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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
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FORM 10-Q
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-26697
MP3.COM, INC.
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(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 33-0840026
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(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO)
4790 EASTGATE MALL, SAN DIEGO, CA 92121
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(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
(858) 623-7000
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(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
10350 SCIENCE CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 210, SAN DIEGO, CA 92121
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(FORMER NAME, FORMER ADDRESS AND FORMER FISCAL YEAR,
IF CHANGED SINCE LAST REPORTED)
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 twelve 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 ninety days. Yes [ ] No [X] (the registrant has been
subject to the filing requirements of Section 13 (a) and 15(d) less than ninety
days since the registrants Registration Statement of Form 8-A was declared
effective by the Commission on July 20, 1999.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Common Stock, $0.001 per share par value, 68,312,653 shares as of July 30, 1999.
This report contains 30 pages
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MP3.COM, INC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
INDEX
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page Number
-----------
<S> <C> <C>
Item 1. Financial Statements 3
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations 11
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk 28
</TABLE>
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page Number
-----------
<S> <C> <C>
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Uses of
Proceeds 29
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 29
</TABLE>
2.
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MP3.COM, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
1999 1998
-------- ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 57,027 $ 39
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 1,002 293
Unbilled receivables 178 65
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,791 --
-------- -----
Total current assets 61,998 397
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 3,782 52
Other assets 1,605 14
-------- -----
Total assets $ 67,385 $ 463
======== =====
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 1,649 $ 37
Accrued expenses 1,204 104
Line of credit and capital lease obligations 1,234 14
Deferred revenues 182 15
Deferred income taxes 94 94
-------- -----
Total current liabilities 4,363 264
Deferred income taxes 4 4
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; none authorized at
June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998; none issued and
outstanding at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1999
Convertible preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share;
authorized 15,500,000 and 5,000,000 at June 30, 1999 and
December 31, 1998, respectively
Series A, authorized 8,250,000 and 5,000,000 at June 30, 1999
and December 31, 1998, respectively; 8,250,000 and none
issued and outstanding at June 30, 1999 and
December 31, 1998, respectively 8 --
Series B, authorized 439,103 and none at June 30,1999
and December 31, 1998, respectively; 439,103 and none issued and
outstanding at June 30, 1999 and December 31,
1998, respectively 1 --
Series C, authorized 4,182,578 and none at June 30,1999 and
December 31, 1998, respectively; 4,182,578 and none issued
and outstanding at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998,
respectively 4 --
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; authorized
51,000,000 at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998; 33,970,337
and 29,249,999 issued and outstanding
at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively 34 29
Additional paid in capital 87,262 701
Note receivable from stockholder (260) --
Deferred compensation (15,924) (178)
Accumulated deficit (8,107) (357)
-------- -----
Total stockholders' equity 63,018 195
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$ 67,385 $ 463
======== =====
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.
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MP3.COM, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For The Three Months Ended For The Six
-------------------------------------- Months Ended
June 30, 1999 June 30, 1998 June 30, 1999
------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Revenues $ 1,911 $ 247 $ 2,577
Cost of revenues 811 41 1,054
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit 1,100 206 1,523
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing 2,807 14 3,217
Product development 766 53 1,002
General and administrative 1,305 12 1,909
Amortization of deferred compensation
and other stock based compensation 2,811 98 3,463
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 7,689 177 9,591
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) from operations (6,589) 29 (8,068)
Interest income (expense), net 246 (1) 319
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes (6,343) 28 (7,749)
Provision for income taxes -- 51 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss $ (6,343) $ (23) $ (7,749)
============ ============ ============
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted $ (0.22) $ (0.00) $ (0.27)
============ ============ ============
Weighted average shares - basic and diluted 28,838,000 26,179,000 28,496,000
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.
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MP3.COM, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30, 1999
------------------
<S> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (7,749)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash
used in operating activities:
Amortization of deferred compensation and other
stock based compensation 3,094
Amortization of prepaid marketing costs 504
Depreciation 166
Deferred income taxes --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (709)
Unbilled receivables (114)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1,020)
Accounts payable 1,612
Deferred revenue 167
Accrued expenses 1,099
--------
Cash used in operating activities (2,950)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (3,895)
Other assets (63)
--------
Cash used in investing activities (3,958)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from line of credit 1,234
Payment of note payable --
Payments under capital lease obligations (14)
Issuance of common stock 2,057
Net proceeds from issuance of Series A 13,118
preferred stock
Proceeds from issuance of Series B preferred stock 2,500
Proceeds from issuance of Series C preferred stock 45,000
--------
Cash provided by financing activities 63,895
--------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 56,987
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 40
--------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 57,027
========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Interest paid $ 56
========
Taxes paid $ 58
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SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
Common stock issued for notes receivable $ 338
========
Cancellation of stockholder note receivable $ 78
========
Warrants for common stock and common stock issued
in exchange for prepaid marketing costs $ 2,302
========
Donation of 100,000 shares of MP3.com common
stock to the MP3 Foundation $ 767
========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed
financial statements.
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MP3.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Note 1 - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
The Company
MP3.com, Inc. is developing a revolutionary approach to the promotion and
distribution of music. MP3.com uses the Internet and file formats that make
music files smaller to enable artists to distribute and promote their music and
to enable consumers to conveniently access this music. Consumers can search,
sample and download music free of charge.
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements as of June 30, 1999 and 1998, for the three months
ended June 30, 1999 and the period March 17, 1998 (inception) to June 30, 1998
are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The unaudited
financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited
financial statements and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly the
financial information included, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. The
results of operations for the interim period ended June 30, 1999 are not
necessarily indicative of the results which may be reported for any other
interim period or for the year ending December 31, 1999. The financial
statements for the period from March 17, 1998 (inception) to June 30, 1998 have
not been presented as the operating activity was insignificant and disclosure
would not be meaningful.
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 during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Net Loss Per Share
MP3.com computes net loss per share following SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share"
and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 128,
basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss)
available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per
share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the
weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding
during the period. Common equivalent shares, composed of unvested restricted
common shares, incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock
options, and common shares issuable on assumed conversion of Series A, B, and C
preferred stock, are included in diluted net income (loss) per share to the
extent these shares are dilutive. Common equivalent shares are not included in
the computation of dilutive net loss per share for the three months ended June
30, 1998, the period March 17, 1998 (inception) to December 31, 1998 and the
three and six months ended June 30, 1999 because the effect would be
anti-dilutive.
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MP3.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Note 1 - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued):
Under the provisions of SAB 98, common shares issued for nominal consideration,
if any, would be included in the per share calculations as if they were
outstanding for all periods presented. No common shares have been issued for
nominal consideration.
The following table sets for the computation of basic and diluted net loss per
share as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
-------------------------------
June 30, 1999 June 30, 1998
--------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Net loss $ (6,343) $ (23)
============ ============
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding 33,271,000 26,179,000
Weighted average unvested common shares
subject to repurchase agreements (4,433,000) --
------------ ------------
Denominator for basic and diluted calculation 28,838,000 26,179,000
============ ============
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted $ (0.22) $ (0.00)
============ ============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period March
17, 1998
Six Months (inception)
Ended June 30, to June 30,
1999 1998
---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Net loss $ (7,749) $ (322)
============ ============
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding 32,929,000 26,179,000
Weighted average unvested common shares
Subject to repurchase agreements (4,433,000) --
------------ ------------
Denominator for basic and diluted calculation 28,496,000 26,179,000
============ ============
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted $ (0.27) $ (0.01)
============ ============
</TABLE>
Diluted common stock equivalents include common stock options and preferred
stock, as if converted, and restricted stock that has not yet fully vested.
Potentially dilutive securities total 28,322,750 for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1999, respectively, and were excluded from historical diluted
earnings per share because of their anti-dilutive effect.
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MP3.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Note 1 - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued):
Comprehensive Income
MP3.com adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income
and its components in financial statements. Comprehensive income, as defined,
includes all changes in equity (net assets) during a period from non-owner
sources. Net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), including
foreign currency translation adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on
investments shall be reported, net of their related tax effect, to arrive at
comprehensive income. There were no differences between MP3.com's net loss and
its total comprehensive loss for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and the
period from March 17, 1998 (inception) to June 30, 1998.
Segment Information
MP3.com adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS 131 requires public companies to
report financial and descriptive information about their reportable operating
segments. MP3.com identifies its operating segments based on how management
internally evaluates separate financial information (if available), business
activities and management responsibility. MP3.com believes it operates in a
single business segment and adoption of this standard did not have a material
impact on MP3.com's financial statements. Through June 30, 1999, there have been
no foreign operations.
A summary of advertising and merchandise revenue from customers is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period from March 17,
Six Months Ended 1998 (inception) to
June 30, 1999 June 30, 1998
----------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Advertising $2,208 $273
Merchandise 369 --
------ ----
$2,577 $273
====== ====
</TABLE>
Note 2 - Stockholders' Equity
Issuance of Preferred Stock and Warrants for Common Stock
In April 1999, MP3.com issued 100,000 shares of Series A convertible preferred
shares to a director at $2.00 per share for proceeds of $200,000. Each share of
Series A preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the preferred
stockholder, into common stock at the rate of one share of preferred stock to
one share of common stock and one and one-half shares of common stock giving
effect to the three-for-two common stock split which occurred in July 1999.
$369,000 was recorded as stock based compensation expense during the second
quarter of 1999.
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MP3.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Note 2 - Stockholders' Equity (continued)
In April 1999, MP3.com entered into an artist promotion consulting agreement for
a three year term. Independent of the promotion agreement, in April 1999,
MP3.com entered into a Series B preferred stock purchase agreement whereby
MP3.com issued 439,103 shares of MP3.com's Series B convertible preferred stock
at $5.69 per share for total proceeds of approximately $2.5 million. The Series
B convertible preferred stockholders have substantially the same rights and
features as the Series A convertible preferred stockholders. Additionally, the
consultants were issued a warrant for 658,653 shares of common stock exercisable
at $0.33 per common share, all of which were exercised. MP3.com recorded
deferred advertising of approximately $2,191,000, representing the fair value of
the warrants that will be amortized during the year ended December 31, 1999. The
fair value of the warrants was estimated at the date of grant using the minimum
value method with the following assumptions: (i) risk free interest rate of
5.5%; (ii) an expected warrant life of three years; and (iii) no annual
dividends.
In May 1999, MP3.com entered into an agreement with an internationally known
artist with terms and conditions consistent with the artist promotion and
consulting agreement entered into in connection with the Series B preferred
stock except that the agreement with an internationally known artist terminates
after the "5 1/2 Weeks" tour in September 1999. As a result of the agreement
with the internationally known artist, MP3.com issued 22,500 shares of common
stock to the internationally known artist in consideration for the artist's
services. As a result of this issuance, MP3.com recorded deferred marketing
costs of $111,000. MP3.com will expense the $111,000 to sales and marketing
expense in the third quarter of 1999 (during the "5 1/2 Weeks" tour promotion).
In June 1999, MP3.com sold 4,182,578 shares of Series C convertible preferred
stock (which will be converted into 6,273,867 shares of common stock giving
effect to the three-for-two common stock split which occurred in July 1999) to
Cox Interactive Media, Inc. for a total purchase price of approximately $45
million. In addition, MP3.com and Cox have formed a joint venture that will
focus on providing downloadable music for affiliated radio stations across the
U.S. MP3.com and Cox own 46.5% and 53.5%, respectively, of the joint venture,
and MP3.com is committed to fund approximately $14 million during the first year
of the joint venture's operations. All future capital calls, if necessary, will
be based upon each partner's ownership percentage.
Issuance of Common Stock
In May 1999, MP3.com entered into a three year agreement with Boutit, Inc. Under
the terms of the agreement, MP3.com obtained the exclusive rights to certain
master music recordings and arranged for other promotional events in exchange
for shares of MP3.com's common stock valued at $2.5 million at the initial
public offering price of $28.00 per share. 89,285 common shares were issued upon
completion of our initial public offering in July 1999. MP3.com expects to
expense the value of the stock over the term of the arrangement.
In June 1999, MP3.com established the MP3.com Foundation. MP3.com's board of
directors authorized the initial contribution to the Foundation of 100,000
shares of common stock. The deemed fair value of the contribution was $767,000.
The deemed fair value was charged to sales and marketing expense during the
second quarter of 1999.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In May 1999, MP3.com adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the plan,
employees of MP3.com who elect to participate may purchase common stock at 85%
of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock on the commencement
date or the ending date of each offering period. The plan permits an enrolled
employee to make contributions by having withheld from his or her salary an
amount between 1% and 15% of compensation to purchase shares of common stock.
The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the plan is 300,000.
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MP3.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Note 2 - Stockholders' Equity (continued)
Stock Options
During the six months ended June 30, 1999, MP3.com granted additional options to
purchase 4,077,246 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price
of $1.08 per share. Included in the options to purchase 4,077,246 shares are
options to purchase 450,000 shares granted at a weighted average exercise price
of $1.00 outside of MP3.com's equity incentive plan. All options to purchase
450,000 shares were exercised in May 1999.
Note 3 - Recent Events
In July 1999, MP3.com entered into an agreement with Groupe Arnault, which has
committed to purchase an aggregate of $150 million in advertising, promotion and
marketing services from MP3.com over a three-year period beginning in 1999,
including $5 million in 1999, $40 million in 2000, $70 million in 2001 and $35
million in the first half of 2002. Under the agreement, MP3.com received
pre-payments of $45 million in July 1999 representing advertising, promotional,
and marketing services to be delivered by MP3.com from October 1, 1999 through
December 31, 2000. In July 1999, MP3.com entered into an agreement with Arkaro
Holding B.V., a subsidiary of Groupe Arnault, in which MP3.com agreed to offer
Arkaro Holding B.V. the opportunity to purchase five percent or 3,347,233 of
MP3.com's outstanding shares of capital stock as of the effective date (July 21,
1999) of MP3.com's underwritten initial public offering at the initial public
offering price per share ($28.00). Arkaro Holding B.V. accepted and purchased
all 3,347,233 common shares.
Effective July 16, 1999, MP3.com's stockholders approved the restatement of
MP3.com's certificate of incorporation to effect a three-for-two stock split.
The restated certificate increased the authorized common stock to 300,000,000
shares and increased the authorized preferred stock to 15,000,000 shares. The
preferred stock is "blank check preferred," which can be created and issued by
the board of directors without stockholder approval, with rights senior to those
of common stock. The accompanying financial statements have been restated to
reflect the three-for-two common stock split. In addition, MP3.com increased the
number of shares reserved under the 1998 Equity Incentive Plan to 12,750,000.
On July 21, 1999, the Company effected its initial public offering of common
stock. A total of 13,697,233 shares were sold at a price of $28.00 per share.
The offering resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $383.5
million, net of an underwriting discount of $20.2 million and estimated offering
expenses of $1.6 million. Upon the closing of the Company's initial public
offering, all 12,871,681 shares of the Series A, B, and C Convertible Preferred
Stock converted into 19,307,516 shares of common stock.
For the period from July 1, 1999 to July 31, 1999, MP3.com granted additional
options to purchase 2,069,500 shares of common stock at a weighted average
exercise price of $13.37 per share.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to
future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can
identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will,"
"should," "except," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict,"
"potential" or "continue," the negative of such terms or other comparable
terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may
differ materially.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking
statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person
assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking
statements. We are under no obligation to update any of the forward-looking
statements after the filing of this Form 10-Q to conform such statements to
actual results or to changes in our expectations.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial
statements and the related notes and the other financial information appearing
elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Readers are also urged to carefully review and
consider the various disclosures made by us which attempt to advise interested
parties of the factors which affect our business, including without limitation
the disclosures made under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations", under the caption "Risk
Factors", and the audited financial statements and related footnotes included
herein and in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated July 21,
1999 (No. 333-78545).
Given our short operating history and our limited operations during 1998, we
believe that comparisons between the six months ended June 30, 1999 and the
period from March 17, 1998 (inception) to June 30, 1998 would not be meaningful;
therefore, these comparisons are not discussed below.
All dollar amounts are expressed in thousands, except per share amounts.
OVERVIEW
MP3.com is pioneering a revolutionary approach to the promotion and distribution
of music. Our website has grown into a premier online music destination. We use
the Internet and file formats that make music files smaller to enable a growing
number of artists to broadly distribute and promote their music and to enable
consumers to conveniently access this expanding music catalog. Our website
contains over 125,000 songs from over 25,000 artists, which we believe
represents one of the largest collections of digital music available on the
Internet. Consumers can search, sample and download music free of charge.
We receive revenue from online advertising, electronic commerce and offline
advertising. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, 70% of our revenues were
from the sale of advertising space on our website. We also receive revenue from
the sale of CDs online and from advertisers for their sponsorship of CD
samplers, which are distributed free of charge to consumers and contain
collections of music from artists that have posted music on our website.
Our unique business model provides the following advantages for artists
and consumers:
- creates an easy and convenient way for consumers to listen to, download and
purchase music;
- dramatically lowers costs for artists to promote and distribute
their music;
- enables artists to reach a large number of consumers worldwide;
- enables consumers to discover local and lesser-known artists in ways they
cannot through traditional music retailers; and
- facilitates direct communication between fans and artists.
We believe that large numbers of artists and consumers are drawn to MP3.com
because they have historically been under served by the traditional music
industry. We expect to continue introducing new products and services designed
to meet their entertainment, electronic commerce, communications and information
needs. MP3.com was incorporated in March 1998. During 1998, our operations
consisted largely of developing the infrastructure necessary to download music
on the Internet. Since the beginning of 1999, our growth has been dramatic. The
number of our employees increased from eight on December 31, 1998, to 218 on
July 31, 1999. In June 1999, we added over 125 artists and 660 new songs on
average
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<PAGE> 12
each day. During June 1999, visitors to our website viewed over 57 million
webpages, listened to or downloaded over 10 million songs and conducted over
5.5 million music searches.
The Three Months Ended June 30, 1999 Compared To June 30, 1998:
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Revenues
For the three months ended June 30, 1999, net revenues consisted of the sale of
online advertisements (66% of net revenues) on our website, offline
advertisements through the distribution of our CD sampler and an artist services
convention (20% of net revenues), and the online sale of CDs and music-related
merchandise (14% of net revenues). Net revenues were $1,911,000 during the three
months ended June 30, 1999, $247,000 during the comparable period one year ago,
and $666,000 during the first quarter (ended March 31) of 1999. The increase in
net revenues during the second quarter of 1999 over the same period in 1998 was
mostly attributable to a significant increase in online banner and sponsorship
advertisements, CD sales on our website, and the sale of new offline advertising
in the form of sponsorship CD samplers and an artist services convention that
were introduced during the second quarter of 1999.
Revenue from online advertising. For the second quarter of 1999,
revenues from online advertising were $1,264,000 or 66% of net revenues compared
to $247,000 (100% of net revenues) for the comparable period one year ago and
$560,000 (84% of net revenues) for the first quarter of 1999. Online advertising
revenues consist of banner and sponsorship advertisements on our website. The
increase in the level of advertising revenue in the second quarter of 1999 when
compared to both the second quarter of 1998 and the first quarter of 1999 was
primarily due to the expansion of our customer base, increased awareness
regarding MP3.com and the mp3 technology, and development and expansion of our
music content. The duration of our banner advertising commitments range from one
month to in excess of two years. Sponsorship advertising contracts involve more
integration with our website, including the placement of buttons that provide
users with direct links to the advertiser's website. As we develop and introduce
new online programs, products and services, we anticipate that revenue from
online advertising will decrease as a percentage of net revenues.
Revenue from offline advertising. For the three months ended June 30,
1999, revenues from offline advertising were $382,000 (20% of net revenues),
compared to zero for the comparable period one year ago and the first quarter of
1999. During the three months ended June 30, 1999, offline advertising revenues
consisted of CD samplers and an artist services convention called the "MP3
Summit," "a digital music on the Internet" convention. The increase in offline
advertising revenue is primarily due to the initial introduction of our new CD
sampler product, which did not exist during the second quarter of 1998, and to a
lesser extent revenues associated with sponsorship of our MP3 Summit.
Revenue from online sales of CDs and other music-related merchandise.
During the second quarter of 1999, revenues from online sales of CDs and other
music-related merchandise was $265,000 (14% of net revenues) compared to zero
for the comparable period one year ago and $106,000 (16% of net revenues) for
the first quarter of 1999. Online e-commerce sales consist of our DAM and
compilation CDs and, to a lesser extent, other music-related merchandise. There
was no revenue from online sales of CDs and music-related merchandise during the
period ended June 30, 1998, because these products did not begin to be released
until September 1998. The increase in online sales of CDs and other
music-related merchandise during second quarter of 1999 as compared to the first
quarter of 1999 was primarily due to increased musical content available on our
website and increased brand awareness. In the future, if the number of visitors
to our website continues to grow and the quantity and quality of the musical
content available continues to increase, we expect that revenue from the online
sale of CDs will constitute an increasing portion of total net revenues.
Revenue from No Limit Agreement. On May 12, 1999, we entered into a
three-year agreement with Boutit, Inc., which also does business under the name
"No Limit Records." Under this agreement, we obtained rights to a number of No
Limit master recordings. Some of the artists represented by No Limit include
Master P and Snoop Dogg, along with other respected platinum-selling artists. No
Limit artists also may participate in our chatrooms, display MP3.com signs at
concert performances, hold concerts with artists that have posted music on our
website and cooperate with us on other promotional activities. We will record
all revenues generated under the agreement and will recognize royalty expense
(to be included in cost of sales) representing the royalties payable to No
Limit. The royalty percentage due to No Limit will vary depending on the source
of revenue. No Limit also became a stockholder of MP3.com at the
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closing of our initial public offering in July 1999. As part of our agreement,
we issued 89,285 shares of our common stock in a private placement concurrent
with the closing of our initial public offering at the initial public offering
price of $28.00. We expect to amortize a $2.5 million charge over the term of
the agreement to reflect this issuance.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues for the three months ended June 30, 1999 was $811,000 (42% of
net revenues) compared to $41,000 (17% of net revenues) during the comparable
period one year ago resulting in gross margins of 58% and 83%, respectively. The
level of cost of revenues increased, as a percentage of net revenue, due
primarily to increased fulfillment costs associated with increased CD volume,
bandwidth cost, royalties to artists, CD sampler production costs, and costs
associated with the MP3 Summit. Additionally, there was an increase, as a
percentage of net revenues, from 0% to 14% in CD and other music related
merchandise sales from the second quarter of 1998 to the same period of 1999. CD
and other music related merchandise sales typically have lower associated gross
margin. We anticipate that future gross margins will fluctuate depending on
changes in our revenue mix and the timing of our investments in website and
fulfillment operations.
Sales and Marketing
During the three months ended June 30, 1999, sales and marketing expense was
$2,807,000 (147% of net revenues) compared to $14,000 (6% of net revenues)
during the second quarter of 1998. The increase in sales and marketing expense,
both in absolute dollar amounts and as a percentage of net revenue, was
primarily due to new marketing programs, substantial increases in sales and
marketing payroll and related expenses, marketing and promotion costs associated
with the Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos "5 1/2 Weeks" Summer 1999 tour
sponsorship, the contribution of 100,000 shares of our common stock to the MP3
Foundation, amortization of the No Limit prepaid marketing expense, and costs
associated with the growth of our business. The remaining $1,937,000 in deferred
marketing costs associated with the Alanis Morissette and Tori Amos "5 1/2
Weeks" Summer 1999 tour sponsorship will be amortized to sales and marketing
expense during the third quarter of 1999. We anticipate that overall sales and
marketing expense will increase significantly in the foreseeable future;
however, sales and marketing expense as a percentage of net revenues may
fluctuate depending on the timing of new marketing programs and the addition of
sales and marketing personnel.
In the future, we anticipate that we will enter into arrangements with
additional leading artists and creative talent agencies to secure their
promotional and marketing services and obtain rights to their music. Future
expenses may include costs related to promotional events, which will be expensed
to sales and marketing in the period the event is held. Depending upon the terms
and timing of promotional activities, substantial sales and marketing expenses
may be incurred in any quarterly or annual period.
Product Development
During the second quarter of 1999, product development expense was $766,000 (40%
of net revenues) compared to $53,000 (21% of net revenues) during the same
quarter of 1998. The increase in the level of product development expense, as a
percentage of net revenue, was primarily due to increased payroll and related
expenses associated with hiring more employees, expensed computer supplies, and
costs associated with the growth of our business. We anticipate that overall
product development expenses will increase in the foreseeable future; however,
product development expenses as a percentage of net revenues may fluctuate
depending on the level of future net revenues and the timing of investments in
product development and hiring.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense was $1,305,000 (68% of net revenues) during
the second quarter of 1999 compared to $12,000 (5% of net revenues) during the
same quarter of 1998. The increase in general and administrative expense, both
in absolute dollar amount and as a percentage of net revenue, was primarily a
result of increased finance and administrative payroll and related expenses,
increased legal and accounting expenses, increased facility related cost, and
costs associated with the growth of our business. We anticipate that overall
general and administrative expense will increase in the foreseeable future;
however, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net
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revenues may fluctuate depending on the level of future net revenues and the
timing of additional investments in general and administrative infrastructure.
Amortization of Deferred Compensation and Other Stock Based Compensation
During the three months ended June 30, 1999, we recorded aggregate deferred
compensation of $18,188,000 for the grant of stock options which were granted at
exercise prices less than the deemed fair value on the grant date. We also
expect to record additional deferred compensation of no less than $25.1 million
in the third quarter of 1999 to reflect additional option grants at exercise
prices less than the deemed fair value of common stock on the grant date through
August 10, 1999. Deferred compensation is being amortized over the vesting
period of the options, which is generally four years. Of total deferred
compensation, $2,442,000 was amortized to expense during the second quarter of
1999 compared to $98,000 during the comparable period one year ago. The increase
is primarily related to the increase in the granting of stock options to newly
hired executive management and employees. Additionally, in connection with the
sale of preferred stock to a director of MP3.com, we recognized the intrinsic
value of the transaction of $369,000 as stock based compensation during the
second quarter of 1999.
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Net interest income (net of interest expense), during the three months ended
June 30, 1999 was $246,000 compared to interest expense of $1,000 during the
same period of 1998. The interest income during the second quarter of 1999 is
directly related to interest income earned on cash and cash equivalent balances
associated with proceeds of our issuance of common stock and Series A, B, and C
convertible preferred stock of approximately $61.5 million during 1999. Interest
expense during the same period of 1998 is due to interest incurred on a capital
lease, partially offset by interest income earned on cash balances.
Provision For Income Taxes
Due to the loss from operations for both book and tax purposes, no provision for
income taxes was recorded for the three months ended June 30, 1999. For the same
period of 1998, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $51,000. The high
effective tax rate resulted from the amortization of deferred compensation,
described above, which is not deductible for income tax purposes.
The Six Months Ended June 30, 1999
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Revenues
For the six months ended June 30, 1999, net revenues were $2,577,000 consisting
primarily of the sale of online advertisements (71% of net revenues) on our
website, offline advertisements (15% of net revenues), and to a lesser extent,
the online sale of CDs and music-related merchandise (14% of net revenues). The
level of net revenues during the first six months of 1999 reflected increased
banner and sponsorship advertisements and CD sales on our website, and the sale
of new offline advertising in the form of sponsorship CD samplers and an artist
service convention known as the "MP3 Summit" that were introduced during 1999.
Revenue from online advertising. For the first six months of 1999,
banner and sponsorship advertisements on our website were $1,824,000 (71% of net
revenues). Sponsorship advertising contracts involve more integration with our
website, including the placement of buttons that provide users with direct links
to the advertiser's website. The increase in the level of advertising revenues
was primarily due to an increase in number of advertisers, increased awareness
regarding MP3.com and the mp3 technology, and development and expansion of our
music content.
Revenue from offline advertising. For the six months ended June 30,
1999, revenues from offline advertising were $382,000 (15% of net revenues). The
increase in offline advertising revenue is primarily due to the initial
introduction of our new CD sampler product that did not exist previously, and to
a lessor extent, the MP3 Summit.
Revenue from online sales of CDs and other music-related merchandise.
Revenue from the online sale of CDs and music-related merchandise was $371,000
(14% of net revenues) during the six months ended June 30, 1999. Revenue from
online sales of CDs and music-related merchandise increased primarily due to
increased musical content available on our website and increased brand
awareness. In the future, if the number of visitors to
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our website continues to grow and the quantity and quality of the musical
content available continues to improve, we expect that revenue from the online
sale of CDs will constitute an increasing portion of total net revenues.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1999 was $1,054,000 (41% of
net revenues) representing gross profit as a percentage of sales of 59%. The
level of cost of revenues increased, as a percentage of net revenue, due
primarily to increased fulfillment costs associated with increased CD volume,
bandwidth costs, royalties to artists, CD sampler production costs, costs
associated with the MP3 summit, as well as an increase, as a percentage of net
revenues, in CD and other music related merchandise sales (which typically have
lower associated gross margins) from zero to 14%.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense for the first six months of 1999 were $3,217,000
(125% of net revenues). The increase in sales and marketing expense, both in
absolute dollar amounts and as a percentage of net revenue, was primarily due to
new marketing programs, substantial increases in sales and marketing payroll and
related expenses, marketing and promotions costs associated with the Alanis
Morissette and Tori Amos' "5 1/2 Weeks" summer 1999 tour sponsorship, the
contribution of 100,000 shares of our common stock to the MP3 Foundation,
amortization of the No Limit prepaid marketing, and the costs associated with
the increase in our size.
Product Development
Product development expense during the six months ended June 30, 1999 was
$1,002,000 (39% of net revenues). The increase in the level of product
development expense, as a percentage of net revenue, was primarily due to
increased payroll and related expenses associated with hiring more employees,
expensed computer supplies, and the costs associated with the increase in our
size.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expense during the first six months of 1999 were
$1,909,000 (74% of net revenues). The increase in general and administrative
expense, both in absolute dollar amount and as a percentage of net revenue, was
primarily a result of increased finance and administrative payroll and related
expenses, increased legal and accounting expenses, increase facility related
costs, and costs associated with the increase in our size.
Amortization of Deferred Compensation and Other Stock Based Compensation
During the six months ended June 30, 1999, we recorded aggregate deferred
compensation of $18,188,000 for the grant of stock options that were granted at
exercise prices less than the deemed fair value on the grant date, resulting in
amortization of deferred compensation of $3,094,000. Additionally, in connection
with the sale of preferred stock to a director of MP3.com, we recognized the
intrinsic value of $369,000 as stock based compensation during the six months
ended June 30, 1999.
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Net interest income during the first six months of 1999 was $319,000 resulting
from interest incurred on cash and cash equivalent balances partially offset by
interest expense associate with a capital lease. Net interest income during the
six months ended June 30, 1999 was a result of an increase in cash associated
with approximately $58.4 million in proceeds from the Series A, B, and C
convertible preferred stock issuance.
Provision For Income Taxes
There was no provision for income taxes due to the loss before income taxes
during the first six months of 1999.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
To date, our operations have been financed from internally generated cash, the
sale of convertible preferred stock in 1999, and the proceeds from our initial
public offering and, to a lesser extent, capital equipment lease arrangements
and equipment financing through our line of credit with Imperial Bank. As of
June 30, 1999, approximately $57.0 million in cash and cash equivalents was
available. Additionally, a $3,000,000 line of credit with Imperial Bank with a
sublimit of $1,500,000 for equipment financing was available to fund our
operations. Borrowings under the line of credit accrue interest at the bank's
prime rate plus 1% (8.75% as of June 30, 1999), mature in February 2000, and are
secured by most of our assets. We are required to comply with debt covenants,
the most restrictive of which is a minimum liquidity ratio which requires
MP3.com to maintain a cash balance of two times current liabilities plus all
bank debt or a cash balance equal to six months historical cash spending.
Currently, due to our cash balance after the sale of the Series C convertible
preferred stock, we do not believe the debt covenants will place limitations on
our growth strategy. As of June 30, 1999, we were in substantial compliance with
all debt covenants. As of June 30, 1999, there was approximately $1.2 million
outstanding under the line of credit's equipment financing sublimit. This
indebtedness requires monthly payments of interest only through August 1999, at
which time the outstanding principal amount for the equipment sublimit will be
converted into a three-year fully amortizing term loan with the bank.
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 1999
was approximately $2,950,000 and consisted primarily of the following:
- net loss of approximately $7,749,000;
- amortization of deferred compensation and other stock based compensation of
$3,094,000;
- amortization of prepaid marketing costs of $504,000;
- an increase in accounts and unbilled receivables of approximately $823,000;
- an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $1,020,000; and
- an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately
$2,711,000.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 1999 was
approximately $3.9 million consisting primarily of property and equipment
expenditures.
Financing Activities
Cash provided by financing activities during 1999 was approximately $63.9
million, and consisted primarily of proceeds from the issuance of common stock
and Series A, B, and C convertible preferred stock.
We have no material financial commitments other than obligations under our
credit facilities and operating leases. We expect to substantially increase
expenditures for applications including:
- computer equipment and furniture and fixtures associated with new
employees and facility expansion;
- website computer equipment and additional website maintenance personnel;
- product fulfillment equipment, infrastructure and new employees;
- bandwidth and networking equipment and infrastructure;
- additional sales and marketing employees;
- equipment and additional employees related to product development;
- increased promotion and branding efforts; and
- development and acquisition of content.
Capital requirements in any particular period will depend on the timing of these
expenditures.
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Recent Events
On July 20, 1999, we completed our initial public offering of 13,697,233 shares
of common stock at $28.00 per share for gross proceeds of $383.5 million, of
which $17.64 million was applied toward the underwriting discount. Expenses
related to the offering are estimated to be $1.6 million. Net proceeds to the
Company were $364.2 million.
In July 1999, we entered into an agreement with Groupe Arnault, which committed
to purchase an aggregate of $150 million in advertising, promotion and marketing
services from us over the next three years, including $5 million in 1999, $40
million in 2000, $70 million in 2001 and $35 million in the first half of 2002.
Under the agreement, we received pre-payments from Groupe Arnault totaling $45
million in July 1999. The remaining amounts owed under the agreement are secured
by an irrevocable letter of credit. In addition, Groupe Arnault will have an
exclusive right through October 1999 to negotiate the terms of a joint venture
with us covering the territories of Europe and Asia. The agreement obligates
Groupe Arnault to purchase guaranteed specific quarterly amounts of advertising,
promotion and marketing services. We will recognize revenue in the period we
deliver the mutually agreed-upon advertising, promotion and marketing services.
In the event Groupe Arnault does not purchase the quarterly amount specified in
the agreement, or purchases an amount less than the quarterly amount specified
in the agreement, the unpurchased amount will be recognized as revenue in the
related quarter, as there will be no remaining obligations due by us to Groupe
Arnault with respect to such amount. In a separate agreement, we agreed to offer
Arkaro Holding B.V., a subsidiary of Groupe Arnault, the opportunity to purchase
registered shares of common stock directly from us in our initial public
offering totaling five percent of our outstanding capital stock after our
initial public offering in July 1999. Arkaro Holding B.V. accepted this offer,
and we sold Arkaro Holding B.V. 3,347,233 shares of common stock at the initial
public offering price of $28,00 per share.
In July 1999, we entered into a five-year lease for approximately 61,000 square
feet of office and production space, and moved into this new facility during
August 1999. Due to our move to this new facility, we expect to abandon
leasehold improvements, future lease payments, furniture and equipment which is
expected to result in approximately $800,000 of abandonment expenses during the
third quarter of 1999. We are also negotiating the possible lease of additional
facilities in the immediate area of our existing facilities, although we do not
anticipate occupying these additional facilities until the first half of 2000.
Future Capital Requirements
We believe that our cash and cash equivalent balances, funds available under our
existing line of credit, revenues from the agreement with Groupe Arnault, net of
our financing commitment to the Cox Interactive Media joint venture, and net
proceeds from our July 1999 initial public offering will be sufficient to
satisfy our cash requirements for at least the next 12 months. We intend to
invest our cash in excess of current operating requirements in short-term,
interest-bearing, investment-grade securities.
To the extent our net revenues increase in the future, we anticipate significant
increases in our working capital requirements to finance higher relative levels
of associated accounts receivable, unbilled receivables and other assets, offset
by increases in accounts payable and other liabilities. However, we do not
expect the increases in accounts payable and other liabilities will offset the
increases in accounts receivable, unbilled receivables and other assets.
We may need to raise additional capital if we expand more rapidly than initially
planned, to develop new or enhanced products and/or services, to respond to
competitive pressures or to acquire complementary products, content, businesses
or technologies. If additional funds are raised through the sale of equity or
convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders will
be reduced, our stockholders may experience additional dilution and these
securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our
stockholders. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be
available at all or on terms favorable to us. If adequate funds are not
available or are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our
expansion, take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, develop or enhance
products or services or otherwise respond to competitive pressures could be
significantly limited. Our business may be harmed by these limitations.
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YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE
Many existing computer programs cannot distinguish between a year beginning with
"20" and a year beginning with "19" because they use only the last two digits to
refer to a year. For example, these programs cannot tell the difference between
the year 2000 and the year 1900. As a result, these programs may malfunction or
fail completely.
Since our business and, consequently, our hardware, telecommunication and
software systems are new, we believe most of these systems are already year 2000
compliant and we do not expect internal year 2000 problems to materially affect
us. Nevertheless, because our business relies heavily on the Internet and on
computer and telecommunication systems, including those of our suppliers,
customers and other third parties, the year 2000 problem could seriously harm
us. Therefore, we established a year 2000 readiness team to assess the effect
that the year 2000 problem may have on us and to develop a year 2000 readiness
plan.
We have started assessing the corporate systems and operations that we believe
could be affected by the year 2000 problem. We have focused our year 2000 review
on three areas:
- information technology infrastructure;
- non-information technology systems; and
- third-party compliance.
Information Technology Infrastructure
Because our consumer and business systems are essential to our business, our
year 2000 team has assessed and evaluated our information technology systems,
including our computers, hardware, and software systems. As the team has
identified critical computer, hardware, or software information technology
systems that require replacement, upgrade, or modification, we have made the
required replacement, upgrade, or modification immediately. We use the following
information technology for our internal infrastructure:
- website and Internet ordering systems;
- main enterprise software systems, including those used for music delivery,
production, shipping, and accounting;
- individual workstations, including personal computers; and
- networking related hardware and software systems.
We currently believe that all of our critical information technology systems are
year 2000 compliant. In addition, we are in the process of implementing a new
accounting system which is certified year 2000 compliant by the vendor. We
expect this system to be in place by the end of 1999. We have conducted and
continue to conduct year 2000 compliance testing of our individual workstations
and networking related hardware and software systems. To date, we have not
discovered any material year 2000 problems in these internal systems.
Non-Information Technology Systems
Some non-information technology systems used in our business, including air
conditioning, fire sprinkler and telephone systems, our facility's security
system, the security system for our facility's campus, and other equipment, may
contain software that is vulnerable to year 2000 problems. The year 2000 problem
could cause failures in these systems which could disrupt our operations. We
have assessed the year 2000 readiness of many of these systems and equipment and
have determined that all significant non-information technology systems are year
2000 compliant.
Third-Party Compliance
Our material third party business relationships include:
- customers who place orders for products using the Internet;
- our Internet service providers; and
- vendors and suppliers who provide the goods that we offer to our customers.
We are unable to predict, and have not attempted to assess, the year 2000
readiness of our customers or the systems they use to interact with us. Since we
take all of our product orders and offer most of our artist
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services over the Internet, our operations would be harmed if a significant
number of our customers were unable to use the Internet and place orders due to
year 2000 problems.
We have assessed the year 2000 readiness of our Internet service providers and
the systems they use to interact with us and determined that they have
implemented strategies for becoming year 2000 compliant. Our Internet service
providers expect to be year 2000 compliant prior to December 31, 1999. Since our
business is reliant on the ability of our Internet service providers to direct
customers to our website, our operations would be materially and adversely
affected if those providers were unable to provide their services.
Year 2000 disruptions in the systems or equipment used by our suppliers could
result in our customers being unable to obtain products in a timely manner. We
have reviewed our vendors' year 2000 compliance plans and statements, and have
determined most all are year 2000 compliant.
Most Reasonable Worst Case Scenario
It is possible that year 2000 problems could disrupt one or more of the
following:
- customers' access to the Internet and their ability to place
orders using our website (we believe this is more likely for
international customers than domestic customers);
- artists' uploading of music content to our website;
- the fulfillment of customer orders; and
- credit card transactions.
In the first case, there is no alternative technology available know to us which
would allow us to continue to run our business. In the last three cases, there
is a less efficient higher cost alternative which would allow us to continue to
run our business. In any event, any of these alternatives would result in
increased costs, reduced revenues or service delays, which would increase our
operating losses. Extended disruptions may impact both short-term and long-term
customer and supplier relationships and further impact our future profitability.
Costs
Our year 2000 assessment, remediation and testing activities have been conducted
by internal personnel, and we have not tracked the amount of employee time
expended on these tasks. Accordingly, we are unable to determine the cost of
employee time devoted to year 2000 matters. We estimate the cost of our year
2000 readiness efforts, including any necessary modifications, upgrading or
replacement of computer equipment or software, will not exceed $100,000. We have
funded and plan to continue funding these activities principally through
available cash resources.
Contingency Plan
In addition to the less efficient higher cost alternatives discussed above, we
are currently developing contingency plans to be implemented if we encounter
year 2000 problems. We expect to complete these plans in September 1999.
However, notwithstanding these plans and the other efforts of our year 2000
team, we cannot assure you that we will be year 2000 ready, or that year 2000
problems will not adversely affect our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS MODEL
Our Business Model Is Not Typical Of Traditional, More Established Business
Enterprises And May Not Generate Sufficient Revenues For Our Business To
Survive.
Our model for conducting business and generating revenues is new and unproven.
Our business model depends upon our ability to generate revenue streams from
multiple sources through our website, including:
- website advertising fees from third parties;
- online sales of CDs and music-related merchandise;
- promotional activity fees; and
- marketing our artist and consumer information.
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It is uncertain whether a music-based website that relies on attracting people
to learn about, listen to and download music, mostly from lesser-known artists,
can generate sufficient revenues to survive. We cannot assure you that this
business model will succeed or will be sustainable as our business grows. In
order for our business to be successful, we must not only develop services that
directly generate revenue, but also provide content and services that attract
consumers to our website frequently. We will need to develop new offerings as
consumer preferences change and new competitors emerge. We cannot assure you
that we will be able to provide consumers with an acceptable blend of products,
services, and informational and community offerings that will attract consumers
to our website frequently. We provide many of our products and services without
charge, and we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to pay for these
products and services. Accordingly, we are not certain that our business model
will be successful or that we can sustain revenue growth or be profitable.
We Are Competing In A New Market Which May Not Develop Or Where We May Fail To
Gain Market Acceptance For Our Products and Services
The market for online music promotion and distribution is new and rapidly
evolving. As a result, demand and market acceptance for our products and
services expose us to a high degree of uncertainty and risk. We are attempting
to capitalize on a talent pool of artists not currently served by the
traditional recording industry. We cannot assure you that consumers will
continue to be interested in listening to or purchasing music from these artists
or that the traditional music industry will not successfully serve these artists
in the future. If this new market fails to develop, develops more slowly than
expected or becomes saturated with competitors, or our products and services do
not achieve or sustain market acceptance, our business could be harmed. We
believe the future popularity of downloadable digital music will depend, in
part, on the availability of portable devices to store and replay this music. To
the extent that consumer acceptance or distribution of these portable devices is
delayed or these devices are not available at affordable prices, our market and
thus a portion of our revenues, may not grow at a sufficient pace and our
business could be harmed.
We Have A Limited Operating History That Makes An Evaluation Of Our Business
Difficult.
MP3.com was incorporated in March 1998. During 1998, our operating activities
consisted largely of developing the infrastructure necessary to download music
on the Internet. Our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate
our current business and prospects. Due to our limited operating history, it
will be difficult to accurately predict our future revenues or results of
operations. This may result in one or more future quarters where our financial
results may fall below the expectation of analysts and investors. As a result,
the trading price of our common stock might decline. Operating results may vary
depending on a number of factors, many of which are outside our control.
Rapid Growth In Our Operations And Infrastructure Is Placing A Significant
Strain On Our Resources, And Failure To Mange This Growth Effectively Could
Disrupt Our Operations And Prevent Us From Generating The Revenues We Expect.
We currently are experiencing a period of rapid expansion in our website
traffic, personnel, facilities and infrastructure. For example, the number of
daily visitors to our website increased approximately 88% from December 1998 to
June 1999. Our number of employees increased from eight on December 31, 1998 to
218 on July 31, 1999. We expect further significant expansion will be required
to address potential growth in our artist and consumer bases, the breadth of our
product and service offerings, and other opportunities. This expansion has
placed, and we expect it will continue to place, a significant strain on our
management, operational and financial resources. Our failure to manage growth
could disrupt our operations and ultimately prevent us from generating the
revenues we expect.
Our Continued Reliance On Revenue From Online Advertising May Not Provide
Sufficient Financial Returns For Our Business To Grow Or Survive.
Although our business model contemplates multiple sources of revenue, we
anticipate that in the foreseeable future we will depend substantially on
revenue from online advertising. In 1998, revenue from online advertising
accounted for 91% of our net revenues, and in the second quarter of 1999
accounted for 66% of our net revenues. We currently depend on a small group of
customers for our revenue from online advertising. In the second quarter of
1999, two customers accounted for approximately 15% and 12%, respectively, of
net revenues, and our top ten customers accounted for approximately 51% of net
revenues. If any of these important customers were to leave us, our business
could be harmed. If we do not increase
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revenue from online advertising, our business may not grow or survive.
Increasing our revenue from online advertising depends largely on our ability
to:
- conduct successful selling and marketing efforts aimed at advertisers;
- increase the size of our sales force;
- increase the size of the MP3.com audience by increasing both our artist and
consumer bases;
- increase the amount of revenues per advertisement;
- target advertisements to appropriate segments of our audience; and
- measure accurately the size and demographic characteristics of our audience.
Our failure to achieve these objectives could reduce our revenue from online
advertising and ultimately prevent us from generating the revenues we expect.
A Substantial Portion Of Our Revenues And Revenue Growth For At Least The Next
Three Years Will Come From Groupe Arnault. If This Relationship Is Not Renewed,
Or If Other Significant Sources Of Revenue Are Not Developed, We May Not Have
Sufficient Revenues To Sustain Our Growth And Our Stock Price May Fall.
We have recently entered into a three-year advertising, promotion and marketing
agreement with Groupe Arnault. We anticipate that for at least the next three
years a substantial portion of our revenues will come from sales of our
advertising, promotion and marketing services under this agreement. Although
payment for these services has been secured for the term of the agreement by a
$45 million pre-payment and a letter of credit for the remaining $105 million of
services to be provided under the agreement, Groupe Arnault is under no
obligation to renew its relationship with us after the current agreement
terminates at the end of June 2002. Furthermore, we anticipate that our revenue
growth for the next three years will largely be due to the scheduled growth in
revenues under our agreement with Groupe Arnault. Historically, most of our
revenue sources have not provided for a similarly-scheduled growth in revenues.
If we do not develop significant additional revenue sources in the future our
business will be substantially dependent on the Groupe Arnault agreement.
Moreover, if Groupe Arnault does not renew its relationship after termination of
the current agreement at the end of June 2002, or renews the relationship but at
a lower level of commitment, our revenues or growth rate may decline in periods
subsequent to the end of the current agreement. We cannot guarantee that we will
be able to develop enough additional revenue to offset the loss of revenues that
would result if Groupe Arnault does not renew its relationship or that the other
revenue sources we may develop will be sufficient to maintain our rate of
revenue growth. If either event causes our revenues or our revenue growth rate
to be substantially reduced, we may not have sufficient revenues to support our
business and the market price of our stock may fall.
In Order To Provide Music And Other Content On Our Website, We Rely Heavily On
The Contributions Of Artists Who, Over Time, May Be Difficult To Attract And
Retain.
Our success depends on having a website that offers high quality and diverse
music choices, all of which come from outside artists. Our failure to attract
and retain artists who can provide us with music and other content would limit
the overall quality and quantity of the offerings on our website and harm our
business. Because our contracts with artists are, with few exceptions,
non-exclusive and can be terminated by the artist at any time, our retention of
artists requires that we offer sufficient benefits, including artist services
and artist-oriented content, to encourage them to continue providing us with
content. If we are not able to maintain our ability to serve and provide
valuable tools to artists, artists may leave our website and remove their music
and other content. This could also prevent us from attracting new artists. We
may also lose artists who gain recognition on our website and then are recruited
by or attracted to the traditional music industry. The loss of artists and the
inability to attract new artists would impair our ability to generate
advertising revenue targeted to our artist community and generate CD revenues.
Our Brand Name And Revenues Could Be Damaged If The Music Provided By
Lesser-Known Artists Fails To Meet Consumer Expectations.
Although most of the artists that post music on our website are not bound by
record contracts, some artists, including most internationally-recognized
artists, typically sign multi-year exclusive recording contracts that may
prevent them from posting music on our website. To post music on our website,
these artists must typically get permission from their record company. As a
result, our access to internationally-recognized artists and our ability to
distribute this music or place their music on our website and on our CDs are
limited. For this reason, and because of the emphasis of our business model on
underserved artists, we expect our music to continue to concentrate principally
on lesser-known and local artists. If the music
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provided by these lesser-known and local artists fails to meet consumer
expectations, our brand name could be damaged and our business may not generate
sufficient revenues to survive.
Development Of New Standards For The Electronic Delivery Of Music May Diminish
Our Brand Identity And Disrupt The Way We Do Business.
We currently rely on mp3 technology for both brand identity and as a delivery
method for the digital distribution of music. Mp3 is an open standard adopted by
the Moving Picture Experts Group that makes music files smaller. We do not own
or control mp3 technology. The onset of competing industry standards for the
electronic delivery of music could significantly affect the way we operate our
business as well as the public's perception of MP3.com as a company. For
example, some of the major recording studios have recently announced a plan to
develop a universal standard for the electronic delivery of music, called the
Secured Digital Music Initiative, or SDMI, and have announced their intention to
make this delivery method available by the end of 1999. In addition, major
corporations including Microsoft Corporation, IBM Corporation, AT&T Corp. and
Sony Corporation have launched efforts to establish proprietary audio formats
that will compete with the mp3 format. Some competitive formats offer security
and features that track the number of copies made. The mp3 technology we
currently use does not offer these features. These features are especially
popular among groups associated with the traditional music industry, and are
being promoted by some of our competitors. Widespread industry and consumer
acceptance of any of these audio formats could significantly harm our business
if we are unable to adapt and respond to these changing standards. Although we
are not tied exclusively to the use of mp3 technology or to any other specific
standard for the electronic delivery of music, if a proprietary, or closed,
music delivery format receives widespread industry and consumer acceptance, we
may be required to license additional technology and information from third
parties in order to adopt that format. We cannot assure you that this
third-party technology and information will be available to us on commercially
reasonable terms, if at all. Any failure to obtain any of these technology and
information licenses or to successfully reconfigure our music library to support
these technologies could prevent us from making our music available in the most
widely accepted formats, which could make our offerings less popular or
inaccessible to both consumers and artists and thus harm our business.
MP3 Technology Is Controversial Within The Traditional Music Industry And May
Face Continued Opposition, Which May Negatively Affect The Perception Of Our
Business, Lead To Market Confusion, Alienate Advertisers And Consumers And
Reduce Our Revenue.
The traditional music industry has not embraced the development of the mp3
format to deliver music, in part because users of mp3 technology can be used to
download and distribute unauthorized or "pirated" copies of copyrighted recorded
music over the Internet. Although our business model for the digital
distribution of music can support more than one audio compression format and
method of delivery, and is intended to discourage music piracy and ensure that
only legitimate music is posted on our website, our brand identity is currently
linked to the mp3 technology. As a result, we may face opposition from a number
of different music industry sources including record companies and studios, the
Recording Industry Association of America and established artists with record
contracts, due to our current brand identity and its potentially negative
associations. In addition, adverse news or events relating to mp3 technology may
lead to confusion in the public markets regarding our company and its prospects,
alienate advertisers and consumers, reduce revenues and harm our overall
financial results.
Without The Continued Development And Maintenance Of The Internet And The
Availability Of Increased Bandwidth To Consumers, Our Business May Not Succeed.
Given the online nature of our business, without the continued development and
maintenance of the Internet infrastructure, we could fail to meet our overall
strategic objectives and ultimately fail to generate the website traffic and
revenues we expect. This continued development of the Internet includes
maintenance of a reliable network with the necessary speed, data capacity and
security, as well as timely development of complementary products including high
speed modems, for providing reliable Internet access and services. Because
global commerce on the Internet and the online exchange of information is new
and evolving, we cannot predict whether the Internet will prove to be a viable
commercial marketplace in the long term. The success of our business will rely
on the continued improvement of the Internet as a convenient means of consumer
interaction and commerce, as well as an efficient medium for the delivery and
distribution of music. Our business will depend on the ability of our artists
and consumers to continue to upload and download mp3 and other music files, as
well as to conduct commercial transactions with us, without significant delays
or aggravation that may be associated with decreased availability of Internet
bandwidth and access to our website. Our penetration of a broader consumer
market will depend, in part,
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on continued proliferation of high speed Internet access. Even compressed in mp3
format, a typical three minute song file can occupy more than three megabytes of
storage space. This file could take as much as two minutes to download over an
xDSL or cable modem compared to 10 to 20 minutes over a conventional 56Kbps
modem. The Internet has experienced, and is likely to continue to experience,
significant growth in the numbers of users and amount of traffic. As the
Internet continues to experience increased numbers of users, increased frequency
of use and increased bandwidth requirements, the Internet infrastructure may be
unable to support the demands placed on it. In addition, increased users or
bandwidth requirements may harm the performance of the Internet. The Internet
has experienced a variety of outages and other delays as a result of damage to
portions of its infrastructure, and it could face outages and delays in the
future. This might include outages and delays resulting from the "year 2000"
problem. These outages and delays could reduce the level of Internet usage as
well as the level of traffic, and could result in the Internet becoming an
inconvenient or uneconomical source of music and music-related products and
services. The infrastructure and complementary products or services necessary to
make the Internet a viable commercial marketplace for the long term may not be
developed successfully or in a timely manner. Even if these products or services
are developed, the Internet may not become a viable commercial marketplace for
the products or services that we offer.
We May Have Difficulty Competing For Or Executing Business Partnerships And
Making Acquisitions That We May need To Expand Our Content And Distribution
Channels, Which Could Impair Our Overall Strategic Goals.
Our business strategy includes entering into business partnerships and may
include acquiring complementary businesses, technologies, content or products.
For example, in June 1999 we entered into a joint venture with Cox Interactive
Media to create and operate music-related websites. We cannot assure you that
this joint venture or any other business partnership will be successful. In
addition, in July 1999 we entered into an agreement with Groupe Arnault under
which Groupe Arnault will have an exclusive right through October 1999 to
negotiate the terms of a joint venture with us covering the territories of
Europe and Asia. We cannot guarantee that we and Groupe Arnault will establish
this joint venture or that, if established, this joint venture will be
successful and provide us with desired international presence or branding. We
may be unable to complete suitable business partnerships and acquisitions on
commercially reasonable terms, if at all. We expect to face competition for
business partnership and acquisition candidates and sponsorships. This
competition could impair our ability to successfully pursue these aspects of our
business strategy. Business partnerships or acquisitions could disrupt our
ongoing business, distract our management and employees and increase our
expenses. If we acquire a company, we could face difficulties assimilating that
company's personnel and operations. In addition, the key personnel of the
acquired company may decide not to work for us. Acquisitions of additional
services or technologies also involve risks of incompatibility and lack of
integration into our existing operations. If we finance the acquisitions by
incurring debt or issuing equity securities, this could dilute our existing
stockholders. Any amortization of goodwill or other assets, or other charges
resulting from the costs of acquisitions, could adversely affect our operating
results.
FINANCIAL RISKS
Our Quarterly Revenues And Operating Results Are Not Indicative of Future
Performance And Are Difficult To Forecast, And Our Stock Price May Fall If Our
Performance Does Not Meet Analysts' Or Investors' Expectations.
As a result of our limited operating history, we do not have historical
financial data for a significant number of periods upon which to forecast
quarterly revenues and results of operations. We believe that period-to-period
comparisons of our operating results are not meaningful and should not be relied
upon as indicators of future performance. In addition, our revenue and earnings
may vary substantially as a result of holiday-based buying and the business
cycles of the music industry and of Internet commerce in general. However, the
actual effect of these factors on the price of our stock will be difficult to
assess due to our limited operating history. In one or more future quarters our
results of operations may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and
investors, and the trading price of our common stock may drop.
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We Expect Net Losses In The Future And May Never Achieve Profitability, Which
May Cause Our Stock Price To Fall.
In 1998, we had a net loss of approximately $360,000. During the first six
months of 1999, we had a net loss of approximately $7.75 million. We expect
substantial net losses and negative cash flow for the foreseeable future. We
believe it is critical to our long term success that we continue to develop
MP3.com brand awareness and loyalty through marketing and promotion, expand our
artist and consumer networks, develop our online content and expand our other
services. We expect that our operating expenses will increase significantly
during the next several years, especially in sales and marketing. With increased
expenses, we will need to generate significant additional revenues to achieve
profitability. As a result, we may never achieve or sustain profitability and,
if we do achieve profitability in any period, we may not be able to sustain or
increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.
Unless We Obtain Additional Financing, We May Not Be Able To Meet Our Strategic
Business Objectives.
The proceeds of this offering are expected to be sufficient to meet our cash
requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, we may need to raise
additional funds in order to:
- finance unanticipated working capital requirements;
- develop or enhance existing services or products;
- fund distribution relationships;
- respond to competitive pressures; or
- acquire complementary businesses, technologies, content or products.
We cannot assure you that additional financing will be available on terms
favorable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available or are not
available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our expansion, take advantage
of unanticipated opportunities, develop or enhance services or products or
otherwise respond to competitive pressures would be significantly limited. If we
raise additional funds by issuing equity or convertible debt securities, the
percentage ownership of our stockholders will be reduced, and these securities
may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our stockholders.
Our Stock Price Has Been And May Continue To Be Extremely Volatile.
The trading price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be
extremely volatile. Our stock price could be subject to wide fluctuations in
response to a variety of factors, including the following:
- actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results;
- announcements of technological innovations;
- new products or services offered by us or our competitors;
- changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
- announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships,
joint ventures or capital commitments by us or our competitors;
- additions or departures of key personnel;
- sales of common stock; and
- other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control.
In addition, the stock market in general, and the Nasdaq National Market and the
stock prices of Internet-related companies in particular, have experienced
extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or
disproportionate to the operating performance of such companies. These broad
market and industry factors may materially adversely affect the market price of
our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. In the past,
following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities,
securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against such
companies. Such litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and
a diversion of management's attention and resources, which could adversely
affect our business, financial condition and the market price of our common
stock.
RISKS RELATED TO SALES, MARKETING AND COMPETITION
Unless We Develop A Strong Brand Identity, Our Business May Not Continue To Grow
And Our Financial Results May Suffer.
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We believe that our historical growth and brand recognition have been largely
attributable to word of mouth. We have benefited from frequent and visible
national and local media exposure. The frequency or quality of this media
exposure may not continue. We believe that continuing to strengthen our brand
will be critical to achieve widespread acceptance of our products and services.
Favorable public perception of our brand will depend largely on our ability to
continue providing users with high quality products and services and the success
of our marketing efforts. We plan to increase our marketing expenditures to
create and maintain brand recognition. However, brand promotion activities may
not yield increased revenues and, even if they do, any increased revenues may
not offset the expenses we incur in building our brand.
If We Do Not Transcend A Mere Association Between Our Company And The MP3 Format
In The Minds Of Consumers, Our Brand Identity And Financial Results Could
Suffer.
The growth of our business will also depend in significant part on our ability
to develop a brand identity that transcends a mere association with the mp3
format. We must pursue a brand development strategy that identifies our company
as a primary source for interesting and diverse high quality music and artists
above and beyond mp3 technology. Although MP3.com is not tied exclusively to the
use of mp3 technology or to any other specific standard for the electronic
delivery of music, failure to achieve brand recognition apart from the mp3
format could significantly affect the future viability of our brand name and our
ability to generate revenues.
If We Fail To Collect Accurate And Useful Data About Our Consumers, Potential
Advertisers May Not Advertise On Our Website, Which May Result In reduced
Advertising Revenues.
We plan to use consumer data to expand, refine and target our marketing and
sales efforts. We collect most of our data from users who report information to
us as they conduct transactions on our website. If a large proportion of users
impede our ability to collect data or if they falsify data, our marketing and
sales efforts would be less effective since advertisers generally require
detailed demographic data on their target audiences. In addition, laws relating
to privacy and the use of the Internet to collect personal information could
limit our ability to collect data and utilize our database. Failure to collect
accurate and useful data could result in a substantial reduction in advertising
revenues, which represented 86% of our total revenues during the first six
months of 1999. Because we use e-mail for direct marketing, any legislative or
consumer efforts to regulate unsolicited bulk e-mails, commonly referred to as
"spam," as well as other laws regulating the use of e-mail, could significantly
impair our sales and marketing efforts and our associated advertising revenue.
We Expect Competition To Increase Significantly In The Future Which Could Reduce
Our Revenues, Potential Profits And Overall Market Share.
The market for the online promotion and distribution of music and music-related
products is competitive. Barriers to entry on the Internet are relatively low,
and we expect competition to increase significantly in the future. We face
competitive pressures from numerous actual and potential competitors, many of
which have longer operating histories, greater brand name recognition, larger
consumer bases and significantly greater financial, technical and marketing
resources than we do. We cannot assure you that websites maintained by our
existing and potential competitors will not be perceived by consumers, artists,
talent management companies and other music-related vendors or advertisers as
being superior to ours. We also cannot assure you that we will be able to
maintain or increase our website traffic levels, purchase inquiries and number
of click-throughs on our online advertisements or that competitors will not
experience greater growth in these areas than we do. Increased competition could
result in advertising price reduction, reduced margins or loss of market share,
any of which could damage the long-term or short-term prospects of our business.
RISKS RELATED TO OPERATIONS
Our Business Operations Could Be Significantly Disrupted If We Lose Members Of
Or Fail To Properly Integrate, Our Management Team.
Our future performance will be substantially dependent on the continued services
of our management and our ability to retain and motivate them. The loss of the
services of any of our officers or senior managers could harm our business. We
do not have long-term employment agreements with any of our key personnel, other
than our Chief Executive Officer, and we do not maintain any "key person" life
insurance policies except on our Chief Executive Officer. Almost all of our
management team joined MP3.com in 1999. Most of these individuals have not
previously worked together and are currently being integrated as
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a management team. If our senior managers are unable to work effectively as a
team, our business operations could be significantly disrupted.
We May Not Be Able To Hire And Retain A Sufficient Number Of Qualified
Employees, And As A Result We May Not Be Able To Grow As We Expect, Or Maintain
The Quality Of Our Services.
Our future success will depend on our ability to attract, train, retain and
motivate other highly skilled technical, managerial, marketing and customer
support personnel. Competition for these personnel is intense, especially for
engineers, web designers and advertising sales personnel, and we may be unable
to successfully attract sufficiently qualified personnel. Substantially all of
our employees have joined us in 1999 and we expect that our rate of hiring will
continue at a very rapid pace. If we cannot integrate these employees into our
business, we will not be able to effectively manage our growth. Also, our
inability to hire, integrate and retain qualified personnel in sufficient
numbers may reduce the quality of our programs, products and services.
We Must Continue To Upgrade Our Technology Infrastructure, Or We Will Be Unable
To Effectively Meet Demand On Our Website.
In May 1999, an average of approximately 20 gigabytes of musical content was
added to our website each week and traffic to the site increased by
approximately 14% from the previous month. We must continue to add hardware and
enhance software to accommodate the increased content and use of our website. If
we are unable to increase the data storage and processing capacity of our
systems at least as fast as the growth in demand, our website may become
unstable and may fail to operate for unknown periods of time. Unscheduled
downtime could harm our business and also could discourage users of our website
and reduce future revenues.
Our New Financial Accounting System And Other Internal Systems May Not Work
Effectively And As A Result We May Not Have The Information We Need To Record
Transactions And Meet Our Accounting And Reporting Obligations, Which In Turn
Could Affect Our Ability To Run Our Business Efficiently Or Profitably.
In May 1999, we began installing a new financial accounting system. We
anticipate this installation will be completed in stages through the remainder
of 1999. If the accounting system does not work effectively, we may experience
delays or failures in our accounting processes. This could adversely impact the
promptness and accuracy of our transaction processes, and our financial
accounting and reporting. To manage the expected growth of our operations and
personnel, we will need to improve our operational and financial systems,
transaction processing, procedures and controls. Our current and planned
systems, transaction processing, procedures and controls may not be adequate to
support future operations.
Our Data Warehousing And Web Server Systems May Stop Working Or Work Improperly
Due To Natural Disasters, Failure Of Third-Party Services And Other Unexpected
Problems.
Since our data warehousing, web server and network facilities are all located in
Southern California, an earthquake or other natural disaster could affect all of
our facilities simultaneously. An unexpected event like a power or
telecommunications failure, fire, flood or earthquake at our on-site data
warehousing facility or at either of our two Internet service providers'
facilities could cause the loss of critical data and prevent us from offering
our services to artists and consumers. Our business interruption insurance may
not adequately compensate us for losses that may occur. In addition, we rely on
third parties to securely store our archived data, house our web server and
network systems, and connect us to the Internet. A failure by any of these third
parties to provide these services satisfactorily would impair our ability to
access archives and operate our website.
We May Lose Visitors To Our Website And Lose Revenues If Our Online Security
Measures Fail.
If the security measures that we use to protect personal information are
ineffective, we may lose visitors to our website which could reduce our
revenues. We rely on security and authentication technology licensed from third
parties. With this technology, we perform real-time credit card authorization
and verification. We cannot predict whether new technological developments could
allow these security measures to be circumvented. In addition, our software,
databases and servers may be vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or
electronic break-ins and similar disruptions. We may need to spend significant
resources to protect against security breaches or to alleviate problems caused
by any breaches. We cannot assure that we can prevent all security breaches.
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Year 2000 Problems Could Lead To Malfunctions Of Our Computer And Communications
Systems, And Prevent Us From Running Our Business.
Many existing computer programs cannot distinguish between a year beginning with
"20" and a year beginning with "19" because they use only the last two digits to
refer to a year. For example, these programs cannot tell the difference between
the year 2000 and the year 1900. As a result, these programs may malfunction or
fail completely. If we or any third parties with whom we have a material
relationship fail to achieve year 2000 readiness, our business may be seriously
harmed. In particular, year 2000 problems could temporarily prevent us from
offering our goods and services.
RISKS RELATED TO GOVERNMENT REGULATION, CONTENT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Government Regulation May Require Us To Change The Way We Do Business.
The laws and regulations that govern our business change rapidly. Although our
operations are currently based in California, the United States government and
the governments of other states and foreign countries have attempted to regulate
activities on the Internet. Evolving areas of law that are relevant to our
business include privacy law, proposed encryption laws, content regulation and
sales and use tax laws and regulations. Because of this rapidly evolving and
uncertain regulatory environment, we cannot predict how these laws and
regulations might affect our business. In addition, these uncertainties make it
difficult to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing the
Internet. These laws and regulations could harm us by subjecting us to liability
or forcing us to change how we do business.
We May Be Liable To Third Parties For Music, Software And Other Content That Is
Available On Our Website And On the CDs We Distribute.
We may be liable to third parties for the content on our website and on the CDs
we distribute:
- if the music, text, graphics, software or other content on our website or
CDs violates their copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property
rights;
- if our artists violate their contractual obligations to others by providing
content on our website or CDs; or
- if anything on our website or CDs is deemed obscene, indecent or
defamatory.
We may also be liable for anything that is accessible from our website through
links to other websites. We attempt to minimize these types of liability by
requiring representations and warranties relating to our artists' ownership of
and rights to distribute and submit their content and by taking related measures
to review content on our website and on our CDs. However, alleged liability
could harm our business by damaging our reputation, requiring us to incur legal
costs in defense, exposing us to awards of damages and costs and diverting
management's attention away from our business.
We May Not Be Able To Prevent Others From Using Our Trademarks, Copyrights,
Software and Other Intellectual Property Assets. If Others Do Use These Assets,
Their Value To Us, And Our Ability To use Them To Generate Revenue, May
Decrease.
Our intellectual property includes our trademarks and copyrights, proprietary
software, and other proprietary rights. We believe that our intellectual
property is important to our success and our competitive position, and we try to
protect it. However, our efforts may be inadequate. We do not have a registered
trademark for the "MP3.com" name and may not be able to prevent others from
using "mp3" or "MP3.com." Use of the "MP3.com" name by others could dilute our
brand identity and confuse the market. In addition, our ability to conduct our
business may be harmed if others claim we violate their intellectual property
rights. For example, Sightsound.com, Inc. has asserted that many online music
providers, including MP3.com, violate patent rights that it allegedly owns
covering the sale of music over the Internet through digital downloads. If
successful, these claims, or similar claims by others, could seriously harm our
business by forcing us to cease using important intellectual property or
requiring us to pay monetary damages. Even if unsuccessful, these claims could
harm our business by damaging our reputation, requiring us to incur legal costs
and diverting management's attention away from our business.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
INTEREST RATE RISK
We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from our long-term debt
arrangements and, secondarily, our investments in certificates of deposit and a
money market fund. Under our current policies, we do not use interest rate
derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. A
hypothetical 100 basis point adverse move in interest rates along the entire
interest rate yield curve would not materially affect the fair value of interest
sensitive financial instruments at December 31, 1998 or June 30, 1999.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USES OF PROCEEDS
CHANGES IN SECURITIES
During the quarter ended June 30, 1999, the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation was amended on several occasions to create additional series of
preferred stock, and the Company issued shares of Series A preferred stock,
Series B preferred stock, and Series C preferred stock. Upon the close of the
Company's initial public offering, each outstanding share of preferred stock was
converted into 1.5 shares of common stock and the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation was amended to remove all reference to Series A, Series B or
Series C preferred stock.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The effective date of the Company's first registration statement on Form S-1
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933 (No. 333-78545), filed on July 20,
1999, relating to the Company's initial public offering of its common stock. A
total of 13,697,233 shares of the Company's common stock in the aggregate were
sold at a price of $28.00 per share to (i) an underwriting syndicate led by
Credit Suisse First Boston, Hambrecht & Quest, and BancBoston Robertson
Stephens, Inc. and (ii) Arkaro Holding B.V. The offering commenced on July 21,
1999, and closed on July 26, 1999. The initial public offering resulted in gross
proceeds of approximately $383.5 million, of which $20.3 million was applied
toward the underwriting discount. Expenses related to the offering totaled
approximately $1.6 million. Net proceeds to the Company were $363.2 million. For
the time of receipt through July 31, 1999, the proceeds were all applied to cash
and cash equivalents.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the quarter ended June 30, 1999, the Company solicited the consent of
stockholders for the following matters:
(1) On April 2, 1999, in an action by written consent, the Stockholders
approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
increasing the number of authorized shares of Series A preferred stock.
Stockholders holding 25,637,010 shares of common stock and 6,841,558
shares of Series A preferred stock consented to this action;
(2) On April 14, 1999, in an action by written consent, the Stockholders
approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
increasing the number of authorized shares of preferred stock and
creating the Company's Series B preferred stock. Stockholders holding
25,637,010 shares of common stock and 6,224,675 shares of Series A
preferred stock consented to this action; and
(3) On May 18, 1999, in an action by written consent, the Stockholders
approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
increasing the number of authorized shares of preferred stock and
creating the Company's Series C preferred stock. Stockholders holding
28,074,510 shares of common stock and 6,224,675 shares of Series A
preferred stock.
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)Exhibits:
Exhibit 27.1 - Financial Data Schedule
(b)Reports on Form 8-K:
None
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
MP3.com, Inc.
(Registrant)
Date: September 2, 1999
By: /s/ Paul L.H. Ouyang
------------------------------
Paul L.H. Ouyang
Executive Vice
President and Chief
Financial Officer
(Authorized Officer)
(Principal Financial
and Accounting
Officer)
30
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