403
------------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities.................................. (21,888) (86,794) (141,261)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of marketable investment securities............................. (3,004) (138,328) (36,586)
Sales of marketable investment securities................................. 33,816 119,730 51,513
Purchases of restricted marketable investment securities.................. (15,000) (21,100) (1,495)
Funds released from escrow and restricted cash and marketable investment
securities.............................................................. 122,149 235,402 120,215
Offering proceeds and investment earnings placed in escrow................ (9,589) (193,972) (227,561)
Purchases of property and equipment....................................... (113,555) (183,761) (78,649)
Payments received on convertible subordinated debentures from SSET........ - 6,445 834
Proceeds from sale of investment in DBSC to ECC........................... 4,210 - -
Expenditures for FCC authorizations....................................... (458) (55,420) -
Other..................................................................... - - (1,225)
------------------------------------
Net cash flows from investing activities.................................. 18,569 (231,004) (172,954)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock.................................... - 2 -
Proceeds from (repayment of) note payable to ECC.......................... - 12,000 (12,000)
Net proceeds from issuance of 1996 Notes.................................. - 336,916 -
Net proceeds from issuance of 1997 Notes.................................. - - 362,500
Repayments of mortgage indebtedness and notes payable..................... (238) (6,631) (12,665)
------------------------------------
Net cash flows from financing activities.................................. (238) 342,287 337,835
------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents...................... (3,557) 24,489 23,620
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year.............................. 17,506 13,949 38,438
====================================
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year.................................... $ 13,949 $ 38,438 $ 62,058
====================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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"), a
publicly traded company on the Nasdaq National Market. DBS Corp was formed in
January 1996 for the initial purpose of participating in a Federal
Communications Commission auction. On January 26, 1996, DBS Corp submitted
the winning bid of $52.3 million for 24 direct broadcast satellite
frequencies at 148(Degree) West Longitude. Funds necessary to complete the
purchase of the DBS frequencies and commence construction of the Company's
fourth DBS satellite, EchoStar IV, have been advanced to DBS Corp by ECC and
EchoStar Satellite Broadcasting Corporation ("ESBC"). In June 1997, DBS Corp
consummated an offering of 12 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2002. Prior to
consummation of the 1997 Notes Offering, ECC contributed all of the
outstanding capital stock (the "Contribution") of ESBC to DBS Corp. As a
result of the Contribution, ESBC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS Corp.
This transaction was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under
common control in which ESBC is treated as the predecessor of DBS Corp. The
accompanying financial statements retroactively reflect the resulting
structure and historical results of DBS Corp and its predecessors. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K to EchoStar's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1997. Substantially all of EchoStar's operations
are conducted by subsidiaries of Dish, Ltd., an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of DBS Corp. The operations of EchoStar include three interrelated
business units:
- THE DISH NETWORK - a DBS subscription television service in the
United States. As of December 31, 1997, EchoStar had approximately
1,040,000 DISH Network subscribers.
- 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 orbital spectrum, DBS satellites ("EchoStar I," "EchoStar II,"
"EchoStar III," and "EchoStar IV," respectively), 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 viable alternative to cable television
service.
F-7
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES - CONTINUED
ORGANIZATION AND LEGAL STRUCTURE
Certain companies principally owned and controlled by Mr. Charles W.
Ergen were reorganized in 1993 into Dish, Ltd. (together with its
subsidiaries, "Dish, Ltd."). In April 1995, ECC was formed to complete an
initial public offering (the "IPO") of its Class A Common Stock.
Concurrently, Mr. Ergen exchanged all of his then outstanding shares of Class
B Common Stock and 8% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock of Dish, Ltd. for
like shares of ECC (the "Exchange"). In December 1995, ECC merged Dish, Ltd.
with a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECC (the "Merger"). The following table
summarizes the organizational structure of EchoStar and its principle
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
REFERRED TO
LEGAL ENTITY HEREIN AS PARENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
EchoStar Communications Corporation ECC Publicly owned
EchoStar DBS Corporation DBS Corp ECC
EchoStar Satellite Broadcasting Corporation ESBC DBS Corp
Dish, Ltd. Dish, Ltd. ESBC
EchoStar Satellite Corporation ESC Dish, Ltd.
Echosphere Corporation Echosphere Dish, Ltd.
Houston Tracker Systems, Inc. HTS Dish, Ltd.
EchoStar International Corporation EIC Dish, Ltd.
</TABLE>
SIGNIFICANT RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
COMPETITION. The subscription television industry is highly
competitive. EchoStar faces competition from companies offering video, audio,
data, programming and entertainment services. Many of these competitors have
substantially greater financial and marketing resources than EchoStar.
EchoStar's ability to effectively compete in the subscription television
market will depend on a number of factors, including competitive factors
(such as the introduction of new technologies or the entry of additional
strong competitors), the level of consumer demand for such services, the
availability of EchoStar Receiver Systems, and EchoStar's ability to obtain
necessary regulatory changes and approvals.
DEPENDENCE ON SINGLE RECEIVER MANUFACTURER. During 1997, EchoStar
Receiver Systems were manufactured exclusively by SCI Systems, Inc. ("SCI"),
a high-volume contract electronics manufacturer. During February 1998,
EchoStar executed two separate agreements for the manufacture of digital
set-top boxes in accordance with EchoStar's specifications. Phillips
Electronics of North America Corporation ("Phillips") and Vtech
Communications Ltd. ("Vtech") are expected to begin the manufacture of
EchoStar's digital set-top boxes during the second half of 1998. There can be
no assurance that either or both of Phillips or Vtech will be able to
successfully manufacture and deliver digital set-top boxes during 1998, or at
all. EchoStar currently is negotiating with additional brand-name consumer
electronics manufacturers to produce receivers for use with the DISH Network.
No assurance can be provided regarding the ultimate success of those
negotiations. In the event that EchoStar's manufacturers of digital set-top
boxes are unable for any reason to produce receivers in a quantity sufficient
to meet its requirements, EchoStar's ability to add additional subscribers,
or its ability to satisfy delivery obligations for receiver sales to
international DTH providers, may be materially impaired and its results of
operations would be adversely affected.
TRANSACTIONS WITH MAJOR CUSTOMERS. During 1997, export sales to two
customers, ExpressVu, Inc. and Distribuidora de Television Digital S.A.,
together accounted for approximately 16% of the Company's total revenue.
Complete or partial loss of one or both of these customers could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
F-8
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES - CONTINUED
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE. EchoStar is highly leveraged, which makes it
vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. As of December 31,
1997, EchoStar had outstanding long-term debt (including both the current and
long-term portion thereof) totaling approximately $1.4 billion. In addition,
EchoStar's long-term debt will increase by at least $266 million through
March 2000, as interest on certain of its long-term debt accrues and is not
payable in cash. Substantially all of the assets of EchoStar and its
subsidiaries are pledged as collateral on its long-term debt. Further, the
indentures associated with EchoStar's long-term debt severely restrict its
ability to incur additional indebtedness. Thus, it may be difficult for
EchoStar and its subsidiaries to obtain additional debt financing if required
or desired in order to implement EchoStar's business strategy. Certain of
EchoStar's subsidiaries also are parties to other agreements which severely
restrict their ability to obtain additional debt financing for working
capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes.
EXPECTED OPERATING LOSSES. Due to the substantial expenditures
required to develop the EchoStar DBS System and introduce DISH Network
service to consumers, the Company has sustained significant losses in recent
periods. The Company's operating losses were $8 million, $109 million and
$224 million for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. The Company had net losses of $12 million, $102 million and
$318 million during those same periods. Improvement in the Company's results
of operations is largely dependent upon the Company's ability to expand its
DISH Network subscription base, control subscriber churn (i.e., the rate at
which subscribers terminate service), and effectively manage its operating
and overhead costs. No assurance can be given that the Company will be
effective with regard to these matters. In addition, the Company incurs
significant costs to acquire DISH Network subscribers. The high cost of
obtaining new subscribers magnifies the negative effects of subscriber churn.
The Company anticipates that it will continue to experience operating losses
through at least 1999. There can be no assurance that such operating losses
will not continue beyond 1999 or that the Company's operations will generate
sufficient cash flows to pay its obligations, including its obligations on
its long-term debt, or to pay cash dividends on its common stock.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The financial statements for 1995 present the consolidation of Dish,
Ltd. and its subsidiaries through the date of the Exchange and the
consolidation of ECC and its subsidiaries, thereafter. The Exchange and
Merger was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control
and the historical cost basis of assets and liabilities was not affected by
the transaction. Effective March 1994, the stockholders approved measures
necessary to increase the authorized capital stock of Dish, Ltd. to include
200 million shares of Class A Common Stock, 100 million shares of Class B
Common Stock, and 20 million shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
and determined to split all outstanding shares of common stock on the basis
of approximately 4,296 to 1. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
The Company accounts for investments in 50% or less owned entities
using the equity method. At December 31, 1996 and 1997, these investments
were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
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.
F-9
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTION GAINS AND LOSSES
The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the
U.S. dollar because their sales and purchases are predominantly denominated
in that currency. Transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S.
dollars are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions
arise. Subsequent changes in exchange rates result in transaction gains and
losses which are reflected in income as unrealized (based on period-end
translation) or realized (upon settlement of the transaction). Net
transaction gains (losses) during 1995, 1996 and 1997 were not material to
the Company's results of operations.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all liquid investments purchased with an
original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents
as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 consist of money market funds, corporate
notes and commercial paper; such balances are stated at cost which equates to
market value.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS DATA
The following presents the Company's supplemental cash flow
statement disclosure (in thousands):
<TABLE>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash paid for interest....................................................... $ 461 $ 3,007 $ 5,660
Cash paid for income taxes................................................... 3,203 383 209
Capitalized interest, including amounts due from affiliates.................. 25,763 31,818 43,169
8% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock dividends............................. 617 - -
Accrued satellite contract costs............................................. 15,000 - -
Satellite launch payment for EchoStar II applied to EchoStar I launch........ - 15,000 -
Satellite vendor financing................................................... 32,833 31,167 -
Other notes payable.......................................................... - - 5,322
</TABLE>
MARKETABLE INVESTMENT SECURITIES AND RESTRICTED CASH AND MARKETABLE
INVESTMENT SECURITIES
As of December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company has classified all
marketable investment securities as available-for-sale. Accordingly, these
investments are reflected at market value based on quoted market prices.
Related unrealized gains and losses are reported as a separate component of
stockholder's equity, net of related deferred income taxes. The specific
identification method is used to determine cost in computing realized gains
and losses. The major components of marketable investment securities as of
December 31, 1996 and 1997 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1997
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
AMORTIZED HOLDING MARKET AMORTIZED HOLDING MARKET
COST LOSS VALUE COST GAIN VALUE
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commercial paper..... $16,065 $ - $16,065 $3,898 $ 8 $3,906
Government bonds..... 2,540 - 2,540 - - -
Mutual funds......... 219 (17) 202 - - -
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
$18,824 $(17) $18,807 $3,898 $ 8 $3,906
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Restricted cash and marketable investment securities held in escrow
accounts, as reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets,
include cash restricted by the various indentures associated with certain of
the Company's debt financing transactions (see Note 4), plus investment
earnings thereon. Restricted cash and marketable investment securities are
invested in certain permitted debt and other marketable investment securities
until disbursed for the express purposes identified in the applicable
indenture.
As of December 31, 1996, other restricted cash included a total of
$25 million held in two escrow accounts for the benefit of EchoStar Receiver
System manufacturers. These deposits were released from their respective
escrow accounts during May 1997. In addition, $6 million at December 31, 1996
was restricted by an indenture to satisfy certain covenants pertaining to
launch insurance for EchoStar II. This covenant was satisfied during
September 1997.
The major components of Restricted Cash and Marketable Investment
Securities are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1997
-------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED MARKET AMORTIZED UNREALIZED MARKET
COST HOLDING GAIN VALUE COST HOLDING LOSS VALUE
-------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commercial paper.......... $77,569 $ - $77,569 $128,743 $ (9) $128,734
Corporate notes........... - - - 38,093 - 38,093
Government bonds.......... 368 - 368 16,706 (11) 16,695
Certificates of deposit... 750 - 750 2,245 - 2,245
Accrued interest.......... 254 - 254 1,995 - 1,995
-------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
$78,941 $ - $78,941 $187,782 $(20) $187,762
-------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Marketable investment securities and restricted cash and marketable
investment securities include debt securities of $176 million with
contractual maturities of one year or less and $11 million with contractual
maturities of between one and five years. Actual maturities may differ from
contractual maturities as a result of the Company's ability to sell these
securities prior to maturity.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair values for the Company's 1994 Notes, 1996 Notes, and 1997 Notes
(as defined, see Note 4) are based on quoted market prices. The fair values
of the Company's mortgages and other notes payable are estimated using
discounted cash flow analyses. The interest rates assumed in such discounted
cash flow analyses reflect interest rates currently being offered for loans
with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The following
table summarizes the book and fair values of the Company's debt facilities at
December 31, 1997 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
BOOK VALUE FAIR VALUE
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
1994 Notes................................. $499,863 $570,960
1996 Notes................................. 438,512 488,650
1997 Notes................................. 375,000 406,875
Mortgages and other notes payable.......... 55,419 54,954
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is
determined using the first-in, first-out method. Proprietary products are
manufactured by outside suppliers to the Company's specifications.
Manufactured inventories include materials, labor and manufacturing overhead.
Cost of other inventories includes parts, contract manufacturers' delivered
price, assembly and testing labor, and related overhead, including handling
and storage costs.
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1996 1997
-------------------
<S> <C> <C>
DBS receiver components....................... $15,736 $12,506
EchoStar Receiver Systems..................... 32,799 7,649
Consigned DBS receiver components............. 23,525 3,122
Finished goods - analog DTH equipment......... 4,091 2,116
Spare parts and other......................... 2,279 1,440
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory..... (5,663) (3,840)
-------------------
$72,767 $22,993
-------------------
-------------------
</TABLE>
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Cost includes interest
capitalized of $25 million, $20 million and $8 million during the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The costs of satellites under
construction are capitalized during the construction phase, assuming the
eventual successful launch and in-orbit operation of the satellite. If a
satellite were to fail during launch or while in-orbit, the resultant loss
would be charged to expense in the period such loss was incurred. The amount
of any such loss would be reduced to the extent of insurance proceeds
received as a result of the launch or in-orbit failure. Depreciation is
recorded on a straight-line basis for financial reporting purposes. Repair
and maintenance costs are charged to expense when incurred. Renewals and
betterments are capitalized.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets and identifiable assets to
be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For
assets which are held and used in operations, the asset would be impaired if
the book value of the asset exceeded the undiscounted future cash flows
related to the asset. For those assets which are to be disposed of, the
assets would be impaired to the extent the fair value does not exceed the
book value. The Company considers relevant cash flow, estimated future
operating results, trends and other available information including the fair
value of frequency rights owned, in assessing whether the carrying value of
assets can be recovered.
FCC AUTHORIZATIONS
FCC authorizations are recorded at cost and amortized using the
straight-line method over a period of 40 years. Such amortization commences
at the time the related satellite becomes operational; capitalized costs are
written off at the time efforts to provide services are abandoned. FCC
authorizations include interest capitalized of $1 million, $1 million and $8
million during the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
F-12
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES
Advances to affiliates are recorded at cost and represent the net
amount of funds advanced to, or received from, unconsolidated affiliates of
DBS Corp. Such advances principally have consisted of advances to Direct
Broadcasting Satellite Corporation and EchoStar Space Corporation to fund
satellite construction and launch expenditures.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue from the provision of DISH Network subscription television
services and satellite services is recognized as revenue in the period such
services are provided. Revenue from sales of digital set-top boxes and
related accessories is recognized upon shipment to customers. Revenue from
the provision of integration services is recognized as revenue in the period
the services are performed.
SUBSCRIBER PROMOTION SUBSIDIES AND SUBSCRIBER ACQUISITION COSTS
During 1996, in order to stimulate subscriber growth, EchoStar made
a strategic decision to reduce the price charged to consumers for EchoStar
Receiver Systems. Accordingly, beginning in August 1996, EchoStar began
selling its EchoStar Receiver Systems below its manufactured cost (the "1996
Promotion"). The 1996 Promotion lowered the suggested retail price charged by
independent retailers for a standard EchoStar Receiver System to $199 (as
compared to the original average retail price prior to August 1996 of
approximately $499), conditioned upon the consumer's one-year prepaid
subscription to the DISH Network's America's Top 50 CD programming package
for approximately $300. The excess of EchoStar's aggregate costs (equipment,
programming and other) over proceeds received pursuant to the 1996 Promotion
was expensed ("subscriber promotion subsidies") upon shipment of the
equipment. Remaining costs were deferred ("subscriber acquisition costs") and
amortized over the term of the prepaid subscription (normally one year).
Excluding expected incremental subscriber revenues, such as from premium and
Pay-Per-View services, this accounting treatment results in revenue
recognition over the initial prepaid period of service equal to the sum of
programming costs (which are recognized as service is provided) and
amortization of subscriber acquisition costs. During the period from August
1996 through May 1997, substantially all new subscriber activations resulted
from the 1996 Promotion.
The caption "DISH Network - Subscription Television Services" in the
accompanying statements of operations includes revenues from the 1996
Promotion equal to the advertised subscription rates for related DISH Network
services. Incremental revenues realized from the 1996 Promotion are included
in the caption "DISH Network - Other" and amounted to approximately $5
million during 1996 and $39 million during 1997.
During June 1997, EchoStar introduced the "1997 Promotion." The 1997
Promotion maintained the suggested retail price for a standard EchoStar
Receiver System at $199, but eliminated the extended subscription commitment.
Net transaction costs associated with the 1997 Promotion are expensed as
incurred (reported as a component of subscriber promotion subsidies) in the
accompanying statements of operations. While some sales continue to be made
under the terms of the 1996 Promotion, the majority of new subscriber
activations have resulted from the 1997 Promotion since its introduction. As
a result, beginning in October 1997, net transaction costs resulting from the
sale of EchoStar Receiver Systems pursuant to the 1996 Promotion also are
expensed as incurred. Consequently, no additional subscriber acquisition
costs will be deferred. The unamortized balance of such costs ($19 million at
December 31, 1997) is expected to be fully amortized by September 1998.
F-13
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS AND DEBT DISCOUNT
Costs of completing the 1994 Notes Offering, the 1996 Notes Offering
and the 1997 Notes Offering (as defined, see Note 4) were deferred and are
being amortized to interest expense over their respective terms. The original
issue discounts related to the 1994 Notes and the 1996 Notes are being
accreted to interest expense so as to reflect a constant rate of interest on
the accreted balance of the 1994 Notes and the 1996 Notes.
DEFERRED REVENUE
Deferred revenue principally consists of prepayments received from
subscribers for DISH Network programming. Such amounts are recognized as
revenue in the period the programming is provided to the subscriber.
LONG-TERM DEFERRED SATELLITE SERVICES REVENUE
Long-term deferred satellite services revenue consists of advance
payments from certain content providers for carriage of their signal on the
DISH Network. Such amounts are deferred and recognized as revenue on a
straight-line basis over the related contract terms (up to ten years).
ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------
1996 1997
-----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued expenses.............. $10,866 $34,940
Accrued interest.............. 1,108 24,385
Accrued programming........... 9,463 20,018
Accrued royalties............. 7,693 17,747
Deferred tax liabilities...... 12,674 -
-----------------
$41,804 $97,090
-----------------
-----------------
</TABLE>
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs, exclusive of subscriber promotion subsidies, are
expensed as incurred and totaled $2 million, $18 million and $35 million for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the FASB issued FAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income" ("FAS No. 130"), which establishes standards for reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains
and losses) in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. In June
1997, the FASB issued FAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" ("FAS No. 131") which establishes
standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual
financial statements of public business enterprises and requires that those
enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim
financial reports issued to shareholders and for related disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. FAS No. 130
and FAS No. 131 are effective for financial statements for periods beginning
after December 15, 1997. The adoption of FAS No. 130 and FAS No. 131 may
require additional disclosure in the Company's financial statements.
F-14
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts from the prior years consolidated financial statements
have been reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
DECEMBER 31,
LIFE -------------------
(IN YEARS) 1996 1997
------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
EchoStar I....................................... 12 $201,607 $201,607
EchoStar II...................................... 12 228,694 228,694
Furniture, fixtures and equipment................ 2-12 72,932 92,170
Buildings and improvements....................... 7-40 21,649 22,114
Tooling and other................................ 2 3,253 4,336
Land............................................. - 1,613 1,636
Vehicles......................................... 7 1,323 1,320
Construction in progress......................... - 32,725 103,177
-------------------
Total property and equipment................. 563,796 655,054
Accumulated depreciation......................... (35,219) (85,783)
-------------------
Property and equipment, net.................. $528,577 $569,271
-------------------
-------------------
Construction in progress consists of the following (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1996 1997
-------------------
Progress amounts for satellite construction and
capitalized interest for EchoStar IV......................... $ 28,487 $ 63,924
Other........................................................... 4,238 39,253
-------------------
$ 32,725 $103,177
-------------------
-------------------
</TABLE>
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
1994 NOTES
In June 1994, Dish, Ltd. completed an offering of 12 7/8% Senior
Secured Discount Notes due June 1, 2004 (the "1994 Notes") and Common Stock
Warrants (the "Warrants") (collectively, the "1994 Notes Offering"). The 1994
Notes Offering resulted in net proceeds to Dish, Ltd. of $323 million
(including amounts attributable to the issuance of the Warrants and after
payment of underwriting discounts and other issuance costs aggregating
approximately $13 million).
The 1994 Notes bear interest at a rate of 12 7/8% computed on a
semi-annual bond equivalent basis. Interest on the 1994 Notes will not be
payable in cash prior to June 1, 1999, with the 1994 Notes accreting to a
principal value at stated maturity of $624 million by that date. Commencing
December 1, 1999, interest on the 1994 Notes will be payable in cash on December
1 and June 1 of each year.
F-15
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
4. LONG-TERM DEBT - CONTINUED
The 1994 Notes rank senior in right of payment to all subordinated
indebtedness of Dish, Ltd. and PARI PASSU in right of payment with all other
senior indebtedness of Dish, Ltd. The 1994 Notes are secured by liens on
certain assets of Dish, Ltd., including EchoStar I, EchoStar II and all other
components of the EchoStar DBS System owned by Dish, Ltd. and its
subsidiaries. The 1994 Notes are further guaranteed by each material, direct
subsidiary of Dish, Ltd. (see Note 10). Although the 1994 Notes are titled
"Senior," Dish, Ltd. has not issued, and does not have any current
arrangements to issue, any significant indebtedness to which the 1994 Notes
would be senior. The 1996 Notes and the 1997 Notes are effectively
subordinated to the 1994 Notes and all other liabilities of Dish, Ltd. and
its subsidiaries. Furthermore, at December 31, 1997, the 1994 Notes were
effectively subordinated to approximately $9 million of mortgage indebtedness
with respect to certain assets of Dish, Ltd.'s subsidiaries, not including
the EchoStar DBS System, and rank PARI PASSU with the security interest of
approximately $30 million of satellite vendor financing.
Except under certain circumstances requiring prepayment premiums,
and in other limited circumstances, the 1994 Notes are not redeemable at
Dish, Ltd.'s option prior to June 1, 1999. Thereafter, the 1994 Notes will be
subject to redemption, at the option of Dish, Ltd., in whole or in part, at
redemption prices ranging from 104.828% during the year commencing June 1,
1999, to 100% of principal value at stated maturity on or after June 1, 2002,
together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. On
each of June 1, 2002, and June 1, 2003, Dish, Ltd. will be required to redeem
25% of the original aggregate principal amount of 1994 Notes at a redemption
price equal to 100% of principal value at stated maturity thereof, together
with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. The
remaining principal of the 1994 Notes matures on June 1, 2004.
In the event of a change of control and upon the occurrence of
certain other events, as described in the indenture related to the 1994 Notes
(the "1994 Notes Indenture"), Dish, Ltd. will be required to make an offer to
each holder of 1994 Notes to repurchase all or any part of such holder's 1994
Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the accreted value thereof on the
date of purchase, if prior to June 1, 1999, or 101% of the aggregate
principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon
to the date of purchase, if on or after June 1, 1999.
The 1994 Notes Indenture contains restrictive covenants that, among
other things, impose limitations on Dish, Ltd. and its subsidiaries with
respect to their ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) issue
preferred stock; (iii) apply the proceeds of certain asset sales; (iv)
create, incur or assume liens; (v) create dividend and other payment
restrictions with respect to Dish, Ltd.'s subsidiaries; (vi) merge,
consolidate or sell assets; (vii) incur subordinated or junior debt; and
(viii) enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, Dish, Ltd., may
pay dividends on its equity securities only if (1) no default is continuing
under the 1994 Notes Indenture; and (2) after giving effect to such dividend,
Dish, Ltd.'s ratio of total indebtedness to cash flow (calculated in
accordance with the 1994 Notes Indenture) would not exceed 4.0 to 1.0.
Moreover, the aggregate amount of such dividends generally may not exceed the
sum of 50% of Dish, Ltd.'s consolidated net income (calculated in accordance
with the 1994 Notes Indenture) from April 1, 1994, plus 100% of the aggregate
net proceeds to Dish, Ltd. from the issuance and sale of certain equity
interests of Dish, Ltd. (including common stock).
1996 NOTES
In March 1996, ESBC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ECC,
completed an offering (the "1996 Notes Offering") of 13 1/8% Senior Secured
Discount Notes due 2004 (the "1996 Notes"). The 1996 Notes Offering resulted
in net proceeds to ESBC of approximately $337 million (after payment of
underwriting discounts and other issuance costs aggregating approximately $13
million). The 1996 Notes bear interest at a rate of 13 1/8%, computed on a
semi-annual bond equivalent basis. Interest on the 1996 Notes will not be
payable in cash prior to March 15, 2000, with the 1996 Notes accreting to a
principal amount at stated maturity of $580 million by that date. Commencing
September 15, 2000, interest on the 1996 Notes will be payable in cash on
September 15 and March 15 of each year. The 1996 Notes mature on March 15,
2004.
F-16
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
4. LONG-TERM DEBT - CONTINUED
The 1996 Notes rank PARI PASSU in right of payment with all senior
indebtedness of ESBC. The 1996 Notes are guaranteed on a subordinated basis
by ECC, and are secured by liens on certain assets of ESBC, ECC and certain
of ECC's subsidiaries, including all of the outstanding capital stock of
Dish, Ltd., which currently owns substantially all of ECC's operating
subsidiaries. Although the 1996 Notes are titled "Senior:" (i) ESBC has not
issued, and does not have any current arrangements to issue, any significant
indebtedness to which the 1996 Notes would be senior; and (ii) the 1996 Notes
are effectively subordinated to all liabilities of ECC (except liabilities to
general creditors) and its other subsidiaries (except liabilities of ESBC),
including liabilities to general creditors. As of December 31, 1997,
EchoStar's liabilities, exclusive of the 1996 Notes and the 1997 Notes,
aggregated approximately $882 million. Further, net cash flows generated by
the assets and operations of ESBC's subsidiaries will be available to satisfy
the obligations of the 1996 Notes only to the extent of allowable dividend
payments by Dish, Ltd. under the 1994 Notes Indenture.
Except under certain circumstances requiring prepayment premiums,
and in other limited circumstances, the 1996 Notes are not redeemable at
ESBC's option prior to March 15, 2000. Thereafter, the 1996 Notes will be
subject to redemption, at the option of ESBC, in whole or in part, at
redemption prices ranging from 106.5625% during the year commencing March 15,
2000, to 100% on or after March 15, 2003 of principal amount at stated
maturity, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption
date. The entire principal balance of the 1996 Notes will mature on March 15,
2004.
The indenture related to the 1996 Notes (the "1996 Notes Indenture")
contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations
on ESBC with respect to its ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness;
(ii) issue preferred stock; (iii) sell assets and apply the proceeds thereof;
(iv) create, incur or assume liens; (v) create dividend and other payment
restrictions with respect to ESBC's subsidiaries; (vi) merge, consolidate or
sell substantially all of its assets; and (vii) enter into transactions with
affiliates. The 1996 Notes Indenture permits ESBC to pay dividends and make
other distributions to DBS Corp without restrictions.
In the event of a change of control, as described in the 1996 Notes
Indenture, ESBC will be required to make an offer to each holder of 1996
Notes to repurchase all of such holder's 1996 Notes at a purchase price equal
to 101% of the accreted value thereof on the date of purchase, if prior to
March 15, 2000, or 101% of the aggregate principal amount at stated maturity
thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of
purchase, if on or after March 15, 2000.
1997 NOTES
In June 1997, DBS Corp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECC,
consummated an offering (the "1997 Notes Offering") of 12 1/2% Senior Secured
Notes due 2002 (the "1997 Notes"). The 1997 Notes Offering resulted in net
proceeds to DBS Corp of approximately $363 million (after payment of
underwriting discounts and other issuance costs aggregating approximately $12
million). Interest accrues on the 1997 Notes at a rate of 12 1/2% and is
payable in cash semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year,
commencing January 1, 1998. Approximately $109 million of the net proceeds of
the 1997 Notes Offering were placed in the Interest Escrow to fund the first
five semi-annual interest payments (through January 1, 2000). Additionally,
approximately $112 million of the net proceeds of the 1997 Notes Offering
were placed in the Satellite Escrow to fund the construction, launch and
insurance of EchoStar IV. The 1997 Notes mature on July 1, 2002.
The 1997 Notes rank PARI PASSU in right of payment with all senior
indebtedness of DBS Corp. The 1997 Notes are guaranteed on a subordinated
basis by ECC (the "EchoStar Guarantee") and, contingent upon the occurrence
of certain events, will be guaranteed by ESBC, Dish, Ltd., and certain other
subsidiaries of DBS Corp and ECC. The 1997 Notes are secured by liens on the
capital stock of DBS Corp, EchoStar IV, and certain other assets of DBS Corp.
Although the 1997 Notes are titled "Senior:" (i) DBS Corp has not issued, and
does not have any plans to issue, any indebtedness to which the 1997 Notes
would be senior; and (ii) the 1997 Notes are effectively subordinated to all
liabilities of DBS Corp's subsidiaries, including the 1994 Notes, the 1996
Notes, and liabilities to general creditors
F-17
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
4. LONG-TERM DEBT - CONTINUED
(except to the extent that any subsidiary of DBS Corp may guarantee the 1997
Notes) and the EchoStar Guarantee is subordinated to all liabilities of ECC
(except liabilities to general creditors). As of December 31, 1997,
EchoStar's liabilities, exclusive of the 1997 Notes, aggregated approximately
$1.3 billion.
Except under certain circumstances requiring prepayment premiums,
and in other limited circumstances, the 1997 Notes are not redeemable at DBS
Corp's option prior to July 1, 2000. Thereafter, the 1997 Notes will be
subject to redemption, at the option of DBS Corp, in whole or in part, at
redemption prices decreasing from 106.25% during the year commencing July 1,
2000 to 100% on or after July 1, 2002, together with accrued and unpaid
interest thereon to the redemption date.
The indenture related to the 1997 Notes (the "1997 Notes Indenture")
and the Certificate of Designation related to ECC's 12 1/8% Series B Senior
Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock")
contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on
the ability of DBS Corp to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) issue
preferred stock; (iii) apply the proceeds of certain asset sales; (iv)
create, incur or assume liens; (v) create dividend and other payment
restrictions with respect to DBS Corp's subsidiaries; (vi) merge, consolidate
or sell assets; (vii) incur subordinated or junior debt; and (viii) enter
into transactions with affiliates. In addition, DBS Corp may pay dividends on
its equity securities only if: (1) no default shall have occurred or is
continuing under the 1997 Notes Indenture; and (2) after giving effect to
such dividend and the incurrence of any indebtedness (the proceeds of which
are used to finance the dividend), DBS Corps's ratio of total indebtedness to
cash flow (calculated in accordance with the 1997 Notes Indenture) would not
exceed 6.0 to 1.0. Moreover, the aggregate amount of such dividends generally
may not exceed the sum of the difference of cumulative consolidated cash flow
(calculated in accordance with the 1997 Notes Indenture) minus 150% of
consolidated interest expense of DBS Corp (calculated in accordance with the
1997 Notes Indenture), in each case from July 1, 1997 plus an amount equal to
100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by DBS Corp and its
subsidiaries from the issuance or sale of certain equity interests of DBS
Corp or EchoStar.
In the event of a change of control, as defined in the 1997 Notes
Indenture, DBS Corp will be required to make an offer to repurchase all of
the 1997 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal
amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the
date of repurchase.
MORTGAGES AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
Mortgages and other notes payable consists of the following (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1996 1997
----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
8.25% note payable for satellite vendor financing for EchoStar I due in equal
installments of $722, including interest, through February 2001......... $ 30,463 $ 24,073
8.25% note payable for satellite vendor financing for EchoStar II due in
equal monthly installments of $562, including interest, through
November 2001........................................................... 27,161 22,489
Mortgages and other unsecured notes payable due in installments through
April 2009 with interest rates ranging from 8% to 10.5%................. 5,138 8,857
----------------------------
Total..................................................................... 62,762 55,419
Less current portion...................................................... (11,334) (14,924)
----------------------------
Mortgages and other notes payable, net of current portion................. $ 51,428 $ 40,495
----------------------------
----------------------------
</TABLE>
In addition to the above mortgages and other notes payable, as of
December 31 1996, DBS Corp had a $12 million demand note payable to ECC. This
note payable was repaid in full during October 1997.
F-18
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
4. LONG-TERM DEBT - CONTINUED
Future maturities of amounts outstanding under the Company's
long-term debt facilities as of December 31, 1997 are summarized as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
MORTGAGES
AND OTHER
1994 1996 1997 NOTES
NOTES NOTES NOTES PAYABLE TOTAL
---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
1998...................... $ - $ - $ - $14,924 $ 14,924
1999...................... - - - 15,101 15,101
2000...................... - - - 14,908 14,908
2001...................... - - - 7,691 7,691
2002...................... 156,000 - 375,000 356 531,356
Thereafter................ 468,000 580,000 - 2,439 1,050,439
Unamortized discount...... (124,137) (141,488) - - (265,625)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total........................ $499,863 $ 438,512 $375,000 $55,419 $ 1,368,794
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
SATELLITE VENDOR FINANCING
The purchase price for satellites is required to be paid in progress
payments, some of which are non-contingent payments deferred until after the
respective satellites are in orbit (satellite vendor financing). The Company
utilized $36 million and $28 million of satellite vendor financing for
EchoStar I and EchoStar II, respectively. The satellite vendor financing with
respect to EchoStar I and EchoStar II is secured by substantially all assets
of Dish, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (subject to certain restrictions) and a
corporate guarantee of ECC. The Company also expects to use $13 million of
satellite vendor financing, at a rate of 8.25%, for EchoStar IV. The EchoStar
IV satellite vendor financing will be due over a period of five years and
will be secured by an ECC corporate guarantee.
5. INCOME TAXES
The components of the (provision for) benefit from income taxes are
as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current (provision) benefit:
Federal........................................ $ 1,711 $ 4,596 $ (361)
State.......................................... (44) (49) (9)
Foreign........................................ (301) (209) (137)
---------------------------------------------
1,366 4,338 (507)
Deferred benefit:
Federal........................................ 4,440 48,043 106,687
State.......................................... 385 2,472 7,991
Increase in valuation allowance................ - - (114,317)
---------------------------------------------
4,825 50,515 361
---------------------------------------------
Total benefit (provision)................... $ 6,191 $ 54,853 $ (146)
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1997, the Company had net operating loss
carryforwards ("NOLs") for Federal income tax purposes of approximately $329
million. The NOLs expire beginning in the year 2011. The use of the NOLs is
subject to statutory and regulatory limitations regarding changes in
ownership. FAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," requires that the
potential future tax benefit of NOLs be recorded as an asset. FAS No. 109
also requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recorded for the
estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the
F-19
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
5. INCOME TAXES - CONTINUED
tax basis and book value of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are
offset by a valuation allowance if deemed necessary.
In 1997, the Company increased its valuation allowance sufficient to
fully offset net deferred tax assets arising during the year. Realization of
net deferred tax assets is not assured and is principally dependent on
generating future taxable income prior to expiration of the NOLs. Management
believes existing net deferred tax assets in excess of the valuation
allowance will, more likely than not, be realized. The Company continuously
reviews the adequacy of its valuation allowance. Future decreases to the
valuation allowance will be made only as changed circumstances indicate that
it is more likely that not the additional benefits will be realized. Any
future adjustments to the valuation allowance will be recognized as a
separate component of the Company's provision for income taxes.
The temporary differences which give rise to deferred tax assets and
liabilities as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
--------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Current deferred tax assets:
Accrued royalties............................................... $ 3,029 $ 6,506
Inventory reserves and cost methods............................. 1,811 1,180
Accrued expenses................................................ 1,414 6,391
Allowance for doubtful accounts................................. 674 517
Reserve for warranty costs...................................... 284 270
Unrealized holding loss on marketable investment securities..... - 4
Other........................................................... 57 -
--------------------------
Total current deferred tax assets................................. 7,269 14,868
Current deferred tax liabilities:
Subscriber acquisition costs and other.......................... (19,943) (6,846)
--------------------------
Total current deferred tax liabilities............................ (19,943) (6,846)
--------------------------
Gross current deferred tax assets (liabilities)................... (12,674) 8,022
Valuation allowance............................................... - (5,865)
--------------------------
Net current deferred tax assets (liabilities)..................... (12,674) 2,157
Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
General business and foreign tax credits........................ - 2,224
Net operating loss carryforwards................................ 77,910 120,513
Amortization of original issue discount on 1994 Notes and 1996 34,912 60,831
Notes
Other........................................................... 3,451 7,571
--------------------------
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets.............................. 116,273 191,139
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
Capitalized costs deducted for tax.............................. (17,683) -
Depreciation.................................................... (18,927) (17,264)
Other........................................................... - (230)
--------------------------
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities......................... (36,610) (17,494)
--------------------------
Gross deferred tax assets......................................... 79,663 173,645
--------------------------
Valuation allowance............................................... - (108,452)
--------------------------
Net noncurrent deferred tax assets................................ 79,663 65,193
--------------------------
Net deferred tax assets........................................... $ 66,989 $ 67,350
--------------------------
--------------------------
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
5. INCOME TAXES - CONTINUED
The actual tax benefit (provision) for 1995, 1996 and 1997 are
reconciled to the amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal tax rate
to income before taxes as follows:
<TABLE>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory rate.................................. 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit...... 1.2 1.8 1.6
Tax exempt interest income...................... 0.1 - -
Research and development and foreign
tax credits................................... 0.2 - 0.7
Non-deductible interest expense................. (1.7) (1.4) (0.5)
Other........................................... (1.4) (0.4) (0.8)
Increase in valuation allowance................. - - (36.0)
---------------------------------------
Total benefit from income taxes................. 33.4% 35.0% -%
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
</TABLE>
6. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
In April 1994, EchoStar adopted a stock incentive plan (the "Stock
Incentive Plan") to provide incentive to attract and retain officers,
directors and key employees. EchoStar has reserved up to 10 million shares of
its Class A Common Stock for granting awards under the Stock Incentive Plan.
All stock options granted through December 31, 1997 have included exercise
prices not less than the fair market value of EchoStar's Class A Common Stock
at the date of grant, and vest, as determined by EchoStar's Board of
Directors, generally at the rate of 20% per year.
A summary of EchoStar's incentive stock option activity for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 is as follows:
<TABLE>
1995 1996 1997
------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
OPTIONS PRICE OPTIONS PRICE OPTIONS PRICE
------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Options outstanding, beginning
of year..................... 744,872 $ 9.33 1,117,133 $12.23 1,025,273 $14.27
Granted........................ 419,772 17.13 138,790 27.02 779,550 17.05
Repriced....................... - - - - 255,794 17.00
Exercised...................... (4,284) 9.33 (103,766) 10.24 (98,158) 9.64
Forfeited...................... (43,227) 10.55 (126,884) 13.27 (437,892) 19.46
------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
Options outstanding, end of
year......................... 1,117,133 $12.23 1,025,273 $14.27 1,524,567 $14.99
------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
Exercisable at end of year..... 142,474 $ 9.33 258,368 $11.31 347,009 $12.15
------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
</TABLE>
F-21
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
6. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - CONTINUED
Exercise prices for options outstanding as of December 31, 1997 are
as follows:
<TABLE>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER WEIGHTED- NUMBER
OUTSTANDING AVERAGE EXERCISABLE
AS OF REMAINING WEIGHTED- AS OF WEIGHTED-
RANGE OF DECEMBER 31, CONTRACTUAL AVERAGE DECEMBER 31, AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES 1997 LIFE EXERCISE PRICE 1997 EXERCISE PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 9.333 - $11.870 429,644 4.60 $ 9.53 226,771 $ 9.48
17.000 - 17.000 1,053,683 7.11 17.00 117,990 17.00
18.290 - 26.688 41,240 4.79 20.58 2,248 26.69
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 9.333 - $26.688 1,524,567 6.34 $14.99 347,009 $12.15
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
On July 1, 1997, the Board of Directors approved a repricing of
substantially all outstanding options with an exercise price greater than
$17.00 per share of Class A Common Stock to $17.00 per share. The Board of
Directors would not typically consider reducing the exercise price of
previously granted options. However, these options were repriced due to the
occurrence of certain events beyond the reasonable control of the employees
of EchoStar which significantly reduced the incentive these options were
intended to create. The fair market value of the Class A Common Stock was
$15.25 on the date of the repricing. Options to purchase approximately
256,000 shares of Class A Common Stock were affected by this repricing.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," ("APB 25") and
related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans.
Under APB 25, because the exercise price of EchoStar's employee stock options
is equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the
grant, no compensation expense is recognized. In October 1995, the FASB
issued FAS No. 123, "Accounting and Disclosure of Stock-Based Compensation,"
("FAS No. 123") which established an alternative method of expense
recognition for stock-based compensation awards to employees based on fair
values. The Company elected to not adopt FAS No. 123 for expense recognition
purposes.
Pro forma information regarding net income is required by FAS No. 123
and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its stock-based
compensation plans using the fair value method prescribed by that statement.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. All options are
initially assumed to vest. Compensation previously recognized is reversed to
the extent applicable to forfeitures of unvested options. The fair value of
each option grant was estimated at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
<TABLE>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
--------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Risk-free interest rate..................... 6.12% 6.80% 6.09%
Volatility factor........................... 62% 62% 68%
Dividend yield.............................. 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Expected term of options.................... 6 years 6 years 6 years
Weighted-average fair value of options
granted.................................. $ 9.86 $ 16.96 $ 10.38
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
6. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS - CONTINUED
The Company's pro forma net loss was $13 million, $103 million and
$320 million for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models
require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected
stock price characteristics significantly different from those of traded
options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can
materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the
existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the
fair value of its stock-based compensation awards.
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
During 1997, the Board of Directors and shareholders of ECC approved
an employee stock purchase plan (the "ESPP"), effective beginning October 1,
1997. Under the ESPP, EchoStar is authorized to issue a total of 100,000
shares of ECC's Class A Common Stock. Substantially all full-time employees
who have been employed by EchoStar for at least one calendar quarter are
eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employee stock purchases are made through
payroll deductions. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees may not deduct an
amount which would permit such employee to purchase capital stock of EchoStar
under all stock purchase plans of EchoStar at a rate which would exceed $25,000
in fair market value of capital stock in any one year. The purchase price of
the stock is 85% of the closing price of ECC's Class A Common Stock on the last
business day of each calendar quarter in which such shares of ECC's Class A
Common Stock are deemed sold to an employee under the ESPP. The ESPP shall
terminate upon the first to occur of (i) October 1, 2007 or (ii) the date on
which the ESPP is terminated by the Board of Directors. During the fourth
quarter of 1997, employees of the Company purchased 4,430 shares of ECC's
Class A Common Stock through the ESPP.
401(k) EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN
EchoStar sponsors a 401(k) Employee Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan")
for eligible employees. Voluntary employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan
may be matched 50% by EchoStar, subject to a maximum annual contribution by
EchoStar of $1,000 per employee. EchoStar also may make an annual
discretionary contribution to the plan with approval by EchoStar's Board of
Directors, subject to the maximum deductible limit provided by the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Company's cash contributions to the
401(k) Plan totaled $177,000, $226,000 and $329,000 during 1995, 1996 and
1997, respectively. Additionally, the Company contributed 55,000 shares of
EchoStar's Class A Common Stock in 1995 and 1996, (fair value of $1 million
and $935,000, respectively) to the 401(k) Plan as discretionary
contributions. During 1998, the Company expects to contribute 80,000 shares
of EchoStar's Class A Common Stock (fair value of approximately $2 million)
to the 401(k) Plan related to its 1997 discretionary contribution.
F-23
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
8. C-BAND AND OTHER REVENUE
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company ceased operation of its
C-band programming business. Consequently, the net result of the Company's
C-band programming business is reported as "C-band and other revenue" in the
accompanying statements of operations. C-band and other revenue consists of
the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
-----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
C-band equipment sales and other.. $ 110,992 $ 54,592 $ 32,308
C-band programming sales.......... 15,232 11,921 7,100
C-band programming - cost of sales (13,520) (10,510) (6,712)
-----------------------------------------------------
C-band and other revenue, net.. $ 112,704 $ 56,003 $ 32,696
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
9. OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EchoStar has contracted with Lockheed-Khrunichev-Energia-International,
Inc. ("LKE") for the launch of EchoStar IV from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in
the Republic of Kazakhstan, a territory of the former Soviet Union, utilizing
a Proton launch vehicle (the "LKE Contract"). The launch is currently
expected to occur in the Spring of 1998. Either party may request a delay in
the launch period, subject to the payment of penalties based on the length of
the delay and the proximity of the request to the launch date. During 1998,
the Company expects to expend approximately $68 million in connection with
the construction launch and insurance of EchoStar IV. These expenditures will
be funded from the Satellite Escrow.
EchoStar has filed applications with the Federal Communications
Commission ("FCC") for authorization to construct, launch and operate a two
satellite FSS (fixed satellite service) Ku-band system and a two satellite
FSS Ka-band satellite system. No assurance can be given that EchoStar's
applications will be approved by the FCC or that, if approved, EchoStar will
be able to successfully develop the FSS Ku-band or the Ka-band systems.
EchoStar believes that establishment of the FSS Ku-band system or the FSS
Ka-band system would enhance its competitive position in the DTH industry. In
the event EchoStar's FSS Ku-band or Ka-band system applications are approved
by the FCC, additional debt or equity financing would be required. No
assurance can be given that such financing will be available, or that it will
be available on terms acceptable to EchoStar.
PURCHASE COMMITMENTS
As of December 31, 1997, the Company's purchase commitments totaled
approximately $87 million. The majority of these commitments relate to
EchoStar Receiver Systems and related components. All of the purchases
related to these commitments are expected to be made during 1998. The Company
expects to finance these purchases from existing unrestricted cash balances
and future cash flows generated from operations, if any.
OTHER RISKS 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 110(Degree) 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.
F-24
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
9. OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - CONTINUED
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 intends to vigorously defend against the counterclaims. Discovery
commenced on July 3, 1997 and depositions are currently being taken. The case
has been set for trial commencing November 1998, 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.
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
The following pages present the consolidating financial information
for EchoStar and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. See Note 4 for
a more complete description of the subsidiary guarantors of each of the 1997
Notes, the 1996 Notes and the 1994 Notes. Because the formations of EchoStar
(incorporated in 1995), DBS Corp (incorporated in 1996), and ESBC
(incorporated in 1996) were all accounted for as reorganizations of entities
under common control, the consolidated statements of operations and cash
flows of Dish, Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 1995 also represent the
consolidated statements of operations and cash flows of EchoStar, DBS Corp
and ESBC. Consolidating financial information is presented for the following
entities:
Consolidated Dish, Ltd. (referred to as "Dish")
ESBC Parent Company Only (referred to as "ESBC - PC")
Consolidating and eliminating adjustments (referred to as "C&E")
Consolidated ESBC (referred to as "ESBC")
DBS Corp Parent Company Only (referred to as "DBS Corp - PC")
Consolidated DBS Corp (referred to as "DBS Corp")
ECC Parent Company Only (referred to as "ECC - PC")
Other direct wholly-owned subs of ECC (referred to as "Other")
Consolidated ECC (referred to as "ECC")
F-25
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS - CONTINUED
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS - AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 (IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
DBS
ESBC- Corp- DBS ECC-
DISH PC C&E ESBC PC C&E Corp PC Other C&E ECC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents......... $ 25 $ 14 $ - $ 39 $ - $ - $ 39 $ - $ - $ - $ 39
Marketable investment securities.. - 19 - 19 - - 19 - - - 19
Trade accounts receivable, net.... 14 - - 14 - - 14 - - - 14
Inventories....................... 73 - - 73 - - 73 - - - 73
Subscriber acquisition costs, net. 68 - - 68 - - 68 - - - 68
Other current assets.............. 19 - - 19 - - 19 1 3 - 23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets................. 199 33 - 232 - - 232 1 3 - 236
Investment in subsidiary............. - 3 (3) - - - - - - - -
Advances to affiliates, net.......... - 280 (135) 145 - ( 76) 69 - - (69) -
Restricted cash and marketable
investment securities............. 32 47 - 79 - - 79 - - - 79
Property and equipment, net.......... 500 - - 500 29 - 529 - 62 - 591
FCC authorizations, net.............. 12 - - 12 60 - 72 - - - 72
Other noncurrent assets.............. 88 17 - 105 - - 105 70 1 (13) 163
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets.................... $831 $380 $(138) $1,073 $ 89 $(76) $1,086 $ 71 $ 66 $(82) $1,141
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(DEFICIT)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable............ $ 41 $ - $ - $ 41 $ - $ - $ 41 $ - $ 1 $ (1) $ 41
Deferred revenue.................. 104 - - 104 - - 104 - - - 104
Accrued expenses.................. 41 - - 41 2 - 43 1 - (2) 42
Advances from affiliates, net..... 135 - (135) - 76 (76) - 2 64 (66) -
Current portion of long-term debt. 11 - - 11 - - 11 - - - 11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities............ 332 - (135) 197 78 (76) 199 3 65 (69) 198
Long-term obligations, net of
current portion:
Investment in subsidiaries........ - - - - 6 (6) - 7 - (7) -
1994 Notes........................ 437 - - 437 - - 437 - - - 437
1996 Notes........................ - 386 - 386 - - 386 - - - 386
Mortgages and other notes payable,
net of current portion.......... 52 - - 52 12 - 64 - - (12) 52
Long-term deferred satellite
services revenue and other
long-term liabilities........... 7 - - 7 - - 7 - - - 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total long-term liabilities.......... 496 386 - 882 18 ( 6) 894 7 - (19) 882
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities............... 828 386 (135) 1,079 96 (82) 1,093 10 65 (88) 1,080
Stockholders' equity (deficit)....... 3 (6) (3) (6) (7) 6 (7) 61 1 6 61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity (deficit) $831 $380 $(138) $1,073 $ 89 $(76) $1,086 $ 71 $ 66 $(82) $1,141
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-26
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS - CONTINUED
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS - AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997 (IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
DBS
ESBC- Corp- DBS ECC-
ASSETS DISH PC C&E ESBC PC C&E Corp PC Other C&E ECC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents........ $ 36 $ 10 $ - $ 46 $ 16 $ - $ 62 $ 83 $ - $ - $ 145
Marketable investment securities. - - - - 4 - 4 271 - - 275
Trade accounts receivable, net... 66 - - 66 - - 66 - - - 66
Inventories...................... 23 - - 23 - - 23 - - - 23
Subscriber acquisition costs, net 19 - - 19 - - 19 - - - 19
Other current assets............. 8 - - 8 - - 8 10 3 ( 5) 16
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets................ 152 10 - 162 20 - 182 364 3 (5) 544
Advances to affiliates, net......... - 386 (194) 192 38 - 230 13 - (243) -
Restricted cash and marketable
investment securities............ 2 - - 2 186 - 188 - - - 188
Property and equipment, net......... 505 - - 505 64 - 569 - 306 - 875
FCC authorizations, net............. 12 - - 12 69 - 81 - 18 - 99
Other noncurrent assets............. 73 16 - 89 12 - 101 47 1 (49) 100
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets................... $ 744 $ 412 $(194) $ 962 $ 389 $ - $1,351 $424 $328 $ (297) $1,806
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(DEFICIT)
Current Liabilities:
Trade accounts payable........... $ 68 $ - $ - $ 68 $ - $ - $ 68 $ - $ - $ - $ 68
Deferred revenue................. 122 - - 122 - - 122 - - 1 123
Accrued expenses................. 72 - - 72 25 - 97 3 11 (9) 102
Advances from affiliates, net.... 194 - (194) - - - - - 243 (243) -
Current portion of long-term debt 15 - - 15 - - 15 - 3 - 18
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities........... 471 - (194) 277 25 - 302 3 257 (251) 311
Long-term obligations, net of
current portion:
Investment in subsidiaries....... - 288 (288) - 314 (314) - 311 (311) -
1994 Notes....................... 500 - - 500 - - 500 - - - 500
1996 Notes....................... - 438 - 438 - - 438 - - - 438
1997 Notes....................... - - - - 375 - 375 - - - 375
Mortgages and other notes
payable, net of current portion 41 - - 41 - - 41 - 57 (46) 52
Long-term deferred satellite
services revenue and other
long-term liabilities.......... 20 - - 20 - - 20 - - - 20
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total long-term liabilities......... 561 726 (288) 999 689 (314) 1,374 311 57 (357) 1,385
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities.............. 1,032 726 (482) 1,276 714 (314) 1,676 314 314 (608) 1,696
12 1/8% Series B Senior Redeemable
Exchangeable Preferred Stock... - - - - - - - 199 - - 199
Stockholders' equity (deficit)...... (288) (314) 288 (314) (325) 314 (325) (89) 14 311 (89)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 744 $ 412 $(194) $ 962 $ 389 $ - $1,351 $424 $328 $(297) $1,806
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-27
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS - CONTINUED
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
DISH ECC - PC C&E ECC
--------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
DTH equipment sales and integration services.... $ 36 $ - $ - $ 36
C-band and other................................ 112 - - 112
--------------------------------------------------
Total revenue...................................... 148 - - 148
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of sales - DTH equipment and integration
services........................................ 30 - - 30
Cost of sales - C-band and other................ 85 - - 85
Advertising and other........................... 2 - - 2
General and administrative...................... 36 - - 36
Depreciation and amortization................... 3 - - 3
--------------------------------------------------
Total costs and expenses........................... 156 - - 156
--------------------------------------------------
Operating loss..................................... (8) - - (8)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income................................. 13 1 - 14
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.... (24) - - (24)
Other........................................... 1 - - 1
Equity in losses of subsidiaries................. - (12) 12 -
--------------------------------------------------
Total other income (expense)....................... (10) (11) 12 (9)
--------------------------------------------------
Loss before income taxes........................... (18) (11) 12 (17)
Income tax benefit (provision), net................ 6 - - 6
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Net loss........................................... $(12) $(11) $12 $(11)
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-28
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS - CONTINUED
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
ESBC - DBS Corp- DBS ECC -
DISH PC C&E ESBC PC C&E CORP PC Other C&E ECC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
DISH Network:
Subscription television
services..................... $ 50 $ - $ - $ 50 $ - $ - $ 50 $ - $ - $ - $ 50
C-band and other.............. 8 - - 8 - - 8 - 2 - 10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total DISH Network.............. 58 - - 58 - - 58 - 2 - 60
DTH equipment sales and
integration services.......... 77 - - 77 - - 77 - 7 (6) 78
Satellite services.............. 6 - - 6 - - 6 - - - 6
Other........................... 56 - - 56 - - 56 - 1 (2) 55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue...................... 197 - - 197 - - 197 - 10 (8) 199
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
DISH Network Operating Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses... 23 - - 23 - - 23 - - - 23
Customer service center and
other....................... 13 - - 13 - - 13 - 1 (1) 13
Satellite and transmission.... 7 - - 7 - - 7 - - - 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total DISH Network operating 43 - - 43 - - 43 - 1 (1) 43
expenses........................
Cost of sales - DTH equipment and
integration services.......... 76 - - 76 - - 76 - 6 (6) 76
Cost of sales - C-band and
other......................... 42 - - 42 - - 42 - - - 42
Marketing:
Subscriber promotion subsidies 35 - - 35 - - 35 - - (1) 34
Advertising and other......... 18 - - 18 - - 18 - - - 18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total marketing expenses........ 53 - - 53 - - 53 - - (1) 52
General and administrative...... 49 - - 49 - - 49 - 3 - 52
Amortization of subscriber
acquisition costs............. 16 - - 16 - - 16 - - - 16
Depreciation and amortization... 27 - - 27 - - 27 - - - 27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total costs and expenses........... 306 - - 306 - - 306 - 10 (8) 308
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating loss..................... (109) - - (109) - - (109) - - - (109)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income................. 4 10 - 14 - - 14 1 - - 15
Interest expense, net of amounts
capitalized................... (37) (24) - (61) (1) - (62) - (1) 1 (62)
Equity in losses of subsidiaries - (92) 92 - (101) 101 - (101) - 101 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income (expense)....... (33) (106) 92 (47) (102) 101 (48) (100) (1) 102 (47)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before income taxes........... (142) (106) 92 (156) (102) 101 (157) (100) (1) 102 (156)
Income tax benefit (provision),
net............................... 50 5 - 55 - - 55 (1) 1 - 55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss........................... $ (92) $(101) $92 $(101) $(102) $101 $(102) $(101) $ - $102 $(101)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-29
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS -- CONTINUED
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
ESBC- DBS Corp- DBS ECC-
DISH PC C&E ESBC PC C&E COPR. PC OTHER C&E ECC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
DISH Network:
Subscription television
services.................... $ 299 $ - $ - $ 299 $ - $ - $ 299 $ - $ - $ - $ 299
Other......................... 43 - - 43 - - 43 - 1 1 45
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total DISH Network.............. 342 - - 342 - - 342 - 1 1 344
DTH equipment sales and
integration services.......... 90 - - 90 - - 90 - 15 (13) 92
Satellite services.............. 11 - - 11 - - 11 - - - 11
C-band and other................ 33 - - 33 - - 33 - 1 (4) 30
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue...................... 476 - - 476 - - 476 - 17 (16) 477
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
DISH Network Operating Expenses:
Subscriber-related expenses... 144 - - 144 - - 144 - - - 144
Customer service center and
other....................... 35 - - 35 - - 35 - 3 (3) 35
Satellite and transmission.... 14 - - 14 - - 14 - - - 14
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total DISH Network operating
expenses...................... 193 - - 193 - - 193 - 3 (3) 193
Cost of sales - DTH equipment and
integration services.......... 61 - - 61 - - 61 - 9 (8) 62
Cost of sales - C-band and
other......................... 24 - - 24 - - 24 - 1 (1) 24
Marketing:
Subscriber promotion
subsidies................... 149 - - 149 - - 149 - - (4) 145
Advertising and other......... 35 - - 35 - - 35 - - - 35
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total marketing expenses........ 184 - - 184 - - 184 - - (4) 180
General and administrative...... 66 - - 66 - - 66 1 2 - 69
Amortization of subscriber 121 - - 121 - - 121 - - 1 122
acquisition costs.............
Depreciation and amortization... 51 - - 51 - - 51 - - - 51
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total costs and expenses........... 700 - - 700 - - 700 1 15 (15) 701
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating loss..................... (224) - - (224) - - (224) (1) 2 (1) (224)
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income................. 3 2 - 5 8 - 13 11 - (7) 17
Interest expense, net of amounts
capitalized................... (68) (19) - (87) (18) - (105) - (5) 6 (104)
Other........................... (2) - - (2) - - (2) - - - (2)
Equity in losses of subsidiaries - (291) 291 - (308) 308 - (323) - 323 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income (expense)....... (67) (308) 291 (84) (318) 308 (94) (312) (5) 322 (89)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before income taxes........... (291) (308) 291 (308) (318) 308 (318) (313) (5) 321 (313)
Income tax benefit (provision),
net.............................. - - - - - - - - - - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss........................... $(291) $(308) $291 $(308) $(318) $308 $(318) $(313) $(3) $321 $(313)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-30
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS -- CONTINUED
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
DISH ECC - PC Other C&E ECC
---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)....................................... $ (12) $(11) $ - $ 12 $ (11)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
flows from operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries.......... - 12 - (12) -
Depreciation and amortization........................ 3 - - - 3
Deferred income tax benefit.......................... (5) - - - (5)
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing
costs............................................... 24 - - - 24
Other, net........................................... 1 - - - 1
Changes in current assets and current liabilities,
net................................................. (33) (20) 20 - (33)
---------------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities................ (22) (19) 20 - (21)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of marketable investment securities........... (3) (22) - - (25)
Sales of marketable investment securities............... 34 7 - - 41
Purchases of restricted marketable investment
securities............................................. (15) - - - (15)
Purchases of property and equipment..................... (114) - (20) - (134)
Offering proceeds and investment earnings placed in
escrow................................................. (10) - - - (10)
Funds released from escrow accounts..................... 122 - - - 122
Investment in convertible subordinated debentures from
DBSI................................................... - (1) - - (1)
Investment in DBSC...................................... 5 (5) - - -
Long-term notes receivable from and investment in DBSC.. - (16) - - (16)
---------------------------------------
Net cash flows from investing activities................ 19 (37) (20) - (38)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of Class A Common Stock...... - 63 - - 63
---------------------------------------
Net cash flows from financing activities................ - 63 - - 63
---------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.... (3) 7 - - 4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year............ 18 - - - 18
---------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year.................. $ 15 $ 7 $ - $ - $ 22
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-31
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS -- CONTINUED
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
ESBC- DBS Corp- DBS ECC-
DISH PC C&E ESBC PC C&E COPR. PC OTHER C&E ECC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).............................. $ (92) $(101) $ 92 $(101) $(102) $ 101 $(102) $(101) $ - $ 102 $(101)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash flows from operating
activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of
subsidiaries............................... - 92 (92) - 101 (101) - 101 - (101) -
Depreciation and amortization............... 27 - - 27 - - 27 - - - 27
Amortization of subscriber acquisition
costs...................................... 16 - - 16 - - 16 - - - 16
Deferred income tax benefit................. (45) (5) - (50) - - (50) - - - (50)
Amortization of debt discount and deferred
financing costs........................... 34 24 3 61 - - 61 - - - 61
Other, net.................................. 10 - - 10 - - 10 (2) - - 8
Changes in current assets and current
liabilities, net.......................... 152 (268) (3) (119) 70 - (49) 26 38 (4) 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities....... 102 (258) - (156) 69 - (87) 24 38 (3) (28)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of marketable investment securities.. - (138) - (138) - - (138) - - - (138)
Sales of marketable investment securities...... - 120 - 120 - - 120 15 - - 135
Purchases of restricted marketable investment
securities.................................... (21) - - (21) - - (21) - - - (21)
Funds released from escrow and restricted cash
and marketable investment securities.......... 100 136 - 236 - - 236 - - - 236
Purchases of property and equipment............ (158) - - (158) (26) - (184) - ( 38) - (222)
Offering proceeds and investment earnings
placed in escrow.............................. (11) (183) - (194) - - (194) - - - (194)
Payments received on convertible subordinated
debentures from SSET.......................... 6 - - 6 - - 6 - - - 6
Long-term notes receivable from DBSC........... - - - - - - - (30) - - (30)
Long-term note receivable from DBS Corp........ - - - - - - - (12) - 12 -
Expenditures for FCC authorizations............ - - - - (55) - (55) - - - (55)
Other.......................................... - - - - - - - (6) - 3 (3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from investing activities....... (84) (65) - (149) (81) - (230) (33) (38) 15 (286)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of 1996 Notes....... - 337 - 337 - - 337 - - - 337
Proceeds from note payable to ECC.............. - - - - 12 - 12 - - (12) -
Repayments of mortgage indebtedness and notes
payable....................................... (8) - - (8) - - (8) - - - (8)
Stock options exercised........................ - - - - - - - 2 - - 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from financing activities....... (8) 337 - 329 12 - 341 2 - (12) 331
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents................................. 10 14 - 24 - - 24 (7) - - 17
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year... 15 - - 15 - - 15 7 - - 22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year......... $ 25 $ 14 $ - $ 39 $ - $ - $ 39 $ - $ - $ - $ 39
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-32
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
10. PARENT COMPANY ONLY AND CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS -- CONTINUED
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
(IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
ESBC- DBS Corp- DBS ECC-
DISH PC C&E ESBC PC C&E COPR. PC OTHER C&E ECC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).............................. $(291) $(308) $ 291 $(308) $(318) $ 308 $(318) $(313) $ (3) $ 321 $(313)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash flows from operating activities:.....
Equity in (earnings) losses of
subsidiaries............................... - 291 (291) - 308 (308) - 323 - (323) -
Depreciation and amortization............... 51 - - 51 - - 51 - - - 51
Amortization of subscriber acquisition
costs...................................... 121 - - 121 - - 121 - - - 121
Amortization of debt discount and deferred
financing costs............................ 63 19 - 82 1 - 83 - - - 83
Other, net.................................. 11 - - 11 - - 11 - - - 11
Changes in current assets and current
liabilities, net........................... 88 (71) - 17 (106) - (89) (18) 158 (4) 47
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from operating activities....... 43 (69) - (26) (115) - (141) (8) 155 (6) -
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of marketable investment securities.. - (5) - (5) (32) - (37) (271) - - (308)
Sales of marketable investment securities...... - 23 - 23 29 - 52 - - - 52
Purchases of restricted marketable investment
securities.................................... (1) - - (1) - - (1) - - - (1)
Funds released from escrow and restricted cash
and marketable investment securities.......... 31 48 - 79 41 - 120 - - - 120
Purchases of property and equipment............ (49) - - (49) (30) - (79) - (153) - (232)
Offering proceeds and investment earnings
placed in escrow.............................. - - - - (228) - (228) - - - (228)
Other.......................................... - (1) - (1) - - (1) 8 (2) (6) (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from investing activities....... (19) 65 - 46 (220) - (174) (263) (155) (6) (598)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of Class A Common
Stock......................................... - - - - - - - 63 - - 63
Net proceeds from issuance of 1997 Notes....... - - - - 363 - 363 - - - 363
Net proceeds from issuance of 12 1/8% Series B
Senior Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred...... - - - - - - - 193 - - 193
Net proceeds from issuance of 6 3/4% Series C
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock........ - - - - - - - 97 - - 97
Repayment of note payable to ECC............... - - - - (12) - (12) - - 12 -
Repayments of mortgage indebtedness and notes
payable....................................... (13) - - (13) - - (13) - - - (13)
Net proceeds from Class A Common Stock options
exercised and Class A Common Stock issued to
Employee Stock Purchase Plan.................. - - - - - - - 1 - - 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flows from financing activities....... (13) - - (13) 351 - 338 354 - 12 704
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash 11 (4) - 7 16 - 23 83 - - 106
equivalents...................................
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year... 25 14 - 39 - - 39 - - - 39
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year......... $ 36 $ 10 $ - $ 46 $ 6 $ - $ 62 $ 83 $ - $ - $ 145
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-33
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
11. OPERATIONS IN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
The Company sells certain of its products on a worldwide basis and has
operations in Europe and the Pacific Rim. Information about the Company's
operations in different geographic areas as of December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997
and for the years then ended, is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
OTHER
UNITED STATES EUROPE INTERNATIONAL TOTAL
------------- ------ ------------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1995
- ----
Total revenue...................... $ 95,259 $31,351 $21,910 $ 148,520
---------- ------- ------- ----------
---------- ------- ------- ----------
Export sales....................... $ 6,317
----------
----------
Operating income (loss)............ $ (7,895) $ 146 $ (257) $ (8,006)
---------- ------- -------
---------- ------- -------
Other income (expense), net........ $ (10,546)
----------
Net loss before income taxes....... $ (18,552)
----------
----------
Identifiable assets................ $ 63,136 $10,088 $ 3,788 $ 77,012
---------- ------- -------
---------- ------- -------
Corporate assets................... $ 482,283
----------
Total assets....................... $ 559,295
----------
----------
1996
- ----
Total revenue...................... $ 159,611 $26,984 $10,508 $ 197,103
---------- ------- ------- ----------
---------- ------- ------- ----------
Export sales....................... $ 1,536
----------
----------
Operating loss..................... $ (106,695) $(1,274) $ (896) $ (108,865)
---------- ------- -------
---------- ------- -------
Other income (expense), net........ $ (47,664)
----------
Net loss before income taxes....... $ (156,529)
----------
----------
Identifiable assets................ $ 836,596 $ 5,795 $ 1,871 $ 844,262
---------- ------- -------
---------- ------- -------
Corporate assets................... $ 241,281
----------
Total assets....................... $1,085,543
----------
----------
1997
- ----
Total revenue...................... $ 446,461 $20,592 $ 8,849 $ 475,902
---------- ------- ------- ----------
---------- ------- ------- ----------
Export sales....................... $ 74,065
----------
----------
Operating loss..................... $ (222,710) $(1,224) $ (402) $ (224,336)
---------- ------- -------
---------- ------- -------
Other income (expense), net........ $ (93,482)
----------
----------
Net loss before income taxes....... $ (317,818)
----------
----------
Identifiable assets................ $1,006,131 $ 5,696 $ 2,682 $1,014,509
---------- ------- -------
---------- ------- -------
Corporate assets................... $ 336,946
----------
Total assets....................... $1,351,455
----------
----------
</TABLE>
F-34
<PAGE>
ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
12. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
The Company's valuation and qualifying accounts as of December 31,
1995, 1996 and 1997 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO
BEGINNING OF COSTS AND BALANCE AT
YEAR EXPENSES DEDUCTIONS END OF YEAR
----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995:
Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts....... $ 186 $1,160 $ (240) $1,106
Loan loss reserve..................... 95 19 (36) 78
Reserve for inventory................. 1,585 1,511 (299) 2,797
Liabilities:
Reserve for warranty costs and other.. 1,493 562 (950) 1,105
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:
Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts....... $1,106 $2,340 $(1,952) $1,494
Loan loss reserve..................... 78 157 (94) 141
Reserve for inventory................. 2,797 4,304 (1,438) 5,663
Liabilities:
Reserve for warranty costs and other.. 1,105 (342) - 763
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997:
Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts....... $1,494 $4,343 $(4,490) $1,347
Loan loss reserve..................... 141 7 (87) 61
Reserve for inventory................. 5,663 1,650 (3,473) 3,840
Liabilities:
Reserve for warranty costs and other.. 763 - (53) 710
</TABLE>
13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The Company's quarterly results of operations are summarized as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1996:
Total revenue............... $ 37,057 $ 68,478 $ 35,506 $ 56,062
Operating loss.............. (8,991) (17,588) (27,601) (54,685)
Net loss.................... (7,787) (21,134) (26,769) (45,986)
Year Ended December 31, 1997:
Total revenue............... $ 68,967 $ 97,831 $ 129,662 $179,442
Operating loss.............. (43,328) (43,503) (91,204) (46,301)
Net loss.................... (61,950) (64,475) (117,957) (73,582)
</TABLE>
Certain revenue amounts reflected above have been reclassified to
conform with the 1997 presentation.
F-35
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned person
whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints David K. Moskowitz as
the true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of the undersigned, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in the name, place and
stead of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of EchoStar DBS Corporation, a Colorado corporation, for
the year ended December 31, 1997, and any and all amendments thereto and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection
therewith, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and
hereby grants to said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to
do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be
done in connection therewith, as fully as to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this Power Attorney has been signed by the following person in the
capacity and on the date indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ James DeFranco Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------
James DeFranco
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ECHOSTAR DBS CORPORATION AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THOSE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 62,058
<SECURITIES> 3,906
<RECEIVABLES> 67,392
<ALLOWANCES> (1,347)
<INVENTORY> 22,993
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 182,475
<PP&E> 655,054
<DEPRECIATION> (85,783)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,351,455
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 302,720
<BONDS> 1,353,870
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> (324,635)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,351,455
<SALES> 464,767<F1>
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 475,902
<CGS> 277,997<F2>
<TOTAL-COSTS> 700,238
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 93,482
<LOSS-PROVISION> 4,163
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 104,543<F3>
<INCOME-PRETAX> (317,818)
<INCOME-TAX> (146)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (317,964)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (317,964)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (317,964)
<EPS-DILUTED> (317,964)
<FN>
<F1> INCLUDES SALES OF PROGRAMMING.
<F2> INCLUDES COSTS OF PROGRAMMING.
<F3> NET OF AMOUNTS CAPITALIZED.
</FN>
</TABLE>
