<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 13, 2000
REGISTRATION NO. 333-35906
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 7373 75-2791929
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PATRICK V. STARK
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
9101 N. CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
6TH FLOOR 9101 N. CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
DALLAS, TEXAS 75231 6TH FLOOR
(214) 292-6000 DALLAS, TEXAS 75231
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, (214) 292-6000
Including (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone
Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices) Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
</TABLE>
------------------------
COPIES OF ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MARK EARLY
P. GREGORY HIDALGO CLAUDE S. SERFILIPPI
VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P. CHADBOURNE & PARKE LLP
2001 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 3700 30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
DALLAS, TEXAS 75201 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10112
TELEPHONE: (214) 220-7700 TELEPHONE: (212) 408-5100
FACSIMILE: (214) 220-7716 FACSIMILE: (212) 541-5369
</TABLE>
------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
--------------------------
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933 check the following box. / /
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 426(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
--------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This registration statement contains two forms of prospectus: one (the
"U.S. Prospectus") to be used in connection with an offering in the U.S. and
Canada (the "U.S. Offering") of Common Stock of Digital:Convergence Corporation
(the "Company") (which includes Common Stock subject to the U.S. Underwriters'
over-allotment option) and one (the "International Prospectus") to be used in
connection with a concurrent international offering outside the U.S. and Canada
(together with the U.S. Offering, the "Offerings") of Common Stock of the
Company (which includes Common Stock subject to the International Managers'
over-allotment option). The U.S. Prospectus and the International Prospectus
will be identical in all respects except for the front cover and back cover
pages of the prospectuses and the information under the caption "Underwriting."
The form of the U.S. Prospectus is included herein and is followed by those
pages to be used in the International Prospectus that differ from those in the
U.S. Prospectus. Each of the pages to be used in the International Prospectus
included herein is labeled "Alternative Page for International Prospectus."
Final forms of these prospectuses will be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b).
<PAGE>
[inside front cover page of the prospectus]
This prospectus will be Internet Enhanced-TM-. The inside front cover of
this prospectus will contain our proprietary codes and barcodes linking the
readers to web pages maintained by:
- THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS,
- FORBES,
- WIRED and
- RadioShack.
The inside front cover page of this prospectus also will contain:
- three UPC codes for products to be identified by us,
- one ISBN code for a book to be identified by us and
- one ISBN code for a music CD to be identified by us.
Under each code, we will provide a brief description of the web page to
which the code directs the reader and the URL for the web page to permit
interested readers to compare the length of time required to reach the web page
by swiping the code versus typing the URL. The content of each web page will
relate to the sponsor's products or services rather than to us or our
technology. All readers will have access to the selected web pages, either by
swiping the codes or typing the URL.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED , 2000
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
10,000,000 SHARES
[LOGO]
COMMON STOCK
------------------
This is Digital:Convergence Corporation's initial public offering of common
stock. Digital:Convergence Corporation is selling all of the shares in this
offering. The U.S. underwriters are offering shares in the U.S. and Canada
and the international managers are offering shares outside the U.S. and
Canada.
We expect the public offering price to be $11.00 per share. Currently, no
public market exists for the shares. After pricing of the offering, we expect
that the shares will be quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"DGTL."
INVESTING IN THE COMMON STOCK INVOLVES RISKS THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN THE "RISK
FACTORS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
---------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE TOTAL
--------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Public offering price.................................... $ $
Underwriting discount.................................... $ $
Proceeds, before expenses, to Digital:Convergence
Corporation................................................ $ $
</TABLE>
The U.S. underwriters may also purchase up to an additional shares
from Digital:Convergence Corporation at the public offering price, less the
underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus to cover
over-allotments. The international managers may similarly purchase up to an
additional shares from Digital:Convergence Corporation.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The shares of common stock will be ready for delivery on or about ,
2000.
------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO. ING BARINGS
----------------
BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
----------------
The date of this prospectus is , 2000
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
--------
<S> <C>
Summary..................................................... 1
Risk Factors................................................ 9
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. 22
Use of Proceeds............................................. 23
Dividend Policy............................................. 24
Capitalization.............................................. 25
Dilution.................................................... 26
Selected Consolidated Financial Data........................ 27
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................. 29
Business.................................................... 39
Management.................................................. 60
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............. 67
Security Ownership of Principal Stockholders and
Management................................................ 72
Description of Capital Stock................................ 74
Shares Eligible for Future Sale............................. 81
Certain Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations for
Non-United States Holders of Common Stock................. 83
Underwriting................................................ 86
Legal Matters............................................... 90
Experts..................................................... 90
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 90
Index to Financial Statements............................... F-1
</TABLE>
------------------------
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We
have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide
you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the
underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that
the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the
front cover of this prospectus only. Our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
ii
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
THIS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
BEFORE INVESTING IN OUR COMMON STOCK. YOU SHOULD READ THE ENTIRE PROSPECTUS
CAREFULLY, INCLUDING THE "RISK FACTORS" AND THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND THE NOTES TO THOSE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS APPEARING
ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, REFERENCES
IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO THE TERM "YOU" REFER TO A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
We are a company whose technology allows media companies, manufacturers and
virtually all organizations to link their printed or broadcast content and
advertisements as well as their products directly to web pages deep within their
websites. Our technology reduces the need for time-intensive input of website
addresses and web navigation, allowing Internet users to quickly and easily
obtain relevant information or conduct e-commerce activities. Our technology,
which is based on our :CRQ-TM- software, works with both television and print
applications. When used with television and electronic media, :CRQ sends an
Internet user's web browser to a specific web page in response to an audio
signal called a "cue" embedded in the broadcast or other electronic media. In
the print application, :CRQ responds to a digital signal generated by our
:CueCat device. Our :CueCat, a hardware device similar in size to a computer
mouse, generates the signal when it is used to swipe our proprietary codes
called "print cues" in print media or to swipe barcodes on consumer products. We
believe that our technology empowers media companies and corporate advertisers
to enhance their content and advertisements and to transform television
broadcasts or other electronic media, print media or items bearing print cues or
barcodes into powerful new editorial, advertising, promotional or e-commerce
opportunities.
We initiated a nationwide roll-out of our technology in August 2000. We have
purchased 10 million :CueCat devices and plan to distribute, free to the public,
approximately 10 million :CueCat devices and approximately 10 million CD-ROMs
containing our :CRQ software by March 31, 2001. As of November 30, 2000, over
million of each of our :CueCat devices and :CRQ CD-ROMs had been distributed
to the public and over million users had installed our :CRQ software. We
plan to distribute, both through sales and free of charge, up to an additional
20 million of each of our :CueCat devices and :CRQ CD-ROMs by the end of 2001.
The number of :CueCat devices and :CRQ CD-ROMs that we will distribute depends
upon the amount of funds raised in this offering and our ability to raise
additional capital. We intend only to order the number of devices and CD-ROMs
that will allow us to continue operating for at least 12 months following the
completion of this offering. See "Use of Proceeds."
RadioShack Corporation produces our :CueCat devices and distributes them
along with audio cables and our :CRQ CD-ROMs in over 7,000 RadioShack retail
outlets throughout the U.S. We also are working with A.T. Cross Company to
produce by the end of 2000 a mobile scanning device that can be used to swipe
and store print cues and barcodes for later uploading to a computer. We are also
in discussions with manufacturers to produce other mobile scanning devices.
Until our wireless :CRQ technology is released, an Internet user must connect an
audio cable from the television to the computer in order to use our technology
with television broadcasts or other electronic media. We expect companies with
whom we have strategic relationships to distribute at least two million audio
cables by the end of 2000 without charge to their customers or subscribers, and
we additionally plan to distribute to Internet users at least another
two million audio cables for free through RadioShack.
To assist in the promotion, marketing and deployment of our technology, we
have established strategic media, advertising and distribution relationships
with National Broadcasting Company, Inc., Belo Corp., Forbes, The Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel, Wired Magazine, the E.W. Scripps Company, Parade Magazine,
Adweek Magazines, Verizon Directories and others. These companies have agreed to
1
<PAGE>
implement our technology in television and cable networks, local television
broadcasts and print publications. Forbes and Wired Magazine have mailed over
1.2 million of our :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables to their
subscribers and also began using print cues starting with their September and
October magazine issues, respectively. We expect that the NBC Television Network
and NBC's cable networks, CNBC and MSNBC, will begin using cues in their
broadcasts in the first quarter of 2001. We expect that these relationships,
taken together, will provide us with broad media exposure. The NBC Television
Network reaches approximately 99% of U.S. households, and CNBC and MSNBC reach
more than 71 million and 54 million cable households, respectively. On the local
television station level, we expect to deploy our technology in markets covering
over 60% of U.S. households between now and the end of 2002.
We expect that our principal source of revenues will be fees from the
licensing of cues to media companies and other businesses and fees paid by
corporations for linking existing barcodes to web pages. For example, beginning
in the first half of 2001, we anticipate generating revenues by charging
broadcasters, publishers, merchants and advertisers an annual license fee and/or
usage fees for the use of broadcast and print cues.
Our net revenues and net losses for the year ended December 31, 1999 were
$1.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively. Our net revenues and net losses for
the nine months ended September 30, 2000, were $304,000 and $174.6 million,
respectively.
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
Companies are investing billions of dollars in the development, execution
and promotion of Internet strategies. The growth in the number of websites and
web pages, combined with the rapidly expanding number of Internet users and
volume of e-commerce transactions, creates significant challenges and
opportunities for businesses across multiple industries. For example,
advertisers are increasingly seeking highly targeted marketing programs that
will generate measurable returns on investment, intensifying the pressure on
television programmers to efficiently convert viewers into customers of their
advertising clients. Traditional publishers are experiencing competitive
pressures from the electronic distribution of information and content because
information in print is static and often out of date by the time it reaches the
reader. We believe that our technology provides powerful solutions for a number
of these and other challenges, as well as new revenue opportunities. We also
believe that it is critical that we establish our technology as the market
standard as rapidly as possible in order to take full advantage of this market
opportunity. To quickly establish our technology on a broad scale, we have
initially targeted the following sectors for our roll-out:
- broadcast and cable media;
- print media, including newspapers, magazines, catalogs and direct mail;
- barcoded consumer products; and
- targeted industry segments, including the travel, advertising, education
and insurance industries.
Broadcast, cable and the print media alone represented approximately
$153.6 billion in advertising expenditures and approximately $391.7 billion in
direct response purchases of goods and services, including catalog sales, in
1999.
While the number of Internet users is growing at an unprecedented pace, we
believe the volume of online information has made it increasingly difficult for
users to navigate the Internet effectively and efficiently. We believe that this
volume often has made finding relevant information a frustrating and
time-consuming experience. As websites continue to proliferate and grow in size
and complexity, we believe that users want a more precise tool than is currently
available that takes them directly to a specific web page deep within a website.
2
<PAGE>
THE DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE SOLUTION
We believe that our technology provides broadcasters, publishers, retailers,
manufacturers and advertisers with a simple, cost-effective means of applying
the potential of the Internet with all forms of traditional media. In addition,
our technology addresses the needs of Internet users for a more satisfying
Internet experience. Elements of our solution include Internet Enhanced-TM-
broadcasting, print and coded products and our :CueChannel-TM-, a horizontal bar
containing related information and advertisements that appears at the bottom of
a user's Windows-Registered Trademark- desktop.
INTERNET ENHANCED BROADCASTING
A broadcast can be linked to a website, or Internet Enhanced, by simply
embedding a cue in the broadcast. Instead of requiring viewers to recall and
manually enter a website address briefly displayed on their television screens,
our :CRQ software enables an Internet Enhanced broadcast to load the web page on
a user's web browser for immediate access or store the link for later use. Cues
collected by our :CRQ software can be used to launch web pages, and, at the
user's option, can be sorted or deleted. By embedding cues in programming, our
technology enables broadcasters and advertisers to enhance content and deliver
immediate buying opportunities to selected consumer groups. Because our
technology will help drive consumers to selected web pages, we believe it will
increase advertising revenue and generate additional e-commerce opportunities.
As a result, we believe broadcasters will be able to command premium rates for
Internet Enhanced advertisements.
For example, our technology can be used in the following ways:
- While reporting the weather, a local television station can broadcast a
cue that directs a viewer's web browser to the broadcaster's web page that
includes detailed forecast information for each city and town in the
viewing area.
- An automobile company can insert a cue in a television advertisement,
which launches an Internet user's web browser to a web page designated by
the company. This web page may contain more detailed information than can
be presented in the advertisement, including specific information on an
automobile's features and pricing, local dealerships and immediate e-
commerce opportunities.
INTERNET ENHANCED PRINT
Our :CueCat device enables an Internet user to swipe our print cues to link
the user to a particular web page designated by the publisher or advertiser.
With the swipe of a :CueCat device, users are immediately directed to more
detailed information impractical to include in print copy. Now traditional media
can provide readers who have a general interest in a subject with the
information they seek, and with our cue provide a direct link to additional
information readers with a high level of interest in that subject are seeking.
For example, our technology can be used in the following ways:
- For many readers, knowing the outcome and highlights of a Super Bowl is
all they want to know. But for more avid football fans, our cues can now
directly link them to web pages that provide play-by-play analysis,
streaming video and other detailed information that is normally too
time-consuming and cumbersome to find.
- In Forbes' September 2000 BEST OF THE WEB issue, General Motors placed a
print cue in its Corvette ad that linked the user to a web page featuring
the Corvette Z06 model. Without our technology, accessing this web page
would have required a user to click through at least four intermediate
pages after entering the General Motors web page, or to enter a lengthy
web page address.
3
<PAGE>
- A travel agency can insert a print cue in a travel brochure or pamphlet,
which launches an Internet user's web browser to a web page that provides
additional information about a particular travel destination or enables
the user to make reservations or obtain special pricing packages.
INTERNET ENHANCED PRODUCTS AND OTHER :CUECAT DEVICE APPLICATIONS
We are compiling a massive database that links existing barcodes, including
UPC, ISBN, EAN and other codes, to websites, thereby enabling manufacturers to
utilize their existing barcodes for advertising and other marketing purposes.
There are approximately 60 million active barcodes that, if swiped with our
:CueCat device, will take the user to a related website through our system. When
a user of our :CueCat device swipes the barcode on an item which has been
entered into our database, the Internet user is linked to a specified web page
related to that product. For example, the existing barcode on a prescription
drug bottle from a pharmacy could now direct the recipient's web browser to the
drug manufacturer's website containing information regarding the illness for
which the drug was prescribed, side effects of the drug, and additional products
that may be useful in treating the illness. Because our :CueCat device reads
substantially all barcodes and does not require consumer goods manufacturers to
alter product labels in any way, our solution is an inexpensive and unobtrusive
way of turning an existing product label into a powerful new marketing tool.
In addition, we have begun developing customized applications of our
technology to address specific needs of industry, education and other users. For
example, placing a print cue on policyholder cards would allow an insurance
company to handle service needs of policyholders through its website rather than
through insurance company service representatives. As a result, policyholders
would experience a dramatic improvement in the level of service and the
insurance company would realize a substantial reduction in service center
expense levels. We believe that our technology allows virtually any item to
become Internet Enhanced.
:CUECHANNEL
When our :CueCat device or :CRQ software directs a user's web browser to a
specific web page, a horizontal bar called the ":CueChannel" appears at the
bottom of a user's Windows desktop. The :CueChannel is populated by a series of
tabs that, when clicked, display topical information. The :CueChannel is only
visible when an individual is using our technology. We believe that our
:CueChannel, through modest usage of our :CueCat and :CRQ technology, will
generate a significant number of ad impressions.
WHY WE BELIEVE THAT OUR TECHNOLOGY WILL BE THE MARKET STANDARD
We believe that our technology will be the market standard because:
- we have the first-mover advantage;
- 10 million :CueCat devices will be distributed by March 31, 2000;
- mobile scanning devices will be available by the end of 2000;
- our technology works with virtually all types of barcodes;
- it is the only multimedia solution; and
- we have an open licensing policy for new devices.
However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to establish our
technology as the market standard due to a number of the risks and uncertainties
described in "Risk Factors."
4
<PAGE>
STRATEGY
Our objective is to establish our technology as the primary means for
television and cable networks, local television broadcasters, newspaper and
magazine publishers, and other mass media companies, as well as corporate
advertisers, manufacturers, retailers, catalog publishers, financial services
companies, healthcare organizations and educational institutions, to link their
broadcasts, publications and products to the Internet. To achieve this
objective, we have adopted the following strategies:
- use strategic media relationships to support adoption and sustain our
first mover advantage;
- execute a nationwide roll-out of our :CueCat and :CRQ technology;
- promote adoption and achieve high levels of usage on a city-by-city basis
through our strategic relationships with local newspaper and television
companies;
- promote adoption and achieve high levels of usage by, and generate
business-to-business applications in, targeted business sectors, such as
travel, marketing and advertising, through adoption by leading trade
publications;
- establish our technology as the "system standard" on personal computers
and mobile and wireless devices;
- develop multiple revenue streams from multi-billion dollar advertising
markets;
- develop customized applications of our technology for leading businesses;
- pursue international markets; and
- develop sophisticated research on the aggregated behavior of our users and
demographic marketing capabilities as a value-added service to our
customers.
Successful implementation of our strategies is dependent upon our ability
to, among other things:
- effectively distribute our :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables;
- generate widespread acceptance of our technology;
- maintain our current strategic relationships and establish new strategic
relationships;
- generate significant revenues through the licensing of cues to media
companies and other businesses; and
- generate significant revenues from fees paid by corporations for linking
existing barcodes to web pages.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to implement our strategies
successfully. See "Risk Factors."
Our privacy policy and our technology are constructed to prevent tracking of
individual activities.
OTHER INFORMATION
We were incorporated in Delaware in September 1998 and began operations in
January 1999. Our executive offices are located at 9101 N. Central Expressway,
6th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75231, and our telephone number is (214) 292-6000.
Information contained on any website to which you are directed by this
prospectus does not constitute part of this prospectus.
5
<PAGE>
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Common stock offered by Digital:Convergence
Corporation:
U.S. offering................................ shares
International offering....................... shares
Total...................................... 10,000,000 shares
Common stock outstanding after the offering.... 95,803,693 shares(1)
Use of proceeds................................ We estimate that our net proceeds from this
offering without exercise of over-allotment
options will be approximately $100.7 million. We
intend to use these net proceeds:
- to pay expenses related to the manufacture
and distribution of our :CueCat devices, :CRQ
CD-ROMs and audio cables;
- to market and promote the adoption of our
technology by Internet users;
- to purchase additional network server and
support equipment;
- to pay the cash portion of an annual license
fee to NeoMedia Technologies, Inc.;
- to repay outstanding indebtedness to
Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.; and
- for general corporate purposes, including
operating expenses, working capital and
other capital expenditures.
See "Use of Proceeds."
Risk Factors................................... See "Risk Factors" and other information included
in this prospectus for a discussion of factors
that you should carefully consider before deciding
to invest in our common stock.
Proposed Nasdaq National Market symbol......... DGTL
</TABLE>
--------------------------
(1) Unless we indicate otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes no
exercise of the over-allotment options granted to the U.S. underwriters and
international managers, assumes the conversion into common stock of each
outstanding share of our preferred stock and excludes:
- 11,876,200 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of
outstanding stock options, with exercise prices ranging from $3.31 to
$10.90 per share and a weighted average exercise price of $5.74 per share,
of which stock options to purchase up to 4,282,675 shares of common stock
are exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after the date
of this prospectus; and
- 8,548,350 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants
issued by us with exercise prices ranging from $5.00 to $10.54 per share
and a weighted average exercise price of $8.03 per share, all of which are
immediately exercisable.
6
<PAGE>
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes the consolidated statements of operations and
consolidated balance sheet data for our business. In January 1999, we acquired
from Infotainment Telepictures, Inc., our predecessor company for accounting
purposes, the television show NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW, now known
as NET TALK INTERACTIVE!, and proprietary rights related to our technology. We
have included in this prospectus the financial statements and the notes related
thereto of our predecessor. The historical results presented below are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. For
a more detailed explanation of this financial data, see "Selected Consolidated
Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements and the
notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma, assuming conversion, consolidated balance sheet
data gives effect to the automatic conversion of all of our preferred stock into
24,680,543 shares of common stock upon completion of this offering.
The unaudited pro forma, as adjusted, consolidated balance sheet data gives
further effect to the the sale of 10,000,000 shares of common stock in this
offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $11.00 per share after
deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated
offering expenses, including approximately $909,000 of offering expenses
previously paid by us, and the application of a portion of the net proceeds to
repay outstanding indebtedness to Infotainment Telepictures Inc. as set forth
under "Use of Proceeds."
7
<PAGE>
For an explanation of the number of shares used to compute basic and diluted
net loss per share, see Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial
statements, Note 4 of the notes to our consolidated interim financial statements
and Note 2 of our predecessor's financial statements, each appearing elsewhere
in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
NINE MONTHS
PREDECESSOR FINANCIAL DATA ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, -------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1999 2000
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues............. $ 97 $ 109 $ 690 $ 1,636 $ 1,543 $ 975 $ 304
Operating expenses:
Production and media
costs................ 78 137 591 939 1,012 801 618
Manufacturing costs
expensed............. -- -- -- -- -- -- 39,324
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses(1).......... 48 91 284 671 3,921 1,358 21,931
Depreciation and
amortization......... -- 17 41 55 106 67 1,083
Research and
development costs.... -- -- -- 36 410 203 3,361
Non-cash compensation
charge related to
issuance of warrants
to NBC............... -- -- -- -- -- -- 64,249
Non-cash compensation
charge related to
issuance of preferred
stock................ -- -- -- -- -- -- 47,007
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating
expenses........... 126 245 916 1,701 5,449 2,429 177,573
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating loss....... (29) (136) (226) (65) (3,906) (1,454) (177,269)
Interest income.......... -- -- -- -- 660 57 3,462
Interest expense......... (3) (14) (17) (24) (731) (552) (810)
Other expense............ -- -- -- -- -- -- (1)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total other income
(expense).......... (3) (14) (17) (24) (71) (495) 2,651
Income tax expense....... -- -- -- -- -- -- (5)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss............. $ (32) $ (150) $ (243) $ (89) $ (3,977) $ (1,949) $ (174,623)
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic and diluted
weighted average common
shares outstanding..... 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 59,507,271 58,966,096 61,119,743
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic and diluted net
loss per common
share.................. $ (1.30) $ (6.02) $ (9.72) $ (3.54) $ (0.07) $ (0.03) $ (2.86)
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ASSUMING PRO FORMA
ACTUAL CONVERSION AS ADJUSTED
-------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 52,105 $ 52,105 $150,124
Short-term investments...................................... 8,935 8,935 8,935
Total assets................................................ 111,538 111,538 208,648
Long-term liabilities....................................... 4,229 4,229 639
Convertible preferred stock subject to redemption........... 223,236 -- --
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)........................ (120,732) 102,504 203,204
</TABLE>
------------------------------
(1) Exclusive of non-cash compensation charges totalling $111.3 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 2000.
8
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
THE VALUE OF AN INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION WILL BE
SUBJECT TO THE SIGNIFICANT RISKS INHERENT IN OUR BUSINESS. YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
CAREFULLY THE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES DESCRIBED BELOW AND THE OTHER INFORMATION
INCLUDED IN THIS PROSPECTUS BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE ANY SHARES OF OUR
COMMON STOCK. IF ANY EVENT DESCRIBED BELOW OCCURS, WE COULD BE ADVERSELY
AFFECTED IN A MATERIAL WAY. THIS COULD CAUSE THE TRADING PRICE OF OUR COMMON
STOCK TO DECLINE, PERHAPS SIGNIFICANTLY.
BECAUSE WE HAVE ONLY RECENTLY COMMERCIALLY RELEASED OUR TECHNOLOGY, THERE IS
LIMITED INFORMATION UPON WHICH YOU CAN EVALUATE OUR BUSINESS AND PROSPECTS.
We have only recently commercially released our :CueCat and :CRQ technology,
which we expect to be our principal source of revenues in the future.
Consequently, there is little historical financial or other information on which
to evaluate our business and prospects. In addition, the market for our
technology is new and rapidly evolving. Accordingly, you must consider our
prospects in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently
encountered by early stage companies in new and rapidly evolving markets.
WE CANNOT PREDICT WHETHER WE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN IMPLEMENTING OUR BUSINESS
STRATEGY.
Our business model is new. We cannot be certain that our business model will
be successful or that we can achieve or sustain revenue growth or generate any
profits. This business model is unproven and depends upon our ability to, among
other things:
- effectively distribute our :CueCat devices and :CRQ CD-ROMs to millions of
individual Internet users;
- generate acceptance of our :CueCat and :CRQ technology by the broadcast
industry, print and media companies, leading consumer companies,
manufacturers, the marketing and advertising industries and individual
Internet users;
- gain advertiser and consumer acceptance of our :CueChannel;
- maintain our current relationships with broadcast, publishing,
manufacturing, retail and marketing companies and establish additional
distribution and promotional relationships;
- generate significant revenues through the licensing of cues to media
companies and other businesses; and
- generate significant revenues from fees paid by corporations for linking
existing barcodes to web pages.
THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR BUSINESS MODEL IS DEPENDENT UPON ADOPTION
OF OUR TECHNOLOGY BY INTERNET USERS.
To use our technology, Internet users must download or install our :CRQ
software; register as a user of our technology; in broadcast and electronic
media, connect an audio cable from the television to the computer; and in print
media, plug the :CueCat device into the computer. Internet users may be
unwilling to make these efforts because of:
- their comfort with existing habits;
- general reticence about technology or the Internet;
- their perception of the process as confusing, burdensome or
time-consuming;
- privacy concerns;
9
<PAGE>
- doubts about the practical usefulness of the technology;
- reluctance to encounter additional advertising; or
- other reasons.
In addition, Internet users who initially try our technology may find the
cues bothersome and discontinue use.
OUR FAILURE TO GAIN BROAD MARKET ACCEPTANCE WOULD RESULT IN OUR BEING UNABLE TO
MARKET AND SELL OUR SERVICES SUCCESSFULLY.
The market for technology allowing the convergence of the Internet with
virtually any form of media or product is new and rapidly evolving. As is
typical for any new, rapidly developing market, demand and market acceptance for
newly introduced technology, products and services are subject to a high level
of uncertainty and risk. The market for our technology may develop more slowly
than expected or become saturated with competitors, or our technology may not
achieve or sustain mass media, market or public acceptance.
In order to gain broad market acceptance, we must, among other things:
- successfully implement and execute our business and marketing strategy,
including the commercial release of our :CueCat and :CRQ technology;
- develop, maintain and enhance our brand recognition;
- continue to develop and upgrade our technology, systems, products and
services;
- respond quickly and effectively to competitive developments;
- generate sufficient revenue to achieve and maintain profitability;
- maintain existing and establish new strategic relationships; and
- attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.
We cannot assure you that we will be successful in doing any of the
foregoing or that our technology will gain broad market acceptance. Some or all
of our targeted customers, which include broadcasters, publishers,
manufacturers, retailers and direct marketers, may choose not to license our
technology because Internet users do not adopt our technology, because the cost
of implementing an Internet strategy utilizing our technology exceeds its
perceived or actual benefits or for other reasons that we may not have
anticipated.
OUR FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS ARE UNCERTAIN AND WE ANTICIPATE SIGNIFICANT FUTURE
LOSSES AND NEGATIVE CASH FLOW. IF WE ARE TO IMPLEMENT OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY
SUCCESSFULLY, WE MUST GENERATE SIGNIFICANT REVENUES.
To implement our business strategy, we have incurred substantial costs to
produce and distribute our technology free to the public. In addition, we expect
to incur substantial future costs as a result of conducting promotional projects
including the distribution of additional :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio
cables free to the public. These costs will be incurred before we derive
significant revenues from this increased spending. Therefore, we expect
significant operating and net losses and negative cash flow for the foreseeable
future. We do not have sufficient cash to indefinitely sustain these operating
losses. Further, we will need to generate significant revenues if we are to
achieve and then maintain profitability. We cannot assure you that we will be
able to do this. Our limited operating history and the rapidly evolving nature
of our industry also make forecasting quarterly results difficult. Even if we do
achieve profitability, we cannot be certain that we can sustain or increase
profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future.
10
<PAGE>
OUR FAILURE TO MEET OUR FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS COULD RESULT IN OUR BEING
UNABLE TO FUND OUR BUSINESS AND DEPLOY OUR TECHNOLOGY.
We expect that we will require substantial additional working capital to
fund our business and the deployment of our :CueCat and :CRQ technology and,
therefore, will need to raise significant additional funds in the future. We
cannot be certain that additional financing will be available to us on favorable
terms when required or at all. If we raise additional funds through the issuance
of equity-related or debt securities, these securities may have rights,
preferences or privileges senior to those of the rights of our common stock and
our stockholders may experience additional dilution.
IF WE DO NOT DEPLOY OUR TECHNOLOGY RAPIDLY, OUR TECHNOLOGY MAY NOT EMERGE AS THE
MARKET STANDARD.
We believe that we must establish the Digital:Convergence Corporation brand
and our :CueCat and :CRQ products as the leading brand names in our targeted
markets in order for our technology to be widely adopted by Internet users, mass
media sources and advertisers. This acceptance will be essential to generate
revenues from licensing and cue fees. Brand recognition will become increasingly
important as more companies, some with well-established brands, offer competing
products and services. Thus, it is important that we establish ourselves as the
market standard as rapidly as possible. We expect that we will need to
substantially increase our spending on promotional programs and marketing in
order to create and perpetuate strong brand loyalty and to ensure that our
technology becomes the market standard. We cannot be certain that our efforts
will be successful.
IF OUR :CUECAT AND :CRQ TECHNOLOGY DOES NOT PERFORM EFFECTIVELY AND RELIABLY,
OUR TECHNOLOGY MAY NOT ACHIEVE OR SUSTAIN MASS MEDIA, MARKET OR PUBLIC
ACCEPTANCE.
The successful implementation and reliability of our :CueCat and :CRQ
technology on a commercial basis are crucial to our success. Our technology was
not tested on a wide-scale basis prior to its launch in August 2000. Technology
and products as complex as ours frequently contain errors and defects,
especially when first introduced to the market. Any errors or defects discovered
in our :CueCat or :CRQ technology could:
- result in our failure to achieve mass media, market or public acceptance;
- divert development resources;
- injure our reputation;
- cause customer and Internet user dissatisfaction;
- result in cancellation of our licensing and advertising agreements; and
- result in legal actions by our users, licensees or investors against us.
Any delays caused by glitches in our :CueCat or :CRQ technology could be
detrimental to the implementation of our business model and our overall success.
IF OUR STRATEGIC LICENSEES FAIL TO DEPLOY AND PROMOTE OUR TECHNOLOGY
EFFECTIVELY, WE WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY ACHIEVING INTERNET USER ADOPTION AND
ACCEPTANCE OF OUR TECHNOLOGY.
Development of our brand will depend largely on the success of our strategic
licensees in providing a high quality interactive Internet experience for
Internet users and enhancing the Internet content and advertising value to
Internet users, which cannot be assured. We expect our strategic licensees to
devote significant resources to the promotion and marketing of our technology,
which is important to promote Internet user adoption and acceptance of our
technology. However, most of our strategic licensees are not contractually
obligated to do so. To the extent that our strategic licensees do not
11
<PAGE>
promote and market our technology or are ineffective in doing so, we will have
difficulty gaining broad market acceptance of our technology by Internet users.
IF WE ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES IN ESTABLISHING OR MAINTAINING STRATEGIC
RELATIONSHIPS, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO ESTABLISH OUR TECHNOLOGY AS THE MARKET
STANDARD.
We intend to expand our operations and market presence by entering into
significant additional agreements, investments, joint ventures or other
strategic relationships with third parties, such as our agreements with National
Broadcasting Company, Inc., Belo Corp., RadioShack Corporation, Forbes, Wired
Magazine, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The E.W. Scripps Company, Adweek
Magazines and Verizon Directories. Each relationship will involve risks commonly
encountered in these relationships, which may include, among others:
- the difficulty of implementing the relationship or negotiating favorable
definitive terms of agreements that we have agreed to negotiate in the
future;
- the potential disruption of our ongoing business;
- the potential inability of our management to maximize our financial and
strategic position in the relationship;
- additional operating losses and expenses associated with implementing the
terms of the relationship;
- the maintenance of uniform standards, controls and policies; and
- the possible impairment of relationships with existing licensees,
employees or customers.
We cannot assure you that we will be successful in overcoming these risks or any
other problems encountered in connection with these relationships. We also
cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into any new relationships or
that any new agreements will be on terms and conditions favorable to us.
MANY OF OUR STRATEGIC AGREEMENTS ARE RELATIVELY SHORT-TERM. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO
RENEW OUR EXISTING STRATEGIC AGREEMENTS, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO IMPLEMENT OUR
BUSINESS STRATEGY SUCCESSFULLY.
The following table sets forth the duration of our strategic agreements:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PARTY TERMINATION DATE OF CONTRACT
----- ----------------------------
<S> <C>
Belo Interactive, Inc.............. February 1, 2002
Forbes Inc......................... August 31, 2001
National Broadcasting Company, 18 months after specified distribution
Inc................................ levels have been met
RadioShack Corporation............. December 31, 2001
Wired Magazine..................... December 31, 2001
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel..... Varying dates between April 30, 2002 and
July 15, 2002
Young & Rubicam, Inc............... July 17, 2005
The Coca-Cola Company.............. December 31, 2001
A.T. Cross Company................. August 30, 2005
Parade Publications................ December 31, 2001
Adweek Magazine.................... September 1, 2002
Verizon Directories Corp........... October 19, 2005
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
We cannot assure you that we will be able to renew our strategic agreements
or that any new agreements with these companies will be on terms and conditions
favorable to us. If we are unable to renew our agreements on terms favorable to
us, we may be unable to implement our business strategies successfully. See
"Business--Strategic Relationships."
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON RADIOSHACK CORPORATION FOR THE PRODUCTION OF OUR :CUECAT
DEVICES. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH RADIOSHACK, OR IF
OUR ARRANGEMENT WITH RADIOSHACK SHOULD FOR ANY REASON NOT MEET OUR PRODUCTION
NEEDS, OUR ABILITY TO DISTRIBUTE OUR TECHNOLOGY TO THE PUBLIC COULD BE
IMPAIRED.
RadioShack Corporation has agreed to act as a product sourcing manager for
the production of our :CueCat devices until December 31, 2001, and then for
successive one year terms if the agreement is not terminated by either party.
The agreement can be terminated by either party at any time upon 90 days prior
notice. RadioShack currently utilizes two manufacturing facilities in Asia with
which it has manufacturing subcontracts for the production of our :CueCat
devices. Any manufacturing disruption caused by the termination of our agreement
with RadioShack, the termination of RadioShack's subcontracts with the two
manufacturing facilities or other factors would impair our ability to timely
distribute a large quantity of :CueCat devices to the public, which in turn
would impair our ability to implement our business strategy. In addition, if our
agreement with RadioShack is terminated for any reason, we may be unable to
negotiate another manufacturing agreement for our :CueCat devices on terms
acceptable to us or at all. Our dependence on RadioShack to manage the
production of our :CueCat devices also exposes us to additional risks, including
the following:
- reduced control over delivery schedules;
- inadequate quality assurance by RadioShack or its manufacturing
subcontractors;
- inadequate production capacity during periods of excess demand; and
- misappropriation of our technology.
A NUMBER OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE AGREED TO IMPLEMENT OR DISTRIBUTE OUR TECHNOLOGY
ALSO HAVE INVESTED IN US, WHICH COULD CAUSE OUR RESULTS TO BE LESS USEFUL TO
YOU THAN THE RESULTS MIGHT OTHERWISE BE.
Many of the companies that have agreed to use our technology also have
invested in us. These parties include, among others:
- Belo Corp.;
- National Broadcasting Company, Inc.; and
- Young & Rubicam, Inc.
We entered into commercial agreements with these companies on an arm's
length basis. Nevertheless, because these companies have invested in us, there
is a risk that they received more favorable terms in their agreements with us
than non-investors would have received. It is also possible that these
companies, because they have invested in us, are more likely than non-investors
to implement or distribute our technology. We cannot assure you that
non-investors will be as interested in using our technology or otherwise
contracting with us as these investors.
THE :CUECHANNEL MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED AS AN ADVERTISING MEDIUM.
Many of our customers will likely have only limited experience with the
Internet as an advertising and promotion medium and neither those customers nor
their advertising agencies will likely have devoted a significant portion of
their advertising budgets to Internet-based advertising and promotion in the
past. In order for us to generate revenue from our :CueChannel, advertisers and
advertising
13
<PAGE>
agencies must direct a greater portion of their budgets to the Internet and,
specifically, to the use of our :CueChannel. There can be no assurance that
advertisers or advertising agencies will be persuaded to allocate increased
portions of their budgets to Internet-based advertising, or, if so persuaded,
that they will find Internet-based advertising on our :CueChannel to be
effective. Acceptance of the Internet and our :CueChannel by advertisers and
advertising agencies also depends to a large extent on growth in the number of
Internet users, on the development of a large base of users of our technology
having group demographic characteristics attractive to advertisers and on the
acceptance of new methods of conducting business and exchanging information.
WEBCHOICE INC. HAS ASSERTED THAT WE ARE INFRINGING UPON ITS PATENT RIGHTS. IF WE
ARE UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND AGAINST THIS CLAIM, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO
CONTINUE USING TECHNOLOGY THAT IS IMPORTANT TO OUR SUCCESS.
WebChoice Inc. has notified us that technology which is important to the
success of our business infringes upon its patent rights. We disagree with
WebChoice and believe that we have meritorious defenses to its infringement
claims. However, we have not obtained formal noninfringement or invalidity
opinions from outside counsel. In February 2000, we filed an interference
proceeding before the Patent and Trademark Office. In the proceeding, we
asserted that we have rights to the invention claimed in the patent asserted by
WebChoice against us.
We cannot assure you that we can prevail before the Patent and Trademark
Office in proving that we have the patent rights. Even if we were to prevail
before the Patent and Trademark Office, we cannot assure you that we would be
able to successfully defend against WebChoice's claim. If we are unable to
persuade the Patent and Trademark Office that we own the asserted patent rights
or if WebChoice prevails in any infringement action against us, we may be unable
to continue using technology that is important to our success, which would have
a material adverse effect on our business.
ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS HAS CLAIMED OWNERSHIP OF SOFTWARE USED IN OUR PRODUCTS.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND AGAINST THIS CLAIM, WE MAY BE UNABLE
TO CONTINUE USING SOFTWARE THAT IS IMPORTANT TO US.
A consultant has made a claim of ownership of some of our software. We
disagree with this claim. We believe that either none of the software used in
our products was provided by the consultant or that any software that we use in
our products that may have been written by him was developed under a development
agreement which vests copyright of the software in us. We cannot assure you that
we can prevail in a legal proceeding if the consultant brings suit for a
determination of ownership of the software. If we are sued and do not prevail,
we may be unable to continue using software that is important to us, which would
have a material adverse effect on our business.
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND OTHERS MAY INFRINGE UPON
THOSE RIGHTS. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OUR
ABILITY TO COMPETE AND TO ESTABLISH OUR TECHNOLOGY AS THE MARKET STANDARD
COULD BE IMPAIRED.
Our success is dependent on the protection of our internally developed
technology, applications and products and on the goodwill associated with our
trademarks, trade names, service marks and other proprietary rights. We rely on
patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws, as well as confidentiality
procedures and licensing arrangements, to protect the proprietary technology
that we have developed, but we can give no assurance that these laws or
procedures will provide sufficient protection to us or that others will not
develop technologies that are similar or superior to ours. These risks are
particularly heightened in foreign countries, in which effective patent,
trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available.
14
<PAGE>
We currently hold six United States patents for our technology and have
filed approximately 75 patent applications, both in the United States and
internationally, with respect to this technology and other aspects of our
business. However, there can be no assurance that our applications will be
granted, that any current or future patents will not be challenged, invalidated
or circumvented, or that the rights granted will provide a competitive advantage
for us. Further, obtaining patent protection for our inventions internationally
is generally more difficult and costly than it is in the United States and may
result in less protection than is available in the United States.
We typically enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with
our employees and strategic licensees in an attempt to control access to our
proprietary technology and information. Despite these precautions, it may be
possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products and
technology without authorization or to develop similar technology independently
through reverse engineering or other means.
While we have filed applications for registration for several of our
trademarks in the United States and internationally, there can be no assurance
that the trademarks described in these applications will ever become or be
maintained as registered trademarks or that the use of our trademarks will not
be challenged by third parties. A country's trademark office can reject a
trademark application for any number of reasons. A rejection can prevent our
mark from being registered, or require us to seek registration of the mark in
association with only some of the products and services originally desired. In
addition, registering a trademark in a foreign country is often more difficult
and expensive than registering the same mark in the United States. Further, if
the mark is registered, the legal rights and remedies available to us in these
foreign countries vary greatly from country to country, and may be less than
corresponding rights and remedies available in the United States.
While we attempt to ensure that the quality of our products and services
associated with our trademarks and brands are maintained by the licensees of our
trademarks and brands, we cannot assure you that the licensees will not take
actions that would adversely affect the value of our proprietary rights or
reputation. Policing unauthorized use of our proprietary technology and other
intellectual property rights could entail significant expense and could be
difficult or impossible, particularly given the global nature of the Internet
and that the laws of other countries may afford us little or no effective
protection of our intellectual property. In addition, third parties may bring
claims of copyright or trademark infringement against us or claim that our use
of our technology violates a patent. Furthermore, litigation may be necessary to
enforce our intellectual property rights, to determine the validity and scope of
the proprietary rights of others, or to defend against claims of infringement or
invalidity. Any claims of infringement, with or without merit, could:
- be time consuming to defend or prosecute;
- result in costly litigation;
- divert management's attention;
- require us to enter into costly royalty or licensing arrangements; and
- prevent us from using or distributing our technology or products.
For additional information regarding intellectual property rights, see
"Business--Patents and Proprietary Rights."
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO LICENSE TECHNOLOGY THAT WE DEPEND ON FROM
THIRD PARTIES.
We license some technology from third parties, including operating systems
and the financial and reporting systems for our business. We cannot assure you
that these third-party technology licenses will continue to be available to us
on commercially reasonable terms. The loss of this technology could
15
<PAGE>
require us to obtain substitute technology of lower quality or performance
standards or at greater cost, and we cannot assure you that this technology will
be available at all.
IF INTERNET USERS REACT NEGATIVELY TO OUR TECHNOLOGY DUE TO PRIVACY CONCERNS, WE
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE WIDESPREAD ACCEPTANCE AND ADOPTION OF OUR
TECHNOLOGY.
We are using our :CueCat and :CRQ technology to develop and maintain a
substantial database of aggregate consumer demographic information that our
customers can use with our permission to conduct advertising campaigns. In
particular, we require each user of our technology to provide basic individual
information in order to register and activate our :CRQ software application. No
individual tracking based on a user's actual identity occurs. That is because we
remove identifying individual information, except age, gender and zip code. We
then aggregate cue behavior by age, gender and zip code. Under our privacy
policy, individual user information is not available to outside parties. Some
summary demographic data, however, may be made available to outside parties.
Privacy concerns may cause users to resist providing the personal data necessary
to support this aggregated profiling capability. More importantly, even the
perception of security and privacy concerns, whether or not valid, may inhibit
Internet user acceptance of our technology and products. Furthermore, users may
bring lawsuits against us seeking to prohibit us from collecting this data. Even
if without merit, lawsuits could impair Internet user acceptance of our
technology and products. In addition, legal requirements may heighten these
concerns if businesses must notify Internet users that the data captured after
visiting websites may be used by marketing entities to direct product promotion
and advertising to that user. However, we cannot assure you that this will not
change, which may curtail or restrict our collection or use of this data. We are
not aware of any of these types of laws currently in effect in the United
States. Other countries and political entities, such as the European Economic
Community, have adopted these types of laws. We cannot predict how the
international roll-out of our technology will be affected by these types of
laws.
SECURITY BREACHES COULD CAUSE INTERRUPTIONS, DELAYS OR CESSATION OF THE SERVICES
WE PROVIDE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CONFIDENCE IN OUR TECHNOLOGY AND
SUBJECT US TO LIABILITY.
We must protect our computer systems and network from physical break-ins,
security breaches and other disruptions. Computer break-ins, security breaches
and other disruptions jeopardize the security of information stored in and
transmitted through our computer systems and network, which could adversely
affect our ability to retain or attract customers and users, damage our
reputation and subject us to litigation. In September 2000 we experienced a
security breach that resulted in the exposure of personal data of
147,836 customers. While we do not believe that the breach will have a long term
material adverse effect on our ability to retain or attract customers, we cannot
assure you that this will be the case. Although we continue to implement
security technology and establish operational procedures to prevent damage,
failures and future break-ins, these security measures may fail.
THE LOSS OF KEY PERSONNEL COULD IMPAIR OUR EFFORTS TO IMPLEMENT OUR BUSINESS
PLAN.
Our future success depends, in significant part, upon the continued service
of our key technical, sales and senior management personnel, particularly J.
Jovan Philyaw, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Michael N. Garin,
our President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Garin has entered into an
employment agreement with us. Mr. Philyaw does not have an employment agreement
with us. See "Management--Employment Agreements." The loss of the services of
one or more of our key personnel could adversely affect our ability to execute
our business plan.
16
<PAGE>
CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS OF OR SYSTEM FAILURES BY OUR NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE OR OF
OTHER INTERNET BROWSERS' INFRASTRUCTURE MAY LEAD TO SYSTEM DISRUPTIONS, WHICH
COULD UNDERMINE OUR ABILITY TO PROMOTE ADOPTION OF OUR TECHNOLOGY.
The satisfactory performance, reliability and availability of our servers
and network infrastructure and users' web browsers are critical to attracting
and retaining users and maintaining relationships with our customers. System
interruptions that result in the unavailability of our software or slower
response times for users would reduce the number of Internet sites delivered
through the use of our technology and reduce the attractiveness of our products.
Although we intend to expand our network infrastructure, any unexpected increase
in traffic on our infrastructure may require us to further expand and adapt new
network infrastructure. If we are unable to add additional hardware to
accommodate increased traffic on our infrastructure, an unanticipated system
disruption could result, slowing response times. In addition, any disruption to
our infrastructure resulting from a natural disaster or other event could result
in an interruption in our service and impair our reputation. We cannot assure
you that we will be able to expand our network infrastructure on a timely basis
to meet increased demand or protect our network infrastructure from disruptions.
IF OUR CUSTOMERS ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES DUE TO INCREASED INTERNET TRAFFIC ON
THEIR WEBSITES, OUR CUSTOMERS MAY BE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO UNDERTAKE THE
IMPROVEMENTS NECESSARY TO MAKE OUR TECHNOLOGY EFFECTIVE.
If our technology is widely adopted by Internet users, our customers may
experience difficulties managing the Internet traffic on their own websites.
They may find it necessary to invest substantial resources in improving their
own network capacity in order to meet the increased demand. If our customers are
unable or unwilling to adequately address the increase in user traffic on their
websites, users may perceive our technology and products as ineffective and may
decrease or stop using our technology.
IF GROWTH IN THE USE OF THE INTERNET DOES NOT CONTINUE, THERE MAY BE
INSUFFICIENT DEMAND FOR OUR TECHNOLOGY.
Rapid growth in the use of and interest in the Internet is a recent
phenomenon, and we cannot assure you that acceptance and use of the Internet
will continue to develop or that a sufficient base of users will emerge to
support our customers and thus our business. Our revenues will depend largely on
the widespread acceptance and use of the Internet as a source of information and
entertainment and as a vehicle for commerce in goods and services. Demand for
recently introduced services and products integrating other communication
mediums with the Internet is very uncertain and few proven services and products
exist. To the extent that the Internet continues to experience an increase in
users and frequency of use by consumers resulting in increased bandwidth
demands, we cannot assure you that the infrastructure for the Internet will be
able to support the demands placed upon it. The Internet may not be accepted as
a viable commercial medium due to delays in the development or adoption of new
standards and protocols required to handle increased levels of Internet activity
or due to increased government regulation. Changes in the pricing or quality of,
or insufficient availability of, telecommunications services to support the
Internet could also result in higher prices to end users or slower response
times and could adversely affect use of the Internet generally and of our
Internet services particularly. If use of the Internet does not continue to grow
or grows more slowly than expected, or if the Internet infrastructure does not
effectively support the growth that may occur, we may have difficulty executing
our business plan.
17
<PAGE>
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE, FEATURES AND RELIABILITY OF OUR
TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY.
The market for our technology, products and services is characterized by
rapid technological developments, frequent new product introductions and
evolving industry standards. The emerging character of this technology and its
rapid evolution will require that we continually improve the performance,
features and reliability of our technology, products and services, particularly
in response to competitive offerings. We cannot assure you that we will be
successful in responding quickly, cost effectively and sufficiently to these
developments. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet technologies
or standards could require substantial expenditures by us to modify or adopt our
technology, products and services and could fundamentally affect the character,
viability and frequency of Internet-based advertising and commerce. New
technology or enhancements offered by us may contain design flaws or other
defects that could require costly modifications or result in a loss of
confidence in our technology by customers and users.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY AGAINST RELATED TECHNOLOGY, AND
COMPETITIVE PRESSURES COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON US.
We may be unable to compete successfully against related technology, and
competitive pressures could have a negative impact on us. The market for
Internet convergence technology is new and rapidly evolving, and we expect
competition to intensify significantly in the future as companies further
utilize the advantages of the Internet. We face competition in the Internet
convergence market from existing companies with related technology, and we
expect competition to increase as current competitors increase the
sophistication of their products and as new competitors enter the market. Some
of our competitors have, and new potential competitors may have:
- more experience deploying Internet convergence software and solutions;
- larger technology staffs;
- larger customer bases;
- more established distribution channels;
- greater brand recognition; and
- greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have.
In addition, our competitors may be able to develop or offer superior
technology, products or services that achieve greater market and public
acceptance or that have significantly improved functionality as compared to our
existing and future technology, products and services. In addition, as we
develop new products and services, we may begin competing with companies with
whom we have not previously competed. It is also possible that our competitors
will form alliances that may enable them to rapidly increase their market share.
See "Business--Competition."
FUTURE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS OF THE INTERNET COULD DECREASE DEMAND FOR OUR
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OR INCREASE OUR COST OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS.
Although there are currently few laws and regulations directly applicable to
the Internet, a range of new laws and regulations has been proposed, and could
be adopted, covering issues such as privacy, copyrights, obscene or indecent
communications and the pricing, characteristics and quality of Internet products
and services. These laws could subject us to substantial liability. For example,
we do not and cannot practically screen the contents of the various Internet
sites that are accessible with our :CueCat and :CRQ technology. Restrictive laws
or regulations could also dampen the growth of the Internet generally and
decrease the acceptance of the Internet as an advertising medium. Application to
the
18
<PAGE>
Internet of existing laws and regulations governing issues such as property
ownership, libel and personal privacy is also subject to substantial
uncertainty.
We cannot assure you that current or new government laws and regulations, or
the application of existing laws and regulations, will not:
- subject us to significant liabilities;
- significantly dampen growth in Internet usage; or
- prevent us from, or restrict us in, distributing our technology.
See "Business--Government Regulation."
WE COULD FACE LIABILITY FOR THE CONTENT WE PUBLISH ON OUR WEBSITE OR BROADCAST
ON NET TALK INTERACTIVE!.
As a publisher, producer and distributor of content on our website and on
NET TALK INTERACTIVE!, we face potential liability for defamation, negligence,
copyright, patent or trademark infringement and other claims based on the nature
and content of the materials we publish, produce or distribute. In addition,
because our technology facilitates the downloading of materials from
third-parties' websites, there is a potential that claims will be made against
us for defamation, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, personal
injury or other theories based on the nature and content of these materials.
These claims have been brought, and sometimes successfully pressed, against
Internet service providers in the past. Our insurance may not be adequate to
indemnify us for all liability that may be imposed on us.
WE HAVE A LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY, AND OUR STOCK PRICE MAY FLUCTUATE AFTER
THIS OFFERING. AS A RESULT, INVESTORS IN OUR COMMON STOCK MAY NOT BE ABLE TO
RESELL THEIR SHARES AT OR ABOVE THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE.
We have a limited operating history, and we cannot be certain that our
business model will be successful or that we can achieve or sustain revenue
growth or generate any profits. We will negotiate the initial public offering
price with the underwriters. The initial public offering price may not be
indicative of the price at which the common stock will trade following
completion of this offering. Internet and technology companies with a limited
operating history like ours are subject to considerable fluctuation in their
stock prices. Recently, the Nasdaq National Market has experienced extreme
fluctuation, and Internet and technology companies with a limited operating
history like ours have been especially subject to sharp declines in market
price. The market price of our common stock may also be influenced by many
factors, some of which are beyond our control, including:
- variations in quarterly operating results;
- changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
- announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts,
acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures or capital
commitments;
- sales of common stock in the future; and
- investor perceptions of us and the Internet industry.
As a result, investors in our common stock may not be able to resell their
shares at or above the initial offering price. In the past, securities class
action litigation has often been brought against a company following periods of
volatility in the market price of its securities. We may be the target of
similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and
divert our management's attention and resources, which could negatively impact
us.
19
<PAGE>
THE VOLATILITY OF THE MARKET FOR TECHNOLOGY STOCKS MAY NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE
MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
The stock market in general, and the Nasdaq National Market and the market
for Internet and technology companies in particular, have experienced extreme
price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate
to the operating performance of technology companies. These broad market and
industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our common stock,
regardless of our operating performance.
AFFILIATED STOCKHOLDERS WHO OWN A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF OUR VOTING STOCK MAY
ENGAGE IN ACTIONS THAT COULD IMPACT A CHANGE OF CONTROL, WHICH COULD REDUCE
THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
Following the closing of this offering, our officers, directors and
affiliated entities together will beneficially own approximately 62.3% of the
outstanding shares of our common stock, or 61.4% if the underwriters'
over-allotment options are exercised in full. As a result, these stockholders
will be able to control all matters requiring stockholder approval and, thereby,
our management and affairs. Matters that typically require stockholder approval
include:
- the election of directors;
- mergers or consolidations;
- the sale of all or substantially all our assets;
- the amendment of our charter; and
- our dissolution.
This concentration of ownership may delay, deter or prevent acts that would
result in a change of control, which in turn could reduce the market price of
our common stock. See "Security Ownership of Principal Stockholders and
Management."
FUTURE SALES OF OUR COMMON STOCK MAY DEPRESS OUR STOCK PRICE.
After this offering, we will have outstanding 95,803,693 shares of common
stock. Sales of a substantial number of shares of common stock in the public
market following this offering could substantially decrease the market price of
our common stock. All the shares sold in this offering will be freely tradeable,
other than those shares sold in this offering to any of our affiliates. The
remaining 85,803,693 shares of our total outstanding shares will become
available for resale in the public market in the near future. In addition, an
affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc., the holders of shares of
common stock that will be issued upon conversion of the outstanding shares of
preferred stock upon completion of this offering and other holders of our common
stock have the right to require us to register their shares for resale after
180 days following the date of this prospectus. As restrictions on resale end or
upon registration of any of these shares for resale, the market price could drop
significantly if the holders of these shares sell them or are perceived by the
market as intending to sell them. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
INVESTORS IN THIS OFFERING WILL EXPERIENCE IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION.
The initial public offering price is substantially higher than the pro forma
book value per share of our common stock. Purchasers of common stock in this
offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the pro forma net
tangible book value of their stock of $8.88 per share assuming an initial
offering price for our common stock of $11.00 per share. See "Dilution."
20
<PAGE>
OUR MANAGEMENT'S BROAD DISCRETION IN THE USE OF PROCEEDS OF THIS OFFERING
INCREASES THE RISK THAT WE MAY NOT USE THEM EFFECTIVELY OR THAT WE MAY USE
THEM IN WAYS IN WHICH OUR STOCKHOLDERS OR THE MARKET IN GENERAL MAY NOT AGREE.
We currently plan to use the net proceeds of this offering:
- to pay expenses related to the manufacture and distribution of our :CueCat
devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables;
- to market and promote the adoption of our technology by Internet users;
- to purchase additional network server and support equipment;
- to repay outstanding indebtedness to Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.;
- to pay the cash portion of an annual license fee to NeoMedia Technologies,
Inc.; and
- for general corporate purposes, including operating expenses, working
capital and other capital expenditures.
Depending on future events, we may determine at a later time to use our net
proceeds for different purposes. We cannot assure you that, pending their use,
the proceeds will be invested to yield a favorable return. See "Use of
Proceeds."
PROVISIONS IN OUR CHARTER DOCUMENTS AND UNDER DELAWARE LAW COULD DISCOURAGE A
TAKEOVER THAT STOCKHOLDERS MAY CONSIDER FAVORABLE.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent
a merger or acquisition that a stockholder may consider favorable because they:
- authorize the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock;
- provide for a classified board of directors with staggered, three-year
terms;
- prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors;
- limit the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders;
- prohibit stockholder action by written consent; and
- establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the
board of directors or for proposing matters to be approved by stockholders
at stockholder meetings.
Delaware law may also discourage, delay or prevent someone from acquiring or
merging with us. In addition, purchase rights distributed pursuant to our
stockholder rights plan will cause substantial dilution to any person or group
that attempts to acquire us without conditioning the offer on our redemption of
the rights. For a detailed description of the anti-takeover provisions in our
charter documents, stockholder rights plan and those provisions of Delaware law,
see "Description of Capital Stock."
21
<PAGE>
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes forward-looking statements. All statements other
than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus, including
statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets,
projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future operations,
are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate,"
"continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," and similar expressions, as they
relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based
these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and
projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect
our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial
needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, including, among other things:
- our ability to implement our technology on a commercial basis;
- our ability to obtain additional capital to finance the implementation of
our technology on a commercial basis;
- acceptance and adoption of our technology by the mass media, the Internet
convergence market and the public;
- the effectiveness and reliability of our :CueCat and :CRQ applications;
- the promotion and marketing of our technology by our strategic licensees
and investors;
- our dependence on intellectual property rights;
- rapid technology changes within our market;
- our ability to compete with related and new technologies in the Internet
convergence market; and
- regulation of the Internet by the government.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
other than as required by law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this
prospectus may not occur and actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. See "Risk Factors."
22
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
We expect to receive approximately $100.7 million in net proceeds from the
sale of 10,000,000 shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial
public offering price of $11.00 per share, or approximately $116.0 million if
the underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in full, after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, which we
expect to be approximately $9.3 million or approximately $10.5 million if the
underwriters' over-allotment options are exercised in full.
We currently expect to use the net proceeds of this offering as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT
-------------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C>
Pay expenses related to the manufacture and distribution
of our :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables... $ 40.0
Market and promote the adoption of our technology by
Internet users.......................................... 15.0
Purchase additional network server and support
equipment............................................... 10.0
Pay cash portion of annual license fee to NeoMedia
Technologies, Inc....................................... 3.0
Repay outstanding indebtedness to Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc....................................... 3.6
For general corporate purposes, including operating
expenses, working capital and other capital
expenditures............................................ 29.1
------
$100.7
======
</TABLE>
Depending on future events, we may determine at a later time to use our net
proceeds for different purposes, including future acquisitions of or investments
in strategic businesses or technology, or to allocate differently the amount of
the net proceeds to these uses. Pending these uses, we intend to invest the net
proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing, investment-grade instruments.
Our promissory note payable to Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. bears
interest at 6.0% per annum. This promissory note and related accrued and unpaid
interest will become due and payable upon completion of this offering. As of the
date of this prospectus, a principal balance of $3.5 million and accrued and
unpaid interest of approximately $90,000 was outstanding. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--Other Transactions."
The extent of our technology deployment following this offering will depend
upon our ability to secure additional financing besides the net proceeds from
this offering. We cannot be certain that any additional financing will be
available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we are unable to raise
significant additional financing, we intend to deploy our technology on a scale
that will allow the net proceeds from this offering, cash on hand and cash
expected to be generated by operations to fund our operations, capital
requirements and technology deployment until the end of 2001. See "Risk
Factors--Our failure to meet our capital requirements could result in our being
unable to fund our business and deploy our technology."
23
<PAGE>
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock, and we do
not anticipate declaring or paying any dividends on our common stock in the
foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all future earnings to fund
the development and growth of our business. The payment of any future dividends
will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our
results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, and other
factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
24
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and
capitalization as of September 30, 2000:
- on an actual basis;
- on a pro forma basis giving effect to the automatic conversion of
14,637,929 shares of outstanding preferred stock into 24,680,543 shares of
common stock upon the completion of this offering; and
- on a pro forma basis as adjusted giving further effect to the sale of
10,000,000 shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial
public offering price of $11.00 per share after deducting the estimated
underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering
expenses, including approximately $909,000 of offering expenses previously
paid by us, and the application of a portion of the net proceeds to repay
outstanding indebtedness to Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. as set forth
under "Use of Proceeds."
You should read this table together with "Use of Proceeds," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and
the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere
in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
-------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ASSUMING PRO FORMA
ACTUAL CONVERSION AS ADJUSTED
---------- ---------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 52,105 $ 52,105 $150,124
========= ========= ========
Short-term and long-term debt............................... 4,237 4,237 647
Series A convertible preferred stock subject to
redemption................................................ 48,039 -- --
Series B convertible preferred stock subject to
redemption................................................ 88,088 -- --
Series C convertible preferred stock subject to
redemption................................................ 87,109 -- --
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 137,000,000 shares
authorized, 61,123,150 shares issued and outstanding
actual; 137,000,000 shares authorized,
85,803,693 shares issued and outstanding pro forma
assuming conversion; shares authorized,
95,803,693 shares issued and outstanding pro forma as
adjusted................................................ 611 858 958
Additional paid-in capital................................ 68,718 291,707 392,307
Deferred compensation, net................................ (3,064) (3,064) (3,064)
Excess of purchase price over predecessor cost of net
liabilities acquired.................................... (8,397) (8,397) (8,397)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (178,600) (178,600) (178,600)
--------- --------- --------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit).................... (120,732) 102,504 203,204
--------- --------- --------
Total capitalization................................ $ 106,741 $ 106,741 $203,851
========= ========= ========
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
DILUTION
If you invest in our common stock, your interest will be diluted to the
extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our
common stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of
our common stock after this offering.
Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of total tangible
assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of common stock
then outstanding. Our net tangible book value at September 30, 2000, was
$101.8 million, or $1.67 per share of common stock. The pro forma net tangible
book value per share as of September 30, 2000 was $1.19 after giving effect to
the automatic conversion of 14,637,929 shares of outstanding preferred stock
into 24,680,543 shares of common stock upon completion of this offering. After
giving further effect to the sale of the 10,000,000 shares of common stock in
this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $11.00 per share
and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and
estimated offering expenses, our pro forma net tangible book value at
September 30, 2000, would have been $202.5 million, or $2.12 per share. This
represents an immediate increase in the pro forma net tangible book value of
$0.93 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate and substantial
dilution of $8.88 per share to new investors purchasing common stock in this
offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share............. $ 11.00
Net tangible book value per share at September 30, 2000... $ 1.67
Decrease per share attributable to preferred stock
conversion.............................................. (0.48)
--------
Pro forma net tangible book value per share before this
offering................................................ 1.19
Increase per share attributable to new investors.......... 0.93
--------
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this
offering.................................................. 2.12
--------
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share to
new investors(1).......................................... $ 8.88
========
</TABLE>
------------------------
(1) If the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, dilution
per share to new investors will be $8.71.
The following table summarizes on a pro forma basis as of September 30,
2000, after giving effect to the conversion of all of the preferred stock, the
total number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total
consideration paid to us, and the average price per share paid by existing
stockholders and by new investors purchasing shares of common stock in this
offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $11.00 per share and
before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering
expenses:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES PURCHASED TOTAL CONSIDERATION
---------------------- ---------------------- AVERAGE PRICE
NUMBER PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT PER SHARE
----------- -------- ----------- -------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Existing stockholders................... 61,123,150 63.8% $ 4 0.00% $0.00007
Existing stockholders--conversion of
preferred stock....................... 24,680,543 25.8 178,603 61.9 7.24
New investors........................... 10,000,000 10.4 110,000 38.1 11.00
----------- ----- ----------- ----- --------
Total................................... 95,803,693 100.0% $ 288,607 100.0% $ 3.01
=========== ===== =========== ===== ========
</TABLE>
The foregoing discussion and tables assume no exercise of outstanding stock
options or warrants. To the extent that any of these stock options or warrants
are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors. See
"Capitalization," Notes 8 and 12 to our consolidated financial statements and
Notes 12 and 14 to our consolidated interim financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
26
<PAGE>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31,
1999, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected statements of operations data for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the balance sheet data as of
December 31, 1998 are derived from the audited financial statements of our
predecessor, included elsewhere in this prospectus. The balance sheet data as of
December 31, 1997 and the selected statement of operations data for the year
ended December 31, 1996 are derived from the audited financial statements of our
predecessor but are not included in this prospectus. The selected statement of
operations data for the year ended December 31, 1995 and the balance sheet data
as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 are derived from our predecessor's unaudited
financial statements that include, in our opinion, all adjustments, consisting
of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for fair presentation of the
financial condition at that date and results of operations for that period.
The following selected consolidated statements of operations data as of
September 30, 2000 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 2000 are
derived from our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited consolidated interim financial
statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals,
which we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position
and results of operations for these periods. Operating results for the nine
months ended September 30, 2000 are not necessarily indicative of the results to
be expected for all of 2000.
The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the
results to be expected for any future period. The selected consolidated
financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial
statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements, our
predecessor's financial statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere in this
prospectus.
<TABLE>
NINE
MONTHS
PREDECESSOR FINANCIAL DATA ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, ----------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1999
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues...................................... $ 97 $ 109 $ 690 $1,636 $ 1,543 $ 975
Operating expenses:
Production and media costs...................... 78 137 591 939 1,012 801
Manufacturing costs expensed.................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Selling, general and administrative
expenses(1)................................... 48 91 284 671 3,921 1,358
Depreciation and amortization................... -- 17 41 55 106 67
Research and development costs.................. -- -- -- 36 410 203
Non-cash compensation charge related to issuance
of warrants to NBC............................ -- -- -- -- -- --
Non-cash compensation charge related to issuance
of preferred stock............................ -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ----------
Total operating expenses...................... 126 245 916 1,701 5,449 2,429
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ----------
Operating loss................................ (29) (136) (226) (65) (3,906) (1,454)
Interest income................................... -- -- -- -- 660 57
Interest expense.................................. (3) (14) (17) (24) (731) (552)
Other expense..................................... -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ----------
Total other income (expense).................. (3) (14) (17) (24) (71) (495)
Income tax expense................................ -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------ ------ ------ ---------- ----------
Net loss...................................... $ (32) $ (150) $ (243) $ (89) $ (3,977) $ (1,949)
====== ====== ====== ====== ========== ==========
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding..................................... 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 59,507,271 58,966,096
====== ====== ====== ====== ========== ==========
Basic and diluted net loss per common share....... $(1.30) $(6.02) $(9.72) $(3.54) $ (0.07) $ (0.03)
====== ====== ====== ====== ========== ==========
<S> <C>
----------
2000
----------
(IN
THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT
SHARE AND
PER SHARE
AMOUNTS)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues...................................... $ 304
Operating expenses:
Production and media costs...................... 618
Manufacturing costs expensed.................... 39,324
Selling, general and administrative
expenses(1)................................... 21,931
Depreciation and amortization................... 1,083
Research and development costs.................. 3,361
Non-cash compensation charge related to issuance
of warrants to NBC............................ 64,249
Non-cash compensation charge related to issuance
of preferred stock............................ 47,007
----------
Total operating expenses...................... 177,573
----------
Operating loss................................ (177,269)
Interest income................................... 3,462
Interest expense.................................. (810)
Other expense..................................... (1)
----------
Total other income (expense).................. 2,651
Income tax expense................................ (5)
----------
Net loss...................................... $ (174,623)
==========
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding..................................... 61,119,743
==========
Basic and diluted net loss per common share....... $ (2.86)
==========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
27
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
PREDECESSOR FINANCIAL DATA
AS OF DECEMBER 31, AS OF AS OF
----------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents...................... $ 143 $ 87 $ -- $ 175 $ 45,540 $ 52,105
Short-term investments......................... -- -- -- -- -- 8,935
Total assets................................... 143 281 273 381 46,518 111,538
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities....... 2 11 41 85 722 4,794
Short-term borrowings, including current
portion of long-term debt(2)................. 173 312 227 651 10 11
Long-term liabilities.......................... -- 1 3 3 9,145 4,229
Convertible preferred stock subject to
redemption................................... -- -- -- -- 47,888 223,226
Accumulated deficit............................ (32) (183) (426) (514) (3,977) (178,600)
Total stockholders' deficit.................... (32) (183) (426) (514) (11,246) (120,732)
<S> <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents......................
Short-term investments.........................
Total assets...................................
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......
Short-term borrowings, including current
portion of long-term debt(2).................
Long-term liabilities..........................
Convertible preferred stock subject to
redemption...................................
Accumulated deficit............................
Total stockholders' deficit....................
</TABLE>
------------------------------
(1) Exclusive of non-cash compensation charges totalling $111.3 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 2000.
(2) As of December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, short-term borrowings consisted
entirely of indebtedness to an officer of our predecessor. As of
December 31, 1998, short-term borrowings consisted of $197,919 of
indebtedness to an officer of our predecessor and $452,900 of advances from
a stockholder of ours.
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND THE NOTES THERETO AND OUR PREDECESSOR'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
THE NOTES THERETO APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
GENERAL
We are a company whose technology allows media companies, manufacturers and
virtually all organizations to link their printed or broadcast content and
advertisements as well as their products directly to web pages deep within their
websites. Our technology reduces the need for time-intensive input of website
addresses and web navigation, allowing Internet users to quickly and easily
obtain relevant information or conduct e-commerce activities. Our technology,
which is based on our :CRQ-TM- software, works with both television and print
applications. When used with television and electronic media, :CRQ sends an
Internet user's web browser to a specific web page in response to an audio
signal called a "cue" embedded in the broadcast or other electronic media. In
the print application, :CRQ responds to a digital signal generated by our
:CueCat device. Our :CueCat, a hardware device similar in size to a computer
mouse, generates the signal when it is used to swipe our proprietary codes
called "print cues" in print media or to swipe barcodes on consumer products. We
believe that our technology empowers media companies and corporate advertisers
to enhance their content and advertisements and to transform television
broadcasts or other electronic media, print media or items bearing print cues or
barcodes into powerful new editorial, advertising, promotional or e-commerce
opportunities.
From our inception in September 1998 through the end of that year, we had no
operating activity. In January 1999, we acquired from Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc. the television show NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW,
now known as NET TALK INTERACTIVE!, and proprietary rights related to our
technology in exchange for an unsecured promissory note with a principal amount
of $8,000,000. Because of this transaction, we have included in this prospectus
the financial statements of Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. as our predecessor
for accounting purposes. For the year ended December 31, 1999, we generated
limited revenues from our television show NET TALK INTERACTIVE!. Although we
expect to continue to produce NET TALK INTERACTIVE!, we do not anticipate that
it will be a material part of our business or represent a primary source of our
revenues in the future. Since our inception, we have conducted research,
developed our Internet convergence technology and established sales and
distribution outlets for our technology by educating potential licensees in the
media and consumer products industries about how to adopt and utilize our
technology. We plan to achieve widespread distribution and adoption of our
technology through the strategic relationships that we have established with a
major television network, local station groups, cable networks, publishers,
retailers and direct marketers and additional strategic relationships that we
intend to establish.
Although the initial roll-out of our technology is limited to the United
States, we believe that there is a substantial market for our technology outside
the United States. Our :CueCat and :CRQ technology does not require foreign
language translations or technical modifications to be compatible with specific
broadcasting or recording technology used in foreign markets. Instead,
international broadcasters, publishers, advertisers and retailers can place our
cues in any type of electronic or printed medium and direct Internet users to
websites using any language. We intend to expand our international presence by
adding sales and marketing personnel and establishing strategic relationships
with international companies to capitalize fully on international market
opportunities. We have hired a president for our International Group and opened
an office in London in the third quarter of 2000. We have signed a memorandum of
understanding with a large Japanese firm to establish a joint venture in the
Japanese market. We intend to commence international deployment of our
technology during 2001.
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REVENUE SOURCES
We have divided initial applications for our technology into four groups
from which we expect to derive revenue:
- broadcast and electronic media;
- print media, bar-coded products and other :CueCat applications;
- Internet advertising; and
- aggregated database research and marketing.
Our initial pricing model for each application is described below. However,
we continue to periodically review our pricing model for each application, and
we expect to continue to make adjustments in our pricing model from time to
time. Our agreements with licensees who license cues require that the licensees
provide us with a monthly accounting of cue usage and grant us the right to
inspect their records pertaining to the use of our technology.
BROADCAST AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA. Our :CRQ technology offers a range of
benefits to broadcasters. With our :CRQ technology, television and cable
broadcasts become an instant and direct link to the Internet. Broadcasters are
able to offer more engaging interactive programming to their viewers and more
valuable interactive ads to their corporate advertisers.
We expect to derive our revenue from the following sources:
- fees from the licensing of advertising cues on a per-cue basis to
broadcast networks, cable networks, local television stations and home
shopping networks;
- a fixed fee per sale completed by home shopping networks as a result of
using our cues; and
- fees from annual licenses to cable networks for the use of cues for
content enhancement.
We intend to license cues to networks and television stations, who will then
license them to advertisers. We expect to limit the number of advertising cues
that each broadcast network, cable network or local television station can
license for use in advertising spots each day and to charge a flat fee per cue.
Revenues from the licensing of advertising cues will be recognized upon
notification that the cue has been transmitted. Revenues generated from licenses
to cable operators will be recognized ratably over the respective contract
period, which will generally be 12 to 18 months.
PRINT MEDIA, BARCODED CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND OTHER :CUECAT APPLICATIONS. By
inserting a print cue in any print media or by linking existing barcodes for
consumer products to websites, our technology enables virtually any consumer
product or any print media to become instantly interactive with the Internet.
With the swipe of a :CueCat device over a print cue or a barcode, a user can
gain immediate access to in-depth information that was not previously included
in the printed version or on the consumer product due to space limitations. We
expect that publishers and advertisers will be able to attain higher ad revenues
due to increased traffic on the website and generate additional e-commerce
opportunities. We also expect that manufacturers will be able to transform the
billions of consumer products on retailers' shelves into powerful advertising,
promotional and e-commerce opportunities.
For most print applications, we intend to allow publishers to use print cues
at no cost until we have achieved widespread distribution of our :CueCat devices
to Internet users. We do not anticipate deriving any significant revenues from
the licensing of print cues in 2000. We are compiling a massive database that
links existing UPC, ISBN, EAN and other barcodes found on consumer products to
web
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pages. We intend to provide manufacturers with one free year in which to
evaluate the results. We expect to derive our revenue from the following
sources:
- after the first few months, fees from licenses to magazine and newspaper
publishers for the use of print cues for content enhancement purposes;
- after the first few months, fees from the licensing of advertising print
cues in any print media, including newspapers, magazines, catalogs and
direct mail;
- a fixed fee per sale completed by catalog shoppers as a result of using
our print cues;
- annual fees for print cues assigned by insurance companies, credit card
companies and others to their policyholders for tracking accounts online;
- fees per print cue licensed to publishers of free-standing inserts and
direct mail and licensed to manufacturers for use in product manuals;
- annual fees for barcodes on consumer products that are Internet Enhanced;
and
- commissions on increased revenues resulting from the use of print cues in
classified ads.
Revenues from the licensing of advertising print cues will be recognized
upon notification from the respective publisher or advertiser that the print
cues were incorporated into publications during the applicable publication
period. Revenues generated from the licensing of content print cues will be on
an annual license basis, regardless of the number of content print cues used,
and will be recognized ratably over the respective contract period, which is
generally 12 months.
Revenues generated from fees for linking barcodes to web pages will be based
upon a fixed annual fee per barcode and will be recognized annually on a
straight-line basis.
:CUECHANNEL ADVERTISING. When our :CRQ software launches a user's personal
computer to a web page, our :CueChannel appears at the bottom of a user's
Windows desktop. The :CueChannel is populated with a series of tabs that, when
clicked, will display topical information. We expect to sell sponsorships of the
tabs on the :CueChannel.
DATABASE RESEARCH AND MARKETING. We require each user of our technology to
provide basic individual information in order to register and activate our :CRQ
technology. Additionally, we plan to offer promotional and other incentives to
encourage users to provide more detailed individual information on a strictly
voluntary basis. We are using this information to develop a substantial database
of demographic information reflecting aggregate users' interests and
preferences, Internet behavior related to cues and viewing patterns of Internet
Enhanced content. This information will be used to better tailor our :CueChannel
information tabs and special vendor offers to various demographic profile groups
within our database, as well as to generate summary demographic data reports for
advertisers and retailers. No individual tracking based on a user's actual
identity occurs. That is because we remove identifying individual information,
except age, gender and zip code. We then aggregate cue behavior by age, gender
and zip code. We expect that these firms will use our aggregate demographic
reports and data collection expertise to tailor advertising campaigns,
information tabs and website content to appeal to targeted consumer segments.
Under our privacy policy, individual user information is not available to
outside parties. Some summary demographic data will be provided to licensees of
cues free of charge. We intend to charge advertisers for more complex or
detailed demographic data, which will only be available on an aggregated basis.
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EXPENSE COMPONENTS
Costs associated with our business primarily include manufacturing costs,
selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and
research and development. Although we expect these costs to continue to increase
over time, we expect each of them to decrease as a percentage of revenues over
time as revenues increase.
Manufacturing costs consist of the costs of manufacturing and distributing
:CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables. A large number of our :CueCat
devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables are being distributed free of charge to
the public. In some cases, we expect that a portion of the costs of
manufacturing and/or distributing :CueCat devices and :CRQ CD-ROMs will be borne
or defrayed by our strategic licensees and by advertisers who advertise directly
on :CueCat devices. Costs incurred in manufacturing and distributing the :CueCat
devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables will be charged to expense as they are
distributed.
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of:
- payroll and related expenses for executive, sales and marketing and
administrative personnel;
- corporate facilities expenses;
- professional services expenses;
- maintenance costs for our database and network infrastructure;
- marketing expenses;
- travel expenses; and
- other general corporate expenses.
We expect that selling, general and administrative expenses will continue to
increase for the foreseeable future in support of the expected growth of our
business and our operations as a public company.
Depreciation and amortization expenses consist primarily of fixed asset
depreciation. We anticipate larger depreciation and amortization expenses in the
foreseeable future as we continue to expand our network infrastructure.
Research and development expenses include costs incurred by us to enhance
our existing technology and develop new applications for our technology. These
expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits for our Technology Group,
systems personnel and consultants. We intend to continue to enhance our
technology and to develop new uses and other products that utilize our
technology. Accordingly, we expect that our product research and development
expenses will continue to increase for the foreseeable future.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 2000
REVENUES:
During the nine months ended September 30, 1999, we recorded $974,618 in
revenues, primarily from Microsoft Corporation and Shabang!, Inc., related to
advertisements and sponsorships sold on our show, NET TALK INTERACTIVE!. During
the nine months ended September 30, 2000, we recorded $303,866 in revenues,
primarily from sales of our :CueCat devices and :CRQ software from our internal
websites.
OPERATING EXPENSES:
PRODUCTION AND MEDIA COSTS. Production and media costs consist of the
personnel and other costs associated with producing, editing and airing NET TALK
INTERACTIVE!. Production and media costs decreased $183,081, or 23%, from
$801,243 in the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to $618,162
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in the nine months ended September 30, 2000. The decrease in costs was primarily
related to fewer shows produced in the first nine months of 2000 compared to the
first nine months of 1999. We produced 39 shows in the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 and 27 shows in the nine months ended September 30, 2000.
MANUFACTURING COSTS EXPENSED. During the nine months ended September 30,
2000, we expensed $39.3 million in manufacturing costs related to the production
and distribution of approximately 4.6 million :CueCat devices, approximately
5.3 million :CRQ CD-ROMs and approximately 1.8 million audio cables. There were
no manufacturing costs in 1999.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were comprised primarily of payroll and related expenses
for executive, marketing and administrative personnel, facilities expenses,
professional service expenses and other general corporate expenses. These
expenses increased $20.6 million from $1.4 million in the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 to $21.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2000.
The increase was primarily related to an increase in employee costs of
$7.5 million from the first nine months of 1999 to the first nine months of 2000
as a result of hiring additional employees through the balance of 1999 and the
first nine months of 2000. At September 30, 1999 there were 22 employees; at
September 30, 2000 there were 216 full-time and 39 part-time and temporary
employees. Additionally, contract labor and consulting fees increased
approximately $950,000 from the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to the nine
months ended September 30, 2000. Selling, general and administrative expenses
also increased by $664,000 in tradeshow costs during the first nine months of
2000. Legal costs increased by $1.3 million between the periods primarily as a
result of the expansion of our intellectual property portfolio. Travel costs
increased $2.5 million from the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to the nine
months ended September 30, 2000 primarily because of travel to meet with
potential customers and investors. Marketing and promotional costs increased
$4.5 million from the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to the nine months
ended September 30, 2000. The increase related to marketing costs incurred in
preparation for the launch of our technology and included approximately $835,000
relating to the production of a promotional video for our technology and
$1.8 million relating to the purchase of media time for that video. Because of
the growth in our office space requirements and number of employees, in the nine
months ended September 30, 2000, our rent expenses increased more than $512,000
and our telecommunications costs increased $703,000 over the same period in
1999. The remaining increase in costs was primarily related to other incremental
general and administrative costs associated with our growth.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization costs
increased $1.0 million, or 1,511%, from $67,208 in the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 to $1.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2000.
The increase resulted from the addition of computer and other equipment during
the second half of 1999 and the build-out of our server network in the first
nine months of 2000.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS. Research and development costs increased
$3.2 million, or 1,554%, from $203,165 in the nine months ended September 30,
1999 to $3.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2000. The increase
was related to the addition of employees and consultants in technical areas
during the second half of 1999 and the first nine months of 2000.
NON-CASH COMPENSATION CHARGES. During the second and third quarters of
2000, we recorded one-time charges to earnings in the amount of $47.0 million,
to reflect the difference between the respective issuance price of $7.03 and
$10.54 and the estimated fair market value of the Series B and C preferred
stock, respectively, of $11.99, as determined by a contemporaneous independent
appraisal.
In April 2000, we issued two warrants to an affiliate of National
Broadcasting Company, Inc. to purchase 3,752,445 and 4,505,165 shares,
respectively, of common stock at per share exercise prices of $5.00 and $10.54,
respectively. In September 2000, we issued an additional warrant to an affiliate
of NBC to purchase 166,000 shares of our common stock at a per share exercise
price of $10.54. We
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valued the three warrants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model at
$31.7 million, $31.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, based on the
following assumptions:
- fair market value of common stock of $10.90;
- volatility of 70.0%;
- risk free interest rate ranging from 6.0% to 6.5%;
- expected life of five years; and
- zero dividend yield.
We recognized one-time charges to earnings totalling $64.2 million for the
fair market value of these warrants on the dates of grant. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--Warrants."
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
INTEREST INCOME. Interest income increased from $57,159 in the nine months
ended September 30, 1999 to $3.5 million in the nine months ended September 30,
2000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2000, interest was earned from
the investment of the proceeds, net of fees and cash issuance costs, of
$48.1 million raised from the issuance of our Series A preferred stock in the
fourth quarter of 1999, $51.6 million raised from the issuance of our Series B
preferred stock in the second and third quarters of 2000, and $76.6 million
raised from the issuance of our Series C preferred stock in the second and third
quarters of 2000.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense increased $258,596 from $552,197 in the
nine months ended September 30, 1999 to $810,793 in the nine months ended
September 30, 2000. The interest was primarily related to the $2.5 million of
debentures issued by us in January 1999 to several of our stockholders and the
promissory note issued to our predecessor in January 1999 for the purchase of
NET TALK INTERACTIVE! and proprietary rights related to our technology. Interest
expense increased as a result of the write-off in the second quarter of 2000 of
the remaining balance of the debt discount of $490,721 relating to the
debentures. See "--Liquidity and Capital Resources." This increase was offset by
the fact that during the first nine months of 1999, $8.0 million was outstanding
on the promissory note issued to our predecessor and only $6.5 million of the
note was outstanding during the first nine months of 2000 as a result of a
voluntary repayment of $1.5 million of principal on this note during the fourth
quarter of 1999. Additionally, we paid the balance of the debentures and
$3.0 million of the promissory note and all accrued interest during the second
quarter of 2000 with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Series B and
Series C preferred stock.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
REVENUES:
During the year ended December 31, 1999, we derived $1.5 million in revenue
from the sale of advertisements and sponsorships on our show, NET TALK
INTERACTIVE!. Shabang!, Inc. and Microsoft Corporation accounted for
approximately 81% and 17% of our annual revenues, respectively.
OPERATING EXPENSES:
PRODUCTION AND MEDIA COSTS. Production and media costs were $1.0 million,
or 66%, of revenue for the year ended December 31, 1999. Production and media
costs consist of the personnel and other costs associated with producing,
editing and airing NET TALK INTERACTIVE!.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were comprised primarily of payroll and related expenses
for executive and administrative personnel, facilities expenses, professional
service expenses and other general corporate expenses. These expenses were
$3.9 million, or 254%, of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1999.
Employee-related
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costs were $2.0 million, or 51%, of the total selling, general and
administrative expenses for the year. We significantly increased our employee
expenses during the fourth quarter of the year when our employee base increased
from approximately 22 at September 30, 1999 to 61 at December 31, 1999. Selling,
general and administrative expenses also include $380,300 in legal fees
primarily associated with the filing of patents and trademarks to enhance our
intellectual property and $529,400 in travel costs primarily incurred in the
second half of the year in connection with travel to meetings with potential
customers and investors.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization was $105,721,
or 7%, of total revenues during the year ended December 31, 1999. We purchased
$616,000 of property and equipment and capitalized software during the year
ended December 31, 1999. The majority of these assets were purchased during the
later portion of the year and did not have a full year of depreciation expense
in the year ended December 31, 1999.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS. Research and development costs during the
year ended December 31, 1999 were $410,017. These costs primarily consist of
payroll and related expenses associated with technology personnel for the
development of our :CueCat device and :CRQ software.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
INTEREST INCOME. Interest income of $660,498 was recorded during the year
ended December 31, 1999. The income was earned from the investment of the
proceeds net of fees and cash issuance costs of $48.3 million raised from the
issuance of our Series A preferred stock. These proceeds were primarily received
by us in October, November and December of 1999; therefore, only a few months of
interest was earned on the proceeds.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense of $731,355 was recorded during the year
ended December 31, 1999. The interest primarily related to an $8.0 million
promissory note issued to our predecessor in January 1999 for the purchase of
NET TALK INTERACTIVE! and related proprietary technology rights. Additional
interest expense related to $2.5 million of debentures issued by us in January
1999 to several of our stockholders.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS-PREDECESSOR
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
REVENUES:
Our predecessor's revenues increased 137% from $689,967 in 1997 to
$1,636,422 in 1998. The increase was primarily related to $813,400 in additional
sponsorships sold on our predecessor's television show, NET TALK INTERACTIVE!,
in 1998. Additionally, our predecessor had $259,300 more revenue related to
infomercial productions in 1998 than in 1997.
OPERATING EXPENSES:
PRODUCTION AND MEDIA COSTS. Production and media costs increased $348,764,
or 59%, from $590,704 in 1997 to $939,468 in 1998. This increase was primarily
related to higher revenues recorded during the year ended December 31, 1998. As
a percentage of revenues, production and media costs decreased from 86% in 1997
to 57% in 1998. The decrease in costs as a percentage of revenues was primarily
related to the higher margin revenue recorded in 1998 related to the sale of
sponsorships on our predecessor's show, NET TALK INTERACTIVE!. There are very
few incremental costs associated with the sale of advertising and sponsorships
on NET TALK INTERACTIVE! in comparison to the costs associated with the
production of an infomercial.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased 136% from $284,370 in 1997 to $670,953 in
1998. As a percentage of revenues these expenses were
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constant at 41%. The largest increase in selling, general and administrative
expenses was related to employee-related costs which increased by $171,000 from
1997 to 1998. The increase in employee-related costs comprised 44% of the total
increase in selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1998, and were largely related to supporting the growth of
NET TALK INTERACTIVE!. Facilities expense, professional service expense and
other general corporate expenses increased from 1997 to 1998 to support the
growth of our predecessor.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation expense increased $14,393 from
$40,515 in 1997 to $54,908 in 1998 primarily due to the addition of studio and
phone equipment related to our predecessor's NET TALK INTERACTIVE!.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS. Research and development costs incurred
during the year ended December 31, 1998 were related to our predecessor
allocating personnel resources toward the development of technology designed to
converge the radio, television and Internet mediums.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense is primarily related to accrued interest
on several advances from an officer of our predecessor. Additionally, during the
fourth quarter of 1998, our predecessor issued a note payable to one of our
stockholders. The note was repaid in January 1999 in conjunction with our
purchase of our predecessor's assets.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal source of liquidity at September 30, 2000 included cash and
cash equivalents of $52.1 million. Since inception, we have financed our cash
requirements for investments in property and equipment and operations primarily
through the sale of $2.5 million of 8.0% debentures in January 1999, the sale of
$50.3 million of Series A preferred stock in the fourth quarter of 1999 and
first quarter of 2000 and the sale of $51.7 million of Series B preferred stock
and $76.6 million of Series C preferred stock in the second and third quarters
of 2000. Working capital at September 30, 2000 was $97.4 million of which
$39.6 million was comprised of prepaid :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio
cables. At September 30, 2000, we had an accumulated deficit of $178.6 million.
Our operating activities during the year ended December 31, 1999 and the
nine months ended September 30, 2000 utilized cash of $3.0 million and
$99.1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2000, we
used $79.0 million primarily to purchase :CueCat devices, :CRQ
CD-ROMs and audio cables. The remainder of cash used in operating activities
during the first nine months of 2000 was to fund our growth in employee costs,
infrastructure and operations, research and development and legal costs incurred
in registering our intellectual property rights in the United States and abroad.
Capital expenditures during 1999 consisted of purchases of equipment,
furniture and software of $616,000. A source of cash for investing activities in
1999 included cash in the amount of $165,278 acquired in the acquisition of
entities under common control. During the nine months ended September 30, 2000,
we purchased $8.2 million of equipment, furniture, software and other
intangibles. Additionally, we purchased approximately $61.2 million of
short-term securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2000.
Generally, these short term investments secure our reimbursement obligations
under letters of credit relating to the manufacture of our :CueCat devices. As
of September 30, 2000, approximately $52.3 million of our short-term investments
had matured. As of September 30, 2000, approximately $3.9 million of the balance
of our short-term investments secured a letter of credit. As of September 30,
2000, we had paid or issued letters of credit for 10.5 million :CueCat devices,
5.3 million :CRQ CD-ROMs and 3.3 million audio cables.
In January 1999, we issued a promissory note for $8.0 million, bearing
interest at the rate of 6% per annum, to purchase substantially all of the
assets of our predecessor, consisting of rights, title and
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interest in intellectual property and NET TALK INTERACTIVE!. We made voluntary
principal payments of $1.5 million on this note in October 1999 and
$3.0 million in principal and $584,137 in accrued interest in April 2000. We
currently anticipate using a portion of the proceeds of this offering to repay
the remaining balance of this promissory note. See "Use of Proceeds."
In May 2000, we entered into a letter of credit facility with Comerica
Bank-Texas for issuances of letters of credit in amounts up to $100.0 million to
facilitate manufacturing of our :CueCat devices. No letter of credit may have an
expiration date later than February 1, 2001. Letters of credit under the
facility of up to $20.0 million outstanding are subject to fees at the rate of
1% per annum. Letters of credit under the facility in excess of $20.0 million up
to $30.0 million outstanding are subject to fees at the rate of 0.75% per annum.
Letters of credit under the facility in excess of $30.0 million outstanding are
subject to fees at the rate of 0.375% per annum. We are required to secure our
letter of credit obligations with an equal amount of short-term investments.
During May through August 2000, we issued letters of credit to RadioShack
for, in the aggregate, approximately $71.7 million as security for our payment
obligations to RadioShack for the manufacture of our :CueCat devices. As of
September 30, 2000, $3.9 million was outstanding under these letters of credit.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended
September 30, 2000 and the year ended December 31, 1999 was $122.8 million and
$48.8 million, respectively. Net cash provided by financing activities for the
nine months ended September 30, 2000 was comprised of $128.3 million in proceeds
from the sale of our Series B and Series C preferred stock, offset by
$5.5 million in repayments of long-term debt to related parties. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions." Net cash provided by financing
activities during the year ended December 31, 1999 primarily consisted of
$2.5 million in cash proceeds from the issuance of debentures in January 1999,
$48.3 million in cash proceeds, net of fees and cash issuance costs, from the
issuance of our Series A preferred stock in September 1999, including $252,000
cash received as a subscription for Series A preferred stock that was issued
subsequent to year end. We received $151,200 in proceeds from the issuance of
Series A preferred stock in the first quarter of 2000.
In April and May 2000, we issued 6,166,443 shares of Series B preferred
stock to various investors for aggregate consideration of approximately
$43.3 million and 5,688,848 shares of Series C preferred stock to various
investors for aggregate consideration of approximately $60.0 million. We have
used $6.3 million of the proceeds to repay a portion of our outstanding
indebtedness and intend to use the remaining proceeds to pay expenses related to
the manufacture and distribution of our :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio
cables and for general corporate purposes. Also, in August 2000, we issued
1,185,395 shares of Series B preferred stock and 1,581,277 shares of Series C
preferred stock for an aggregate consideration of $8.3 million and
$16.7 million, respectively, to a large Japanese investor.
We currently have commitments for capital expenditures of approximately
$2.5 million primarily related to the buildout of our server network and our
management information system. Additionally, in fiscal 2000, we expect to spend
approximately $500,000 for costs associated with finishing the build-out and
furnishing of our new corporate offices in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, we
anticipate a significant increase in our capital expenditures, consistent with
anticipated growth in operations, infrastructure and personnel in the year
ending December 31, 2001. This will include up to $30.0 million in anticipated
expenditures on hardware and software to build the network infrastructure
necessary to service anticipated Internet traffic during the first 15 to
18 months following our technology launch in August 2000. During the year ending
December 31, 2001, we expect to spend as much as $140.0 million to manufacture
and distribute audio cables and up to 20 million :CueCat devices and :CRQ
CD-ROMs. In October 2000, we spent approximately $4.6 million to pay the
security deposit, partial prepayment of rent and fees related to a new lease of
our office space in New York. In October 2000, we spent $5.0 million as partial
consideration for a license fee to NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. We will pay an
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additional $5.0 million in January 2001 for this license, of which $3.0 million
must be paid in cash and the remainder of which, at our option, may be paid in
either cash or our equity. In April 2001, we will pay NeoMedia an additional fee
of $5.0 million, which may, at our option, be paid in cash or our equity.
Thereafter, we will pay an annual license fee of $10.0 million, $3.0 million of
which must be paid in cash and the remainder of which, at our option, may be
paid in either cash or our equity. See "Business--Strategic Relationships."
The extent of our technology deployment following this offering will depend
upon our ability to secure additional financing besides the net proceeds from
this offering. We cannot be certain that any additional financing will be
available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we are unable to raise
significant additional financing, we intend to deploy our technology on a scale
that will allow the net proceeds from this offering, cash on hand and cash
expected to be generated by operations to fund our operations, capital
requirements and technology deployment until the end of 2001. See "Risk
Factors--Our failure to meet our future capital requirements could result in our
being unable to fund our business and deploy our technology."
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS No. 133), "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS
No. 133, which will be effective for us for the fiscal year and quarters
beginning after June 15, 2000, requires that an entity recognize all derivatives
as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and
measure those instruments at fair value. During June 1999, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("FAS") No. 137, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING
ACTIVITIES-DEFERRAL OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF FASB STATEMENT 133. The Statement
defers the effective date of FAS 133 to fiscal 2001. We are evaluating FAS 133
but do not expect the potential effect of adopting the provisions of SFAS
No. 133 to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows.
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101, REVENUE RECOGNITION IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
("SAB 101"), which provides guidance on the recognition, presentation and
disclosure of revenue in financial statements filed with the Commission.
SAB 101 outlines the basic criteria that must be met to recognize revenue and
provides guidance for disclosure related to revenue recognition policies. We
believe that SAB 101 will not have a material effect on our financial
statements.
In March 2000, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 44 ("FIN 44"),
ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING STOCK COMPENSATION. FIN 44
clarifies the application of Accounting Principles Board No. 25 for specified
issues related to equity based instruments issued to employees. FIN 44 is
effective on July 1, 2000, except for specified transactions, and will be
applied on a prospective basis. We believe that FIN 44 will not have a material
effect on our financial statements.
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BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
We are a company whose technology allows media companies, manufacturers and
virtually all organizations to link their printed or broadcast content and
advertisements as well as their products directly to web pages deep within their
websites. Until we released our technology, we believe that it was not possible
for these companies to realize the full value of their Internet efforts, because
lengthy website addresses often forced users to enter websites through their
front pages, often making access to a desired web page time-consuming and
difficult. Our technology, which includes our :CueCat device and our :CRQ
software, takes a broadcast viewer or reader of print media directly to relevant
information on the Internet. Our :CRQ software responds to a proprietary digital
signal called a "cue" that is transmitted either by any enabled television
broadcast or other electronic media source through an audio cable connected to
an Internet user's personal computer or by our :CueCat device, and directs a
user's web browser to open any specified web page. Our :CueCat, a hardware
device similar in size to a computer mouse, generates the signal when it is used
to swipe our proprietary codes called "print cues" in print media or to swipe
barcodes on consumer products. Generally, each time a cue opens a user's web
browser, our :CueChannel will appear at the bottom of a user's Windows desktop.
Our :CueChannel is populated by a series of tabs that display topical
information when clicked. We believe that our technology empowers media
companies and corporate advertisers to enhance their content and advertisements
and to transform television broadcasts or other electronic media, print media or
items bearing print cues or barcodes into powerful new editorial, advertising,
promotional or e-commerce opportunities.
We plan to achieve widespread distribution and adoption of our technology
through our strategic relationships with major television and cable networks,
local station groups, magazine and newspaper publishers, retailers, direct
marketers and manufacturers. We initiated a nationwide roll-out of our
technology in August 2000. We have purchased 10 million :CueCat devices and plan
to distribute, free to the public, approximately 10 million :CueCat devices and
approximately 10 million CD-ROMs containing our :CRQ software by March 31, 2001.
As of November 30, 2000, over million of each of our :CueCat devices and
:CRQ CD-ROMs had been distributed to the public and over million users had
installed our :CRQ software. We plan to distribute, both through sales and free
of charge, up to an additional 20 million of each of our :CueCat devices and
:CRQ CD-ROMs by the end of 2001. We expect companies with whom we have strategic
relationships to distribute at least two million audio cables by the end of 2000
without charge to their customers or subscribers, and we additionally plan to
distribute to Internet users at least another two million audio cables for free
through RadioShack. RadioShack produces our :CueCat devices and distributes them
along with audio cables and our :CRQ CD-ROMs in over 7,000 RadioShack retail
outlets throughout the U.S.
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
The Internet has emerged as a global medium for communications, information
and commerce and is dramatically changing the competitive environment in which
companies operate. Companies are investing billions of dollars in the
development, execution and promotion of Internet strategies. The growth in the
number of websites and web pages, combined with the rapidly expanding number of
Internet users and volume of e-commerce transactions, creates significant
challenges and opportunities for businesses across multiple industries. We
believe that advertising for websites through traditional mass media is limited
by an Internet user's ability to recall a website home page address and, once at
the home page, to navigate the website to reach the desired destination. The
proliferation of websites, as well as of web pages within each corporate
website, creates a fundamental challenge of facilitating website navigation by
Internet users. We believe that our technology provides powerful solutions for a
number of these challenges and provides a means to take advantage of new revenue
opportunities.
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BROADCAST MEDIA
Television is one of the most pervasive communications media in society
today. According to Nielsen Media Research, there were approximately 99 million
television households in the United States in March 1999. Television advertising
is generally considered to be one of the most effective methods of building
brand and general consumer awareness of products and services. The Television
Bureau of Advertising estimates that $36 billion was spent on television
advertising in 1999. Approximately $105 billion of goods and services were
purchased through direct response television programming and advertising in 1999
according to the Direct Marketing Association.
Although television is pervasive and effective in reaching mass audiences,
television programmers face several challenges. Advertisers are increasingly
seeking highly targeted marketing programs that will generate measurable returns
on investment. This trend toward targeted marketing is intensifying the pressure
on television programmers to efficiently convert viewers into customers of their
advertising clients. In addition, as the reach and popularity of television has
grown, so too has the amount of programming available to viewers. As television
becomes more fragmented and the competition for viewers increases, networks and
other television programmers must find new ways to attract viewers and increase
viewer loyalty. Viewer loyalty determines the network ratings that ultimately
determine advertising spot rates. Furthermore, traditional television
broadcasting, cable and direct broadcast satellite television systems do not
provide an integrated means for viewers to respond to programs and
advertisements without the addition of set-top boxes or other similar add-on
technologies.
We believe that broadcasters view the Internet as an ideal interactive
medium through which they can provide consumers with greater content, appeal to
individualized interests and create opportunities for commerce. Broadcasters are
devoting increasing resources to website development, content and promotion. The
reach of television and growth of the Internet create an opportunity for
broadcasters to drive large numbers of viewers either to their websites or to
the websites of their advertising clients. According to Kagan and Showtime
Network, in January 2000, there were 45 million U.S. households connected to the
Internet. Furthermore, 25 million households, or approximately 56% of all
households connected to the Internet, use the Internet while watching
television.
PRINT MEDIA
Print media permeate the consumer world in the form of newspapers,
magazines, catalogs, coupons and direct mail and represent a larger share of
total advertising and marketing expenditures than broadcast media. According to
industry sources, advertising expenditures made in the following print media
categories in the U.S. in 1999 were:
- $94.5 billion on goods purchased from print catalogs;
- $41.4 billion on direct mail advertising;
- $46.3 billion on newspaper display and classified advertising; and
- $15.5 billion on advertising in trade and consumer magazines.
Traditional publishers are experiencing competitive pressures from the
electronic distribution of information and content. Information in print is
static and often out of date by the time it reaches the reader; as a result,
consumers increasingly access the Internet for more timely or relevant
information. We believe that publishers also are concerned about the growing
competitive threat posed by web-based classified advertising. Classified
advertising accounted for approximately 40% of all advertising revenues for
newspaper publishers in 1999. Publishers are investing heavily in Internet
strategies to maximize use of content, create cross-selling synergies, maintain
readership and develop new revenue streams.
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CONSUMER PRODUCTS
The use of barcodes on consumer products is widespread. These codes appear
on everything from food and other consumer products to drivers' licenses and
prescription drug containers. Currently, there are over 40 different barcode
topologies in commercial use, including UPC, ISBN and EAN. There are tens of
millions of active barcodes in use. Currently, these barcodes are used primarily
to track inventory, assist in quality control, track product pricing and perform
other internal corporate tasks. To date, no technology has been widely adopted
that connects the millions of barcodes to the Internet.
USER WEB EXPERIENCE
While the growth of the Internet has attracted Internet users at an
unprecedented pace, the volume of online information has made it increasingly
difficult for users to navigate the Internet effectively and efficiently. The
total number of websites on the Internet grew 79% in 1999 to 3.6 million sites.
Internet users currently rely on Internet search engines or directories of
websites and web pages to locate information and make online purchases. Search
engines typically require users to construct keyword or complex search strings
that often result in hundreds or thousands of matches. In addition, we believe
that these methods often result in incomplete searches.
The difficulty of online navigation does not end when the desired website is
found. Once there, users often face the difficult task of searching an
overwhelming amount of information contained in many layers of web pages.
As websites continue to proliferate and grow in size and complexity, we
believe that users will increasingly demand a quicker, more direct link to a
specific web page destination. Search engines will continue to have useful
applications on the Internet, but we believe that users want a more precise tool
that takes them directly to a specific web page that is of particular interest
to them.
THE DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE SOLUTION
Our technology enables companies to implement new Internet strategies that
enhance content, improve the targeting and overall effectiveness of advertising
and generate new revenue sources. We enable users of virtually any form of media
or product to interact instantly and easily with the Internet to obtain relevant
information or conduct e-commerce activities. We believe that our technology
provides broadcasters, publishers, retailers, manufacturers and advertisers with
a simple, cost-effective means of applying the potential of the Internet with
all forms of traditional media. In addition, our technology addresses the needs
of Internet users for a more satisfying Internet experience. Elements of our
solution include Internet Enhanced broadcasting, print and coded products, and
our :CueChannel, a horizontal bar containing related information and
advertisements that appears at the bottom of a user's Windows desktop.
INTERNET ENHANCED BROADCASTING
Our :CRQ software responds to a cue in the form of an audio tone embedded in
any television or other audio media source and directs a user's personal
computer to open any specified web page within a website. Unlike with current
television content and advertisements in which a website address is briefly
displayed on the television screen, Internet Enhanced programming will load the
web page on a user's web browser for immediate access or store the web page
address for later use. With our technology, viewers no longer need to recall and
manually enter a web page address.
Broadcasters can now offer Internet Enhanced interactive programming to
their viewers and more valuable interactive ads to their advertisers and
advertising agencies. For example, news programming can become instantly
interactive, allowing local stations to enhance their content, capture Internet
advertising revenues and use their scale and promotional muscle to become
significant local portals. Our :CRQ technology is designed to make television
programming more appealing to all viewers and particularly to younger
demographic groups who tend to be logged on to the Internet while watching
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television. This younger demographic group is highly attractive to advertisers
but is generally difficult for advertisers to reach.
By placing cues in their television spots, advertisers can aggregate large
viewing audiences, direct them to specific web pages containing content designed
to reinforce their branding, and offer specific promotions and e-commerce
opportunities. Because our technology offers a platform for advertisers to
deliver immediate buying opportunities to their target consumers, we believe
broadcasters will be able to command premium rates for Internet Enhanced
advertisements. Thus, in an era of declining audience ratings and shares, we
believe that we offer broadcasters a means to retain existing viewers, attract
new viewers and increase revenue.
Our technology does not display web content on the television, and therefore
allows users to take advantage of enhanced content and e-commerce opportunities
without interrupting or overlaying the original broadcast. Viewers or groups of
viewers can continue watching the broadcast without disruption, while capturing
related information on their computers. Cues collected by our :CRQ software can
be used to launch web pages immediately or can be stored for later use, sorted
or deleted at the user's option.
INTERNET ENHANCED PRINT
Our :CueCat device enables an Internet user to swipe our print cues to link
the user to a particular web page designated by the publisher or advertiser. A
printed publication can be Internet Enhanced simply by embedding a print cue in
the publication, which, with a swipe of a :CueCat device, can immediately direct
the reader to in-depth information impractical to include in the publication. In
this way, publishers gain a powerful new tool to supplement existing printed
content and drive traffic deep into their websites, thereby increasing
advertising revenue on the website and generating additional e-commerce
opportunities. Print advertisers, like their broadcast counterparts, now have
the ability to create ads that place the consumer one swipe away from an
e-commerce transaction.
We believe that newspapers, in particular, will find Internet Enhanced
classifieds to be an important tool in meeting the perceived competitive threat
posed by web-based classified advertising. For example, a print cue placed in a
classified ad can take a reader directly to a web page showing photographs of a
house, car or boat advertised for sale or a job application form for an
advertised employment opportunity.
A.T. Cross has agreed to begin the manufacture and sale by the end of 2000
of the Cross Convergence pen, a mobile scanning device that can be used to swipe
and store print cues and barcodes for later uploading to a computer. We are also
in discussions with manufacturers to produce other mobile scanning devices.
INTERNET ENHANCED PRODUCTS AND OTHER :CUECAT APPLICATIONS
We are compiling a massive database that links existing barcodes, including
UPC, ISBN, EAN and other codes, to websites, thereby enabling manufacturers to
utilize their existing barcodes for advertising and other marketing purposes.
For example, 15 billion soda cans on store shelves around the world can be
transformed into 15 billion interactive advertising, promotional and e-commerce
opportunities. Because our :CueCat device reads substantially all barcodes and
does not require consumer goods manufacturers to alter product labels in any
way, our solution is an inexpensive and unobtrusive way of turning an existing
product label into a powerful new marketing tool. Manufacturers will be able to
offer alternative ideas for consumption of their products and brand their other
products on websites we link to their Internet Enhanced barcodes. Most
importantly, manufacturers will be able to update the content on the website to
ensure that their customers are never exposed to stale information or expired
promotional offers. In addition, our technology can be easily applied to a wide
range of other items that normally do not carry a barcode, such as prescription
drug labels, bank statements, insurance and brokerage statements, credit cards
or instruction manuals. Our Business and
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Consumer Group is working to develop applications such as these for leading
businesses across a wide range of industries.
KEY ADVANTAGES
We believe that our technology solution represents a revolutionary approach
to marketing. Our solution provides the following key advantages:
- POWERFUL MEANS TO ENABLE MASS MEDIA TO USE THE INTERNET MORE EFFECTIVELY.
Our technology allows television broadcasters, television and cable
networks, newspaper, magazine and catalog publishers and other mass media
companies to provide Internet Enhanced content and advertising without
extensive technology build-outs or investments. We believe that our :CRQ
technology can greatly increase the effectiveness of advertising in an era
of declining market shares and ratings for television broadcasters and
many cable networks. Newspaper and magazine publishers and direct
marketers can deploy :CueCat devices to enhance the power of
advertisements, catalogs and articles to drive online direct sales.
Broadcasters, publishers, retailers and advertisers can use our technology
and services to monitor, measure and analyze, on a real time basis, the
number of confirmed advertising deliveries for each 30 second spot or
printed advertisement and to refine advertising campaigns quickly.
- ATTRACTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR INTERNET USERS. Our technology offers Internet
users numerous benefits and complements rather than modifies Internet user
behavior. We have begun our deployment to make our technology widely
available and to distribute millions of :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and
audio cables free to the public. Users can install the :CueCat device onto
a computer easily and quickly and download our :CRQ software from the
Internet or install :CRQ software from a CD-ROM. Until our wireless :CRQ
technology is released, Internet users will then have to connect their
computers to their televisions or other electronic media sources with an
audio cable in order to use our technology with these media sources. We
expect companies with whom we have strategic relationships to distribute
at least two million audio cables without charge to their customers or
subscribers, and we additionally plan to distribute to Internet users at
least another two million audio cables for free through RadioShack. Once
installed, our :CRQ technology links a television viewer to the Internet
instantly upon transmission of an audio cue, and a :CueCat device links a
user to the Internet instantly upon the simple swipe of the :CueCat device
over a print cue or Internet Enhanced barcode. Users have full control
over their use of our technology and therefore view only the
Internet-based information and advertising that interests them. Internet
users benefit from our technology because it enables them to execute
easier, highly targeted Internet searches and navigation and allows them
to experience Internet Enhanced television and print media and improved
e-commerce opportunities. Furthermore, we believe that broadcasters,
publishers, manufacturers and other licensees of our technology will
create applications and web content that appeal to Internet users and will
increase the adoption and usage of our products.
- COMPELLING OPPORTUNITY FOR RETAILERS. We provide retailers with an
innovative and efficient means to achieve their key Internet objectives of
branding and e-commerce. Our technology empowers retailers to instantly
link virtually any type of media or product to their websites at little or
no cost to the public. We have designed our :CRQ software to allow
retailers to utilize a single cue to direct different users to different
web pages depending on their individual profiles. Our technology takes
users directly to an e-commerce web page without the trouble of clicking
through numerous links or needlessly searching through a website.
STRATEGY
Our objective is to establish our technology as the primary means for
television and cable networks, local television broadcasters, newspaper and
magazine publishers, and other mass media companies, as well as corporate
advertisers, manufacturers, retailers, catalog publishers, financial service
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companies, healthcare organizations and educational institutions to link their
broadcasts, publications and products to the Internet. To achieve this
objective, we have adopted the following strategies:
USE STRATEGIC MEDIA RELATIONSHIPS IN ORDER TO SUPPORT ADOPTION AND SUSTAIN
OUR FIRST MOVER ADVANTAGE
In order to build awareness of our brand and support adoption of our
products, we have established strategic relationships with several
well-established broadcasting and print media companies, including National
Broadcasting Company, Inc., Belo Corp., Forbes, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
Wired Magazine, The E.W. Scripps Company, Parade Magazine, Adweek Magazines,
Verizon Directories and others. We expect that these relationships, taken
together, will provide us with broad media exposure. The NBC Television Network
reaches approximately 99% of U.S. households. CNBC and MSNBC, affiliates of NBC,
are two of the leading U.S. cable networks, reaching more than 71 million and
54 million cable households, respectively. On the local television station
level, we have contracts in seven of the top ten U.S. media markets and a number
of other markets, for total coverage of approximately 51% of U.S. households. In
addition, we are in discussions with local broadcasters covering an additional
9% of U.S. households and with broadcast media companies representing an
additional five national cable networks to also implement our technology in
their television broadcasts, although there is no guarantee that we will be able
to enter into agreements with these companies on terms and conditions favorable
to us, if at all. By coordinating our distribution strategy with the
promotional, advertising and content support of our media licensees, we believe
we will be able to attain widespread consumer awareness of our brand and quickly
build interest in our technology. As consumers are introduced to our technology,
we believe they will quickly adopt the technology due to the ease with which it
allows users to access relevant, but difficult to find, web pages. As usage by
consumers and media licensees increases, we believe that the familiarity and
ubiquity of our technology will deter consumers and media and corporate
licensees from adopting competing products.
We intend to continue to pursue strategic relationships with companies that
can help us establish awareness of our brand and provide further penetration of
our selected media markets.
EXECUTE A NATIONWIDE ROLL-OUT OF OUR :CUECAT AND :CRQ TECHNOLOGY
We believe that we must rapidly achieve widespread distribution of our
products in order for our technology to emerge as the market standard. To
quickly permeate the market with our :CueCat devices, :CRQ software and audio
cables, we initially are distributing a large number of our products at little
or no cost to consumers. We expect that many of our products will be distributed
to the public by our strategic licensees. Additionally, RadioShack currently is
distributing our :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables free to the
public through its over 7,000 owned or franchised RadioShack retail outlets.
Further, Forbes and Wired Magazine have already mailed over 1.2 million packages
containing :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables to their subscribers.
We intend to aggressively pursue additional strategic relationships that will
assist us in continuing to execute the nationwide roll-out of our technology.
See "--Marketing and Promotion" and "--Strategic Relationships."
PROMOTE ADOPTION AND ACHIEVE HIGH LEVELS OF USAGE ON A CITY-BY-CITY BASIS
THROUGH OUR STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND TELEVISION
COMPANIES
In addition to our nationwide roll-out, we also intend to promote adoption
and high levels of usage of our technology on a city-by-city basis. We are
working with our local strategic licensees on a city-by-city basis to jointly
develop promotional and advertising campaigns for targeted cities. These
campaigns will include a combination of articles, interviews, advertisements and
commercials to be printed or aired locally, as well as promotional giveaways,
that are intended to generate interest in and promote knowledge of our
technology. We initially began our promotional and advertising campaign in
Dallas, Texas in September 2000. Our local roll-out in Dallas began in October
2000, at which time THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS and WFAA-TV (channel 8), both owned
by Belo Corp., began using cues. We
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intend to continue our local roll-out in other targeted cities throughout the
United States where we will specifically promote adoption and high levels of
usage of our technology. We are adding to our list of targeted cities as we
enter into relationships with local organizations in new cities. We anticipate
that our roll-out in currently targeted cities will be completed between now and
the end of 2002.
PROMOTE ADOPTION AND ACHIEVE HIGH LEVELS OF USAGE BY, AND GENERATE
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS APPLICATIONS IN, TARGETED BUSINESS SECTORS
We intend to promote adoption and high levels of usage and generate
business-to-business applications of our technology by targeted business
sectors, including travel, marketing and advertising. To accomplish this, we are
pursuing the adoption of our technology by trade publications that have focused
readerships in specific industry segments. For example, we have licensed our
technology to Adweek Magazines, which will include print cues in its various
trade publications, including AD WEEK, BRAND WEEK and MEDIA WEEK. In addition,
Adweek has mailed over 89,000 of our :CueCat devices and :CRQ CD-ROMs to
subscribers of its publications.
ESTABLISH OUR TECHNOLOGY AS THE "SYSTEM STANDARD" ON PERSONAL COMPUTERS AND
MOBILE AND WIRELESS DEVICES
Our goal is to establish "system standard" strategic relationships with
major software companies and computer manufacturers whereby they will
pre-install our :CueCat device and our :CRQ software on personal computers. We
believe that bundling our products with new personal computers will expose a
greater number of consumers to our technology and will solidify our position as
the market standard.
We also intend to establish our technology as the "system standard" on
mobile and wireless devices. A.T. Cross has agreed to begin the manufacture and
sale by the end of 2000 of the Cross Convergence pen, a mobile scanning device
that can be used to swipe and store print cues and barcodes for later uploading
to a computer. We are also in discussions with manufacturers to produce other
mobile scanning devices.
DEVELOP MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS FROM MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR ADVERTISING
MARKETS
Initially we intend to generate revenue through licensing fees paid for the
use of our cues by our print and television licensees and leading businesses
using our technology in specific industry segments. Our technology is also
well-suited for other applications in which we do not yet have established
relationships, including radio broadcasting, wireless communications and other
applications. In addition, we intend to derive revenue from the sale of
sponsorships of information tabs on our :CueChannel. As adoption of our :CueCat
and :CRQ technology grows, we believe other practical applications of our
technology will emerge.
DEVELOP CUSTOMIZED APPLICATIONS OF OUR TECHNOLOGY FOR LEADING BUSINESSES
We have formed a Business and Consumer Group comprised of executives and
sales personnel from a broad range of industries to develop customized
applications of our technology to address targeted needs of leading businesses.
Initially, we are focusing our efforts on the healthcare, insurance, financial
services and travel industries.
PURSUE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
We believe that there is a substantial market for our technology outside the
United States. Our :CueCat and :CRQ technology does not require foreign language
translations or technical modifications to be compatible with specific
broadcasting or recording technologies used in foreign markets. Instead,
international broadcasters, publishers, advertisers and retailers can place cues
in any type of electronic or print medium and direct users to websites using any
language. We intend to expand our international presence by adding sales and
marketing personnel and establishing strategic relationships to capitalize fully
on international market opportunities. We have signed a memorandum of
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understanding with a large Japanese firm to establish a joint venture in the
Japanese market. We have hired a president for our International Group and
opened an office in London in the third quarter of 2000. We intend to commence
international deployment of our technology during 2001.
DEVELOP SOPHISTICATED RESEARCH ON THE AGGREGATED BEHAVIOR OF OUR USERS AND
DEMOGRAPHIC MARKETING CAPABILITIES AS A VALUE-ADDED SERVICE TO OUR
CUSTOMERS
We require each user of our technology to provide basic individual
information to register and activate our :CueCat and :CRQ technology. In
addition, we are able to verify how many people viewed or interacted with an
advertiser's website as a result of a cue. No individual tracking based on a
user's actual identity occurs. That is because we remove identifying individual
information, except age, gender and zip code. In addition, we plan to request
further information from users on a purely voluntary basis. We aggregate cue
behavior by age, gender and zip code. We are using this type of information to
develop a substantial database reflecting various demographic groups'
information, aggregated interests and preferences and Internet activity to
generate summary data reports for advertisers and retailers. These firms would
use our reports and demographic marketing capabilities to tailor advertising
campaigns and website content to appeal to targeted demographic segments. Under
our privacy policy, we do not make individual user information available to
outside parties under any circumstances.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Our products and services consist of four integrated components:
- :CRQ, our software application;
- our :CueCat device, a hardware device similar in size to a computer mouse;
- our :CueChannel, a horizontal bar that appears at the bottom of a user's
Windows desktop; and
- the aggregation, analysis and marketing of consumer demographic data
related to the use of our :CueCat and :CRQ technology and our :CueChannel.
:CRQ
Our patented :CRQ software responds to a digital signal from a cue embedded
in any broadcast or print source and directs an Internet user's personal
computer to open any specified web page within a website. Our :CRQ software is
available for downloading onto a personal computer from our websites, selected
strategic licensees' websites and promotional CD-ROMs. When initially
downloading :CRQ software, a consumer is required to register as a user and will
be offered incentives to provide additional personal preferences and aggregate
demographic data. This information allows advertisers to direct users to
different web pages in response to the same cue, depending upon the preferences
and demographic data provided.
A user may use our :CRQ technology in several ways. For example, if the user
selects the active mode, the :CRQ technology will immediately launch the
computer's web browser to retrieve the targeted web page. A user may also choose
to collect cues in a passive mode similar to receiving e-mail messages and then
automatically launch the web browser at a later time chosen by the user. Our
:CRQ software is compatible with all commercially available web browsers.
In the broadcast application, the cue takes the form of a low level audio
tone, one-third of a second in duration. An audio cable connecting the
television and the computer will transfer the signal to the computer. We have
also designed a wireless version of our :CRQ technology in which a wireless
transmitter and receiver will replace the audio cable. We expect to make the
wireless version of our :CRQ software available for sale to consumers in early
2001.
Cues can be embedded in any type of video or audio media, including radio
and television broadcasts, CD-ROMs, DVDs and video tapes, to create Internet
Enhanced content and commercial
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advertisements. Through our :CRQ technology, television and cable broadcasts
become an instant and direct link and gateway to the Internet.
The following are examples of Internet Enhanced broadcast advertising,
content and event promotion:
- ADVERTISING. A television commercial for a particular automobile model
can contain a cue that directs the viewer's web browser to that model's
specific web page within the manufacturer's website. The web page can
include detailed information concerning that model's features and pricing,
dealerships and related Internet sites.
- CONTENT. A local television station can differentiate its newscast with
Internet Enhanced weather reporting. While reporting the weather, the
station can broadcast a cue that directs the viewer's web browser to the
broadcaster's web page that includes detailed forecast information for
each city and town in the viewing area.
- EVENT PROMOTION. A television broadcast of a major league baseball game
can contain a cue that directs the viewer's web browser to the team's
website. The web page can contain information such as players' statistics
and functionality to purchase tickets and memorabilia.
In the print application, the cue takes the form of a printed symbol,
similar in appearance to a barcode, preceded by our :C symbol. In order to use
our technology in print, an Internet user must have both our :CueCat device and
:CRQ software.
:CUECAT DEVICE
Our :CueCat device, a hardware device similar in size to a computer mouse,
works with our :CRQ software to enable an Internet user to swipe barcodes and
print cues included on products and in printed material and be directed to a
particular web page designated by the manufacturer or publisher. To install a
:CueCat device, a user simply installs our :CRQ software and plugs the :CueCat
device into his personal computer.
Our :CueCat device reads substantially all commonly used barcode topologies
as well as our proprietary codes that we generate to create Internet Enhanced
print media and products. Through our :CueCat technology, publishers gain a
powerful new tool to supplement existing printed content. In turn, publishers
will be able to attain higher advertising revenue on their websites and
potentially generate additional e-commerce opportunities. Marketers will be able
to transform the billions of consumer products on retailers' shelves into
powerful advertising, promotional and e-commerce opportunities. Examples of the
use of :CueCat devices include the following:
- ADVERTISING. A newspaper advertisement for a department store's clothing
sale can include a print cue that directs readers' web browsers to the
department store's web page featuring photographs of a complete line of
clothing products and ordering information.
- CONTENT. A newspaper or magazine article about toxic waste sites can be
linked to a web page that provides more detailed information about
governmental regulation, medical dangers associated with exposure and a
map of toxic areas.
- BARCODE PROMOTION. A shampoo bottle includes a barcode that can direct
the user's web browser to the manufacturer's web page containing an
interactive form to request a free sample or a coupon for the next
purchase.
- BARCODE CONTENT. A prescription drug bottle from a pharmacy can include a
barcode that directs the recipient's web browser to the drug
manufacturer's web page containing information regarding the illness for
which the drug was prescribed, side effects of the drug, and additional
products that may be useful in treating the illness.
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- ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT. A credit card statement can include a barcode that
directs the card holder's web browser to the credit card company's web
page where the card holder can check account information. Additionally,
the barcode could direct the card holder's web browser to the credit card
company's web page containing e-commerce possibilities or transaction
history.
THE :CUECHANNEL
When a cue launches a user's web browser to a specific web page, a
horizontal bar called the ":CueChannel" appears at the bottom of a user's
Windows desktop. The :CueChannel is populated with a series of tabs that, when
clicked, will display topical information. The :CueChannel is only visible when
an individual is using our technology. We believe that the :CueChannel will
reach mass audiences and that we will be able to sell sponsorships of
information tabs on the :CueChannel.
DATABASE RESEARCH AND MARKETING
We require each user of our technology to provide basic individual
information in order to register and activate our :CRQ technology. Additionally,
we plan to offer promotional and other incentives to encourage users to provide
more detailed information. We are using this information to develop a
substantial database of aggregate demographic information reflecting overall
users' interests and preferences. This information will be used to better tailor
our :CueChannel information tabs, as well as to generate summary aggregate
demographic data reports for advertisers, manufacturers and retailers. We expect
that these firms will use our reports and demographic marketing expertise to
tailor advertising campaigns, information tabs and website content to appeal to
targeted aggregate demographic segments of our users. Under our privacy policy,
we do not make personal user information available to outside parties. We will
provide aggregate summary demographic data to licensees of cues free of charge.
We intend to charge advertisers for more complex demographic data, which is
available only on an aggregated basis.
TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE
SERVER NETWORK
We are developing a network of multiple servers to be housed in several
facilities located throughout the United States. Currently, we have an agreement
with Exodus Communications to house some of our servers in its facilities. The
remaining servers are currently housed in our offices in Dallas, Texas. We
select each of these facilities for its strategic location, network availability
and ability to meet the demands of a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week environment.
We designed our system and network architecture specifically to handle large
numbers of simultaneous hits to our customers' website servers that will result
from the widespread use of our :CRQ technology. Our large number of
strategically located servers, combined with caching by Internet service
providers, will provide several levels of redundancy designed to prevent traffic
bottlenecks and extreme loads on our customers' website servers.
We use Compaq Nonstop-TM- Himalaya-S74000 series servers that offer
availability 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These servers have the flexibility
to quickly and easily expand systems and solutions as desired and provide open
access to our :CRQ application software. Our front end processors are Compaq
Proliant DS350s.
Currently we have OC3 connectivity, a high speed connection, into UUNET
WorldCom, a national telecommunications provider, and are negotiating a second
high speed link with another telecommunications provider.
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END USER SOFTWARE
Our software has been constructed in an easily upgradable and
low-maintenance manner to allow us to quickly and easily add modules and
functions. Developing our PC desktop software with Microsoft's Visual Studio C++
offers greater design and maintenance flexibility and an abundance of trained
personnel available in the marketplace. We are developing Macintosh, Linux and
Unix versions of our software.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
We have selected the JD Edwards One World accounting package for its
underlying financial systems. The JDE One World software will also provide
contract management functions. We expect our management information system to be
operational by February 2001.
OPEN LICENSING POLICY
We have adopted a policy to allow any device manufacturer or software
publisher to license our technology for incorporation into its device or
software.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
We have designed our marketing and promotion strategy to attain widespread
adoption of our technology by Internet users and to establish strong licensing
arrangements with major networks, local station groups, cable networks,
publishers, retailers, manufacturers and direct marketers. We expect to employ
multiple channels to achieve our goals, including:
USER ADOPTION
- MASS DISTRIBUTION. We plan to achieve widespread distribution and adoption
of our technology, as described in the overview to this section.
- STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS. We have established strategic relationships with
the NBC Television Network, local station groups, cable networks,
publishers and direct marketers. We expect companies with whom we have
strategic relationships to promote our technology to consumers by
marketing their programming and printed materials as being Internet
Enhanced in order to increase viewership and readership. Our strategic
licensees have begun to aggressively market our technology to their
advertisers in an effort to increase advertising revenues. Forbes, Parade
Magazine and some of each of their advertisers began using print cues
starting with their September magazine issues. Wired Magazine and some of
its advertisers began using print cues starting with its October issue.
Forbes, Wired Magazine and Parade Magazine have a combined circulation of
over 38 million subscribers. THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, with a daily
circulation of approximately 490,000, began using print cues in
October 2000 and distributed approximately 130,000 :CueCat devices and
130,000 :CRQ CD-ROMs to its subscribers. THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL,
with daily circulation of approximately 286,000 subscribers, will begin
using print cues in November 2000 and will distribute approximately
200,000 :CueCat devices and 200,000 :CRQ CD-ROMs to its subscribers. We
are in discussions with other newspapers with a combined daily circulation
of approximately 1 million subscribers which we expect to begin using
print cues at various times beginning in November 2000 through the first
quarter of 2001. We expect that the NBC Television Network and NBC's cable
networks, CNBC and MSNBC, will begin using cues in their broadcasts in the
first quarter of 2001. We expect that these relationships, taken together,
will provide us with broad media exposure. On the local television station
level, we expect to launch our technology in markets covering
approximately 60% of U.S. households between now and the end of 2002. To
assist our strategic licensees in their efforts, we have limited the
number of cues that will be broadcast in any particular market in order to
create demand and enhance the value of these cues.
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- TRADITIONAL ADVERTISING. We have begun a program of print, radio and
television advertising to create public awareness of our technology.
Companies with whom we have strategic relationships have placed
commercials featuring our technology on television, and we have given
affiliate kits to our licensees and produced long-form television
commercials which have been placed in appropriate media. In addition, we
have secured the right to use the cartoon characters from the television
shows THE SIMPSONS and FUTURAMA in our marketing campaigns to promote our
technology.
- LOCAL PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMS. In each media market in which we introduce our
technology, we intend to organize a series of mutually reinforcing media
events and giveaways. For example, in Dallas, the first local market in
which we have launched our technology, we have put into place short-form
and long-form television advertising, print advertising and programs to
give away up to 100,000 :CueCat kits to corporations and up to 10,000
:CueCat kits to educational institutions. Much of this advertising is
being provided free of charge by our broadcast and print licensee,
Belo Corp., and we expect that our other licensees will also provide
advertising free of charge. In addition, we intend to institute :CRQ Club,
an organization of Internet users who utilize our technology. We
anticipate that :CRQ Club members will receive unique content and special
offers from some of our strategic licensees and other companies and that
membership will encourage consumer loyalty to us.
COMMERCIAL ADOPTION AND MAINTENANCE
- SENIOR MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIPS. We have an experienced management team
that has many established relationships with broadcasters, publishers,
manufacturers and direct marketers. We intend to use these relationships
to encourage the adoption of our technology, as well as to establish
additional strategic relationships. See "Management--Directors and
Executive Officers."
- SALES TEAM. In order to assist our strategic licensees in executing a
successful launch strategy and to ensure Internet user acceptance, we are
building a diverse and highly skilled executive team to manage the sales
and implementation of our technology by various media-related companies
and other corporations. The media team consists of executives from a range
of industries, including the broadcasting, cable, print and advertising
industries. In addition to guiding the implementation of production
procedures and the integration of our technology into existing business
practices in client firms, our team will provide insight and guidance
regarding local events and roll-outs to maximize Internet user acceptance.
We will use five media teams to oversee the sales process for broadcast
and cable networks, local television stations, newspapers and magazines,
studios and production companies and advertising agencies. In addition, we
are forming several industry specific teams to work with large businesses
on customized applications of our technology. Each team will consist
initially of a primary manager, as well as up to four account executives,
depending on the needs of our customers.
- STRATEGIC ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT TEAM. We have begun forming a team to manage
the accounts of our customers. We are employing people with substantial
experience in each of our target markets, including television
broadcasting, print media, direct marketing and cable networks, and in
major industry segments to assist our customers in developing compelling
content for their websites. Each of our customers will be assigned to a
strategic account manager. Currently, we have 18 strategic account
managers and we expect to hire an additional 23 to 28 strategic account
managers over the next 18 months.
- INTERACTIVE DATABASE. We are compiling a massive database that links
existing UPC, ISBN, EAN and other codes to web pages, thereby enabling
manufacturers to utilize their existing barcodes for advertising purposes.
We have activated the database and intend to provide manufacturers with
one free year in which to evaluate the results. There are approximately
60 million active
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barcodes that, if swiped by our :CueCat device, will take the user to a
related website through our system. At the end of the first year, we
intend to introduce an activation fee per code that would be paid to us by
manufacturers.
- TRADE SHOWS. In order to maintain a high level of visibility among media
companies and corporate clients, we expect to participate in multiple
trade events per year, such as the National Association of Television
Programming Executives conference.
STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
We believe that our strategic relationships provide us with significant
opportunities to gain market acceptance for our technology. We maintain
strategic relationships with, among others, the following companies:
BELO INTERACTIVE INC. We entered into an agreement with Belo Interactive,
Inc., an affiliate of Belo Corp., on April 4, 2000, granting to Belo's
television stations:
- a non-transferable, limited exclusive license to use our technology to
transmit content and advertising cues in their broadcasts and
- the right to sublicense to local advertisers cues for use in the local
advertisers' commercials shown during selected programming for a limited
time ending .
As a condition to the performance of our obligations under the agreement,
Belo will pay to us either a fixed annual license fee or a per commercial cue
fee. Belo also agreed to use reasonable efforts to promote our technology to the
public. The term of the agreement began August 1, 2000 and continues for
18 months thereafter. Before the end of the term, either we or Belo may
terminate this agreement upon 30 days' written notice to the other party if the
other party has defaulted on the performance of any material provision of the
agreement and has not cured the default in accordance with the terms of the
agreement. Belo Corp. currently operates 20 television stations in 16 markets
reaching 14% of the total U.S. television audience. Belo also operates 9
regional cable news channels in Texas.
Belo's local stations broadcast in:
- Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas;
- Houston, Texas;
- Seattle/Tacoma, Washington;
- St. Louis, Missouri;
- Portland, Oregon;
- Charlotte, North Carolina;
- San Antonio, Texas;
- Hampton/Norfolk, Virginia;
- New Orleans, Louisiana;
- Louisville, Kentucky;
- Tulsa, Oklahoma;
- Spokane, Washington;
- Tucson, Arizona;
- Boise, Idaho;
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- Austin, Texas; and
- Phoenix, Arizona.
Belo's cable news channels broadcast in:
- Texas;
- the Northwest, including Washington, Oregon and Idaho;
- Arizona;
- New Orleans, Louisiana; and
- Norfolk/Portsmouth/Newport News, Virginia.
FORBES. We entered into an agreement with Forbes Inc. on January 13, 2000,
to launch Internet Enhanced content and advertising in its September 2000 issue
of BEST OF THE WEB magazine. Forbes has agreed to promote this issue as the
first Internet Enhanced business magazine and thereafter to Internet Enhance
FORBES magazines for a one-year period. As part of its agreement, Forbes mailed
:CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables to its over 830,000 subscribers
in August. We have agreed not to provide our technology to specified competitors
of Forbes during the term of the agreement, which ends on August 31, 2001.
NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC. We entered into an agreement with
National Broadcasting Company, Inc. on April 18, 2000, to license our :CRQ
software to National Broadcasting Company, Inc., its cable networks and several
of its affiliates. As part of the agreement, we granted National Broadcasting
Company, Inc.'s owned and operated television stations the exclusive right to
use cues in local programs, except in the Dallas market where Belo Corp. has
exclusive rights to use our :CRQ technology in local programming. These local
stations broadcast in:
- Birmingham, Alabama;
- Chicago, Illinois;
- Columbus, Ohio;
- Hartford, Connecticut;
- Los Angeles, California;
- Miami, Florida;
- New York, New York;
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
- Providence, Rhode Island;
- Raleigh, North Carolina;
- San Diego, California; and
- Washington, D.C.
The term of the license begins on the date on which our :CueCat devices and
:CRQ CD-ROMs have been delivered to at least 5 million persons and at least
5 million persons have loaded or downloaded the :CRQ software and registered and
ends 18 months later. Before the end of the term, either we or NBC may terminate
this agreement upon 30 days' written notice to the other party if the other
party has defaulted in the performance of any material provision of the
agreement and has not cured the default in accordance with the terms of the
agreement. In addition, NBC received limited exclusivity rights for its presence
on our :CueChannel. NBC also agreed that we will be its exclusive provider of
any technology similar to our patented or patent pending technology through
April 2002.
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RADIOSHACK CORPORATION. We entered into an agreement with our stockholder
RadioShack Corporation effective on December 6, 1999, to act as a product
sourcing manager for the production of our :CueCat devices. Our principal retail
distribution channel for :CueCat devices is RadioShack's owned or franchised
RadioShack retail outlets. As our key manufacturer and distributor, RadioShack
offers substantial advertising strength, a 25,000 person sales force that is
being trained to conduct :CueCat device demonstrations, and over 7,000 owned or
franchised RadioShack retail outlets estimated to be located within five minutes
of approximately 94% of the U.S. population. The term of the agreement ends on
December 31, 2001, and will automatically renew for successive one-year terms
unless it is terminated by either party. The agreement can be terminated by
either party at any time upon 90 days prior notice. See "Business--Manufacturing
and Distribution."
WIRED MAGAZINE. We entered into an agreement with Wired Magazine on
February 16, 2000, to launch Internet Enhanced content and advertising in three
consecutive issues commencing with its October 2000 issue. Wired Magazine has
agreed to promote the October 2000 issue as Internet Enhanced and has mailed
:CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio cables to its over 400,000 subscribers.
We have agreed not to provide our technology to specified competitors of Wired
Magazine during the term of the agreement which ends on December 31, 2000.
Before the end of the term, either we or Wired Magazine may terminate this
agreement upon 30 days' written notice to the other party if the other party has
defaulted in the performance of any material provision of the agreement and has
not cured the default in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. We entered into an agreement with Journal
Sentinel Incorporated, an affiliate of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, on
April 4, 2000, granting Journal Sentinel Incorporated the non-exclusive right to
acquire print cues for use within its various publications. Journal Sentinel
Incorporated, Inc. has also agreed to mail :CueCat devices to the subscribers of
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. We also entered into an agreement with Journal
Broadcast Group, Inc., an affiliate of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, on
February 8, 2000, granting Journal Broadcast Group, Inc. the non-exclusive right
to acquire cues for use within television programs and station promotions in the
Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. The terms of these agreements end at varying dates
between April 30, 2002 and July 15, 2002. Both agreements provide for early
termination of the agreement upon occurrence of specified conditions.
YOUNG & RUBICAM. We entered into a letter agreement with Young &
Rubicam, Inc. on September 19, 2000, granting Young & Rubicam a non-exclusive
right to demonstrate our :CueCat devices and :CRQ software worldwide for the
period from July 17, 2000 to July 17, 2005. Under the agreement, Young & Rubicam
will receive a fee for each company that they introduce to our technology and
that subsequently licenses our technology from us. The economic terms of the fee
to be paid to Young & Rubicam will be negotiated by Young & Rubicam and us.
THE COCA-COLA COMPANY. We entered into a letter agreement with The
Coca-Cola Company on April 25, 2000, which provides that, during a term
commencing on the date of the agreement and ending on December 31, 2001, we
would not participate in any marketing program or enter into any marketing
agreement with any non-alcoholic beverage company other than Coca-Cola, its
affiliates or bottlers of its products. We also agreed to negotiate in good
faith with Coca-Cola to extend the term beyond December 31, 2001. In addition,
we agreed to use our best efforts to include Coca-Cola in promotions of our
products and to include the cities of Atlanta, Georgia and Dallas, Texas as part
of the initial rollout of our technology. We also agreed to use our best efforts
to cooperate with Coca-Cola in developing and implementing programs featuring
other Coca-Cola brands or products.
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. We entered into an agreement with NeoMedia on
October 18, 2000, whereby it granted us a non-transferable, worldwide,
non-exclusive license under all patents and patent applications owned or
licensed by NeoMedia related to our business operations. NeoMedia's technology
is similar to ours in that it links print and print on products to web-based
information. In addition, NeoMedia granted to us rights sufficient to allow our
distributors, business associates, dealers, agents,
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franchisees, licensees and customers to act in furtherance of our license with
products developed under our license.
We agreed to issue by the first anniversary date of the agreement 1,415,760
shares of our common stock to NeoMedia in partial consideration for the license.
If we elect not to issue these shares of stock, we must pay NeoMedia
$5.1 million in cash annually for three years, beginning on the first
anniversary of the agreement. Upon execution of the license agreement, we paid
$5.0 million to NeoMedia as consideration for use of the license from March 1,
2000 to the date of signing the agreement. In addition, we are obligated to pay
NeoMedia, for each license year, the greater of $10.0 million or 1.5% of our
gross revenue for the license year, provided that if our gross revenue exceeds
$2.0 billion for any license year, then the royalty rate will be reduced to 1.0%
of our gross revenue for that year. The term of the agreement expires
October 18, 2010.
THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY. The E.W. Scripps Company agreed as of April 18,
2000, that its newspapers, television stations and cable television networks
would receive an exclusive license to deploy our technology in their respective
markets. In addition, Scripps received a license to resell our technology to
advertisers. We agreed with Scripps to negotiate in good faith the economic
terms of the license.
A.T. CROSS COMPANY. We entered into an agreement with A.T. Cross Company on
August 30, 2000, to license to A.T. Cross the use of our technology for A.T.
Cross's line of graphic code-reader pens. A.T. Cross also agreed to promote our
technology by various means, including by inserting copies of our :CRQ software
in packaging of all code-reading pens it sells in the United States and by
featuring broadcast cues in A.T. Cross television advertisements and print cues
in A.T. Cross print advertisements. The term of the agreement is five years,
unless we fail to launch our technology successfully as provided in the
agreement.
PARADE PUBLICATIONS. We entered into an agreement with Parade Publications,
the publisher of Parade Magazine, on May 23, 2000, granting to Parade the
non-exclusive right to incorporate print cues into its magazine and
advertisements in its magazine during a term beginning on September 1, 2000 and
ending December 31, 2001. Parade may terminate the agreement at any time upon
providing 90 days' prior written notice to us. Parade may use print cues in its
magazine without charge through December 31, 2000, and Parade will pay us a fee
for each print cue used for the remainder of the term. Parade also agreed to
provide without charge consulting and advisory services to assist us in
promoting our technology to newspapers that carry Parade magazine.
ADWEEK MAGAZINES. We entered into an agreement with Adweek Magazines on
June 28, 2000, granting Adweek Magazines the non-exclusive right to acquire
print cues free of charge for use within its various publications, including AD
WEEK, BRAND WEEK and MEDIA WEEK. AdWeek Magazines have also mailed over 89,000
of our :CueCat devices and :CRQ CD-ROMs to subscribers of its various
publications. The term of the agreement began on September 1, 2000 and continues
for two years.
VERIZON DIRECTORIES CORP. We entered into an agreement with Verizon
Directories Corp. on October 19, 2000, granting to Verizon the right to
incorporate print cues into its telephone directories, internal company
materials and sales materials during a five-year term ending October 19, 2005.
We also granted Verizon the right to distribute our :CueCat devices and :CRQ
CD-ROMs. Verizon agreed to pay us a fee per cue incorporated into its
publications. We and Verizon have the right to terminate the agreement upon the
occurrence of specified conditions.
MANUFACTURING
RadioShack has agreed to act as a product sourcing manager for the
production of our :CueCat devices until December 31, 2001, and then for
successive one-year terms if the agreement is not terminated by either
RadioShack or us. RadioShack currently utilizes two manufacturing facilities in
Asia, with which it has manufacturing subcontracts, for our manufacturing needs.
RadioShack has
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advised us that it has the capacity to devote additional manufacturing
facilities to manufacture our :CueCat devices. Our :CRQ CD-ROMs are manufactured
in three locations in the United States. In some cases, we expect that the costs
of manufacturing and/or distributing :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and audio
cables will be borne or defrayed by our strategic investors and licensees and by
advertisers who advertise directly on :CueCat devices.
PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright
laws and confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements to protect our
proprietary technology and intellectual property rights, and our success and
ability to compete are substantially dependent upon our internally developed
technology and know-how.
We currently own six patents in the United States. We have filed
approximately 75 other patent applications in the United States, and these
patent applications are currently pending in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office, or the USPTO. We have also filed foreign counterpart
applications for some of our pending U.S. applications. Some of these foreign
applications have been filed as PCT patent applications, while others have been
filed with the European Patent Office. Additional patent applications have been
filed in Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan. To date, we have filed
approximately 68 foreign patent applications. We currently own foreign design
registrations Ireland Design Registration D. 13367, UK Design Registration
2093996 and Germany Design Registration 400 05 441.8. In addition, have filed
approximately 11 other foreign design applications which are currently pending
in the Patent Offices of Austria, Benelux, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Finland,
France, Italy, Japan, Portugal and Sweden. Generally, under the laws of most, if
not all, of the countries in which we have filed patent applications, a pending
patent application affords very little, if any, legal protection to the
invention described in the application, as legal protection to the invention
described in the patent application only arises after a particular country's
patent office approves the patent application and allows the application to
issue into a patent. There can be no assurance that our pending patent
applications will ever issue into enforceable patents. Also, once a patent
application issues into a patent, there can be no assurance that our patent
rights will afford any significant degree of protection or provide us with a
competitive advantage. In particular, there can be no assurance that any of
these patents will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented in the future.
Failure to maintain the protection afforded by our patents may have a
material adverse effect on our future revenues and ability to become profitable.
Further, there can be no assurance that our patents will ultimately be found to
be valid or enforceable, or that our patent rights will deter others from
developing substantially equivalent or competitive products. In addition, it may
be necessary for us to undertake infringement actions against others. The
defense and prosecution of patent litigation is costly and involves substantial
commitments of management time. Adverse determinations in patent proceedings to
which we are a party could subject us to significant liabilities to third
parties and require us to seek licenses from third parties. Although patent and
intellectual property disputes are often settled through licensing or similar
arrangements, costs associated with these arrangements may be substantial and
could include ongoing royalties. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that
necessary licenses would be available to us on satisfactory terms or at all.
Accordingly, an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding
or failure to obtain necessary licenses could prevent us from manufacturing and
selling our products in one or more markets and could have a material adverse
effect on us.
We also seek to protect our proprietary technology, in part, through
confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with employees, consultants and
other parties. Our confidentiality agreements with our employees and consultants
also contain industry standard provisions requiring the individuals to assign to
us without additional consideration any inventions conceived or reduced to
practice by them while employed or retained by us, subject to customary
exceptions. There can be no assurance
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that our confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with employees,
consultants and others will not be breached, that we would have adequate
remedies for any breach or that our trade secrets will not otherwise become
known to or independently developed by competitors.
We currently own U.S. Trademark Registration No. 2,372,935 for the mark
Orchestrating The Internet-Registered Trademark-. We have filed applications for
registration with the USPTO for many other trademarks we use or plan to use in
our business. Some of the marks we are attempting to register with the USPTO
include DigitalConvergence-TM-, DigitalConvergence.Com-TM- and the :C-TM-
symbol. We are attempting to register these marks based upon use in association
with various products and services provided by us. In addition, we have filed
applications to register these marks, as well as other marks, in the European
Community and Japan. We plan on pursuing the trademark registration applications
we have already filed and filing additional applications as we develop new
trademarks. The USPTO has granted us notices of allowance for our pending
trademark applications for the :C-TM- symbol and for the mark Cyber Code-TM-.
All that is required for us to receive registered trademarks for the :C-TM-
symbol and Cyber Code-TM- is to file affidavits of use for each mark with the
USPTO. Other than the marks just discussed, we have not received official notice
that any of the trademarks described in the various applications will ultimately
become our registered trademarks. While our trademark applications are being
reviewed by the various countries' trademark offices, many events and
circumstances could arise that would prevent a given mark from ultimately being
registered or from being registered in association with all of the products and
services described in the original trademark application. For example, any
trademark application is subject to the filing of an opposition proceeding in
the USPTO, or in the respective foreign jurisdiction if a foreign application,
by a third party after its publication during the application process. If an
opposition proceeding is filed, and if we do not prevail, then we may not be
able to obtain registration for the subject mark, and we could be required to
stop using the mark or pay a fee to a third party for permission to use it. Even
if we prevail in the opposition proceeding, the strength of the mark may be
adversely affected by the proceeding. Further, any U.S. trademark may be
challenged for a period of six years after its registration date. Thus, we could
also face a cancellation proceeding in the USPTO relating to our registered mark
Orchestrating The Internet-Registered Trademark- or other marks after they are
registered. Effective trademark and service mark protection may not be available
in every country in which our products or services are made available, and thus,
the steps that we take may be inadequate to protect our rights.
We entered into an agreement with NeoMedia on October 18, 2000, whereby it
granted us a non-transferable, worldwide, non-exclusive license under all
patents and patent applications owned or licensed by NeoMedia related to our
business operations. NeoMedia's technology is similar to ours in that it links
print and print on products to web-based information. In addition, NeoMedia
granted to us rights sufficient to allow our distributors, business associates,
dealers, agents, franchisees, licensees and customers to act in furtherance of
our license with products developed under our license.
We have licensed in the past, and expect that we may license in the future,
several of our proprietary rights, such as trademarks or copyrighted material,
to third parties. While we attempt to ensure that the quality of our brand is
maintained by these licensees, there can be no assurance that the licensees will
not take actions that would materially adversely affect the value of our
proprietary rights or reputation.
We also rely on technology that we license from third parties, including the
suppliers of the operating systems and financial and reporting system for our
business. There can be no assurance that these third-party technology licenses
will continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms. The loss
of the technology could require us to obtain substitute technology of lower
quality or performance standards or at greater cost, which could materially
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We hold the Internet domain name "digitalconvergence.com." Under current
domain name registration practices, no one else can obtain an identical domain
name, but they can obtain a similar name, or the identical name with a country
designation or other high level identifier. There is also a
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risk that a third party could challenge the use of our domain name. The
relationship between regulations governing domain names and the laws protecting
trademarks and similar proprietary rights is evolving. Domain names are
regulated by Internet regulatory bodies, while trademarks are enforceable under
local national law. In addition, the regulation of domain names in the United
States and in foreign countries may change. There are plans to establish
additional top-level domains, appoint additional domain name registrars and
modify the requirements for holding domain names in countries in which we
conduct business, and we could be unable to prevent third-parties from acquiring
domain names that infringe or otherwise decrease the value of our domain names
or trademarks.
Like other technology-based businesses, we face the risk that we will be
unable to protect our patents and other intellectual property rights, and the
risk that we will be found to have infringed the proprietary rights of others.
For an expanded discussion of these risks, see "Risk Factors."
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
We are subject to varying degrees of federal, state and local regulation, as
well as U.S. and state statutes and common law. The Federal Communications
Commission has established regulations that, among other things, set
installation and equipment standards for communications systems. Additionally,
the television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the federal, state
and local levels. Legislative and regulatory proposals under consideration by
Congress and federal agencies may materially affect that industry and our
ability to distribute our :CueCat and :CRQ technology to television
broadcasters.
As a result of the increasing popularity and use of the Internet, the
Internet is receiving increasing legislative scrutiny. Applicability to the
Internet of existing laws and regulations governing issues such as intellectual
property ownership, copyrights and other intellectual property issues, taxation,
libel, obscenity and consumer privacy is uncertain. For example, in 1996
Congress enacted the Communications Decency Act, which, among other things,
purported to impose criminal penalties on anyone who distributes "obscene" or
"indecent" materials over the Internet. A number of states have adopted or
proposed similar legislation. Although several provisions of the act have been
held to be unconstitutional, the manner in which the act and similar existing or
future federal and state laws will ultimately be interpreted and enforced and
their effect on our operations cannot yet be fully determined. These laws could
subject us to substantial liability. Restrictive laws or regulations could also
dampen the growth of the Internet generally and decrease the acceptance of the
Internet as an advertising medium and could, thereby, have a material adverse
effect on us.
In addition, it is possible that laws and regulations may be modified or
adopted at the federal, state and local levels related to issues such as
consumer privacy, defamation, network access, pricing, taxation, content
regulation, characteristics and quality of products and services, advertising
and intellectual property ownership and infringement. The application of
modified or new legislation or regulations to our products and services could
expose us to liability, increase our cost of doing business, and adversely
affect consumer or advertiser acceptance of our product. In sum, new or modified
legislation or regulation could have a material adverse effect on us.
To the extent that we do business in foreign countries or otherwise fall
within the jurisdiction of foreign countries, we could become subject to foreign
regulation and laws. Several countries, such as some of the members of the
European Community, have passed Internet privacy and consumer protection laws
which are stricter than those in the United States. The application of foreign
legislation or regulations to our products and services could expose us to
liability, increase our cost of doing business, and adversely affect consumer or
advertiser acceptance of our product.
To our knowledge, there are currently no investigations, inquiries,
citations, fines or allegations of violations or noncompliance against us
pending before any government agencies or third parties.
COMPETITION
The market for Internet convergence technology is new and rapidly evolving.
We expect that competition will increase as other established and emerging
companies enter the Internet convergence
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market and as new products and technologies are introduced. Increased
competition may result in price reductions and our loss of market share. We have
identified several related technologies in the area of media convergence. In
broadcasting and electronic media, interactive set-top box companies, including
Hyper TV Networks Inc., OpenTV, Inc., WebTV Networks, Inc., Wink Communications,
Inc., WorldGate Communications, Inc. and MicroCast, Inc., link television
programming and the Internet. We believe that our technology should be perceived
as complementary and not competitive to these products and services because it
can be used in conjunction with set-top boxes. However, we also believe that our
"two-device" solution is more likely to be widely accepted by the public than a
"one-box" solution because our solution does not require the public to change
habits or make significant additional monetary investments, if any. Viewers can
continue to receive one-way information via the passive, public medium of their
televisions, while using their personal computers to establish interactive
one-on-one relationships with advertisers and content providers. Also in
broadcasting and electronic media, WebChoice Inc. has created technology
enabling a user to download a data file containing all of the website addresses
to which a viewer of a specific television program can be directed by
WebChoice's technology. It is our understanding that each time a WebChoice user
would change to another television program, the user would then be required to
download a new data file of website addresses. We believe that no television
programs are currently using WebChoice's technology. In print media and consumer
products, companies such as AirClic Inc., BarPoint.com, Inc., Connect Things
Inc., Digimarc Corp., Fast Frog.com, Gamut Interactive, GoCode Inc., Intacta
Technologies Inc., iPilot Inc., InfoSpace, NeoMedia Technologies, Inc.,
PlanetPortal, PlanetRx.com Inc., and Code Corporation have created technology
enabling users to use scanners, some of which are wireless, to access relevant
web pages.
In June 2000, Motorola, Inc., Symbol Technologies, Inc., Air Clic Inc. and
Connect Things Inc., an affiliate of LM Ericsson AB, announced their intention
to form a consortium to develop techniques that link printed publications and
television to the Internet using embedded Web codes. We believe that this
consortium has not yet developed a specific technology in this area, nor has it
created an operating structure to develop the technology. The companies
comprising this consortium have substantially greater financial, technical and
marketing resources, currently greater name recognition and more established
relationships in other industries than we do. We believe that this consortium
could become a significant competitor.
We believe that our technology is unique and innovative and that our
marketing strategy differentiates us from our competitors. We are not aware of
any other Internet convergence technology currently available to the public that
- links broadcast media, printed publications and consumer products to the
Internet,
- has been rapidly deployed on such a wide-scale basis as our technology,
- is being promoted by a comparable group of strategic licensees and
investors and a management team with our marketing and technical
expertise, and
- is available at a low cost to the public.
We believe that these combined features distinguish our technology and business
from our current competitors in the Internet convergence technology market. See
"Risk Factors--Competition."
FACILITIES
We lease approximately 50,000 square feet in Dallas, 3,120 square feet in
Addison, Texas, approximately 14,000 square feet in New York on a month-to-month
basis, and approximately 2,800 square feet in London. In October 2000, we paid
approximately $4.6 million for a deposit on a lease to occupy approximately
43,300 square feet of office space in New York. We plan to occupy approximately
half of this office space in February 2001, and we plan to sublease the
remainder of the space. We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our
current needs.
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EMPLOYEES
As of September 30, 2000, we had 216 full-time employees and 39
part-time/temporary employees. Of our full-time employees, 45 are in sales and
marketing, 73 are in research and development and 98 are in general and
administrative positions. Most of our part-time/temporary employees assist us in
matching barcodes to websites. We consider our employee relations to be good.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are a co-defendant with Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. and J. Jovan
Philyaw, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, in a lawsuit
filed September 17, 1999 in the 101st District Court of Dallas County in Dallas,
Texas. The plaintiff, Nissi Cosmetics, Inc., alleges that Infotainment
Telepictures breached a 1997 contract for the creation of two websites, two
infomercials, and two direct response spots for the advertising and marketing of
several of Nissi Cosmetics' body color, or self-tanning, products. Nissi
Cosmetics also alleges we were the "alter ego" of Infotainment Telepictures in
committing the alleged breaches. Nissi Cosmetics seeks recovery of $585,000 paid
to defendants and unspecified damages for "lost profits." We filed a general
denial and intend to vigorously defend the matter. Under the terms of our asset
purchase agreement with Infotainment Telepictures, Infotainment has agreed to
indemnify us for any costs, expenses, liabilities or other losses we may incur
in connection with this matter. However, we cannot assure you that Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc. will have the assets to meet its indemnification obligations
to us.
From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims
arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. As of the date
of this prospectus, we are not aware of any legal proceedings pending or
threatened that we expect would have a material adverse effect on us.
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MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our
executive officers and directors as of August 31, 2000:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
------------------------------- -------- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
J. Jovan Philyaw............... 35 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Michael N. Garin............... 54 President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Patrick V. Stark............... 46 Executive Vice President and Director
Scott P. Carlin................ 45 President of the Media Group
Gregory D. Lerman.............. 54 President of the Retail and Direct Marketing Group
Douglas L. Davis............... 34 President of the Technology Group
Stuart B. Graber............... 46 President of the International Group
Donald E. Welsh................ 57 President of the Publishing Group
William S. Leftwich............ 51 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Blaine L. Thacker.............. 57 President of the Business and Consumer Group
Jeffrey A. Glickman............ 49 President of DigitalDemographics.:Com Inc.
John G. Huncke................. 47 Executive Vice President of the Media Group
John W. Weems.................. 46 Chief Marketing Officer
William O. Hunt................ 66 Director
Michael H. Jordan.............. 63 Director
Jack A. Turpin................. 69 Director
</TABLE>
J. Jovan Philyaw founded us in September 1998 and is the creator of our
:CueCat and :CRQ technology. Prior to founding us, Mr. Philyaw created NET TALK
LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW, now known as NET TALK INTERACTIVE!, in September
1996 and served as its Executive Producer and host from September 1996 to
February 2000. Since December 1997, Mr. Philyaw has served as the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Infotainment Telepictures, Inc., the predecessor
company that produced NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW, before we acquired
these predecessor rights. Mr. Philyaw served as Executive Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer of Internet America, an Internet service provider, from
September 1995 to September 1996.
Michael N. Garin joined us as our President and Chief Operating Officer in
August 1999. From 1989 to 1999, Mr. Garin served as the global head of Media and
Communications for Furman Selz and ING Barings LLC after ING Barings acquired
Furman Selz in October 1997. Mr. Garin also served on the management committee
and board of directors of Furman Selz from 1993 to 1997. In 1978, Mr. Garin
co-founded Telepictures, a television distribution company. In 1986,
Telepictures merged with Lorimar to become Lorimar-Telepictures. Mr. Garin holds
a masters degree in Philosophy and Arts from the New School of Social Research,
New York, and an A.B. in Economics from Harvard College.
Patrick V. Stark joined us as our Executive Vice President on December 31,
1999. Mr. Stark became one of our directors in September 1998. Mr. Stark was a
shareholder/director at the law firm of Kane, Russell, Coleman & Logan, P.C. in
Dallas, Texas, from January 1992 until he joined us. Mr. Stark holds a law
degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. in Spanish from Arizona
State University.
Scott P. Carlin joined us as the President of our Media Group in October
1999. From June 1995 until he joined us, he served as Executive Vice President
of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution and Executive Vice President,
Telepictures Distribution. From March 1991 to June 1995, Mr. Carlin served as
Senior Vice President, Sales, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.
Mr. Carlin holds a B.A. in communications from the University of Colorado.
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Gregory D. Lerman joined us as the President of our Retail and Direct
Marketing Group, our division that works with direct response media such as home
shopping television networks, catalogs and direct mail, in August 1999. Prior to
joining us, Mr. Lerman served as President of E-Commerce for Paxson
Communications, which owns and operates television broadcast stations, from
February 1999 to October 1999 and Executive Vice President and General Manager
of Valuevision International, an integrated direct marketing company, from
January 1998 to February 1999. From January 1997 to September 1997, Mr. Lerman
served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Kent and Spiegel Direct, a
television direct marketing firm. Within one year after Mr. Lerman left Kent and
Spiegel Direct, the company filed for bankruptcy. From January 1995 to
December 1996, Mr. Lerman was retired. From October 1989 to December 1994, he
served as Executive Vice President of Fingerhut Companies, Inc., a catalog
direct marketer. Mr. Lerman holds a B.A. in history from the University of
Minnesota.
Douglas L. Davis joined us as the President of our Technology Group in
December 1999. Prior to joining us, he was employed by Internet America, an
Internet service provider, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer from July 1996 to December 1999 and as Chief Technology
Officer from January 1996 to July 1996. Mr. Davis was head of research and
development at Internet America from November 1995 to January 1996. From July
1990 to November 1995, Mr. Davis was a Director of Computer Operations for the
School of Engineering and Applied Science of Southern Methodist University.
Stuart B. Graber joined us as the President of our International Group in
December 1999. Mr. Graber served as Chief Executive of Music Choice Europe, a
digital audio company part-owned by Time Warner, British Sky Broadcasting, Sony
and EMI, from October 1993 to December 1999. Mr. Graber holds a masters degree
in international communications from Brooklyn College and a B.A. in journalism,
broadcasting and administration from the University of Maryland.
Donald E. Welsh joined us as the President of our Publishing Group in
January 2000. Prior to joining us, Mr. Welsh, who has been in publishing for
thirty years, was Chairman of Group XXVII Communications from August 1997 to
December 1999. From March 1995 to March 1997, he was Executive Vice President of
Marvel Publications. From March 1990 to March 1996, he served as chairman of the
Welsh Publishing Group. Mr. Welsh holds an A.B. from Columbia University and a
J.D. from Cleveland Marshall School of Law.
William S. Leftwich joined us as our Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary in May 1999. From March 1995 to May 1999, he served as Chief
Financial Officer for ViewCast.com, formerly MultiMedia Access Corporation, a
company that develops and sells streaming video products and desktop video
conferencing products. From January 1993 to March 1995, he served as Chief
Financial Officer of Integrated Security Systems, Inc., a provider of fully
integrated building security systems. Mr. Leftwich holds a B.B.A. in Accounting
from Texas A&M University and is a certified public accountant.
Blaine L. Thacker joined us as our Chief Strategy Officer in October 1999
and on May 1, 2000 became the President of our Business and Consumer Group.
Prior to joining us, Mr. Thacker served as Executive Vice President of Sterling
Communications, Inc., an international systems integration firm, from August
1998 to September 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Thacker was the Vice President of
Sales and Marketing for Digital Network Access, an Internet service provider,
from September 1997 to August 1998. He served as President of Choice Com, Inc.,
a competitive local exchange carrier, from March 1997 until August 1997 after
acting as British Telecom's Vice President of Global Sales for its Information
Technology outsourcing business from May 1993 until January 1997. Mr. Thacker
has over 30 years of executive level experience with companies such as AT&T,
General Electric and Oracle. He holds an M.B.A. from Western New England College
and a B.B.A. in marketing and finance from the University of Oklahoma.
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Jeffrey A. Glickman joined us as the President of
DigitalDemographics.:Com Inc., our subsidiary that collects and markets
aggregate demographic data, in December 1999. Prior to joining us, Mr. Glickman
served as President of World Class Marketing, a database marketer, from March
1995 to December 1999. Mr. Glickman holds a Ph.D. in reproductive endocrinology
from the University of Western Ontario, an M.Sc. in embryology from McGill
University and a B.S. in marine biology from McGill University.
John G. Huncke joined us as the Executive Vice President of our Media Group
in January 2000. Prior to joining us, Mr. Huncke served as General Counsel of
Universal Pictures from June 1998 to December 1999. From January 1995 to June
1998, Mr. Huncke served as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of
Polygram Television, a television production and distribution company. From
January 1987 to January 1995, Mr. Huncke served as Executive Vice President and
General Counsel for ITC Entertainment Group, a motion picture production and
distribution company. Mr. Huncke holds a J.D. from the University of Southern
California and a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame.
John M. Weems joined us as our Chief Marketing Officer in July 2000. Prior
to joining us, Mr. Weems served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of
the Consumer Products Division at Equity Marketing, Inc., a toy company, from
April 1998 to July 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Weems served as chief operating
officer of Corinthian Marketing, Inc., a sports collectibles company, from April
1996 to April 1998, when that company was sold to Equity Marketing, Inc. Prior
to that, Mr. Weems was co-founder and co-owner of Morrison Entertainment
Group, Inc., a toy development and marketing company, from March 1989 to April
1996. Mr. Weems holds an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina and a B.A.
in political science from North Carolina State University.
William O. Hunt has served as one of our directors since January 1999.
Mr. Hunt has served as Chairman of the Board of Internet America since May 1995.
Mr. Hunt has also served as Chairman of the Board of Intellicall Inc., a company
that provides telephone network switching and other services, since 1992.
Mr. Hunt served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Intellicall from
December 1992 to May 1998. Mr. Hunt also currently holds directorships in Andrew
Corporation, American Homestar Corporation and Mobility Electronics, Inc.
Mr. Hunt holds an M.B.A. and a B.B.A. from the University of North Texas.
Michael H. Jordan has served as one of our directors since August 1999.
Mr. Jordan has served as Chairman of Luminant Worldwide Corporation, a provider
of Internet and electronic commerce professional services, since September 1999.
He also serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EOriginal, Inc., an
electronic commerce company that provides secure documents. Mr. Jordan retired
in December 1998 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Corporation,
formerly Westinghouse Electric Corporation, positions he had held since June
1993. Mr. Jordan is also a member of the Boards of Directors of Aetna Inc., Dell
Computer Corp. and Marketwatch.com. Mr. Jordan is a member of the President's
Export Council; is the Chairman of the U.S.-Japan Business Council; is the
Chairman of The College Fund/UNCF; and is the Chairman of the Policy Board of
the Americans for the Arts.
Jack A. Turpin has served as one of our directors since January 1999.
Mr. Turpin founded Hall-Mark Electronics Corporation, an electronics
distribution firm, in 1962 and served as its Chairman of the Board until its
sale in 1993. Since 1993, Mr. Turpin has served as a consultant for Avnet, Inc.,
an industrial distributor of electronic components and computer products and the
purchaser of Hall-Mark. Mr. Turpin holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from
Rice University.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to an amendment to our certificate of incorporation that will
become effective upon consummation of the offering, our Board of Directors will
be classified into three classes of directors,
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denoted as Class I, Class II and Class III. Messrs. Hunt and Garin will be
Class I directors, Messrs. Turpin and Stark will be Class II directors, and
Messrs. Philyaw and Jordan will be Class III directors. The term of the Class I
directors will expire at the 2001 annual meeting of our stockholders, the term
of the Class II directors will expire at the 2002 annual meeting of our
stockholders and the term of the Class III directors will expire at the 2003
annual meeting of our stockholders.
BOARD COMPENSATION
Directors who are also our officers, employees or affiliates do not receive
compensation for their services as directors. Each non-employee director is
entitled to an award of stock options to purchase 15,000 shares of our common
stock, when he becomes a non-employee director, at an exercise price equal to
the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Additionally,
each non-employee director in office following each annual stockholders' meeting
is entitled to an award of stock options to purchase 8,000 shares of common
stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on
the date of grant. In each case, the stock options granted to the non-employee
directors will be fully vested on the date of grant. Directors are entitled to
reimbursement of their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with
their travel to and attendance at meetings of the board of directors or
committees thereof.
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
We have entered into agreements to indemnify our directors and officers.
Under these agreements, we are obligated to indemnify our directors and officers
to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware General Corporate Law for
expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts
incurred by them in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as a
director or officer. We believe that these agreements are necessary to attract
and retain qualified directors and officers.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of
our chief executive officer and our other most highly paid executives serving in
this capacity at the end of 1999 whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded
$100,000 in 1999. These three individuals are referred to in this prospectus as
our "Named Executive Officers."
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
---------------------------------- ------------
OTHER SECURITIES
ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION OPTIONS COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION ($) ($) ($) (#) ($)
--------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Jovan Philyaw ........................ $230,500 $150,000 $ -- -- $ --
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board
Michael N. Garin ........................ 100,000 -- -- 2,677,500 --
President and Chief Operating Officer
Scott P. Carlin ......................... 62,500 150,000 -- 1,102,500 18,900(1)
President--Media Group
</TABLE>
------------------------
(1) This number represents reimbursement of Mr. Carlin for moving expenses.
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The following table provides information regarding stock options granted to
our Named Executive Officers during 1999.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENT OF
TOTAL OPTIONS
NUMBER OF GRANTED TO EXERCISE PRICE GRANT DATE
SECURITIES UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES IN OR BASE PRICE EXPIRATION PRESENT VALUE
NAME OPTIONS GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE ($)(1)
---- --------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Jovan Philyaw............ -- -- $ -- -- $ --
Michael N. Garin............ 157,500(2) 2.0% 3.31 8/2/09 1,334,498
2,520,000(3) 33.2% 3.31 8/16/09 21,351,960
Scott P. Carlin............. 1,102,500(3) 14.5% 3.31 8/16/09 9,341,483
</TABLE>
------------------------
(1) The present value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions: fair market value of common stock of $11.00 per share; dividend
yield of 0% for all years; expected volatility of 0%; risk-free interest
rate of 5.40%; and expected life of five years.
(2) 25% of the stock options became exercisable on August 2, 1999, the date of
grant, and 25% of the stock options will become exercisable on each
anniversary date thereafter.
(3) 25% of the stock options became exercisable on August 16, 1999, the date of
grant, and 25% of the stock options will become exercisable on each
anniversary date thereafter.
The following table provides summary information with respect to stock
options held by our Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 1999. The value
of unexercised in-the-money options is based on an assumed initial public
offering price of $11.00, less the exercise price payable for the shares.
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF THE UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
AT FISCAL YEAR-END (#) AT FISCAL YEAR-END ($)
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE --------------------------- ---------------------------
NAME ON EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- --------------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
J. Jovan Philyaw...... -- $ -- -- -- $ -- $ --
Michael N. Garin...... -- -- 669,375 2,008,125 5,147,494 15,442,481
Scott P. Carlin....... -- -- 275,625 826,875 2,119,556 6,358,669
</TABLE>
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Our board of directors has established an audit committee and a compensation
committee. Our board has no nominating committee or other committee performing
similar functions at this time.
AUDIT COMMITTEE. The audit committee is comprised of Messrs. Hunt, Jordan
and Turpin. The audit committee reports on its activities to the board of
directors and is responsible for reviewing:
- the recommendation to our board of the appointment of our independent
accountants;
- the scope, timing and results of the audit and non-audit services
performed by our independent accountants;
- the appropriateness of our accounting policies;
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- the adequacy of our accounting and financial controls;
- compliance with our accounting policies and accounting and financial
controls; and
- the reliability of the financial information we report to the public.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. The compensation committee is comprised of
Messrs. Hunt, Jordan and Turpin. The primary functions of the compensation
committee are to:
- monitor and administer our compensation and benefit plans, practices and
policies, including fixing salaries, bonus and stock option awards and
fringe benefits; and
- provide a general review of our compensation and benefit plans to
determine if they meet corporate objectives.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
MICHAEL N. GARIN. On August 16, 1999, we entered into a three-year
employment agreement with Michael N. Garin which provides that he will serve as
our President and Chief Operating Officer. The employment agreement provides for
annual compensation of $400,000, which amount will be increased upon completion
of this offering to an amount commensurate to that paid by comparable companies
at comparable stages of development. Mr. Garin's employment agreement provides
for an annual bonus at the discretion of the board. In addition, the employment
agreement provides that Mr. Garin is eligible to participate in all benefit
programs for which employees and/or senior executives are generally eligible.
Under his employment agreement, we may terminate Mr. Garin's services for cause
or without cause. If Mr. Garin is terminated without cause or if we breach the
employment agreement, Mr. Garin will be entitled to receive his base salary for
the remainder of his term of employment in a lump sum payment. The employment
agreement also contains confidentiality provisions.
SCOTT P. CARLIN. On August 16, 1999, we entered into an employment
agreement with Scott P. Carlin which, as amended, provides that he will serve as
President of our Media Group for three years. We paid Mr. Carlin a $150,000
signing bonus. Mr. Carlin's employment agreement provides for annual
compensation of $250,000, which amount will be increased to a level negotiated
in good faith upon completion of this offering. Mr. Carlin's employment
agreement provides for an annual bonus at the discretion of the board. In
addition, his employment agreement provides that he is eligible to participate
in all benefit programs for which employees and/or senior executives are
generally eligible. Under his employment agreement, we may terminate
Mr. Carlin's services for cause or without cause. If Mr. Carlin is terminated
without cause or if we breach the employment agreement, Mr. Carlin will be
entitled to receive his base salary for the remainder of his term of employment
in a lump sum payment. Mr. Carlin's employment agreement also contains
confidentiality provisions.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
We adopted our 1999 Stock Option Plan in August 1999. A total of 12,375,000
shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under the plan, as amended.
The plan provides for grants of incentive stock options to our employees,
including officers and employee-directors, and for grants of nonstatutory stock
options to our employees, consultants and nonemployee directors. The purposes of
the plan are:
- to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of
substantial responsibility;
- to provide additional incentive to our employees and consultants; and
- to promote the success of our business.
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Our compensation committee administers the plan. Our compensation committee
will designate the individuals to receive the options, the number of shares
subject to options, and the terms and conditions of each option.
While our compensation committee determines the terms of options granted
under the plan, the term of any incentive stock option cannot exceed ten years
from the date of grant and any incentive stock option granted to an employee who
possesses more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all
classes of our shares within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Internal
Revenue Code cannot be exercisable after the expiration of five years from the
date of grant.
While the compensation committee determines the exercise price of options
granted under the plan, an option's exercise price cannot be less than the fair
market value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted,
subject to adjustments. Further, the exercise price of any incentive stock
option granted to an employee who possesses more than ten percent of the total
combined voting power of all classes of our shares within the meaning of
Section 422(b)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code must be at least 110% of the fair
market value of the underlying share at the time the option is granted. The
exercise price of options granted under the plan will be paid in full in a
manner prescribed by our compensation committee.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
We adopted our Employee Stock Purchase Plan in April 2000. A total of
1,000,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under the plan. The
plan provides for the grant of stock options to selected eligible employees. The
purpose of the plan is to provide eligible employees with an incentive to
advance the interests of the company by providing an opportunity to purchase
stock of the company at a favorable price. The plan is administered by our
compensation committee.
Any eligible employee may elect to participate in the plan by authorizing
our compensation committee to make payroll deductions to pay the exercise price
of an option at the time and in the manner prescribed by our compensation
committee. This payroll deduction may be a specific amount or a designated
percentage to be determined by the employee, but the specific amount may not be
less than an amount established by us and the designated percentage may not
exceed an amount of eligible compensation established by us from which the
deduction is made. In no event will an employee be granted an option under the
plan that would permit him to purchase stock with a fair market value in excess
of $25,000, or to purchase more than 10,000 shares, in a period established by
us.
There will be two six-month offering periods in each calendar year. The date
of grant and the date of exercise for the first option period is January 1 and
June 30, respectively, and the date of grant and date of exercise for the second
option period is July 1 and December 31, respectively. The first offering period
of the plan will commence on the date we close this offering, and will conclude
on June 30, 2001. The exercise price of options granted under the plan will be
an amount equal to the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of the stock on
the date of exercise or on the date of grant.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Currently, Messrs. Hunt, Jordan and Turpin are members of our compensation
committee. Mr. Hunt is the general partner of B&G Partnership, Ltd. and BCG
Partnership, Ltd., which are both our stockholders. Mr. Turpin is the sole
managing director of JAT FIVE, LTD., one of our stockholders. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
PREFERRED STOCK FINANCINGS
The following information summarizes private placement transactions in which
we sold shares of preferred stock to our directors and 5% stockholders and
persons and entities associated with our directors and those stockholders. Each
share of Series A preferred stock will convert into 630 shares of common stock
and each share of Series B and Series C preferred stock will convert into one
share of common stock upon completion of this offering.
SERIES A FINANCING. From September 29, 1999 to January 14, 2000, we issued
15,966 shares of Series A preferred stock to various investors for aggregate
consideration of approximately $50.3 million, or $3,150 per share. A trust of
the President of our Publishing Group, Donald E. Welsh, invested $200,000 to
purchase 40,000 shares of our Series A preferred stock through DING.com LLC. In
addition, the wife of our president, Michael N. Garin, invested $500,000 to
purchase 100,000 shares of our Series A preferred stock through DING.com LLC.
These investments by Mr. Welsh's trust and Mr. Garin's wife are passive
investments.
SERIES B FINANCING. In April and May 2000, we issued 6,166,443 shares of
Series B preferred stock to various investors for aggregate consideration of
approximately $43.3 million, or $7.03 per share. In August 2000, we issued an
additional 1,185,395 shares of Series B preferred stock to an investor for
aggregate consideration of approximately $8.3 million, or $7.03 per share.
SERIES C FINANCING. In April and May 2000, we issued 5,688,848 shares of
Series C preferred stock to various investors for aggregate consideration of
approximately $60.0 million, or $10.54 per share. In August 2000, we issued an
additional 1,581,277 shares of Series C preferred stock to an investor for
aggregate consideration of approximately $16.7 million, or $10.54 per share.
The following table summarizes the private placement transactions in which
we sold preferred stock to our directors and 5% beneficial stockholders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES OF
---------------------------------
DIRECTORS, 5% BENEFICIAL SERIES A SERIES B SERIES C
STOCKHOLDERS AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES PREFERRED PREFERRED PREFERRED
------------------------------------ --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Belo Corp................................................... 3,970 1,422,474 1,897,532
Young & Rubicam, Inc........................................ 6,350 380,986 508,222
</TABLE>
WARRANTS
We issued a warrant, dated September 29, 1999, to Belo Enterprises, Inc., an
affiliate of Belo Corp., to purchase 124,740 shares of our common stock at an
exercise price of $5.00 per share. The warrant will terminate on September 29,
2004. See "Business--Strategic Relationships."
We issued two warrants in April 2000 to an affiliate of National
Broadcasting Company, Inc., our strategic licensee, to purchase 3,752,445 shares
and 4,505,165 shares, respectively, of our common stock at per share exercise
prices of $5.00 and $10.54, respectively. We issued an additional warrant in
September 2000 to an affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc. to
purchase 166,000 shares of our common stock at a per share exercise price of
$10.54. We are required to issue additional warrants to National Broadcasting
Company, Inc.'s affiliate at a per share exercise price of $10.54 if the number
of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our stock option plan
exceeds 15% of our fully diluted common stock. This obligation to issue
additional warrants expires April 18, 2005 unless our agreement with the
affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc. is extended. The warrants will
terminate in April 2005. See "Business--Strategic Relationships."
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STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
We entered into a stock purchase agreement, dated September 29, 1999, under
which we sold the Series A preferred stock. Under the stock purchase agreement,
we agreed:
- to provide periodically financial and other information to the holders;
- not to engage in specified transactions without the prior consent of the
holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series A
preferred stock;
- as long as at least 1,900 shares of Series A preferred stock remain
outstanding, at any time that Michael Jordan is not our director, to
nominate to our board of directors one nominee designated by the majority
of the holders of these shares of our Series A preferred stock; and
- to give each investor in our Series A preferred stock preemptive rights
for new issuances of any shares of our capital stock, excluding issuances
of common stock in this offering. These investors waived this right in
connection with the issuance of the Series B preferred stock and Series C
preferred stock.
These provisions in the stock purchase agreement were terminated in April 2000.
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENTS
We entered into an agreement among stockholders, dated January 28, 1999,
with J. Jovan Philyaw, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer;
JAT III, L.L.C.; B&G Partnership, Ltd.; and BCG Partnership, Ltd. William Hunt,
our director, is the general partner of B&G Partnership, Ltd. and BCG
Partnership, Ltd. Jack A. Turpin, also our director, is the sole managing
director of JAT III, L.L.C. This agreement was terminated on September 29, 1999.
We entered into an amended and restated stockholders agreement, dated
April 25, 2000, with:
- J. Jovan Philyaw;
- Michael N. Garin;
- Patrick V. Stark;
- an affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc.;
- B&G Partnership, Ltd.;
- BCG Partnership, Ltd.;
- JAT FIVE, LTD., for whom Jack A. Turpin is the sole managing director;
- Belo Enterprises, Inc. and A.H. Belo Foundation, affiliates of
Belo Corp.;
- Young & Rubicam, Inc.; and
- each of the other holders of preferred stock.
The stockholders agreement contains:
- a right of first refusal, exercisable by the stockholders who are parties
to the stockholders agreement and then us, to purchase any of our
securities proposed to be transferred by Messrs. Philyaw, Garin or Stark
and the right of those other stockholders to participate on a pro rata
basis in any transfer of securities by Messrs. Philyaw, Garin or Stark;
- our agreement to nominate a representative of the preferred stockholders
to our board of directors if, at any time, Michael Jordan is not our
director and at least 3,791,900 shares of our preferred stock remain
outstanding;
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- our agreement to provide financial and other information to the holders;
- our agreement not to engage in specified transactions without the prior
consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of each class of preferred
stock; and
- preemptive rights for each preferred stockholder for new issuances of
shares of our capital stock, excluding issuances of common stock in this
offering.
This agreement will automatically terminate upon the completion of this
offering.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENTS
We entered into a registration rights agreement, dated January 28, 1999,
with JAT III, L.L.C., B&G Partnership, Ltd. and BCG Partnership, Ltd. This
agreement was terminated on September 29, 1999.
An affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc. and holders of our
preferred stock and other stockholders, including A.H. Belo Foundation, B&G
Partnership, Ltd., BCG Partnership, Ltd., Belo Enterprises, Inc., JAT FIVE, LTD.
and Young & Rubicam, Inc. are entitled under an amended and restated agreement
with us, dated April 25, 2000, to the following registration rights for the
shares of common stock held by them or issuable upon conversion of our preferred
stock or upon exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase our common stock:
- at any time after 180 days from the date of completion of this offering,
the holders of these registrable securities, other than the affiliate of
National Broadcasting Company, Inc., may require, on three occasions only,
that we use our best efforts to register for public resale at least ten
percent of the aggregate amount of registrable securities that were
outstanding on April 25, 2000;
- at any time after 180 days from the date of completion of this offering,
the affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc. may require, on up to
three occasions only, that we use our best efforts to register for public
resale at least 15% of the aggregate amount of common stock issuable upon
full exercise of the affiliate's warrants;
- until the tenth anniversary of this offering, if we register any common
stock, either for our own account or for the account of other security
holders, the holders of registrable securities are entitled to include
their shares of common stock in the registration, subject to the ability
of the underwriters to limit the number of shares included in the offering
in view of market conditions; and
- the holders of registrable securities with a fair market value of not less
than $10,000,000 may require us to use our best efforts to register the
securities on a Form S-3 registration statement or any successor form
after we become eligible to use the form.
In most cases, we will bear all registration expenses other than
underwriting discounts and commissions. All demand registration rights terminate
when a holder is entitled to sell all of its registrable securities under
Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.
BELO CORP. AGREEMENT
We entered into an agreement with Belo Interactive, Inc., an affiliate of
Belo Corp., on April 4, 2000, granting to Belo's television stations:
- a non-transferable, limited exclusive license to use our technology to
transmit content and advertising cues in their broadcasts and
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- the right to sublicense to local advertisers cues for use in the local
advertisers' commercials shown during selected programming for a limited
time ending .
As a condition to the performance of our obligations under the agreement,
Belo will pay to us either a fixed annual license fee or a per commercial cue
fee. Belo also agreed to use reasonable efforts to promote our technology to the
public. The term of the agreement begins August 1, 2000 and continues for
18 months thereafter. Before the end of the term, either we or Belo may
terminate this agreement upon 30 days' written notice to the other party if the
other party has defaulted on the performance of any material provision of the
agreement and has not cured the default in accordance with the terms of the
agreement. Belo Corp. currently operates 20 television stations in 16 markets
reaching 14% of the total U.S. television audience.
YOUNG & RUBICAM, INC. AGREEMENT
We entered into an agreement with Young & Rubicam, Inc. on September 19,
2000, granting Young & Rubicam a non-exclusive right to demonstrate our :CueCat
devices and :CRQ software worldwide for the period from July 17, 2000 to
July 17, 2005. Under the agreement, Young & Rubicam will receive a fee for each
company that it introduces to our technology and that subsequently licenses our
technology from us. The economic terms of the fee to be paid to Young & Rubicam
will be negotiated by Young & Rubicam and us.
ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK AND DEBENTURES
On January 28, 1999, we sold 15,750,000 shares of common stock for a cash
purchase price of $2,500 and issued 8.0% Debentures, Series 1999A with an
aggregate principal amount of $2,500,000. In particular, we sold:
- 3,150,000 shares of common stock and $500,000 in aggregate principal
amount of the debentures to B&G Partnership, Ltd.;
- 3,150,000 shares of common stock and $500,000 in aggregate principal
amount of the debentures to BCG Partnership, Ltd.; and
- 9,450,000 shares of common stock and $1,500,000 in aggregate principal
amount of the debentures to JAT III, L.L.C. These shares have been
transferred to JAT FIVE, LTD., an affiliate of JAT III, L.L.C.
No interest payments were required to be paid on the debentures through the
second anniversary of their issuance unless otherwise determined by our board of
directors. In April 2000, we fully paid the principal amount and all accrued
interest on each of the debentures.
EMPLOYEE STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
We entered into a stockholders agreement, dated January 29, 1999, with
various stockholders, including William S. Leftwich, our Chief Financial
Officer. This agreement provides that the parties to the agreement, should they
desire to sell their stock, must first offer the stock to us. This agreement
will automatically terminate upon the completion of this offering.
OTHER TRANSACTIONS
On January 4, 1999, we completed the acquisition of the rights to produce
the television show NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW, now known as NET TALK
INTERACTIVE!, and proprietary rights related to our technology from Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc. for a promissory note with a principal amount of $8,000,000.
We also assumed several liabilities in connection with this acquisition,
including post-closing liabilities associated with the Nissi Cosmetics
litigation. Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. has agreed to
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indemnify us for any costs, expenses, liabilities or other losses we may incur
in connection with the Nissi Cosmetics litigation. See "Business--Legal
Proceedings." J. Jovan Philyaw was the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Infotainment Telepictures, Inc., a company owned by his father. The promissory
note bears interest at 6.0% per annum. No interest payments are required to be
made through the second anniversary of the note. Any unpaid interest will then
be added to the principal amount of the note. Any remaining principal balance
and any accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable in full upon
completion of this offering. See "Use of Proceeds." We paid $1,500,000 and
$3,000,000 of the principal amount of the note in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
We have paid $584,137 in accrued interest on the note in 2000.
In connection with our acquisition of Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. in
January 1999, we assumed a loan payable to Jack A. Turpin in the principal
amount of $452,900, plus accrued and unpaid interest of $6,819. In January 1999,
Mr. Turpin loaned us an additional $147,000 for operating capital expenditures.
We repaid the principal amount of the loans, plus $10,770 in interest, in
January 1999.
We entered into a stock purchase agreement, dated May 17, 1999 and amended
on August 16, 1999, with William S. Leftwich under which Mr. Leftwich purchased
472,500 shares of our common stock. We have the right, subject to limitations,
to repurchase Mr. Leftwich's shares purchased under the agreement if he ceases
for any reason to be employed by us.
Each of our executive officers and employees has entered into a proprietary
rights and information agreement regarding the ownership of inventions developed
in his or her capacity as our employee and the confidentiality of our
proprietary information. Each of our directors has entered into a nondisclosure
agreement.
Patrick V. Stark was a shareholder/director of the law firm of Kane,
Russell, Coleman & Logan, P.C. until December 31, 1999 and became of counsel as
of January 1, 2000. During 1999 and during the nine month period ended
September 30, 2000, we paid Kane, Russell, Coleman & Logan, P.C. $135,604 and
$49,618, respectively, for legal services.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our executive
officers and directors.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of our common stock as of October 31, 2000, after giving effect to the
automatic conversion of 14,637,929 shares of outstanding preferred stock into
24,680,543 shares of common stock upon completion of this offering and as
adjusted to reflect the sale of the common stock in this offering, by:
- each security holder known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our
common stock;
- each of our directors;
- each of our executive officers; and
- all directors and executive officers as a group.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons or
entities included in this table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all the shares of common stock beneficially owned by them, subject to
applicable community property laws. The number of shares beneficially owned by a
person includes shares of common stock that are subject to stock options or
warrants that are either currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days
after October 31, 2000. These shares are also deemed outstanding for the purpose
of computing the percentage of outstanding shares owned by the person. These
shares are not deemed outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the
percentage ownership of any other person.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY OWNED
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ----------------------------------------
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED BEFORE THE OFFERING AFTER THE OFFERING
------------------------ ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Belo Corp.(1)........................... 5,945,846 6.92% 6.20%
JAT FIVE, LTD.(2)....................... 9,765,000 11.38% 10.19%
National Broadcasting Company,
Inc.(3)............................... 8,423,610 8.94% 8.08%
Young & Rubicam, Inc.(4)................ 4,889,708 5.70% 5.10%
J. Jovan Philyaw........................ 40,950,000 47.73% 42.74%
Michael N. Garin(5)..................... 1,438,750 1.65% 1.48%
Patrick V. Stark(6)..................... 887,500 1.03% *
Gregory D. Lerman(7).................... 551,250 * *
Scott P. Carlin(7)...................... 551,250 * *
Douglas L. Davis(7)..................... 235,620 * *
Stuart B. Graber(7)..................... 415,000 * *
Donald E. Welsh(8)...................... 7,112 * *
William S. Leftwich..................... 456,500 * *
Blaine L. Thacker(7).................... 73,710 * *
Jeffrey A. Glickman(7).................. 105,210 * *
John G. Huncke.......................... -- * *
John W. Weems(7)........................ 9,998 * *
William O. Hunt(9)...................... 6,553,000 7.64% 6.84%
Michael H. Jordan(7).................... 78,750 * *
Jack A. Turpin(10)...................... 9,765,000 11.38% 10.19%
All directors and executive officers as
a group (16 persons).................. 62,078,650 69.22% 62.28%
</TABLE>
------------------------
* Less than one percent (1%).
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(1) Consists of (i) 5,267,772 shares issuable upon conversion of the shares of
our preferred stock held of record by Belo Enterprises, Inc., (ii) 553,334
shares issuable upon conversion of the shares of our preferred stock held
of record by A.H. Belo Foundation and (iii) 124,740 shares issuable upon
exercise of outstanding warrants held by Belo Enterprises, Inc. Belo
Enterprises, Inc. and A.H. Belo Foundation are both indirect wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Belo Corp. The address of Belo Corp. is Silverside Carr
Executive Center, 501 Silverside Road, Suite 401, Wilmington, Delaware
19809.
(2) Address: 8201 Preston Road, Suite 310, Dallas, Texas 75225.
(3) Consists solely of shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants
held by an affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc. National
Broadcasting Company, Inc.'s address is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 46th Floor,
New York, New York 10112.
(4) Address: 285 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
(5) Consists solely of 1,438,750 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options
that have already vested or will vest within 60 days. This number does not
include shares of common stock that may be attributable to Torunn Garin,
the wife of Mr. Garin, due to her passive investment in DING.com LLC, a
stockholder of ours. Mr. Garin disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares
attributable to his wife. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."
(6) Includes (i) 415,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options that
have already vested or will vest within 60 days and (ii) 15,560 shares held
of record by Mr. Stark's children. Mr. Stark disclaims beneficial ownership
of the shares held by his children.
(7) Consists solely of shares issuable upon exercise of stock options that have
already vested or will vest within 60 days.
(8) Consists solely of shares issuable upon conversion of 7,112 shares of
Series B preferred stock owned by Bourne Welsh, the wife of Mr. Welsh. This
number does not include shares of common stock which may be attributable to
Mr. Welsh, due to the passive investment held by the Donald E. Welsh, IRA
Account, in DING.com LLC, a stockholder of ours. Mr. Welsh disclaims
beneficial ownership of these shares.
(9) Consists of 3,114,000 shares held of record by B&G Partnership, Ltd. and
3,439,000 shares held of record by BCG Partnership, Ltd. Mr. Hunt is the
general partner of each of these partnerships. Mr. Hunt disclaims
beneficial ownership of these shares.
(10) Consists of 9,765,000 shares held of record by JAT FIVE, LTD. Mr. Turpin
serves as the sole managing director of this entity. Mr. Turpin disclaims
beneficial ownership of these shares.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Our authorized capital stock consists of shares of common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, and 27,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value
$0.01 per share. 16,000 shares of preferred stock are designated as Series A
preferred stock, 12,100,000 shares of preferred stock are designated as
Series B preferred stock, and 13,300,000 shares of preferred stock are
designated as Series C preferred stock. As of the date of this prospectus,
- 61,123,150 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding,
- 15,966 shares of Series A preferred stock were issued and outstanding,
- 7,351,838 shares of Series B preferred stock were issued and outstanding,
and
- 7,270,125 shares of Series C preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
In addition,
- 12,375,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our
stock option plan,
- 1,000,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under our
stock purchase plan,
- 8,548,350 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise
of outstanding warrants, and
- 24,680,543 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon
conversion of all outstanding shares of preferred stock.
All of our outstanding shares of preferred stock will be converted
automatically into common stock upon completion of this offering.
The following descriptions of our capital stock and provisions of our
certificate of incorporation and bylaws are summaries of all of their material
terms and provisions and are qualified by reference to our certificate of
incorporation and bylaws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC as
exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The
descriptions of the common stock and preferred stock reflect changes to our
capital structure that will occur upon the closing of the offering in accordance
with the terms of the certificate of incorporation.
COMMON STOCK
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting
rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock
entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all of the directors
standing for election. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive
proportionately any dividends that may be declared by our board of directors,
subject to any preferential dividend rights of outstanding preferred stock. In
the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock
will be entitled to receive proportionately any of our assets remaining after
the payment of liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding
preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription,
redemption or conversion rights.
PREFERRED STOCK
Upon the closing of this offering, all outstanding shares of preferred stock
will be converted into 24,680,543 shares of common stock and automatically
returned to our authorized, unissued and undesignated shares of preferred stock.
Thereafter, our board of directors will have the authority, without further
action by the stockholders, to issue up to 27,000,000 shares of preferred stock
in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions of each series. The issuance of preferred stock could have the
effect of restricting dividends on the common stock, diluting
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the voting power of the common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of the
common stock or delaying or preventing our change in control without further
action by the stockholders. We have no present plans to issue any shares of
preferred stock after the completion of this offering.
WARRANTS
As of the date of this prospectus, there were outstanding warrants to
purchase 8,548,350 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise
price of $8.03 per share. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
An affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc., holders of our
preferred stock and other stockholders are entitled under an agreement with us
to the following registration rights for the shares of common stock held by them
or issuable upon conversion of our preferred stock or upon exercise of
outstanding warrants to purchase our common stock:
- at any time after 180 days from the date of this offering, the holders of
these registrable securities, other than the affiliate of National
Broadcasting Company, Inc., may require, on three occasions only, that we
use our best efforts to register for public resale at least 10% of the
aggregate amount of registrable securities that were outstanding on
April 25, 2000;
- at any time after 180 days from the date of this offering, National
Broadcasting Company, Inc.'s affiliate may require, on up to three
occasions only, that we use our best efforts to register for public resale
at least 15% of the aggregate amount of common stock issuable upon full
exercise of its warrants;
- until the tenth anniversary of this offering, if we register any common
stock, either for our own account or for the account of other security
holders, the holders of registrable securities are entitled to include
their shares of common stock in this registration, subject to the ability
of the underwriters to limit the number of shares included in the offering
in view of market conditions; and
- the holders of registrable securities with a fair market value of not less
than $10,000,000 may require us to use our best efforts to register the
securities on a Form S-3 registration statement or any successor form
after we become eligible to use this form.
In most cases, we will bear all registration expenses other than
underwriting discounts and selling commissions. All demand registration rights
terminate at the time a holder is entitled to sell all of its registrable
securities under Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act. See "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale."
NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. is entitled under an agreement with us to the
following registration rights for the shares of common stock held by it or
issuable to it pursuant to our license agreement with NeoMedia:
- at any time after this offering, if we register any common stock, either
for our own account or for the account of other security holders, NeoMedia
is entitled to include its shares of common stock in this registration,
subject to the ability of the underwriters to limit the number of shares
included in the offering in view of market conditions; and
- at any time after this offering, NeoMedia may require that we use our best
efforts to register for public resale the number of shares that NeoMedia
requests be registered, provided that the aggregate proposed offering
price be not less than $10 million.
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In most cases, we will bear all registration expenses other than
underwriting discounts, selling commissions and specified professional fees. All
demand registration rights terminate upon the earlier to occur of:
- the date when all of NeoMedia's shares may immediately be sold under
Rule 144 of the Securities Act during any 90-day period or
- the twelfth anniversary of the agreement.
See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
DESCRIPTION OF PROVISIONS OF OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our bylaws provide that the board of directors shall be divided into three
classes of two or three directors each, with each class elected for three-year
terms expiring in successive years. Section 141 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law provides that, in the case of a corporation having a staggered
board, holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote in an election
of directors may remove a director only for cause. Our certificate of
incorporation defines "cause" as (i) a final conviction of a felony involving
moral turpitude or (ii) willful misconduct that is materially and demonstrably
injurious economically to us. No act, or failure to act, by a director will be
considered "willful" unless committed in bad faith and without a reasonable
belief that the act or failure to act was in the best interest of us or any of
our affiliates. "Cause" will not exist unless and until we have delivered to the
director a written notice of the act or failure to act that constitutes "cause"
and the director has not cured the act or omission within 90 days after the
delivery of the notice. The effect of this may be to restrict the ability of
stockholders to remove directors from our board of directors. Our certificate of
incorporation also allows the board of directors to fix the number of directors
in the bylaws.
STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS AND PROPOSALS
Our bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders generally can be
called only by the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the
president or our board of directors. There are advance notice procedures for the
nomination, other than by or at the direction of the board of directors, of
candidates for election as directors as well as for other stockholder proposals
to be considered at annual stockholder meetings. In general, notice of intent to
nominate a director or raise business at annual meetings must be received by us
not less than 90 nor more than 120 days before the meeting. The notice must
contain specific information concerning the person to be nominated or the
matters to be brought before the meeting and concerning the stockholder
submitting the proposal. These provisions may preclude a nomination for the
election of directors or preclude the conduct of business at a particular annual
meeting if the proper procedures are not followed. Furthermore, these provisions
may discourage or deter a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies
to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of
the company, even if the conduct of the solicitation or attempt might be
beneficial to us and our stockholders.
STOCKHOLDER ACTION
Our certificate of incorporation does not allow stockholders to act by
written consent without a meeting. Our certificate of incorporation requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of not less than eighty percent of our shares
entitled to vote in an election of directors to amend or repeal this prohibition
of stockholder action by written consent. The effect of this provision is to
restrict stockholders' ability to circumvent the notice requirements relating to
an annual meeting. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do allow
stockholders to amend our bylaws.
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BUSINESS COMBINATION UNDER DELAWARE LAW
We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which
regulates corporate acquisitions. Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware
corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested
stockholder" for a period of three years following the date the person became an
interested stockholder, unless:
- the board of directors approved the transaction in which the stockholder
became an interested stockholder prior to the date the interested
stockholder attained that status;
- upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder's
becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at
least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time
the transaction commenced, excluding shares owned by persons who are
directors and also officers; or
- on or subsequent to the date, the business combination is approved by the
board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders by the holders of at least 66 2/3% of our outstanding voting
stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
A "business combination" includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other
transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An
"interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns, or within three years prior to the determination of interested
stockholder status, did own, 15% or more of a corporation's voting stock.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
Our certificate of incorporation provides that no director will be
personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:
- for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our
stockholders;
- for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of laws;
- for unlawful payment of a dividend or unlawful stock purchase or stock
redemption; and
- for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
The effect of these provisions is to eliminate our rights and the rights of
our stockholders, through stockholder derivative suits on our behalf, to recover
monetary damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
including breaches resulting from grossly negligent behavior, except in the
situations described above.
STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
We anticipate that, immediately upon completion of this offering, our board
of directors will declare, pursuant to a rights agreement, a dividend
distribution of one common share purchase right for each outstanding share of
our common stock. Each right will entitle the registered holder to purchase from
us one thousandth of a share of our Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price per share to be determined by our
board with the advice of our financial advisor about the long-term prospects for
our value, subject to adjustment. Each thousandth of a junior preferred share
will be economically equivalent to one share of our common stock. The purchase
price is expected to be significantly higher than the trading price of our
common stock. Therefore, the dividend will have no initial value and no impact
on our financial statements. The following summary of the rights does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
rights agreement, which is an exhibit to the registration statement of which
this prospectus is a part.
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Initially, the rights will be attached to all certificates representing
shares of our common stock then outstanding, and no separate certificates
representing the rights will be distributed. Subject to extension by a majority
of our directors acting on our behalf, the rights will separate from our common
stock upon the distribution date, which is defined as the earlier of:
- ten business days following a public announcement that a person or group
of affiliated or associated persons, other than J. Jovan Philyaw, our
chief executive officer and chairman of our board of directors, has
acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or
more of the outstanding shares of our common stock, any of the foregoing
persons being an acquiring person; or
- ten business days following the commencement of, or after the date of the
first public announcement of, a tender offer or exchange offer that would
result in a person or group beneficially owning 15% or more of the
outstanding shares of our common stock.
Until the distribution date or earlier redemption or expiration of the
rights:
- with respect to any shares of our common stock outstanding on the date
that we issue the rights, the rights will be evidenced (A) with respect to
shares of our common stock that are held in certificated form, by the
certificates representing the shares with a copy of a summary of rights
attached and (B) with respect to shares of our common stock that are held
in book-entry form, by a notation in the records of the rights agent and
the records of our transfer agent if different from the rights agent;
- the rights will be transferred with and only with shares of common stock;
- new common stock certificates issued after the date we issue the rights,
upon transfer or new issuance of shares of the common stock, will contain
a notation incorporating the rights agreement by reference; and
- the surrender for transfer (A) of any certificates for common stock
outstanding as of the date that we issue the rights, even without the
notation or a copy of a summary of rights being attached thereto, and (B)
of any shares of our common stock held in book-entry form, will also
constitute the transfer of the rights associated with the common stock
represented by the certificate.
As soon as practicable after the distribution date, separate certificates
evidencing the rights will be mailed to holders of record of our common stock.
The rights are not exercisable until the distribution date and will expire
ten years after consummation of this offering, unless earlier redeemed by us.
If a person or group were to acquire 15% or more of the then outstanding
shares of our common stock, each right then outstanding and not owned by an
acquiring person would become a right to buy that number of shares of our common
stock, or under specified circumstances, the equivalent number of one
one-thousandths of a junior preferred share, that at the time of the acquisition
would have a market value of two times the purchase price of the right. For
example, at an exercise price of $100.00 per right, each right not owned by an
acquiring person following an event described above would entitle its holder to
purchase from us $200.00 worth of common stock, or in specified circumstances,
the equivalent number of one one-thousandths of a junior preferred share, for
$100.00. Assuming that our common stock had a current market price per share of
$20.00 at that time, the holder of each valid right would be entitled to
purchase ten shares of common stock for $100.00. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
following the occurrence of any of the events set forth in this paragraph, all
rights that are, or, under circumstances specified in the rights agreement were,
beneficially owned by an acquiring person will be null and void.
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In the event that, at any time following the date that a person has become
an acquiring person, which is referred to as a shares acquisition date,
- we are acquired in a merger or other combination transaction in which we
are not the surviving entity;
- we consolidate with or merge with or into any other person pursuant to
which we are the surviving entity but all or a part of the shares of our
common stock are changed into or exchanged for stock of another person or
cash or other property; or
- 50% or more of our assets or earning power is sold or transferred;
each holder of a right, except rights that previously have been voided as
described above, shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise,
common stock or other securities of the acquiring company having a value equal
to two times the exercise price of the right.
At any time after the acquisition by a person or group of affiliated or
associated persons, other than J. Jovan Philyaw, of beneficial ownership of 15%
or more of the then outstanding shares of our common stock and before the
acquisition by a person or group, other than J. Jovan Philyaw, of 50% or more of
the outstanding shares of our common stock, our board of directors may, at its
option, issue shares of common stock in mandatory redemption of, and in exchange
for, all or part of the then outstanding and exercisable rights, other than
rights owned by an acquiring person. The exchange would be made at an exchange
ratio of one share of common stock for each two shares of common stock for which
each right is then exercisable.
The purchase price payable and the number of junior preferred shares or
other securities or property issuable upon exercise of the rights are subject to
adjustment from time to time if we at any time after the date of the rights
agreement:
- declare a dividend on the junior preferred shares payable in junior
preferred shares;
- subdivide the outstanding junior preferred shares;
- combine the outstanding junior preferred shares into a smaller number of
junior preferred shares; or
- issue any shares of our capital stock in a reclassification of the junior
preferred shares, including any reclassification in connection with a
consolidation or merger in which we are the continuing or surviving
corporation.
With several exceptions, no adjustment to the purchase price will be
required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least one
percent to the purchase price. Upon the exercise of a right, we will not be
required to issue fractional junior preferred shares or fractional shares of our
common stock, other than fractions in multiples of one-thousandth of a junior
preferred share, and, in lieu thereof, an adjustment in cash may be made based
on the market price of the junior preferred shares or our common stock on the
last trading date prior to the date of exercise.
At any time prior to the time any person becomes an acquiring person, our
board of directors may redeem all but not less than all the then outstanding
rights at a price of $0.00001 per right. The redemption of the rights may be
made effective at the time, on the basis and with the conditions as our board of
directors in its sole discretion may establish. Immediately upon the action of
our board of directors ordering redemption of the rights, the right to exercise
the rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of rights will be to
receive the $0.00001 redemption price.
Until a right is exercised, the holder of the right will have no rights as a
stockholder of ours, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to
receive dividends. While the distribution of the rights will not be taxable to
stockholders or to us, stockholders may, depending upon the circumstances,
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recognize taxable income in the event that any of the rights are exercised for
our common stock, or other consideration, or for common stock or other
securities of the acquiring company as set forth above.
The terms of the rights may be amended by our board of directors without the
consent of the holders of the rights, including an amendment to extend the
expiration date of the rights, and, provided a distribution date has not
occurred, to extend the period during which the rights may be redeemed, except
that after any person becomes an acquiring person, no amendment may materially
and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the rights.
The rights have several anti-takeover effects. The rights will cause
substantial dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire us without
conditioning the offer on our redemption of the rights. The rights should not
interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by our board of
directors because the board of directors may, at its option, at any time prior
to the time any person becomes an acquiring person or ten years after the
adoption of the rights agreement, redeem all, but not less than all, of the then
outstanding rights at $0.00001 per right.
LISTING
We have applied for quotation of our common stock on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol "DGTL."
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent for our common stock is ChaseMellon Shareholder Services,
LLC.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common
stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market
could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. After this offering
is completed, the number of shares available for future sale into the public
markets will be subject to legal and contractual restrictions, some of which are
described below. The lapsing of these restrictions will permit sales of
substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market or could create the
perception that these sales could occur, which could adversely affect the market
price for our common stock. These factors could also make it more difficult to
raise funds through future offerings of common stock.
After this offering, 95,803,693 shares of common stock will be outstanding,
or 97,303,693 shares if the U.S. underwriters and international managers
exercise their over-allotment options in full. Of these shares,
- the 10,000,000 shares sold in this offering, plus any shares issued upon
exercise of the U.S. underwriters' and international managers'
over-allotment options, will be freely tradable without restriction under
the Securities Act, unless purchased by our "affiliates" as that term is
defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act; and
- the remaining 85,803,693 shares of common stock that will be outstanding
after this offering will be "restricted securities" within the meaning of
Rule 144 of the Securities Act.
Upon the closing of this offering, we intend to file one or more
registration statements under the Securities Act to register the shares of
common stock to be issued under our 1999 Stock Option Plan and our Employee
Stock Purchase Plan and, as a result, all shares of common stock acquired upon
exercise of stock options granted under our stock option plan or stock purchase
plan will also be freely tradable under the Securities Act unless purchased by
our affiliates.
Restricted securities generally may be sold only if they are registered
under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to an exemption from registration,
such as the exemptions provided by Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act,
which are summarized below. Subject to the lock-up agreements described below,
shares held by our affiliates that are not restricted securities may be sold
subject to compliance with Rule 144 of the Securities Act without regard to the
prescribed holding period under Rule 144. Our executive officers and directors
and several existing stockholders and stock option holders have agreed, with
exceptions, not to sell or transfer any common stock for 180 days after the date
of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill Lynch.
Specifically, these persons have agreed not to directly or indirectly:
- offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common stock;
- sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock;
- purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock;
- grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common stock;
- lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock;
- request or demand that we file a registration statement related to the
common stock; or
- enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in
part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common stock whether
any swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other
securities, in cash or otherwise.
This lockup provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also
applies to common stock owned now or
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acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person
executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition.
Following the lock-up period, the number of shares of common stock that will
become eligible for sale in the public market under Rule 144 under the
Securities Act will be as follows:
- Beginning 180 days after the date of this prospectus, approximately
shares will be eligible for sale; and
- At various times thereafter upon the expiration of the applicable holding
periods, approximately shares will become eligible for sale.
Some of our stockholders have the right to require us to register shares of
common stock for resale in some circumstances. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Registration Rights."
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, any person or persons
whose shares are aggregated, including an affiliate, who has beneficially owned
restricted securities for a period of at least one year is entitled to sell,
within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the
greater of:
- one percent of the then outstanding shares of common stock, which will
equal approximately shares immediately after this offering; or
- the average weekly trading volume in the common stock on the Nasdaq
National Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which
the notice of the sale is filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to provisions relating to notice and
manner of sale and the availability of current public information about us.
Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not deemed to have been one of our
affiliates at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale, and who has
beneficially owned the shares for at least two years, including the holding
period of any prior owner other than an "affiliate," is entitled to sell the
shares without complying with the manner of sale, public information, volume
limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144.
Subject to limitations on the aggregate offering price of a transaction and
other conditions, Rule 701 under the Securities Act may be relied upon for the
resale of our common stock originally issued by us before the date of this
prospectus to our employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisers under
written compensatory benefit plans, including our 1999 Stock Option Plan, or
contracts relating to the compensation of these persons. Shares of our common
stock issued in reliance on Rule 701 are "restricted securities" and, beginning
90 days after the date of this prospectus, may be sold by non-affiliates subject
only to the manner of sale provisions of Rule 144 and by affiliates under
Rule 144 without compliance with the one-year holding period, in each case
subject to the lock-up agreements.
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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
FOR NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
The following is a general discussion of the principal United States federal
income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our
common stock that may be relevant to non-United States holders. For purposes of
this summary, a non-United States holder is any beneficial owner of our common
stock that, for United States federal income tax purposes, is a non-resident
alien individual, a foreign corporation, a foreign partnership or a foreign
estate or trust as these terms are defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury
regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations, all as of the date
of this prospectus, and all of which are subject to change either retroactively
or prospectively. This discussion does not address all aspects of United States
federal and estate taxation that may be relevant to non-United States holders in
light of their particular circumstances and does not address any taxation
consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing
jurisdiction or the application of any particular tax treaty. Further, it does
not consider non-United States holders subject to special tax treatment under
the United States federal income tax laws, including banks, insurance companies,
dealers in securities or currencies and persons that hold our common stock as
part of a straddle, hedge or conversion transaction.
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING
THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES,
AND THE NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSEQUENCES, OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR
COMMON STOCK.
DIVIDENDS
Subject to the discussion below, including the discussion of backup
withholding, any dividend paid to a non-United States holder that is not
effectively connected with a United States trade or business of the non-United
States holder generally will be subject to United States withholding tax at a
30% rate, or lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty. A non-United
States holder who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate would
be required to satisfy applicable certification and other requirements, which
would include the requirement that the non-United States holder furnish to us or
our paying agent a duly completed Form W-8 BEN, or substitute form, certifying
to its qualification for that rate. Beginning January 1, 2001, in the case of a
non-United States holder that is a foreign partnership, the certification
requirements would generally be applied to the partners of the partnership.
Dividends received by a non-United States holder that are effectively
connected with a United States trade or business conducted by the non-United
States holder or, if a tax treaty applies, that are attributable to a permanent
establishment in the United States maintained by the non-United States holder,
are exempt from United States federal withholding tax provided that the
non-United States holder furnishes to us or our paying agent a duly completed
Form W-8ECI, or substitute form, certifying as to the exemption. However,
dividends exempt from United States federal withholding tax because they are
effectively connected or they are attributable to a United States permanent
establishment are subject to United States federal income tax on a net income
basis at the regular graduated United States federal income tax rates. Any
effectively connected dividends received by a corporate non-United States holder
may, under some circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at
a rate of 30%, or lower rate specified by an applicable tax treaty, of the
corporate non-United States holder's effectively connected earnings and profits
for the taxable year, subject to adjustments.
Dividends paid prior to 2001 to an address in a foreign country are
presumed, absent actual knowledge to the contrary, to be paid to a resident of
that country for purposes of the withholding discussed above and for purposes of
determining the applicability of a tax treaty rate. For dividends
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paid after 2000, a non-United States holder of our common stock who claims the
benefit of an applicable income tax treaty rate generally will be required to
satisfy applicable certification and other requirements.
A non-United States holder eligible for a reduced rate of United States
withholding tax under a tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts
withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund along with the required
information with the IRS.
GAIN ON DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK
A non-United States holder generally will not be subject to United States
federal income tax with respect to gain realized upon the sale or other
disposition of common stock unless:
- the gain is effectively connected with a United States trade or business
of the non-United States holder or, if a tax treaty applies, attributable
to a permanent establishment in the United States maintained by the
non-United States holder;
- the non-United States holder is an individual who holds the common stock
as a capital asset, is present in the United States for a period or
periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year in which the
sale or disposition occurs, and other conditions are met;
- the non-United States holder is an individual subject to tax under
provisions of United States tax law applicable to specified United States
expatriates; or
- we are or have been a United States real property holding corporation for
United States federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter
of the five-year period preceding the disposition of the holder's common
stock and the holder's holding period and other conditions are met. We
believe that we are not and have never been, are not currently and are not
likely to become, a United States real property holding corporation for
United States federal income tax purposes.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
Generally, we must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid,
the name and address of the recipient, and the amount, if any, of tax withheld.
A similar report is sent to the recipient. These information reporting
requirements apply even if withholding was not required because the dividends
were effectively connected dividends or withholding was reduced by an applicable
income tax treaty. Pursuant to tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may
make its reports available to tax authorities in the recipient's country of
residence.
For payments made before January 1, 2001, backup withholding generally will
not apply to dividends paid to holders at an address outside the United States
unless we have knowledge that the holder is a United States person. Unless we
have actual knowledge that a holder is a non-United States holder, dividends
paid during that time to a holder at an address within the United States may be
subject to backup withholding at a rate of 31% if the holder (1) is not a
corporation or other exempt recipient as defined in Treasury Regulations and
(2) fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number and other
information to us. For payments made after December 31, 2000, a non-United
States holder that is not an exempt recipient generally will be subject to
backup withholding at a rate of 31%, rather than withholding at a 30% rate or
lower treaty rate discussed above, unless the non-United States holder certifies
as to its foreign status, which certification may be made on IRS Form W-8 BEN.
Proceeds from the disposition of common stock by a non-United States holder
effected by or through a United States office of a broker will be subject to
information reporting and to backup withholding at a rate of 31% of the gross
proceeds unless the non-United States holder certifies to the payor under
penalties of perjury as to, among other things, its address and status as a
non-United
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States holder or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, United States
information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of
disposition proceeds if the transaction is effected outside the United States by
or through a non-United States office of a broker. However, if the broker is,
for United States federal income tax purposes, a United States person, a
controlled foreign corporation, a foreign person who derives 50% or more of its
gross income for specified periods from the conduct of a United States trade or
business, specified U.S. branches of foreign banks or insurance companies, or,
for payments after December 31, 2000, a foreign partnership with connections to
the United States, information reporting but not backup withholding will apply
unless
- the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the holder is a
non-United States holder and other conditions are met or
- the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Under final United States Treasury Regulations, effective January 1, 2001, a
non-United States holder generally would not be subject to backup withholding if
the beneficial owner certifies to its foreign status on a valid Form W-8 BEN
furnished to us or our paying agent.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the U.S. federal income
tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the
amount of tax withheld. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of
United States federal income taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided the
required documents are filed with the IRS.
ESTATE TAX
An individual non-United States holder who is treated as the owner of common
stock at the time of the individual's death or has made specified lifetime
transfers of an interest in common stock will be required to include the value
of the common stock in the individual's gross estate for United States federal
estate tax purposes and may be subject to United States federal estate tax,
unless an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise. For United States federal
estate tax purposes, a non-United States holder is an individual who is neither
a citizen nor a domiciliary of the United States. Whether an individual is
considered a domiciliary of the United States for estate tax purposes is
generally determined on the basis of all of the facts and circumstances.
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UNDERWRITING
GENERAL
We are offering our shares in the U.S. and Canada through the U.S.
underwriters and elsewhere through the international managers. Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, ING Barings LLC, Banc of America Securities
LLC and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. are acting as U.S. representatives of the U.S.
underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions described in a
U.S. purchase agreement among us and the U.S. underwriters, and concurrently
with the sale of shares to the international managers, we have agreed
to sell to the U.S. underwriters, and the U.S. underwriters severally have
agreed to purchase from us, the number of shares listed opposite their names
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
U.S. UNDERWRITER SHARES
---------------- -----------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated......................................
ING Barings LLC.............................................
Banc of America Securities LLC..............................
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.....................................
-----------
Total.....................................................
===========
</TABLE>
We have also entered into an international purchase agreement with the
international managers, for whom Merrill Lynch International, ING Barings
Limited, as agent for ING Bank, N.V., London Branch, Bank of America
International Limited and Bear, Stearns International Limited are acting as lead
managers, for sale of the shares outside the U.S. and Canada. Subject to the
terms and conditions in the international purchase agreement, and concurrently
with the sale of shares to the U.S. underwriters pursuant to the U.S.
purchase agreement, we have agreed to sell to the international managers, and
the international managers severally have agreed to purchase from us,
shares. The initial public offering price per share and the total underwriting
discount per share are identical under the U.S. purchase agreement and the
international purchase agreement.
The U.S. underwriters and the international managers have agreed to purchase
all of the shares sold under the U.S. and international purchase agreements if
any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the U.S. and
international purchase agreements provide that the purchase commitments of the
nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the purchase agreements may be
terminated. The closings for the sale of shares to be purchased by the U.S.
underwriters and the international managers are conditioned on one another.
We have agreed to indemnify the U.S. underwriters and the international
managers against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the U.S. underwriters and
international managers may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as
and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by
their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions
contained in the purchase agreements, such as the receipt by the underwriters of
officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to
withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or
in part.
Merrill Lynch will be facilitating Internet distribution for this offering
to several of its Internet subscription customers. Merrill Lynch intends to
allocate a limited number of shares for sale to its
86
<PAGE>
online brokerage customers. An electronic prospectus is available on the website
maintained by Merrill Lynch. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the
information on the Merrill Lynch website relating to this offering is not a part
of this prospectus.
COMMISSIONS AND DISCOUNTS
The U.S. representatives have advised us that the U.S. underwriters propose
initially to offer the shares to the public at the initial public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less
a concession not in excess of $ per share. The U.S. underwriters may
allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $ per
share to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering
price, concession and discount may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount
and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise
or full exercise by the U.S. underwriters and the international managers of
their over-allotment options.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE WITHOUT OPTION WITH OPTION
--------- -------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Public offering price..................................... $ $ $
Underwriting discount..................................... $ $ $
Proceeds, before expenses, to Digital:Convergence
Corporation............................................. $ $ $
</TABLE>
The total expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount,
are estimated at $ and are payable by us.
OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTIONS
We have granted an option to the U.S. underwriters to purchase up to
additional shares at the public offering price less the underwriting
discount. The U.S. underwriters may exercise this option for 30 days from the
date of this prospectus solely to cover any over-allotments. If the U.S.
underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions
contained in the purchase agreements, to purchase a number of additional shares
proportionate to that U.S. underwriter's initial amount reflected in the above
table.
We have also granted an option to the international managers, exercisable
for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to
additional shares to cover any over-allotments on terms similar to
those granted to the U.S. underwriters.
INTERSYNDICATE AGREEMENT
The U.S. underwriters and the international managers have entered into an
intersyndicate agreement that provides for the coordination of their activities.
Under the intersyndicate agreement, the U.S. underwriters and the international
managers may sell shares to each other for purposes of resale at the initial
public offering price, less an amount not greater than the selling concession.
Under the intersyndicate agreement, the U.S. underwriters and any dealer to whom
they sell shares will not offer to sell or sell shares to persons who are
non-U.S. or non-Canadian persons or to persons they believe intend to resell to
persons who are non-U.S. or non-Canadian persons, except in the case of
transactions under the intersyndicate agreement. Similarly, the international
managers and any dealer to whom they sell shares will not offer to sell or sell
shares to U.S. persons or Canadian persons or to persons they believe intend to
resell to U.S. or Canadian persons, except in the case of transactions under the
intersyndicate agreement.
87
<PAGE>
RESERVED SHARES
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial
public offering price, approximately % of the shares offered by this
prospectus for sale to some of our employees and persons having business
relationships with us. If these persons purchase reserved shares, the number of
shares available for sale to the general public will be reduced accordingly. Any
reserved shares that are not orally confirmed for purchase within one business
day of the pricing of this offering will be offered by the underwriters to the
general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus.
NO SALES OF SIMILAR SECURITIES
We and our executive officers and directors and several existing
stockholders and stock option holders have agreed, with exceptions, not to sell
or transfer any common stock for 180 days after the date of this prospectus
without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill Lynch. Specifically, we
and these other persons have agreed not to directly or indirectly
- offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common stock,
- sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock,
- purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock,
- grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common stock,
- lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock,
- request or demand that we file a registration statement related to the
common stock, or
- enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in
part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common stock whether
any swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other
securities, in cash or otherwise.
This lockup provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also
applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the
agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the
power of disposition.
QUOTATION ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET
We expect the shares to be approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market, subject to notice of issuance, under the symbol "DGTL."
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock.
The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations among
us and the U.S. representatives and lead managers. In addition to prevailing
market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial
public offering price are
- the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the U.S.
representatives and the international managers believe to be comparable to
us,
- our financial information,
- the history of, and the prospects for, our company and the industry in
which we compete,
- an assessment of our management, its past and present operations, and the
prospects for, and timing of, our future revenues,
- the present state of our development, and
88
<PAGE>
- the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation
measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours.
An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible
that after the offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or
above the initial public offering price.
The underwriters do not expect to sell more than 5% of the shares being
offered in this offering to accounts over which they exercise discretionary
authority.
PRICE STABILIZATION, SHORT POSITIONS AND PENALTY BIDS
Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit
underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our
common stock. However, the U.S. representatives may engage in transactions that
stabilize the price of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix
or maintain that price.
If the underwriters create a short position in the common stock in
connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more shares than are listed on
the cover of this prospectus, the U.S. representatives may reduce that short
position by purchasing shares in the open market. The U.S. representatives may
also elect to reduce any short position by exercising all or part of the
over-allotment option described above. Purchases of the common stock to
stabilize its price or to reduce a short position may cause the price of the
common stock to be higher than it might be in the absence of the purchases.
The U.S. representatives may also impose a penalty bid on underwriters and
selling group members. This means that if the U.S. representatives purchase
shares in the open market to reduce the underwriter's short position or to
stabilize the price of the shares, they may reclaim the amount of the selling
concession from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those
shares. The imposition of a penalty bid may also affect the price of the shares
in that it discourages resales of those shares.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction
as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described
above may have on the price of the common stock. In addition, neither we nor any
of the underwriters make any representation that U.S. representatives or the
lead managers will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once
commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
ING Barings LLC has performed investment banking and financial advisory
services for us in the past for which it has received customary fees and may, in
the future, perform similar services for us and receive additional compensation
from us for those services. In connection with our private placement of
Series A preferred stock in September 1999, ING Barings LLC received a placement
fee of approximately $1.7 million in December 1999 for acting as placement
agent. In addition, ING Barings LLC and DING.com LLC, an entity affiliated with
ING Barings, purchased 1,587 and 2,875 shares of Series A preferred stock,
respectively, in our Series A financing for a purchase price of $4,999,050 and
$9,056,250, respectively. The shares held by ING Barings LLC and DING.com LLC
will convert automatically into 999,810 and 1,811,250 shares of our common
stock, respectively, upon completion of this offering.
In addition, an affiliate of ING Barings LLC, ING Furman Selz Asset
Management, has performed financial advisory services for us in the past in
connection with short-term investments of our cash resources, for which it has
received customary fees, and may perform similar services for us in the future
and receive additional compensation from us for those services. As of
November 6, 2000, we had paid ING Furman Selz Asset Management $22,140.
89
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will
be passed upon for us by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Dallas, Texas. Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P. owns 39,118 shares of our Series B preferred stock. In addition, Jeffrey
A. Chapman, a partner of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., owns 5,040 shares of our common
stock and 3,556 shares of our Series B preferred stock. Various legal matters in
connection with the common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon
for the underwriters by Chadbourne & Parke LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Digital:Convergence Corporation,
formerly known as DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc., as of December 31, 1999 and for
the year then ended included in this prospectus have been so included in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The
financial statements of Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. as of December 31, 1998
and for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 included in this prospectus
have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for the common stock we are offering by this prospectus.
This prospectus is a part of that registration statement. As allowed by SEC
rules, this prospectus does not include all of the information contained in the
registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. You should
refer to the registration statement and its exhibits for additional information.
When we complete this offering, we will be required to file annual,
quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. You can obtain our SEC filings, including the registration statement, over
the Internet at the SEC's website at HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. You may also read and
copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facilities at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; Seven World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. You may also obtain copies of
these documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference
Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please
call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0300 for further information on the operation of the
public reference facilities.
90
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE NO.
--------
<S> <C>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION, FORMERLY KNOWN AS
DIGITALCONVERGENCE.:COM INC.
Consolidated Annual Financial Statements
Report of Independent Accountants....................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1999...... F-3
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1999...................................... F-4
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit for the
year ended December 31, 1999........................... F-5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended
December 31, 1999...................................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............. F-7
Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited):
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and
September 30, 2000..................................... F-22
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Nine
Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 2000............... F-23
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit for the
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000................... F-24
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine
Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 2000............... F-25
Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements...... F-26
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC. (PREDECESSOR)
Report of Independent Accountants........................... F-33
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1998....................... F-34
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1998............................................. F-35
Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Deficit for the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1998.......................... F-36
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1998............................................. F-37
Notes to Financial Statements............................... F-38
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Stockholders of
Digital:Convergence Corporation
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statement of operations, stockholders' deficit and cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Digital:Convergence Corporation, formerly known as
DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc., (the "Company") at December 31, 1999, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management;
our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
April 27, 2000
F-2
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
1999
------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 45,539,823
Accounts receivable....................................... 31,847
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 90,482
------------
Total current assets.................................. 45,662,152
Property and equipment, net................................. 469,991
Intangibles, net............................................ 79,365
Other assets................................................ 306,859
------------
Total assets.......................................... $ 46,518,367
============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 357,818
Accrued liabilities....................................... 363,998
Current portion of capital lease obligations.............. 9,780
------------
Total current liabilities............................. 731,596
------------
Long-term debt to related parties (net of unamortized
discount of $515,871)..................................... 8,484,129
Accrued interest on long-term debt.......................... 639,541
Capital lease obligation.................................... 18,911
Other liabilities........................................... 2,475
Series A convertible preferred stock subject to
redemption................................................ 47,887,725
Stockholders' deficit:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 110,250,000 shares
authorized; 61,113,150 shares issued and outstanding.... 611,132
Additional paid-in capital................................ 517,325
Excess of purchase price over Predecessor cost of net
liabilities
acquired................................................ (8,397,389)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (3,977,078)
------------
Total stockholders' deficit........................... (11,246,010)
------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit......... $ 46,518,367
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1999
------------
<S> <C>
Revenues.................................................... $ 1,542,800
-----------
Costs and expenses:
Production and media costs................................ 1,012,407
Selling, general and administrative expenses.............. 3,920,876
Depreciation and amortization............................. 105,721
Research and development costs............................ 410,017
-----------
Total operating expenses................................ 5,449,021
-----------
Operating loss.......................................... (3,906,221)
Other income (expense):
Interest income........................................... 660,498
Interest expense.......................................... (731,355)
-----------
Total other expense..................................... (70,857)
-----------
Net loss.............................................. $(3,977,078)
===========
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding............................................... 59,507,271
===========
Basic and diluted net loss per common share................. $ (0.07)
===========
Pro forma basic and diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding (unaudited)................................... 69,485,211
===========
Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common share
(unaudited)............................................... $ (0.06)
===========
Supplemental pro forma basic and diluted weighted average
common shares outstanding (unaudited)..................... 69,841,715
===========
Supplemental pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common
share (unaudited)......................................... $ (0.05)
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK
------------------------------------ EXCESS OF PURCHASE
NUMBER COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL PRICE OVER PREDECESSOR
OF SUBSCRIPTION PAID-IN COST OF NET ACCUMULATED
SHARES AMOUNT RECEIVABLE CAPITAL LIABILITIES ACQUIRED DEFICIT
---------- -------- ------------ ----------- ---------------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances as of December 31,
1998......................... 41,422,500 $414,225 $(1,000) $ (413,225) $ -- $ --
Issuance of common stock to
employees and other related
parties.................... 19,690,650 196,907 -- 407,053 -- --
Purchase of assets on January
4
(see Note 1)............... -- -- -- -- (8,397,389) --
Cash received on common stock
subscription............... -- -- 1,000 -- -- --
Employee compensation
(see Note 8)............... -- -- -- 132,188 -- --
Warrants issued in connection
with preferred stock
issuance
(see Note 6)............... -- -- -- 391,309 -- --
Net loss..................... -- -- -- -- (3,977,078)
---------- -------- ------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balances as of
December 31, 1999............ 61,113,150 $611,132 $ -- $ 517,325 $(8,397,389) $(3,977,078)
========== ======== ======= =========== =========== ===========
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
------------
<S> <C>
Balances as of December 31,
1998......................... $ --
Issuance of common stock to
employees and other related
parties.................... 603,960
Purchase of assets on January
4
(see Note 1)............... (8,397,389)
Cash received on common stock
subscription............... 1,000
Employee compensation
(see Note 8)............... 132,188
Warrants issued in connection
with preferred stock
issuance
(see Note 6)............... 391,309
Net loss..................... (3,977,078)
------------
Balances as of
December 31, 1999............ $(11,246,010)
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1999
------------
<S> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss.................................................. $(3,977,078)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Deferred revenue from acquisition (see Note 1)........ (156,000)
Depreciation and amortization......................... 105,721
Accretion of discount on long-term debt to related
parties (see Note 5)................................ 84,963
Noncash compensation expense (see Note 8)............. 132,188
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable................................. (31,847)
Prepaid expenses.................................... (65,283)
Other assets........................................ (304,259)
Accounts payable.................................... 357,818
Accrued expense..................................... 886,264
-----------
Net cash used in operating activities............. (2,967,513)
-----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (397,277)
Cash acquired in acquisition of entities under common
control................................................. 165,278
Purchase of intangibles................................... (80,246)
-----------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (312,245)
-----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt from related party (see Note
5)...................................................... 2,500,000
Payment of long-term debt to related party (see Note 5)... (1,500,000)
Proceeds from sale of common and preferred stock, net of
costs and placement fees................................ 48,283,161
Advances from stockholder................................. 147,090
Repayments to stockholder................................. (610,670)
-----------
Net cash provided by financing activities......... 48,819,581
-----------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... 45,539,823
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.............. --
-----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.................... $45,539,823
===========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows:
Cash paid during the year for interest.................... $ --
===========
Cash paid during the year for income taxes................ $ --
===========
Non-cash investing activities:
Predecessor net liabilities acquired, net of cash
acquired............................................ $ 523,296
Non-cash financing activities:
Issuance of promissory note to Predecessor............ $ 8,000,000
Issuance cost on Series A preferred stock (see Note
6).................................................. $ 391,309
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company was incorporated in the state of Delaware in September 1998
under the name of DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc., now known as Digital:Convergence
Corporation ("Digital" or the "Company"), at which time the founder was issued
41,422,500 shares of common stock for $1,000. The accompanying financial
statements include the consolidated accounts of Digital and its wholly owned
subsidiary, DigitalDemographics.:Com Inc. (collectively, "Digital" or the
"Company"). The Company had no operating activity until January 4, 1999 when the
Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement" or
the "Acquisition") with Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. ("Infotainment" or the
"Predecessor"). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased all of
the rights, title and interest in and to the trade names, trademarks, designs,
copyrights, patents pending, patents filed and other intellectual property, all
of the rights in and to the radio and television show known as NET TALK LIVE!
THE INTERNET TALK SHOW including, but not limited to, all prior and future
programming, all trademarks, copyrights, creative materials, designs and other
intellectual property, all rights, title and interest in and to the furniture,
fixtures and equipment (the "Assets") and assumed certain liabilities from the
Predecessor.
The aggregate purchase price for the Assets was $8,000,000 in the form of a
promissory note, bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum ("Promissory
Note"). As the owner of a majority of the Company's common stock on the date of
the Acquisition was part of a control group that controlled Infotainment, the
Acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of entities under common
control. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities acquired were recorded at the
Predecessor's historical cost, and the excess of the purchase price was charged
to "Excess of Purchase Price Over Predecessor Cost of Net Liabilities Acquired"
in the amount of $8,397,389.
At inception, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation authorized
63,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, and 10,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $0.01. In September 1999, the Board of Directors
approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number
of authorized shares of common and preferred stock to 110,250,000 and 30,000,
respectively.
The Company has developed technology that can link almost any form of media
or product instantly with the Internet. The Company's Internet convergence
technology enables users to access relevant content and conduct e-commerce
instantly without inputting lengthy website addresses or conducting
time-intensive website navigation. To date, the Company has not launched the
convergence technology; therefore, no revenues have been recorded from the
technology. The Company intends to initiate a full-scale roll out of the
technology beginning in September 2000.
In May 1999, DigitalDemographics.:Com Inc. ("DigitalDemographics") was
formed as a Delaware corporation. The Company purchased all of the 1,000 issued
and outstanding shares of DigitalDemographics for $1,000 in May 1999.
DigitalDemographics was established as a data mining company, but has had no
operations to date.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CONSOLIDATION
The accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiary are included in
the consolidated financial statements after elimination of significant
intercompany accounts and transactions.
F-7
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three
months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to five years. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the life of the underlying lease using the
straight-line method. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, as well as minor
renewals, are charged to operations as incurred, while betterments and major
renewals are capitalized. Any gain or loss resulting from the retirement or sale
of an asset is credited or charged to operations.
The Company evaluates long-lived assets to be held and used in the business,
or to be disposed of, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the net book value of the asset may not be recoverable. An
impairment is determined by comparing expected future cash flows (undiscounted
and before interest) to the net book value of the assets. If impairment exists,
the amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the net book
value of the assets and the estimated fair value of the related assets. The
Company believes that no impairment of property or equipment existed at
December 31, 1999.
CAPITALIZED SOFTWARE
All costs incurred in the internal development of computer software, which
will be provided free to Internet users, are expensed until a product design and
a working model of the software have been tested and completed in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 86, ACCOUNTING FOR THE
COSTS OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE TO BE SOLD, LEASED OR OTHERWISE MARKETED ("FAS 86").
Thereafter, any further development or production costs are capitalized until
the software is placed into service. In the event unamortized software costs
exceed the net realizable value of the software, the excess is expensed in the
period the excess is determined. During the year ended December 31, 1999, no
software costs were capitalized because the Company did not incur significant
development costs after the point at which a product design and working model of
the software had been completed. At December 31, 1999, capitalized software is
comprised of software purchased from third parties used in the operations of the
Company and is reflected in "Intangibles" on the Balance Sheet.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue derived from the sale of advertising spots and sponsorships during
NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW is recognized upon broadcast of the show
in which the advertisement or sponsorship is aired. In cases where payment is
received prior to the airing of the advertisement or sponsorship, the Company
defers recognition of the corresponding revenue until the advertisement or
sponsorship has been aired. For the year ended December 31, 1999, two customers
accounted for approximately 17% and 81% of the Company's revenues, respectively.
Following the Company's launch of its technology in the second half of the
year ending December 31, 2000, the Company anticipates recording revenues
principally from the licensing of broadcast and print cues. Revenues from the
licensing of advertising cues will be recognized upon
F-8
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
notification that the cue has been transmitted in a broadcast or distributed in
a newspaper or magazine. Some contracts are structured so that a license fee,
typically covering a period of twelve to eighteen months, is paid by customers
for the use of the Company's technology. Revenue generated from these licenses
will be recognized ratably over the respective contract period. Additionally,
the Company anticipates recording revenue from sponsorship tabs sold on the
:CueChannel, which appears at the bottom of a user's Windows desktop. Revenue
from the sponsorship tabs on the :CueChannel, net of agency commissions, will be
recognized ratably over the period in which the advertisements are displayed.
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
The Company maintains cash balances exceeding federally insured limits in a
money market fund. However, management believes the fund is of high credit
quality and considers any exposure from concentrations of credit risk to be
limited.
The Company's revenue primarily relates to the sale of advertising spots and
sponsorships on NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW. The Company performs
ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and, generally,
requires no collateral from its customers. Credit losses have been within
management's expectations and adequate allowance for any uncollectible trade
receivables are maintained.
INCOME TAXES
The Company presents income taxes pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES ("FAS 109"). FAS 109
uses an asset and liability approach to account for income taxes, wherein
deferred taxes are provided for book and tax basis differences for assets and
liabilities. In the event differences between the financial reporting basis and
the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities result in deferred tax
assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future
benefits indicated by such assets is required. A valuation allowance is provided
for a portion or all of the deferred tax assets when there is sufficient
uncertainty regarding the Company's ability to recognize the benefits of the
assets in future years.
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising and promotion-related expenses are charged to operations in the
period incurred. Advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 1999 was
approximately $13,500.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs are primarily costs incurred to develop,
enhance and develop new applications for our technology. Research and
development expenses are charged to operations in the period incurred.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amount of the Company's financial instruments reflected in the
consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1999 approximate their respective
fair values.
F-9
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
NET LOSS PER SHARE
Basic net loss per share is computed based on the weighted average number of
shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net loss per share is computed based
on the weighted average outstanding shares and the effect of dilutive potential
common shares. For the year ended December 31, 1999, basic and diluted net loss
per share are equal because the Company's potential common shares of 17,687,880
were anti-dilutive.
PRO FORMA NET LOSS PER SHARE (UNAUDITED)
Pro forma net loss per share for the year ended December 31, 1999 is
computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding,
including the conversion of the Company's Series A, Series B and Series C
preferred stock into shares of the Company's common stock effective upon the
closing of the Company's initial public offering, as if such conversion occurred
on January 1, 1999. The resulting pro forma adjustment includes an increase in
the weighted average shares used to compute the basic net loss per share by
9,977,940 shares.
SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA NET LOSS PER SHARE (UNAUDITED)
Supplemental pro forma net loss per share for the year ended December 31,
1999 adjusts pro forma net loss per share to reflect the assumed issuance of
356,504 shares of Common Stock (based upon an assumed initial offering price of
$11.00 per share) to fund the $3.5 million cash payment of debt plus
approximately $90,000 of accrued interest to the Predecessor. The supplemental
pro forma net loss used to calculate supplemental pro forma basic and diluted
net loss per share includes an adjustment of $210,000 related to interest
expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 1999 on the $3.5 million
cash payment being made to the Predecessor.
STOCK SPLITS
A 630-for-one stock split of the Company's common stock was effective on
January 3, 2000. All references in the consolidated financial statements to
common stock shares, share prices, per share amounts, options and warrants have
been adjusted retroactively for this stock split.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ("FAS 123"), encourages, but does not require,
companies to record compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation
plans at fair value. Pro forma disclosure of net loss based on the provisions of
FAS 123 is presented in Note 8. For financial reporting purposes, the Company
has elected to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the
intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES ("APB 25"), and related
Interpretations.
The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in
accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123 and the Emerging Issues Task
Force in Issue No. 96-18, ACCOUNTING FOR EQUITY INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE ISSUED TO
OTHER THAN EMPLOYEES FOR ACQUIRING, OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH SELLING, GOODS OR
SERVICES, which require that such equity instruments are recorded at their fair
value on the measurement date, which is typically the date of grant.
F-10
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
ACCOUNTING FOR WARRANTS
From time to time the Company may issue warrants to non-employees in
exchange for goods or services. These warrants are measured at the fair value of
the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued,
whichever is more reliably measurable. Generally, the value of the warrant is
determined by using a Black-Scholes model which includes the following
variables: (1) exercise price of the warrant; (2) fair market value of the
underlying stock on date of grant; (3) contractual life; (4) estimated
volatility and (5) the risk free interest rate. The value of the warrant is
typically recorded in the same period(s) and the same manner (that is,
capitalize versus expense) as if the enterprise had paid cash for the goods or
services or used cash rebates as a sales discount instead of paying with or
using the equity instruments.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
In 1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, REPORTING
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ("FAS 130") was issued. FAS 130 requires separate financial
statement disclosure of comprehensive income, which encompasses changes in net
asset values derived from activity from both owner and non-owner sources. There
were no items that qualify for treatment as components of comprehensive income
for the year ended December 31, 1999.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
In 1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, DISCLOSURES
ABOUT SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE AND RELATED INFORMATION ("FAS 131") was issued.
FAS 131 supercedes Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 14, FINANCIAL
REPORTING FOR SEGMENTS OF A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE,replacing the "industry"
approach with the "management" approach. The management approach designates the
internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions
and assessing performance as the source of the Company's reportable segments.
FAS 131 also requires disclosures about products and services, geographic areas,
and major customers. The adoption of FAS 131 did not affect the results of
operations or financial position of the Company. For the year ended
December 31, 1999, management assessed the Company's performance and made
operating decisions as one reportable segment.
UNCERTAINTIES AND THE USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of consolidated 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.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS No. 133), ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE
INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, which establishes accounting and reporting
standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 133, which
will be effective for us for the fiscal year and quarters beginning after
June 15, 2000, requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either
assets or liabilities in the statement of financial
F-11
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
position and measure those instruments at fair value. During June 1999, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 137, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND
HEDGING ACTIVITIES-DEFERRAL OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF FASB STATEMENT 133. The
Statement defers the effective date of SFAS 133 to fiscal 2001. Management is
evaluating SFAS 133 but does not expect the potential effect of adopting the
provisions of SFAS No. 133 to have a significant impact on our financial
position, results of operations, and cash flows.
In December 1999, the Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB")
No. 101, REVENUE RECOGNITION IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, which provides guidance on
the recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in financial statements
filed with the Commission. SAB 101 outlines the basic criteria that must be met
to recognize revenue and provides guidance for disclosure related to revenue
recognition policies. Management believes that SAB 101 will not have a material
effect on our financial statements.
In March 2000, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 44 ("FIN 44"),
ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING STOCK COMPENSATION. FIN 44
clarifies the application of Accounting Principals Board No. 25 for certain
issues related to equity based instruments issued to employees. FIN 44 is
effective July 1, 2000, except for certain transactions, and will be applied on
a prospective basis. Management believes that FIN 44 will not have a material
effect on the accompanying financial statements.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment at December 31, 1999 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED
LIFE
---------
<S> <C> <C>
Computer and office equipment........................... $ 393,991 3 Years
Studio and phone equipment.............................. 213,250 5 Years
Furniture and fixtures.................................. 55,844 5 Years
Leasehold improvements.................................. 24,577 Various
---------
Gross property and equipment............................ 687,662
Less: accumulated depreciation.......................... (217,671)
---------
Property and equipment, net............................. $ 469,991
=========
</TABLE>
Assets recorded under capital leases, primarily consisting of computer
equipment, are recorded at the lower of the present value of future minimum
lease payments or the fair value of the assets. Total gross assets recorded
under capital lease in 1999 amounted to $42,244, and accumulated amortization
F-12
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (CONTINUED)
was $5,867. Amortization of assets under capital lease is included in
depreciation and amortization expense. Future minimum lease payments and related
interest are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,
------------
<S> <C>
2000........................................................ $13,159
2001........................................................ 13,159
2002........................................................ 7,172
-------
Aggregate minimum lease payments............................ 33,490
Less: amount representing interest.......................... 4,799
Less: current portion....................................... 9,780
-------
Long-term capital lease obligation.......................... $18,911
=======
</TABLE>
The interest rate of the capital lease is 12.59%. Interest expense on the
capital lease for the year ended December 31, 1999 was $1,597.
4. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
A summary of accrued liabilities follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
1999
------------
<S> <C>
Accrued travel costs........................................ $ 87,820
Accrued legal costs......................................... 31,000
Accrued accounting costs.................................... 20,000
Accrued payroll and taxes................................... 110,456
Accrued franchise tax....................................... 75,752
Other accruals.............................................. 38,970
--------
$363,998
========
</TABLE>
5. DEBT
In January 1999, the Company issued a promissory note for $8,000,000,
bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum, as consideration for the
Acquisition. Accrued interest thereon is payable on a quarterly basis beginning
March 31, 2001. All or a portion of the promissory note will be repaid if
certain events occur. In any event, all principal and interest amounts for the
promissory note will be fully paid during 2002 and 2003, and the note will be
paid in full by January 31, 2004. In October 1999, the Company voluntarily
repaid $1,500,000 of the promissory note.
Also in January 1999, the Company entered into a Common Stock and Debenture
Purchase Agreement in which the Company issued 15,750,000 shares of common stock
and $2,500,000 of the Company's 8.0% Debentures, Series 1999A (the "Debentures")
for total proceeds of $2,502,500. The proceeds were allocated to the stock and
the debenture based on their relative fair value. The portion of the proceeds
allocated to the debenture amounted to $1,899,166 and resulted in a discount of
$600,834, which reflects an effective interest rate of 15% and will be accreted
over the life of the
F-13
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
5. DEBT (CONTINUED)
debenture using the effective interest method. The accrued interest on the
Debentures will be paid on a quarterly basis beginning March 31, 2001. The
unpaid accrued interest balance will be added to the principal balance beginning
January 28, 2001, and the principal and interest will be paid on a quarterly
basis beginning March 31, 2002 and ending December 31, 2003. If certain events
occur, all or a portion of the Debentures will be repaid at an earlier date.
Principal payments on the Company's debt in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004
are estimated to be $0, $0, $4,699,064, $4,699,064 and $0, respectively.
6. SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION
In September 1999, the Company's Board of Directors unanimously approved the
issuance of Series A convertible preferred stock to certain outside investors
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement. In November 1999, 15,838 shares of the
Series A preferred stock were issued to various investors for $3,150 per share
for total gross proceeds in the amount of $49,889,700 subject to issuance costs
of $2,253,975. In December 1999, the Company received $252,000 for 80 additional
shares of Series A preferred stock at $3,150 per share. The cash received in
December 1999 was classified as Series A preferred stock subscribed, as the
share certificates were not issued by December 31, 1999.
Following is a summary of the Series A convertible preferred stock subject
to redemption issued by the Company as of December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
DATE CASH RECEIPT SHARES ISSUED AND TOTAL CARRYING
SERIES ISSUED DATE DESIGNATED OUTSTANDING PROCEEDS VALUE
--------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A November 1999 Various 27,000 15,838 $49,889,700 $47,635,725
A -- December 1999 -- -- 252,000 252,000
----------- -----------
$50,141,700 $47,887,725
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The carrying value of the Series A preferred stock represents proceeds from
the sale of the stock and proceeds from the preferred stock subscription of
$252,000, net of issuance costs of $2,253,975.
The Series A preferred stock subject to redemption has a par value of $0.01
per share and has a liquidation preference over the Company's common stock. In
certain situations, including a change in control, the holders of this Series A
preferred stock can deem the event a liquidation of the Company. As a result,
these shares have been classified as temporary equity on the balance sheet. The
holders of the Series A preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends when
and if declared by the Company's Board of Directors and at any time that
dividends are declared on the Company's common stock. Each share of Series A
preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time on or
after the date of issuance, into 630 shares of common stock at the Conversion
Price, as defined in the Certificate of Designation of Series A preferred stock.
The initial Conversion Price of these shares is equal to the issuance price of
$3,150 per share. The shares convert automatically into common stock upon the
election of the holders of at least two-thirds of the then outstanding Series A
preferred stock or the closing of a firm commitment underwritten public offering
which raises gross proceeds of at least $75,000,000, and whereby the aggregate
value of the shares of common stock issuable on conversion of each share of
Series A preferred stock is at least two times the conversion value.
F-14
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
6. SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION (CONTINUED)
In connection with the issuance of the Series A preferred stock, the Company
issued a warrant to purchase 124,740 shares of the Company's common stock to one
of the investors as a finder's fee for attracting additional investors. The
exercise price of the warrant is $5.00 per share and the warrant expires on
September 29, 2004. The warrant is exercisable immediately. The Company valued
the warrant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The value of the
warrant on the date of grant was $391,309 using the following assumptions:
(1) volatility of 70%; (2) risk-free rate of interest of 5.79%; (3) fair market
value of the common stock on date of grant of $5.00 per share; (4) expected life
of five years; and (5) zero dividend yield.
7. STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
In conjunction with the incorporation of the Company on September 25, 1998,
the founder purchased 41,422,500 shares of common stock for $1,000. As discussed
in Note 5 in January 1999, 15,750,000 shares of common stock, along with
debentures, were issued to outside investors for $2,502,500, and $600,834 of the
proceeds were allocated to additional paid-in capital as a discount to debt.
Additionally, in January 1999 certain employees and outside investors of the
Company purchased 3,468,150 shares of common stock for $550.50. An officer of
the Company purchased an additional 472,500 shares of common stock in May 1999
for $75.
8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATON
In August 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the adoption
of the Company's 1999 Stock Option Plan ("1999 Plan"). In September 1999, the
stockholders of the Company approved the 1999 Plan. Under the 1999 Plan, the
Company is authorized to grant options to purchase 9,450,000 shares of the
Company's common stock to key employees of the Company or eligible
non-employees, as defined by the 1999 Plan. Options granted under the 1999 Plan
may be in the form of incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options.
Options granted under the 1999 Plan generally expire ten years from date of
grant.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("Committee")
administers the 1999 Plan and determines the number and the terms of
exercisability of options granted. The exercise price of the options granted
under the 1999 Plan is fixed by the Committee on the date of grant of the
options and equals at least one hundred percent of the fair market value of the
Company's common stock on the date of grant. The options granted under the 1999
Plan may be fulfilled with authorized and unissued shares of common stock,
issued shares of the Company's common stock held in treasury, or issued shares
of common stock reacquired by the Company in each situation as the Committee may
determine from time to time.
F-15
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATON (CONTINUED)
As discussed in Note 2, the Company has adopted the disclosure only
provisions of FAS 123 for options issued to employees. Had compensation cost for
the option issuances to employees under the Company's 1999 Plan been determined
based on the fair value provisions of FAS 123, the Company's net loss and net
loss per share would have increased to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
1999
-----------
<S> <C>
Net loss--as reported....................................... $(3,977,078)
Net loss--pro forma......................................... $(5,377,568)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share--as reported.... $ (0.07)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share--pro forma...... $ (0.09)
</TABLE>
The pro forma disclosures provided are not likely to be representative of
the effects on reported net loss for future years due to future grants and the
vesting requirements of the Company's stock options issued under the 1999 plan.
The weighted average fair value for options granted to employees under the
1999 Plan was $0.96 in 1999. The fair value of each option granted is estimated
on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following weighted-average assumptions used:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Dividend yield.............................................. --
Expected volatility......................................... 0.0%
Risk-free rate of return.................................... 5.6%
Expected life............................................... 5 Yrs.
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes activity under the Company's 1999 Plan during
the year ended December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF WTD. AVG.
OPTIONS EXER. PRICE
--------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Options outstanding at beginning of year............... -- --
Options granted........................................ 7,585,200 $3.88
Options exercised...................................... -- --
Options canceled....................................... -- --
--------- -----
Options outstanding at end of year..................... 7,585,200 $3.88
--------- -----
Options exercisable at end of year..................... 1,575,000 $3.65
========= =====
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information for stock options outstanding at
December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXERCISE PRICE NUMBER OF OPTIONS WTD. AVG. REMAINING LIFE WTD. AVG. EXER. PRICE
-------------- ----------------- ------------------------ ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$3.31 5,040,000 9.61 $3.31
$5.00 2,545,200 9.88 $5.00
</TABLE>
F-16
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. INCOME TAXES
Deferred taxes are provided for those items reported in different periods
for income tax and financial reporting purposes. The net deferred tax asset has
been fully reserved because realization is not considered more likely than not.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax assets are presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
1999
------------
<S> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards.......................... $ 1,575,000
Intangible assets......................................... 2,888,000
Other..................................................... 11,000
-----------
Gross deferred tax assets............................... 4,474,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation.............................................. 5,000
-----------
Net deferred tax assets..................................... 4,469,000
Valuation allowance......................................... (4,469,000)
-----------
Deferred tax balance........................................ $ --
===========
</TABLE>
When realization of the deferred tax asset is more likely than not to occur,
the benefit related to the asset purchase from Infotainment of approximately
$2,888,000 will be credited to additional paid-in capital.
The provision for income taxes is different than the amount computed using
the applicable statutory federal income tax rate with the difference for each
year summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
1999
------------
<S> <C>
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate....................... (34)%
State taxes, net of federal benefit......................... (3)%
Permanent differences....................................... 2%
Adjustment due to increase in valuation allowance........... 35%
---
Provision for income taxes.................................. 0%
===
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1999, the Company had available net operating loss
carryforwards totaling approximately $4,261,000 which expire beginning in 2019.
Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards may be limited by ownership
changes which may have occurred or could occur in the future.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS
On November 18, 1999, the Company entered into a ten-year lease for its new
corporate facilities located in Dallas, Texas commencing in 2000 and expiring in
2010. The Company may cancel the lease effective in the 84th month of the lease
term in accordance with the lease provisions, subject to a cancellation fee, and
renew the lease for two additional 5-year terms.
F-17
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
Additionally, the Company is obligated by the end of the third year of the
lease, if not elected earlier, to acquire additional space in the building for
an additional rental expense of approximately $320,000 per year. The Company
expects to spend approximately $1.5 million during 2000 in completing the
build-out and improvements in the new corporate offices.
In December 1999, the Company entered into a sub-lease agreement to provide
for temporary office space in Dallas, Texas. Under the terms of the lease, the
Company will pay $11,500 per month. The lease expires on November 30, 2000;
provided, however, that the lease can be terminated upon 30 days written notice.
In January 2000, the Company entered into a lease for additional temporary
office space in Dallas, Texas. The lease expires in May 2000, unless terminated
earlier under certain provisions to the lease agreement. The Company will pay
approximately $57,700 under the lease during 2000.
The Company has an additional noncancelable lease for other Dallas, Texas
facilities that expires in 2001. Rent expense totaled $56,600 during the year
ended December 31, 1999 related to this facility lease and various other
equipment operating leases. Total future minimum payments under all operating
leases are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, OPERATING LEASE
------------ ---------------
<S> <C>
2000........................................................ $ 839,593
2001........................................................ 842,500
2002........................................................ 877,800
2003........................................................ 1,213,000
2004........................................................ 1,213,000
Thereafter.................................................. 6,921,750
-----------
Total minimum lease payments................................ $11,907,643
===========
</TABLE>
In December 1999, the Company entered into a manufacturing and marketing
agreement with Tandy Corporation ("Tandy") under which the Company granted Tandy
a limited, royalty-free, nonexclusive, revocable worldwide license to
(1) manufacture the Company's patented :CueCat devices (2) market and sell
:CueCat devices and :CRQ software, and (3) use :CueCat and :CRQ technology in
Tandy's RadioShack.com web site in order to incorporate the Company's
Intellectual Property into Tandy's Internet web site. Under the agreement, the
Company is obligated to purchase at least 1,000,000 component parts from Tandy.
During February 2000, the Company placed an order for 2,000,000 component parts
and has issued a letter of credit to Tandy for approximately $15.5 million. Upon
shipment of the product to the Company, the Company will pay Tandy
$15.5 million in cash and cancel the underlying letter of credit. The
manufacturing and marketing agreement is effective through December 31, 2001
with an automatic one year renewal absent proper nonrenewable notice.
The Predecessor has agreed to indemnify the Company from any costs,
expenses, liabilities or other losses in connection with lawsuits related to the
Predecessor.
CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, the Company may have certain contingent liabilities that
arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. The Company accrues
contingent liabilities when it is probable that
F-18
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably
estimated. In the opinion of management, there are no pending claims of which
the outcome is expected to result in a material adverse effect on the financial
position, results of the operations or cash flows of the Company.
On January 29, 1999, the Predecessor entered into individual agreements with
certain independent contractors who had provided services to the Predecessor for
the period from 1996 through early 1999. Certain of these contractors are now
employees of the Company. According to the contract agreements, the Predecessor
agreed to pay future cash bonuses to the individuals contingent upon the
occurrence of (1) the finalization of an initial public offering whereby the
Company raises a net amount of proceeds of at least $30 million and (2) the
receipt of at least $8 million in cash collections by the Company prior to the
date of an initial public offering which raises a net amount of proceeds of at
least $30 million. As a result of the $1,500,000 voluntary repayment of the
Promissory Note by the Company in October 1999, management of the Predecessor
elected to prepay a certain percentage of these bonuses in the amount of
approximately $132,000 even though the conditions of the bonus agreements had
not been satisfied. The payments remain the property of the contractors
regardless of whether the conditions of the bonus agreements are met. The
Company accounted for these transactions as if they were a compensating plan
adopted by the Company with an offsetting contribution to capital. As of the
date of this report, the Predecessor remains liable for an additional
$1,000,000, contingent upon the satisfaction of the stipulated conditions of the
bonus agreements.
11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan ("401(k)
Plan") covering all employees who have completed at least one month of service.
The 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to defer receipt of up to twenty
percent of their annual compensation (not to exceed $10,000 per calendar year)
and contribute such amounts to various investment funds. Eligible employees may
elect to participate at the beginning of any quarter after their hire date.
Employee contributions vest immediately.
The Company makes matching contributions of twenty-five percent of the
employees' annual contributions, not to exceed eight percent of the employee's
annual pay. The Company's matching contributions vest on a pro rata basis over
five years. During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company contributed
approximately $6,500 to the 401(k) Plan.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In January 2000, the Company issued 128 shares of Series A convertible
preferred stock to various investors for aggregate consideration of $403,000, of
which $252,000 in cash was received prior to year-end.
During February and April 2000, the Company issued 1,128,000 and 595,000
stock options, respectively, to various employees at strike prices ranging from
$5.00 to $9.37 per option. The February options were issued at fair market value
of the common stock on the date of grant, and the April options were issued
below fair market value of the common stock on the dates of grant. The Company
will recognize compensation expense related to the April options for the
difference between the fair market value of the common stock at the date of
grant and the respective strike prices, which will be amortized over the
applicable vesting period.
F-19
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
In April 2000, the Company issued 5,929,364 shares of Series B convertible
preferred stock to various investors for aggregate consideration of
approximately $41.7 million. The Series B convertible preferred stock has a par
value of $0.01 per share and has liquidation preference over the Company's
common stock. The holders of the Series B convertible preferred stock are
entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the Company's board of
directors and at any time that dividends are declared on the Company's common
stock. Each share of Series B convertible preferred stock is convertible, at the
option of the holder, at any time on or after the date of issuance, into one
share of common stock upon the election of the holders of at least two-thirds of
the then outstanding Series B convertible preferred stock or the closing of a
firm commitment underwritten public offering which raises gross proceeds of at
least $75,000,000, and whereby the aggregate value of the Company on a
pre-initial public offering basis is at least $750,000,000.
In April 2000, the Company issued 5,372,593 shares of Series C convertible
preferred stock to various investors for aggregate consideration of
approximately $56.6 million. The Series C convertible preferred stock has a par
value of $0.01 per share and has liquidation preference over the Company's
common stock. The holders of the Series C convertible preferred stock are
entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the Company's board of
directors and at any time that dividends are declared on the Company's common
stock. Each share of Series C convertible preferred stock is convertible, at the
option of the holder, at any time on or after the date of issuance, into one
share of common stock upon the election of the holders of at least two-thirds of
the then outstanding Series C convertible preferred stock or the closing of a
firm commitment underwritten public offering which raises gross proceeds of at
least $75,000,000 and whereby the aggregate value of the Company on a
pre-initial public offering basis is at least $750,000,000.
During the second quarter of the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company
recorded a one-time charge to earnings in the amount of $37.2 million to reflect
the difference between the issuance price and the fair market value of the
Series B and C preferred stock, as determined by a contemporaneous, independent
appraisal.
In April 2000, the Company issued two warrants to an affiliate of National
Broadcasting Company, Inc. The first warrant is exercisable to purchase up to
3,752,445 shares of Common Stock at a per share exercise price of $5.00. The
second warrant is exercisable to purchase up to 4,505,165 shares of Common
Stock, plus an additional number of shares of Common Stock equal to 5% of any
shares of Series B Preferred or Series C Preferred issued by the Company after
the date of the Agreement., at a per share exercise price of $10.54. The
exercise price for the first warrant is subject to adjustment if the aggregate
market value of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after the closing
of the Company's initial public offering is less than $350,000,000, determined
utilizing the per share offering price in the Company's initial public offering.
The exercise price for the second warrant is subject to reduction if the
aggregate market value of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after
the closing of the Company's initial public offering is less than $750,000,000,
determined utilizing the per share offering price in the Company's initial
public offering. The number of shares issuable upon the exercise of each warrant
and the exercise of price of each warrant is subject to adjustment in the event
of, among other things, a stock split, reclassification or merger, issuance of
additional shares of Common Stock or preferred stock, issuance of options or
convertible securities and payment of dividends or other distribution. Both of
the warrants will expire in April 2005.
F-20
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
The Company valued the warrants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model. The fair value of the first warrant on the date of grant was
$31.7 million, and the fair value of the second warrant was $31.4 million using
the following assumptions: 1) volatility of 70.0%, 2) risk-free rate of interest
of 6.5%, 3) fair market value of the common stock on date of grant of per share,
4) expected life of five years and 5) zero dividend yield. The Company will
recognize a one-time expense for the fair market value of the warrants.
The Company adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in April 2000. A total
of 1,000,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under the plan.
The plan provides for the grant of stock options to certain eligible employees.
The purpose of the plan is to provide eligible employees with an incentive to
advance the interests of the Company by providing an opportunity to purchase
stock of the Company at a favorable price. The plan is administered by the
Company's Compensation Committee.
In April 2000, the Company repaid $3,000,000 in principal and $584,137 in
interest related to the promissory note. In addition, the Company repaid the
$2,500,000 of debentures and all related accrued interest.
F-21
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND SEPTMEBER 30, 2000
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1999 2000 2000
------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $ 45,539,823 $ 52,104,822 $ 52,104,822
Short-term investments................................. -- 8,935,477 8,935,477
Accounts receivable.................................... 31,847 1,164,578 1,164,578
Prepaid manufacturing costs............................ -- 39,636,870 39,636,870
Other prepaid expenses................................. 90,482 332,909 332,909
------------- -------------- --------------
Total current assets................................. 45,662,152 102,174,656 102,174,656
Property and equipment, net.............................. 469,991 7,638,730 7,638,730
Intangibles, net......................................... 79,365 698,104 698,104
Other assets............................................. 306,859 1,026,140 1,026,140
------------- -------------- --------------
Total assets......................................... $ 46,518,367 $ 111,537,630 $ 111,537,630
============= ============== ==============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable....................................... $ 357,818 $ 3,175,224 $ 3,175,224
Accrued use tax........................................ -- 226,908 226,908
Other accrued liabilities.............................. 363,998 1,391,758 1,391,758
Current portion of capital lease obligations........... 9,780 11,085 11,085
------------- -------------- --------------
Total current liabilities............................ 731,596 4,804,975 4,804,975
Long-term debt to related parties (net of unamortized
discount).............................................. 8,484,129 3,500,000 3,500,000
Other long-term debt..................................... -- 625,622 625,622
Accrued interest on long-term debt....................... 639,541 89,753 89,753
Capital lease obligation................................. 18,911 10,358 10,358
Other liabilities........................................ 2,475 2,903 2,903
Convertible preferred stock, subject to redemption....... 47,887,725 223,235,746 --
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, $.01 par value, 125,000,000 and
137,000,000 authorized, respectively; 61,113,150 and
61,123,150 shares issued and outstanding,
respectively (actual); 137,000,000 authorized and
85,803,693 shares issued and outstanding (pro
forma)............................................... 611,132 611,232 858,037
Additional paid-in capital............................. 517,325 68,718,320 291,707,261
Deferred compensation, net............................. -- (3,064,050) (3,064,050)
Excess of purchase price over Predecessor cost of net
liabilities acquired................................. (8,397,389) (8,397,389) (8,397,389)
Accumulated deficit.................................... (3,977,078) (178,599,840) (178,599,840)
------------- -------------- --------------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)................. (11,246,010) (120,731,727) 102,504,019
------------- -------------- --------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
(deficit)...................................... $ 46,518,367 $ 111,537,630 $ 111,537,630
============= ============== ==============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated interim
financial statements.
F-22
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1999 2000
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................................... $ 974,618 $ 303,866
Costs and expenses:
Production and media costs................................ 801,243 618,162
Manufacturing costs expensed.............................. -- 39,323,785
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of
non-cash compensation charges totalling $111.3 million in
2000)..................................................... 1,357,403 21,930,679
Depreciation and amortization............................. 67,208 1,082,708
Research and development costs............................ 203,165 3,361,085
Non-cash compensation charge related to issuance of
warrants to NBC......................................... -- 64,249,545
Non-cash compensation charge related to issuance of
preferred
stock................................................... -- 47,006,798
------------- -------------
Total operating expenses................................ 2,429,019 177,572,762
------------- -------------
Operating loss........................................ (1,454,401) (177,268,896)
Other income (expense):
Loss on sale of assets.................................... -- (569)
Interest income........................................... 57,159 3,462,139
Interest expense.......................................... (552,197) (810,793)
------------- -------------
Total other income (expense)............................ (495,038) 2,650,777
Income tax expense (benefit)................................ -- 4,643
------------- -------------
Net loss.............................................. $ (1,949,439) $(174,622,762)
============= =============
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding............................................... 58,966,096 61,119,743
============= =============
Basic and diluted net loss per share........................ $ (0.03) $ (2.86)
============= =============
Pro forma basic and diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding............................................... 85,800,286
=============
Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common share....... $ (2.04)
=============
Supplemental pro forma basic and diluted weighted average
common shares outstanding................................. 86,156,790
=============
Supplemental pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common
share..................................................... $ (2.03)
=============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated interim
financial statements.
F-23
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXCESS OF
PURCHASE
PRICE OVER
COMMON STOCK PREDECESSOR
---------------------- ADDITIONAL COST OF NET TOTAL
NUMBER OF PAID-IN LIABILITIES DEFERRED ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDERS'
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL ACQUIRED COMPENSATION DEFICIT DEFICIT
----------- -------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances as of December 31,
1999....................... 61,113,150 $611,132 $ 517,325 $(8,397,389) $ -- $ (3,977,078) $ (11,246,010)
Issuance of warrants to
NBC........................ -- -- 64,249,545 -- -- -- 64,249,545
Issuance of common stock to
employee................... 10,000 100 108,900 -- -- -- 109,000
Issuance of compensatory
stock options to
employees.................. -- -- 2,812,950 -- (2,812,950) -- --
Issuance of compensatory
stock options to
non-employee............... -- -- 1,029,600 -- (1,029,600) -- --
Amortization of deferred
employee stock based
compensation............... -- -- -- -- 778,500 -- 778,500
Net loss..................... -- -- -- -- -- (174,622,762) (174,622,762)
----------- -------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- -------------
Balances as of September 30,
2000....................... 61,123,150 $611,232 $68,718,320 $(8,397,389) $(3,064,050) $(178,599,840) $(120,731,727)
=========== ======== =========== =========== =========== ============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated interim
financial statements.
F-24
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND 2000
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS NINE MONTHS
ENDED ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss.................................................. $(1,949,439) $(174,622,762)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Non-cash compensation charge for NBC warrants........... -- 64,249,545
Non-cash compensation for common stock issued to
employee.............................................. -- 109,000
Non-cash compensation charge for issuance of preferred
stock................................................. -- 47,006,798
Deferred revenue from acquisition....................... (156,000) --
Write-off of debt discount.............................. -- 490,753
Depreciation and amortization........................... 67,208 1,082,708
Accretion of discount on long-term debt to related
parties............................................... 60,985 25,118
Amortization of deferred employee stock based
compensation.......................................... -- 778,500
Loss on sale of assets.................................. -- 569
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable..................................... (1,250,926) (1,132,731)
Prepaid manufacturing costs............................. -- (39,636,870)
Other prepaid expenses.................................. 12,951 (242,427)
Other assets............................................ (132,230) (719,281)
Accounts payable........................................ 400,238 2,817,406
Accrued interest........................................ 479,736 (549,788)
Accrued use tax......................................... -- 226,908
Other accrued liabilities............................... 68,008 1,027,760
Other long-term liabilities............................. -- 428
Deferred revenue........................................ 1,818,182 --
----------- -------------
Net cash used in operating activities................. (581,287) (99,088,366)
----------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash acquired by entities under common control............ 168,372 --
Purchase of short-term investments........................ -- (61,205,477)
Maturities of short-term investments...................... -- 52,270,000
Purchase of property and equipment........................ (174,547) (7,549,694)
Purchase of intangibles................................... -- (695,439)
----------- -------------
Net cash used in investing activities................. (6,175) (17,180,610)
----------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from advance from related parties................ 147,090 --
Payments on advance from related parties.................. (610,670) --
Proceeds of long-term debt from related parties........... 2,500,000 --
Payments of long-term debt to related parties............. -- (5,500,000)
Payments on capital lease obligations..................... (1,530) (7,248)
Proceeds from sale of common stock........................ 4,125 --
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock, net of costs....... 15,902,201 128,341,223
----------- -------------
Net cash provided by financing activities............. 17,941,216 122,833,975
----------- -------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... 17,353,754 6,564,999
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.............. -- 45,539,823
----------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $17,353,754 $ 52,104,822
=========== =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated interim
financial statements.
F-25
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company was incorporated in the state of Delaware in September 1998
under the name of DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc. at which time the founder was
issued 41,422,500 shares of common stock for $1,000. In September 2000, the
Board of Directors and stockholders approved an amendment to the Amended
Certificate of Incorporation to change the name to Digital:Convergence
Corporation. The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated
accounts of Digital:Convergence Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries,
DCCP Inc., Net Talk Interactive Inc., and DigitalDemographics.:Com Inc.
(collectively, "Digital" or the "Company"). The Company had no operating
activity until January 4, 1999 when the Company entered into an Asset Purchase
Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement" or the "Acquisition") with Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc. ("Infotainment" or the "Predecessor"). Pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased all of the rights, title and interest
in and to the trade names, trademarks, designs, copyrights, patents pending,
patents filed and other intellectual property, all of the rights in and to the
radio and television show known as NET TALK LIVE! The Internet Talk Show
including, but not limited to, all prior and future programming, all trademarks,
copyrights, creative materials, designs and other intellectual property, all
rights, title and interest in and to the furniture, fixtures and equipment, and
certain liabilities (the "Assets") from the Predecessor.
The aggregate purchase price for the Assets was $8,000,000 in the form of a
promissory note, bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum ("Promissory
Note"). Because the owner of a majority of the Company's common stock on the
date of the Acquisition was part of a control group that controlled
Infotainment, the Acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of entities
under common control. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities acquired were
recorded at the Predecessor's historical cost, and the excess of the purchase
price was charged to additional paid in capital in the amount of $8,397,389.
During 1999 and 2000, the Company has developed a technology that allows
media companies, manufacturers and other organizations to link their printed or
broadcast content and advertisements and products, directly to web pages. The
Company's :CRQ software sends an Internet user's web browser to a specific web
page in response to a proprietary digital signal called a "cue", which can
either be transmitted by any enabled television broadcast or by a hardware
device developed by the Company called a :CueCat. The :CueCat device generates
the digital signal when it is used to swipe the Company's proprietary codes
called "print cues" in print media or to swipe existing barcodes on consumer
products.
In April 2000, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of
common and preferred stock to 125,000,000 and 27,000,000, respectively. In
September 2000, the Board of Directors and Stockholders approved an amendment to
the Amended Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized
shares of common stock to 137,000,000.
The financial information presented herein should be read in conjunction
with the Company's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 1999. The foregoing unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements reflect all adjustments (all of which are of a normal recurring
nature) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair
presentation of the results of the interim periods. The results for the interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.
F-26
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
2. STOCK SPLITS
A six hundred thirty-for-one stock split of the Company's common stock was
effected in January 2000. All references in the consolidated financial
statements to common shares, common share prices, common per share amounts and
stock plans have been retroactively adjusted for the stock split.
3. PRO FORMA CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION
Effective upon the closing of this offering, the shares of Series A, B and C
convertible preferred stock subject to redemption outstanding at September 30,
2000 will automatically convert into 24,680,543 shares of common stock. The pro
forma effects of this transaction are unaudited and have been reflected in the
accompanying pro forma balance sheet as of September 30, 2000.
4. BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE
Basic net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and
2000. The Company had net losses for each period presented; therefore, none of
the potential common shares were included in the computation of diluted net loss
per share because such shares were anti-dilutive. Potential common shares at
September 30, 2000 which were excluded from the diluted net loss per share
calculation include 15,966 shares of Series A preferred stock convertible into
10,058,580 shares of common stock, 7,351,838 shares of Series B preferred stock
convertible into common stock on a one for one basis, 7,270,125 shares of Series
C preferred stock convertible to common stock on a one for one basis, options to
purchase 11,361,200 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 8,548,350
shares of common stock. As of September 30, 1999, the Company had received cash
of approximately $16.0 million for the purchase of approximately 5,092 shares of
Series A preferred stock convertible into approximately 3,208,200 shares of
common stock. These shares were excluded from the diluted net loss per share
calculation for the period ended September 30, 1999 because the shares were
anti-dilutive.
5. PRO FORMA BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE
Pro forma net loss per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 is
computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding,
including the conversion of the Company's Series A, Series B and Series C
preferred stock into shares of the Company's common stock effective upon the
closing of the Company's initial public offering, as if such conversion occurred
on January 1, 2000. The resulting pro forma adjustment includes an increase in
the weighted average shares used to compute the basic net loss per share by
24,680,543. Basic and dilutive pro forma net loss per share are equal because
all other potential common shares were anti-dilutive.
6. SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE
Supplemental pro forma net loss per share for the nine months ended
September 30, 2000 adjusts pro forma net loss per share to reflect the assumed
issuance of 356,504 shares of Common Stock (based upon an assumed initial
offering price of $11.00 per share) to fund the $3.5 million cash payment of
debt plus approximately $90,000 of accrued interest to the Predecessor. The
supplemental pro forma net loss used to calculate supplemental pro forma basic
and diluted net loss per share
F-27
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
6. SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE (CONTINUED)
includes an adjustment of $157,500 related to interest expenses recognized
during the nine months ended September 30, 2000 on the $3.5 million cash payment
being made to the Predecessor.
7. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
As of September 30, 2000, the Company used a portion of the proceeds from
the sale of the Series B and Series C convertible preferred stock to purchase
approximately $61.2 million in short-term investments. Approximately
$52.3 million of these investments had matured as of September 30, 2000.
Generally, these investments were comprised of certificates of deposit at the
Company's primary bank. These certificates of deposit secured letters of credit
issued by the Company's primary bank guaranteeing the funds for purchase of the
Company's :CueCat devices. Upon payment of the underlying invoices related to
the :CueCat devices, the letters of credit are released. As of September 30,
2000, approximately $3.9 million of the short-term investments remained,
securing a letter of credit.
The Company was in violation of a financial covenant pursuant to the letter
of credit agreement to have a tangible net worth of $120.0 million as of
September 30, 2000. The Company has obtained a waiver from its primary bank with
respect to this violation.
8. PREPAID MANUFACTURING COSTS
As of September 30, 2000, the Company recorded approximately $39.6 million
in prepaid manufacturing costs related to the production, shipping and packaging
of the Company's :CueCat devices, :CRQ CD-ROMs and cables. Upon the launch of
the Company's technology beginning in August 2000, the Company began recording
the expense associated with the :CueCat devices, CD-ROMs and cables as they were
shipped to the Company's distribution partners. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2000, the Company expensed $39.3 million in manufacturing costs
related to the distribution of these devices, CD-ROMs and cables.
9. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30, ESTIMATED
1999 2000 LIFE
------------ ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Computer and office equipment..................... $ 393,991 $ 7,456,756 3 Years
Studio and phone equipment........................ 213,250 205,036 5 Years
Furniture and fixtures............................ 55,844 762,444 5 Years
Leasehold improvements............................ 24,577 431,166 Various
--------- -----------
Gross property and equipment.................... 687,662 8,855,402
Less: accumulated depreciation.................... (217,671) (1,216,672)
--------- -----------
Property and equipment, net..................... $ 469,991 $ 7,638,730
========= ===========
</TABLE>
F-28
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
10. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Other accrued liabilities were comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1999 2000
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Travel costs................................................ $ 87,820 $ 144,075
Legal costs................................................. 31,000 102,313
Accounting costs............................................ 20,000 45,000
Payroll and related taxes................................... 110,456 429,016
Franchise tax............................................... 75,752 2,096
Telephone costs............................................. -- 105,031
Consulting fees............................................. -- 103,800
Other accruals.............................................. 38,970 460,427
-------- ----------
Other accrued liabilities................................. $363,998 $1,391,758
======== ==========
</TABLE>
11. LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the Series B
and Series C convertible preferred stock to repay a portion of indebtedness to
related parties. The Company repaid the $2.5 million principal of the 8%
Debentures and all of the related accrued interest. Additionally, the Company
paid $3.0 million of the principal and $584,137 of accrued interest on the
promissory note issued to Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. In connection with the
repayment of the 8% Debentures, the Company wrote-off the remaining balance of
approximately $491,000 related to the debt discount. The amount of debt discount
written off was recorded as additional interest expense during the nine months
ended September 30, 2000.
In June 2000, the Company entered into a loan agreement with a financial
institution for an installment note to purchase up to $750,000 of equipment. The
Company must repay amounts borrowed under the installment note in 33 monthly
installments of principal and interest with a final maturity date of July 1,
2003. The installment note bears interest at the financial institution's prime
rate and varies when the financial institution's prime rate changes. As of
September 30, 2000, equipment purchases of $625,622 were made under this
installment note. The installment note is secured by the underlying equipment.
12. ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS
In April 2000, the Company issued two warrants to an affiliate of National
Broadcasting Company, Inc. The first warrant is exercisable to purchase up to
3,752,445 shares of common stock at a per share exercise price of $5.00. The
second warrant is exercisable to purchase up to 4,505,165 shares of common
stock, plus an additional number of shares of common stock equal to 5% of any
shares of Series B convertible preferred or Series C convertible preferred
issued by the Company after the date of the Agreement, at a per share exercise
price of $10.54. The exercise price for the first warrant is subject to
adjustment if the aggregate market value of shares of common stock outstanding
immediately after the closing of the Company's initial public offering is less
than $350,000,000, determined utilizing the per share offering price in the
Company's initial public offering. The exercise price for the second
F-29
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
12. ISSUANCE OF WARRANTS (CONTINUED)
warrant is subject to reduction if the aggregate market value of shares of
common stock outstanding immediately after the closing of the Company's initial
public offering is less than $750,000,000, determined utilizing the per share
offering price in the Company's initial public offering. The number of shares
issuable upon the exercise of each warrant and the exercise price of each
warrant is subject to adjustment in the event of, among other things, a stock
split, reclassification or merger, issuance of additional shares of common stock
or convertible preferred stock, issuance of options or convertible securities
and payment of dividends or other distribution. Both of the warrants will expire
in April 2005.
In September 2000, the Company issued a third warrant to an affiliate of
National Broadcasting Company, Inc. The warrant is exercisable to purchase up to
166,000 shares of common stock at a per share exercise price of $10.54. This
warrant is equivalent to 5% of the shares of Series B convertible preferred and
Series C convertible preferred stock issued from May through September 2000. The
exercise price for the third warrant is subject to reduction if the aggregate
market value of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after the closing
of the Company's initial public offering is less than $750,000,000, determined
utilizing the per share offering price in the Company's initial public offering.
The number of shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrant and the exercise
price of the warrant is subject to adjustment in the event of, among other
things, a stock split, reclassification or merger, issuance of additional shares
of common stock or convertible preferred stock, issuance of options or
convertible securities and payment of dividends or other distribution. The third
warrant expires in September 2005.
The Company valued the warrants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model. The fair value of the first, second and third warrants on the dates of
grant were $31.7 million, $31.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, using
the following assumptions: (1) volatility of 70.0%; (2) risk-free rates of
interest ranging from 6.0% to 6.5%; (3) fair market value of the common stock on
dates of grant of $10.90 per share; (4) expected life of five years and (5) zero
dividend yield. The Company recognized a one-time expense for the fair market
value of the warrants in the second and third quarters of 2000, respectively.
13. SERIES B AND SERIES C CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION
In April and May 2000, the Company issued 6,166,443 shares of Series B
convertible preferred stock to various investors for aggregate consideration of
approximately $43.4 million. In August 2000, the Company issued an additional
1,185,395 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock to another investor for
aggregate consideration of approximately $8.3 million. The Series B convertible
preferred stock has a par value of $0.01 per share and has liquidation
preference over the Company's common stock. The holders of the Series B
convertible preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends when and if
declared by the Company's board of directors and at any time that dividends are
declared on the Company's common stock. Each share of Series B convertible
preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time on or
after the date of issuance, into one share of common stock upon the election of
the holders of at least two-thirds of the then outstanding Series B convertible
preferred stock or the closing of a firm commitment underwritten public offering
which raises gross
F-30
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
13. SERIES B AND SERIES C CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION
(CONTINUED)
proceeds of at least $75,000,000, and whereby the aggregate value of the Company
on a pre-initial public offering basis is at least $750,000,000.
In April and May 2000, the Company issued 5,688,848 shares of Series C
convertible preferred stock to various investors for aggregate consideration of
approximately $60.0 million. In August 2000, the Company issued an additional
1,581,277 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock to another investor for
aggregate consideration of approximately $16.7 million. The Series C convertible
preferred stock has a par value of $0.01 per share and has liquidation
preference over the Company's common stock. The holders of the Series C
convertible preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends when and if
declared by the Company's board of directors and at any time that dividends are
declared on the Company's common stock. Each share of Series C convertible
preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time on or
after the date of issuance, into one share of common stock upon the election of
the holders of at least two-thirds of the then outstanding Series C convertible
preferred stock or the closing of a firm commitment underwritten public offering
which raises gross proceeds of at least $75,000,000 and whereby the aggregate
value of the Company on a pre-initial public offering basis is at least
$750,000,000.
During the second quarter and third of the year ended December 31, 2000, the
Company recorded one-time charges to earnings of approximately $38.8 million and
$8.2 million, respectively, to reflect the difference between the issuance price
and the fair market value of the Series B and C convertible preferred stock of
$11.99, as determined by a contemporaneous, independent appraisal.
14. STOCK OPTION GRANTS
From February to September 2000, the Company granted 3,899,000 stock options
to various employees at strike prices ranging from $5.00 to $10.90 per option.
The Company recorded deferred compensation expense of approximately $2.8 million
related to the difference between the fair market value of the common stock at
the dates of grant and the respective strike prices, which is being amortized to
compensation expense over the applicable vesting period of the options. As of
September 30, 2000, approximately $778,500 of the deferred compensation has been
recorded as compensation expense.
In September 2000, the Company issued a stock option to a consultant for the
purchase of 150,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $10.90 per share.
The Company determined the fair value of the option using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model using the following assumptions: (1) fair market value of common
stock $10.90; (2) volatility of 70%; (3) strike price of $10.90; (4) risk free
interest rate of 6.01% and (5) contractual life of 5 years. The fair value of
the option of approximately $1.0 million was deferred and will be amortized to
compensation expense over the contract period of four months.
15. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The Company adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in April 2000. A total
of 1,000,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under the plan.
The plan provides for the grant of stock options to certain eligible employees.
The purpose of the plan is to provide eligible employees
F-31
<PAGE>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
15. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (CONTINUED)
with an incentive to advance the interests of the Company by providing an
opportunity to purchase stock of the Company at a favorable price. The plan is
administered by the Company's Compensation Committee and will begin after the
Company's completion of an initial public offering.
16. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In March 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB
Interpretation No. 44 ("FIN 44"), ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION. FIN 44 clarifies the application of Accounting
Principles Board No. 25 for certain issues related to equity based instruments
issued to employees. FIN 44 was effective on July 1, 2000, except for certain
transactions, and will be applied on a prospective basis. Management believes
that FIN 44 does not have a material effect on the accompanying financial
statements.
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 101, REVENUE RECOGNITION IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
("SAB 101"), which provides guidance on the recognition, presentation and
disclosure of revenue in the financial statements filed with the Commission. SAB
101 outlines the basic criteria that must be met to recognize revenue and
provides guidance for disclosure related to revenue recognition policies.
Management believes that SAB 101 will not have a material effect on the
accompanying financial statements.
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In October 2000, the Company entered into a ten year agreement to license
certain intellectual property from NeoMedia Technologies, Inc ("NeoMedia"). Upon
execution of the agreement, the Company paid $5.0 million in consideration for
the license of the intellectual property from March 1, 2000 through the date of
execution of the agreement. Thereafter, the annual license fee is equal to one
and one-half percent of the Company's annual gross revenue, or one percent of
annual gross revenue once such revenues exceed $2.0 billion in any given year.
In any case, a minimum annual license fee of $10.0 million will be paid through
a combination of cash and stock in the Company. Additionally, the Company agreed
to give 1,415,760 shares of common stock, valued at $10.90 per share, by the
first anniversary date of the agreement. If the Company elects not to give these
shares of stock, the Company must pay an additional $5.1 million in cash
annually for three years, beginning on the first anniversary of the agreement.
In consideration of the rights granted to NeoMedia by the Company pursuant
to the license agreement, the Company received a warrant to purchase 1,400,000
shares of NeoMedia common stock for $6.00 per share. The warrant may be
exercised in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, from the date
of issuance and expires in October 2005.
F-32
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of
Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements
of operations, changes in stockholder's deficit, and cash flows present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc. (the "Company") at December 31, 1998 and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the
United States, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 29, 2000, except as to
Note 11 which is as of April 27, 2000
F-33
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998
---------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 174,953
Accounts receivable....................................... --
Deferred production costs................................. --
Prepaid expenses.......................................... 22,725
Deferred tax assets....................................... 2,846
---------
Total current assets.................................. 200,524
Property and equipment, net............................... 177,554
Other assets.............................................. 2,600
---------
Total assets.......................................... $ 380,678
=========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... $ 85,299
Deferred revenue.......................................... 156,000
Advances from officer..................................... 197,919
Notes payable............................................. 452,900
---------
Total current liabilities............................... 892,118
Deferred tax liability.................................... 2,846
---------
Total liabilities....................................... 894,964
Stockholder's deficit:
Common stock, no par value, 25,000 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding.................................. --
Accumulated deficit....................................... (514,286)
---------
Total stockholder's deficit........................... (514,286)
---------
Total liabilities and stockholder's deficit......... $ 380,678
=========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-34
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
--------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Sales....................................................... $ 689,967 1,636,422
Cost and expenses:
Production costs.......................................... 590,704 939,468
Selling, general and administrative....................... 284,370 670,953
Depreciation.............................................. 40,515 54,908
Research and development.................................. -- 35,771
--------- -----------
Operating loss.......................................... (225,622) (64,678)
--------- -----------
Interest expense.......................................... 17,272 23,754
--------- -----------
Net loss................................................ $(242,894) $ (88,432)
========= ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding......................... 25,000 25,000
========= ===========
Basic and diluted net loss per share........................ $ (9.72) $ (3.54)
========= ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-35
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
COMMON ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDER'S
SHARES STOCK DEFICIT DEFICIT
-------- -------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996........................ 25,000 -- (182,960) (182,960)
Net loss............................................ -- (242,894) (242,894)
------ ------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1997........................ 25,000 (425,854) (425,854)
Net loss............................................ -- (88,432) (88,432)
------ ------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1998........................ 25,000 $ -- $(514,286) $(514,286)
====== ======= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-36
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss.................................................. $(242,894) $ (88,432)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation.......................................... 40,515 54,908
Deferred revenue...................................... 288,200 (272,000)
Barter transactions (see Note 2 and 7) (17,000) (2,400)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable................................. (38,462) 63,300
Deferred production costs........................... (4,743) 51,505
Prepaid expenses.................................... -- (22,725)
Other assets........................................ -- (2,600)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............... 29,648 44,536
--------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities............. 55,264 (173,908)
--------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment........................ (57,538) (74,681)
--------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (57,538) (74,681)
--------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on line of credit.............................. -- 587,900
Repayment of line of credit............................... -- (135,000)
Advances from officer..................................... (84,928) (29,530)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities......... (84,928) 423,370
--------- ---------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... (87,202) 174,781
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.............. 87,374 172
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.................... $ 172 $ 174,953
========= =========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows:
Cash paid during the year for interest.................... $ -- $ 6,818
========= =========
Cash paid during the year for income taxes................ $ -- $ --
========= =========
For disclosure of non-cash transactions see Note 7.
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-37
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company was incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1993 under the name
"Gunn Industries." Since inception, the Company has been owned by a sole
shareholder. By decision of the Board of Directors held on January 2, 1998, the
name of the Company was changed to Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
("Infotainment" or the "Company"). Infotainment is a media company focused on
providing original radio, television and Internet programming relating to
information technologies and the Internet and the production of infomercials for
third parties for the sale of goods and services. The Company's properties
include the radio and television program, NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW,
and the related Internet site. Revenues are derived from the sale of radio,
television and Internet advertising and sponsorships on NET TALK LIVE! THE
INTERNET TALK SHOW and revenue and royalties from the production of infomercials
for third parties. In January 1999, substantially all of the Company's assets
and liabilities were sold to DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc. ("Digital") (see
Note 11).
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three
months or less at date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to five years.
The Company evaluates long-lived assets to be held and used in the business
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net
book value of the asset may not be recoverable. An impairment is determined by
comparing expected future cash flows (undiscounted and before interest) to the
net book value of the assets. If impairment exists, the amount of impairment is
measured as the difference between the net book value of the assets and the
estimated fair value of the related assets. Based on its most recent analysis,
the Company believes that no impairment of property or equipment existed at
December 31, 1998.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The Company's revenue and accounts receivable primarily relate to the sale
of advertising spots and sponsorships on NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW
and the production of infomercials. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers' financial condition and, generally, requires no
collateral from its customers. Credit losses have been within management's
expectations and adequate allowances for any uncollectible trade receivables are
maintained.
Substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable are derived from
sales to one customer in each of the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998.
Historically, the Company has not incurred material credit related losses.
F-38
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs are primarily costs incurred to develop,
enhance and develop new applications for our technology. Research and
development costs are charged to expense in the period incurred.
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising and promotion-related expenses are charged to operations when
incurred. Advertising expense for 1997 and 1998 was approximately $0 and
$10,031, respectively.
INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the future tax consequences of
temporary differences between the tax and financial bases of assets and
liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the
periods in which the differences are expected to affect the taxable income.
Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax
assets to the amount expected to be realized.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue derived from the sale of advertising spots and sponsorships during
NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW is recognized upon broadcast of the show
in which the advertisement or sponsorship is aired. In cases where payment is
received prior to the airing of the advertisement or sponsorship, the Company
defers recognition of the corresponding revenue until the advertisement or
sponsorship has been aired.
Revenue derived from the production of infomercials is recognized when
production is complete and the master is delivered to the customer, which is
less than one year. Payments received in advance and costs incurred for
production are deferred until completion of the related infomercial. Infomercial
royalty revenue is recognized upon the sale of goods and/or services by the
customer.
BARTER TRANSACTIONS
The Company trades advertisements and sponsorships on NET TALK LIVE! THE
INTERNET TALK SHOW and Internet site in exchange for goods and services. Barter
transactions are recorded at the fair market value of the goods and services
provided or received, whichever is lower. Barter revenues are recognized in the
period the advertisement or sponsorship is aired. If a barter agreement extends
over the end of any accounting period, an asset or a liability is recorded based
on the fair value of the related goods or services earned or to be provided at
such period end. Historically, the goods and services provided and received have
been exchanged in the same 30-day period. Therefore, advertising and sponsorship
revenues are generally offset by an equal amount of production costs and/or
property and equipment.
In January 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") released Issue
No. 99-17, "Accounting for Advertising Barter Transactions," which is effective
for transactions occurring after January 20, 2000. Management does not expect
adoption of the EITF to have a material impact on its operations and financial
position.
F-39
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
NET LOSS PER SHARE
Net loss per share is computed based on the weighted average number of
shares of common stock outstanding and common equivalent shares. For the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, there were 25,000 shares of common stock
issued and outstanding. Basic and diluted net loss per share are equal because
the Company had no potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1998.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying value of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable, and accounts payable approximate their respective fair values.
UNCERTAINTIES AND THE USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
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.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER
31,
---------
1998
---------
<S> <C>
Computer equipment.......................................... $ 53,280
Production equipment........................................ 205,036
Phone equipment............................................. 8,214
Furniture and fixtures...................................... 23,856
---------
Property and equipment, gross............................... 290,386
Less accumulated depreciation............................... (112,832)
---------
Property and equipment, net................................. $ 177,554
=========
</TABLE>
F-40
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
4. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
A summary of accounts payable and accrued expenses follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------
1998
------------
<S> <C>
Accounts payable............................................ $21,515
Federal taxes............................................... 63,327
Other accruals.............................................. 457
-------
$85,299
=======
</TABLE>
5. NOTES PAYABLE
During 1998, the Company borrowed $587,900 through a line of credit with an
investor of Digital at an interest rate of 8.0%, of which $135,000 was repaid in
the same year. The note was unsecured. The remaining amount of the borrowings
were repaid in 1999 in connection with the sale of the Company's assets and
liabilities to Digital (see Note 11).
6. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense on income before income taxes consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1997 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Current provision:
Federal............................................... $ -- $ --
State................................................. -- --
Deferred provision...................................... (74,838) (22,848)
Valuation allowance..................................... 74,838 22,848
-------- --------
Total income tax benefit................................ $ -- $ --
======== ========
</TABLE>
Reconciliations of the U.S. corporate income tax rate and the effective tax
rate on loss before income taxes are summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1997 1998
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. corporate tax rate 34% 34%
Loss before taxes...................................... $(242,894) $(88,432)
--------- --------
Tax benefit at statutory rates......................... $ (82,584) $(30,067)
Tax effect of non income tax penalties................. 6,222 6,920
Tax effect of meals and entertainment.................. 1,524 299
Increase in valuation allowance........................ 74,838 22,848
--------- --------
Total income tax benefit............................... $ -- $ --
========= ========
</TABLE>
F-41
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
6. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The components of the deferred tax asset and liability as of December 31,
1998 are as follows.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998
---------
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Net operating losses........................................ $ 158,692
Other temporary differences................................. 2,489
Valuation allowance......................................... (158,335)
---------
Deferred tax assets......................................... 2,846
=========
LIABILITIES:
Differences between book and tax basis of property and
equipment................................................. 2,846
=========
Deferred tax liability...................................... 2,846
---------
Net deferred tax asset (liability).......................... $ --
=========
</TABLE>
The expiration date of the net operating losses is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPIRATION
AMOUNT DATE
-------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
$ 32,480 2010
148,854 2011
225,563 2012
59,843 2019
--------
$466,740
========
</TABLE>
7. BARTER TRANSACTIONS
During the periods presented, in exchange for advertisements and
sponsorships on NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW, the Company has primarily
received radio and television airtime to broadcast the show.
For the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, barter transactions are
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1997 1998
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues............................................... $ 293,275 $ 48,930
Expenses............................................... (276,275) (46,530)
Property and equipment................................. (17,000) (2,400)
--------- --------
Total.................................................. $ -- $ --
========= ========
</TABLE>
The decrease of barter transactions from 1997 and 1998 results from new
broadcast contracts with other radio and television stations by which the
Company generally pays cash to the stations for the value of the air time.
F-42
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
8. LEASES
The Company has a noncancelable lease for facilities that expires in 2001.
Future minimum lease payments under the lease are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING OPERATING
DECEMBER 31, LEASES
-------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C>
1999.............................................. $31,200
2000.............................................. 31,200
2001.............................................. 10,300
-------
Total minimum lease payments...................... $72,700
=======
</TABLE>
Rental expense from operating leases amounted to $17,000, and $20,275 for
the years ended December 31, 1997, and 1998, respectively. These expenses
include $17,000, and $0, respectively resulting from a barter transaction (see
Note 7).
9. MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONTRACTS
CUSTOMERS
For the year ended December 31, 1997, two customers accounted for
approximately 28.0% and 63.1% of the Company's total revenues, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, three customers, accounted for
approximately 26.5%, 25.3% and 24.9% of the Company's total revenues,
respectively.
CONTRACTS
In June 1997, the Company entered into a contract with Nissi
Cosmetics, Inc. ("Nissi") to produce two infomercials, two direct response spots
and two web sites for the advertising and marketing of a Nissi product. The
Company received a flat fee for its services.
In December 1997, the Company entered into a contract with Computer
City, Inc. ("Computer City") for Computer City to become a broadcast sponsor of
NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW. This contract, which terminated after six
months, provided for sponsorship of the show, including commercial spots within
the show, as well as the linking and co-branding of the respective company's web
sites and personal appearances by the cast members of the show. The Company
received a per show fee for these services.
In December 1997, the Company entered into a contract with GTE
Internetworking for GTE Internetworking to become a broadcast sponsor of NET
TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW This one-year contract provided for
sponsorship of the show, including commercial spots within the show, as well as
the linking and co-branding of the respective company's web sites. The Company
received a per show fee for these services.
In December 1997, the Company entered into a contract with The Associates
for The Associates to become a broadcast sponsor of NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET
TALK SHOW. This sixteen-week contract provided for sponsorship of the show,
including commercial spots within the show, and the development of a web site
for The Associates' product. The Company received a per show fee for these
services.
F-43
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONTRACTS (CONTINUED)
In December 1998, the Company entered into a contract with Microsoft
Corporation ("Microsoft") to produce and air two commercial spots on its NET
TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW each week for a minimum of sixteen weeks, as a
part of Microsoft's "watch and win" marketing campaign. For these services, the
Company received a flat fee plus various production and modification fees.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Included in current liabilities on the accompanying balance sheet is an
advance from a director of the Company for $197,919 for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 4, 1999, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement
(the "Agreement") pursuant to which the Company sold substantially all of its
assets and certain liabilities to Digital. The transaction will be accounted for
as a business acquisition of entities under common control. In accordance with
the Agreement, the Company sold all of its rights, title and interest in and to
the trade names, trademarks, designs, copyrights, patents pending, patents filed
and other intellectual property, all of the Company's rights in and to the radio
and television show known as NET TALK LIVE! THE INTERNET TALK SHOW including,
but not limited to, all prior and future programming, all trademarks,
copyrights, creative materials, designs and other intellectual property, and all
of the Company's right, title and interest in and to the furniture, fixtures and
equipment ("the Assets").
The aggregate purchase price for the Assets was $8,000,000, payable in the
form of a promissory note, bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum
("Promissory Note"). The promissory note and accrued interest thereon is payable
on a quarterly basis to the Company beginning March 31, 2001. All or a portion
of the Promissory Note will be repaid if certain events occur. In any event, all
principal and interest amounts for the Promissory Note will be fully paid to the
Company by January 31, 2004. During the month of October 1999, Digital repaid
$1,500,000 of the promissory note. During the month of April 2000, Digital
repaid $3,000,000 of principal and $584,137 of interest on the promissory note.
On January 29, 1999, the Company entered into individual agreements with
certain independent contractors who had provided services to the Company for the
period from 1996 through early 1999. According to the contract agreements, the
Company agrees to pay future cash bonuses to the individuals contingent upon the
occurrence of two events including (1) the finalization of an initial public
offering whereby Digital raises a net amount of proceeds of at least
$30 million and (2) the receipt of at least $8 million in cash collections by
Digital prior to the date of an initial public offering which raises a net
amount of proceeds of at least $30 million. As a result of the $1,500,000
voluntary repayment of the promissory note by Digital in October 1999,
management elected to prepay a certain percentage of these bonuses in the amount
of approximately $132,000 even though the conditions of the bonus agreements had
not been satisfied. The payments remain the property of the contractors
regardless of whether the conditions of the bonus agreements are met. As of the
date of this report, the Company remains liable for an additional $1,000,000,
contingent upon the satisfaction of the stipulated conditions of the bonus
agreements.
F-44
<PAGE>
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In September 1999, the Company became a co-defendant in a lawsuit pending in
state court in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff, Nissi Cosmetics, Inc., alleges that
the Company breached a 1997 contract for the creation of two websites, two
informercials, and two direct response spots for the advertising and marketing
of certain of Nissi Cosmetics' body color, or self-tanning, products. Nissi
Cosmetics seeks recovery of $585,000 paid to defendants, and unspecified damages
for "lost profits." The Company filed a general denial and intends to vigorously
defend the matter. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of any
such claims would not have a material adverse impact on the financial position
of the Company.
F-45
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through and including , 2000 (the 25th day after the date of
this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities,
whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a
prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a
prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold
allotments or subscriptions.
10,000,000 SHARES
[LOGO]
COMMON STOCK
---------------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
ING BARINGS
BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
, 2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED , 2000
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
10,000,000 SHARES
[LOGO]
COMMON STOCK
------------------
This is Digital:Convergence Corporation's initial public offering of common
stock. Digital:Convergence Corporation is selling all of the shares in this
offering. The international managers are offering shares outside the U.S.
and Canada and the U.S. underwriters are offering shares in the U.S. and
Canada.
We expect the public offering price to be $11.00 per share. Currently, no
public market exists for the shares. After pricing of the offering, we expect
that the shares will be quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"DGTL."
INVESTING IN THE COMMON STOCK INVOLVES RISKS THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN THE "RISK
FACTORS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
---------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE TOTAL
--------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Public offering price.................................. $ $
Underwriting discount.................................. $ $
Proceeds, before expenses, to Digital:Convergence
Corporation.......................................... $ $
</TABLE>
The international managers may also purchase up to an additional
shares from Digital:Convergence Corporation at the public offering price, less
the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus to
cover over-allotments. The U.S. underwriters may similarly purchase up to an
aggregate of an additional shares from Digital:Convergence Corporation.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The shares of common stock will be ready for delivery on or about
, 2000.
--------------------
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL ING BARINGS LIMITED
--------------------
BANK OF AMERICA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED BEAR, STEARNS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
--------------------
The date of this prospectus is , 2000
<PAGE>
[ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
UNDERWRITING
GENERAL
We are offering our shares outside the U.S. and Canada through the
international managers and in the U.S. and Canada through the U.S. underwriters.
Merrill Lynch International, ING Barings Limited, as agent for ING Bank, N.V.,
London Branch, Bank of America International Limited and Bear, Stearns
International Limited are acting as lead managers of the international managers
named below. Subject to the terms and conditions described in an international
purchase agreement among us and the international managers, and concurrently
with the sale of shares to the U.S. underwriters, we have agreed to sell
to the international managers, and the international managers severally and not
jointly have agreed to purchase from us, the number of shares listed opposite
their names below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER
INTERNATIONAL MANAGER OF SHARES
--------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch International.................................
ING Barings Limited, as agent for ING Bank, N.V., London
Branch....................................................
Bank of America International Limited.......................
Bear, Stearns International Limited.........................
-----------
Total...................................................
===========
</TABLE>
We have also entered into a U.S. purchase agreement with the U.S.
underwriters, for whom Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, ING
Barings LLC, Banc of America Securities LLC and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. are
acting as U.S. representatives, for sale of the shares in the U.S. and Canada.
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the U.S. purchase agreement,
and concurrently with the sale of shares to the international managers
pursuant to the international purchase agreement, we have agreed to sell to the
U.S. underwriters, and the U.S. underwriters severally have agreed to purchase
from us, shares. The initial public offering price per share and the total
underwriting discount per share are identical under the international purchase
agreement and the U.S. purchase agreement.
The international managers and the U.S. underwriters have agreed to purchase
all of the shares sold under the international and U.S. purchase agreements if
any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the U.S. and
international purchase agreements provide that the purchase commitments of the
nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the purchase agreements may be
terminated. The closings for the sale of shares to be purchased by the
international managers and the U.S. underwriters are conditioned on one another.
We have agreed to indemnify the international managers and the U.S.
underwriters against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the international managers and the
U.S. underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as
and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by
their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions
contained in the purchase agreements, such as the receipt by the underwriters of
officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to
withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or
in part.
1
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch will be facilitating Internet distribution for this offering
to several of its Internet subscription customers. Merrill Lynch intends to
allocate a limited number of shares for sale to its online brokerage customers.
An electronic prospectus is available on the website maintained by Merrill
Lynch. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the
Merrill Lynch website relating to this offering is not a part of this
prospectus.
COMMISSIONS AND DISCOUNTS
The lead managers have advised us that the international managers propose
initially to offer the shares to the public at the initial public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less
a concession not in excess of $ per share. The international managers may
allow, and the dealers may re-allow, a discount not in excess of $ per share
to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price,
concessions and discount may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount
and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise
or full exercise by the international managers and the U.S. underwriters of
their over-allotment options.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER WITHOUT WITH
SHARE OPTIONS OPTIONS
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Public offering price...................................... $ $ $
Underwriting discount...................................... $ $ $
Proceeds, before expenses, to us........................... $ $ $
</TABLE>
The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are
estimated at $ and are payable by us.
OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTIONS
We have granted an option to the international managers to purchase up to
additional shares at the public offering price less the underwriting
discount. The international managers may exercise this option for 30 days from
the date of this prospectus solely to cover any over-allotments. If the
international managers exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to
conditions contained in the purchase agreements, to purchase a number of
additional shares proportionate to that international manager's initial amount
reflected in the above table.
We have also granted an option to the U.S. underwriters, exercisable for
30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to
additional shares to cover any over-allotments on terms similar to
those granted to the international managers.
INTERSYNDICATE AGREEMENT
The international managers and the U.S. underwriters have entered into an
intersyndicate agreement that provides for the coordination of their activities.
Under the intersyndicate agreement, the international managers and the U.S.
underwriters may sell shares to each other for purposes of resale at the initial
public offering price, less an amount not greater than the selling concession.
Under the intersyndicate agreement, the international managers and any dealer to
whom they sell shares will not offer to sell or sell shares to U.S. or Canadian
persons or to persons they believe intend to resell to U.S. or Canadian persons,
except in the case of transactions under the intersyndicate agreement.
Similarly, the U.S. underwriters and any dealer to whom they sell shares will
not offer to sell or sell shares to persons who are non-U.S. or non-Canadian
persons or to persons they believe intend to resell to persons who are non-U.S.
or non-Canadian persons, except in the case of transactions under the
intersyndicate agreement.
2
<PAGE>
NO SALES OF SIMILAR SECURITIES
We and our executive officers and directors and several existing
stockholders have agreed, with exceptions, not to sell or transfer any common
stock for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the
written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce & Co. Specifically, we and these other
individuals have agreed not to directly or indirectly
- offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common stock,
- sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock,
- purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock,
- grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common stock,
- lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock,
- request or demand that we file a registration statement related to the
common stock, or
- enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in
part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common stock whether
any swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other
securities, in cash or otherwise.
This lockup provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also
applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the
agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the
power of disposition.
QUOTATION ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET
We expect the shares to be approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market, subject to notice of issuance, under the symbol "DGTL."
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock.
The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations among
us and the U.S. representatives and lead managers. In addition to prevailing
market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial
public offering price are
- the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the U.S.
representatives and the lead managers believe to be comparable to us,
- our financial information,
- the history of, and the prospects for, our company and the industry in
which we compete,
- an assessment of our management, its past and present operations, and the
prospects for, and timing of, our future revenues,
- the present state of our development, and
- the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation
measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours.
An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible
that after the offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or
above the initial public offering price.
The underwriters do not expect to sell more than 5% of the shares being
offered in this offering to accounts over which they exercise discretionary
authority.
3
<PAGE>
PRICE STABILIZATION, SHORT POSITIONS AND PENALTY BIDS
Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit
underwriters from bidding for and purchasing our common stock. However, the U.S.
representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the
common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
If the underwriters create a short position in the common stock in
connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more shares than are listed on
the cover of this prospectus, the U.S. representatives may reduce that short
position by purchasing shares in the open market. The U.S. representatives may
also elect to reduce any short position by exercising all or part of the
over-allotment option described above. Purchases of the common stock to
stabilize its price or to reduce a short position may cause the price of the
common stock to be higher than it might be in the absence of the purchases.
The U.S. representatives may also impose a penalty bid on underwriters and
selling group members. This means that if the U.S. representatives purchase
shares in the open market to reduce the underwriter's short position or to
stabilize the price of the shares, they may reclaim the amount of the selling
concession from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those
shares. The imposition of a penalty bid may also affect the price of the shares
in that it discourages resales of those shares.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction
as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described
above may have on the price of the common stock. In addition, neither we nor any
of the underwriters makes any representation that the U.S. representatives or
lead managers will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once
commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
UK SELLING RESTRICTIONS
Each international manager has agreed that
- it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any shares of common
stock to persons in the United Kingdom, except to persons whose ordinary
activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of
investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses
or otherwise in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the
public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public Offers of
Securities Regulations 1995;
- it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the
Financial Services Act 1986 with respect to anything done by it in
relation to the common stock in, from or otherwise involving the United
Kingdom; and
- it has only issued or passed on and will only issue or pass on in the
United Kingdom any document received by it in connection with the issuance
of common stock to a person who is of a kind described in Article 11(3) of
the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment Advertisements)(Exemptions)
Order 1996 as amended by the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment
Advertisements)(Exemptions) Order 1997 or is a person to whom the document
may otherwise lawfully be issued or passed on.
NO PUBLIC OFFERING OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction (except in the
United States) that would permit a public offering of the shares of common
stock, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus or any
other material relating to us or shares of our common stock in any jurisdiction
where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the shares of our common
stock may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this
prospectus nor any other offering material or
4
<PAGE>
advertisements in connection with the shares of common stock may be distributed
or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction, except in compliance with
any applicable rules and regulations of the country or jurisdiction.
Purchasers of the shares offered by this prospectus may be required to pay
stamp taxes and other charges in accordance with the laws and practices of the
country of purchase in addition to the offering price on the cover page of this
prospectus.
OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
ING Barings LLC has performed investment banking and financial advisory
services for us in the past for which it has received customary fees and may, in
the future, perform similar services for us and receive additional compensation
from us for those services. In connection with our private placement of
Series A preferred stock in September 1999, ING Barings LLC received a placement
fee of approximately $1.7 million in December 1999 for acting as placement
agent. In addition, ING Barings LLC and DING.com LLC, an entity affiliated with
ING Barings, purchased 1,587 and 2,875 shares of Series A preferred stock,
respectively, in our Series A financing for a purchase price of $4,999,050 and
$9,056,250, respectively. The shares held by ING Barings LLC and DING.com LLC
will convert automatically into 999,810 and 1,811,250 shares of our common
stock, respectively, upon completion of this offering.
In addition, an affiliate of ING Barings LLC, ING Furman Selz Asset
Management, has performed financial advisory services for us in the past in
connection with short-term investments of our cash resources, for which it has
received customary fees, and may perform similar services for us in the future
and receive additional compensation from us for those services. As of
November 6, 2000, we had paid ING Furman Selz Asset Management $22,140.
5
<PAGE>
[ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through and including , 2000 (the 25th day after the date of
this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities,
whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a
prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a
prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold
allotments or subscriptions.
10,000,000 SHARES
[LOGO]
COMMON STOCK
---------------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
ING BARINGS LIMITED
BANK OF AMERICA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
BEAR, STEARNS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
, 2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by Digital:Convergence
Corporation in connection with the sale of common stock being registered. All
amounts are estimates except the SEC registration fee and the NASD filing fee.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee........................................ $ 33,396
NASD filing fee............................................. 13,150
Nasdaq National Market Listing Fee.......................... *
Printing and engraving costs................................ *
Legal fees and expenses..................................... *
Accounting fees and expenses................................ *
Transfer Agent and Registrar fees........................... *
Miscellaneous expenses...................................... *
----------------
Total..................................................... $ *
================
</TABLE>
------------------------
* To be supplied by amendment.
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") provides that a
corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than
an action by or in the right of the corporation by reason of the fact that he is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees)), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner
he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Section 145 further
provides that a corporation similarly may indemnify any such person serving in
any such capacity who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to
any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was
serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against expenses (including attorney's fees) actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if
he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other
court shall deem proper.
The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for
the indemnification of directors to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. In
addition, as permitted by
II-1
<PAGE>
the DGCL, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that
directors of the company shall have no personal liability to the company or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except (1) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the company or
its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the
DGCL or (4) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper
personal benefit.
The Company's By-laws provides for the indemnification of all current and
former directors and all current or former officers to the fullest extent
permitted by the DGCL.
Digital:Convergence Corporation has entered into indemnification agreements
with its directors and executive officers, and intends to enter into
indemnification agreements with any new directors and executive officers in the
future.
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
The following information relates to all securities issued or sold by
Digital:Convergence Corporation in the last three years and not registered under
the Securities Act. Each of the transactions described below was conducted in
reliance upon the exemption from registration provided in Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Each of the
certificates representing Digital:Convergence Corporation's securities issued in
connection with such transaction contains a restrictive legend. The information
provided in this Item takes into account a 630 for 1 stock split of the common
stock effected on January 3, 2000.
On September 25, 1998, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 41,422,500
shares of common stock of Digital:Convergence Corporation (the "Common Stock")
to J. Jovan Philyaw for a purchase price of $1,000.
On January 28, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation issued $2,500,000 of
8.0% Debentures, Series 1999A to B&G Partnership, Ltd., BCG Partnership, Ltd.
and JAT III, L.L.C.
On January 28, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 3,150,000 shares
of Common Stock to B&G Partnership, Ltd. for a purchase price of $500.
On January 28, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 3,150,000 shares
of Common Stock to BCG Partnership, Ltd. for a purchase price of $500.
On January 28, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 9,450,000 shares
of Common Stock to JAT III, L.L.C. for a purchase price of $1,500.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 315,000 shares of
Common Stock to BCG Partnership, Ltd. for a purchase price of $50.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 315,000 shares of
Common Stock to JAT III, L.L.C. for a purchase price of $50.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 850,500 shares of
Common Stock to Dave Mathews for a purchase price of $135.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 567,000 shares of
Common Stock to Brad Smith for a purchase price of $90.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 472,500 shares of
Common Stock to Laura Lewis for a purchase price of $75.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 346,500 shares of
Common Stock to Luis Vallecillo for a purchase price of $55.
II-2
<PAGE>
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 157,500 shares of
Common Stock to Kurt Boxdorfer for a purchase price of $25.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 78,750 shares of
Common Stock to Jeff Harris for a purchase price of $12.50.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 78,750 shares of
Common Stock to Brandon Brown for a purchase price of $12.50.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 220,500 shares of
Common Stock to Kozette Hedger for a purchase price of $35.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 47,250 shares of
Common Stock to Georgia Foy for a purchase price of $7.50.
On January 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 18,900 shares of
Common Stock to Mike Simeone for a purchase price of $3.
On May 17, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 472,500 shares of
Common Stock to William Leftwich for a purchase price of $75.
Between August 1, 1999, and December 31, 1999, Digital:Convergence
Corporation issued options pursuant to its 1999 Stock Option Plan for the
purchase of 7,585,200 shares of Common Stock at a weighted average exercise
price of $3.88 per share.
Between September 28, 1999 and January 14, 2000, Digital:Convergence
Corporation sold 2,875 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to
DING.com LLC for a purchase price of $9,056,250.
On September 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation issued to Belo
Enterprises, Inc. a warrant to purchase 124,740 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $5.00 per share that expires on September 29, 2004.
On September 30, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 3,970 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to Belo Enterprises, Inc. for a purchase
price of $12,505,500.
On October 1, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 6,350 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Digital:Convergence Corporation to
Young & Rubicam Inc. for a purchase price of $20,002,500.
On October 1, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 1,587 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to ING Capital LLC for a purchase price of
$4,999,050.
On October 15, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 318 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to Michael H. Anderson for a purchase price
of $1,001,700.
On October 18, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 318 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to Ingram Capital, Inc. for a purchase
price of $1,001,700.
On October 29, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 318 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to LJBB Investment Group LP for a purchase
price of $1,001,700.
On November 3, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 16 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to Robert D. Hamman for a purchase price of
$50,400.
On November 3, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 16 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to Robert D. Hamman as Trustee for the
Robert D. Hamman CLU, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan for a purchase price of $50,400.
On November 5, 1999, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 198 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to Digital Investment Partners for a
purchase price of $623,700.
II-3
<PAGE>
During February through November 6, 2000, Digital:Convergence Corporation
issued stock options to various employees and a consultant to purchase
4,614,500 shares of Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $5.00 to
$10.90 per share.
On April 18, 2000, Digital:Convergence Corporation issued to an affiliate of
National Broadcasting Company, Inc. warrants to purchase up to 3,752,445 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, and also warrants to
purchase up to 4,505,165 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of
$10.54 per share.
On April 25, 2000, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 5,929,364 shares of
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to accredited investors, as that term is
defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of
1933, for an aggregate purchase price of $41.7 million.
On April 25, 2000, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 5,372,593 shares of
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to accredited investors, as that term is
defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of
1933, for an aggregate purchase price of $56.6 million.
On May 4, 2000, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 237,079 shares of
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to accredited investors, as that term is
defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of
1933, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.7 million.
On May 4, 2000, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 316,255 shares of
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to accredited investors as that term is
defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of
1933, for an aggregate purchase price of $3.3 million.
On August 23, 2000, Digital:Convergence Corporation sold 1,185,395 shares of
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 1,581,277 shares of Series C
Convertible Preferred Stock to a qualified institutional investor for a purchase
price of $8.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively.
On September 20, 2000, Digital:Convergence Corporation issued to an
affiliate of National Broadcasting Company, Inc. warrants to purchase up to
166,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.54 per share pursuant
to a Warrant Agreement dated April 18, 2000.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
--------------------- -----------
<C> <C> <S>
*1.1 -- Form of Underwriting Agreement
#2.1.1 -- Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 4, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc.
#2.1.2 -- First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated
January 4, 1999, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
*2.1.3 -- Second Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated
January 4, 2000, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
+2.1.4 -- Third Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated
April 17, 2000, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
#3.1 -- Form of Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation
#3.2 -- Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws
*4.1 -- Form of Common Stock Certificate
#4.2 -- Amended Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock
#4.3 -- Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock
#4.4 -- Certificate of Designation of Series C Convertible Preferred
Stock
#4.5 -- First Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement,
dated April 25, 2000, by and among Digital:Convergence
Corporation and the security holders named therein
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
--------------------- -----------
<C> <C> <S>
#4.6 -- First Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated
April 25, 2000, by and among Digital:Convergence Corporation
and the security holders named therein
#4.7 -- Credit Agreement, dated May 16, 2000, by and between
Comerica Bank-Texas and Digital:Convergence Corporation
*4.8 -- Form of Rights Agreement between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Rights Agent
*4.9 -- Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock
+4.10 -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 18, 2000, by
and between Digital:Convergence Corporation and NeoMedia
Technologies, Inc.
+5.1 -- Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
#10.1 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Michael N. Garin
#10.2 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Gregory D.
Lerman
#10.3.1 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Scott P. Carlin
#10.3.2 -- First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of
August 16, 1999, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Scott P. Carlin
#10.4 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Donald E. Welsh
#10.5 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of December 15, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Douglas L. Davis
#10.6 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Patrick V. Stark
#10.7 -- Broadcast Station and Cable Channel Agreement, dated
April 4, 2000, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Belo Interactive, Inc.
#10.8.1 -- Warrant Agreement, dated September 29, 1999, by and between
Digital:Convergence Corporation and Belo Enterprises, Inc.
#10.8.2 -- Warrant Certificate No. 1, dated September 29, 1999, for the
purchase of Digital:Convergence Corporation common stock by
Belo Enterprises, Inc.
#10.9 -- Licensing Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and National
Broadcasting Company, Inc.
#10.10.1 -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and NBC-DCCI
Holding, Inc.
#10.10.2 -- Warrant Certificate No. 1, dated April 18, 2000, for the
purchase of Digital:Convergence Corporation common stock by
NBC-DCCI Holding, Inc.
#10.10.3 -- Warrant Certificate No. 2, dated September 20, 2000, for the
purchase of Digital:Convergence Corporation common stock by
NBC-DCCI Holding, Inc.
#10.11 -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and NBC-DCCI
Holding, Inc.
#10.12 -- Warrant Certificate No. 1, dated April 18, 2000, for the
purchase of Digital:Convergence Corporation common stock by
NBC-DCCI Holding, Inc.
#10.13 -- Promissory Note, dated January 4, 1999, issued by
Digital:Convergence Corporation to Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc.
#10.14 -- Debenture, dated January 28, 1999, issued by
Digital:Convergence Corporation to JAT III L.L.C.
#10.15 -- Debenture, dated January 28, 1999, issued by
Digital:Convergence Corporation to B&G Partnership, Ltd.
#10.16 -- Debenture, dated January 28, 1999, issued by
Digital:Convergence Corporation to BCG Partnership, Ltd.
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
--------------------- -----------
<C> <C> <S>
#10.17 -- Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers
of Digital:Convergence Corporation
#10.18.1 -- Digital:Convergence Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan
#10.18.2 -- First Amendment to the Digital:Convergence Corporation 1999
Stock Option Plan
#10.19 -- Digital:Convergence Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
#10.20.1 -- Stock Purchase Agreement, dated May 17, 1999, by and between
Digital:Convergence Corporation and William S. Leftwich
#10.20.2 -- First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated
August 16, 1999, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and William S. Leftwich
#10.21 -- Form of Proprietary Rights and Information Agreement
#10.22 -- Manufacturing and Marketing Agreement, effective as of
December 6, 1999, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and RadioShack Corporation
#10.23 -- Print Publishing Agreement, dated January 13, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Forbes, Inc.
#10.24 -- Print License Agreement, dated February 16, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Wired Magazine
#10.25 -- Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2000, by and between
Digital:Convergence Corporation and A.T. Cross Company
+10.26 -- License Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and NeoMedia
Technologies, Inc.
#21.1 -- Subsidiaries of Digital:Convergence Corporation
+23.1 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
+23.2 -- Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1)
#24.1 -- Power of Attorney (included in signature page)
+27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
------------------------
+ Filed herewith
* To be filed by amendment
# Previously filed
(b) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following reports of independent accountants and financial statement
schedules are included in this Registration Statement:
- Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule of
Digital:Convergence Corporation Inc.
- Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule of
Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts of Digital:Convergence Corporation Inc.
for the year ended December 31, 1999
- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts of Infotainment Telepictures, Inc. for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
The Registrant hereby undertakes:
(a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 14, or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
II-6
<PAGE>
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(b) To provide to the underwriter(s) at the closing specified in the
underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in
such names as required by the underwriter(s) to permit prompt delivery to each
purchaser.
(c) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(d) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-7
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New
York, on the 13th day of November 2000.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DIGITAL:CONVERGENCE CORPORATION
By: /s/ MICHAEL N. GARIN
-----------------------------------------
Michael N. Garin
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
</TABLE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
*
------------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer and November 13, 2000
J. Jovan Philyaw Chairman of the Board
/s/ MICHAEL N. GARIN
------------------------------------------- President, Chief Operating November 13, 2000
Michael N. Garin Officer and Director
* Chief Financial Officer and
------------------------------------------- Principal Accounting November 13, 2000
William S. Leftwich Officer
*
------------------------------------------- Director November 13, 2000
Patrick V. Stark
*
------------------------------------------- Director November 13, 2000
Michael H. Jordan
*
------------------------------------------- Director November 13, 2000
William O. Hunt
*
------------------------------------------- Director November 13, 2000
Jack A. Turpin
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
* By: /s/ MICHAEL N. GARIN
-------------------------------------
Michael N. Garin November 13, 2000
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
II-8
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of
DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our
report dated April 27, 2000 appearing in this Registration Statement on Form S-1
of DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc. also included an audit of the financial
statement schedule listed in such Registration Statement. In our opinion, this
financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related
consolidated financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
April 27, 2000
S-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
To the Board of Directors of
Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our
report dated February 29, 2000, except as to Note 11 which is as of April 27,
2000 appearing in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc. also included an audit of the financial statement
schedules listed in such Registration Statement. In our opinion, these financial
statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information
set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated
financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 29, 2000
S-2
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
DIGITALCONVERGENCE.:COM INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADDITIONS
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING COSTS AND END OF
CLASSIFICATION OF PERIOD EXPENSES DEDUCTIONS PERIOD
-------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1999
Income tax valuation allowance.................... $ 158 $4,311 $ -- $4,469
====== ====== ======= ======
</TABLE>
(a) This schedule should be read in conjunction with the
DigitalConvergence.:Com Inc. audited consolidated financial statements and
related notes thereto.
S-3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
INFOTAINMENT TELEPICTURES, INC.
SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADDITIONS
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING COSTS AND END OF
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES DEDUCTIONS PERIOD
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
Income tax valuation allowance.................... $ 61 $74 $-- $135
==== === === ====
1998
Income tax valuation allowance.................... $135 $23 $-- $158
==== === === ====
</TABLE>
(a) This schedule should be read in conjunction with the Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc. audited financial statements and related notes thereto.
S-4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
--------------------- -----------
<C> <C> <S>
*1.1 -- Form of Underwriting Agreement
#2.1.1 -- Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 4, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc.
#2.1.2 -- First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated
January 4, 1999, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
*2.1.3 -- Second Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated
January 4, 2000, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
+2.1.4 -- Third Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated
April 17, 2000, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Infotainment Telepictures, Inc.
#3.1 -- Form of Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation
#3.2 -- Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws
*4.1 -- Form of Common Stock Certificate
#4.2 -- Amended Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock
#4.3 -- Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock
#4.4 -- Certificate of Designation of Series C Convertible Preferred
Stock
#4.5 -- First Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement,
dated April 25, 2000, by and among Digital:Convergence
Corporation and the security holders named therein
#4.6 -- First Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated
April 25, 2000, by and among Digital:Convergence Corporation
and the security holders named therein
#4.7 -- Credit Agreement, dated May 16, 2000, by and between
Comerica Bank-Texas and Digital:Convergence Corporation
*4.8 -- Form of Rights Agreement between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Rights Agent
*4.9 -- Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock
+4.10 -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 18, 2000, by
and between Digital:Convergence Corporation and NeoMedia
Technologies, Inc.
+5.1 -- Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
#10.1 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Michael N. Garin
#10.2 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Gregory D.
Lerman
#10.3.1 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Scott P. Carlin
#10.3.2 -- First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of
August 16, 1999, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Scott P. Carlin
#10.4 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Donald E. Welsh
#10.5 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of December 15, 1999, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Douglas L. Davis
#10.6 -- Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Patrick V. Stark
#10.7 -- Broadcast Station and Cable Channel Agreement, dated
April 4, 2000, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and Belo Interactive, Inc.
#10.8.1 -- Warrant Agreement, dated September 29, 1999, by and between
Digital:Convergence Corporation and Belo Enterprises, Inc.
#10.8.2 -- Warrant Certificate No. 1, dated September 29, 1999, for the
purchase of Digital:Convergence Corporation common stock by
Belo Enterprises, Inc.
#10.9 -- Licensing Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and National
Broadcasting Company, Inc.
#10.10.1 -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and NBC-DCCI
Holding, Inc.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
--------------------- -----------
<C> <C> <S>
#10.10.2 -- Warrant Certificate No. 1, dated April 18, 2000, for the
purchase of Digital:Convergence Corporation common stock by
NBC-DCCI Holding, Inc.
#10.10.3 -- Warrant Certificate No. 2, dated September 20, 2000, for the
purchase of Digital:Convergence Corporation common stock by
NBC-DCCI Holding, Inc.
#10.11 -- Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and NBC-DCCI
Holding, Inc.
#10.12 -- Warrant Certificate No. 1, dated April 18, 2000, for the
purchase of Digital:Convergence Corporation common stock by
NBC-DCCI Holding, Inc.
#10.13 -- Promissory Note, dated January 4, 1999, issued by
Digital:Convergence Corporation to Infotainment
Telepictures, Inc.
#10.14 -- Debenture, dated January 28, 1999, issued by
Digital:Convergence Corporation to
JAT III L.L.C.
#10.15 -- Debenture, dated January 28, 1999, issued by
Digital:Convergence Corporation to B&G Partnership, Ltd.
#10.16 -- Debenture, dated January 28, 1999, issued by
Digital:Convergence Corporation to BCG Partnership, Ltd.
#10.17 -- Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers
of Digital:Convergence Corporation
#10.18.1 -- Digital:Convergence Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan
#10.18.2 -- First Amendment to the Digital:Convergence Corporation 1999
Stock Option Plan
#10.19 -- Digital:Convergence Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
#10.20.1 -- Stock Purchase Agreement, dated May 17, 1999, by and between
Digital:Convergence Corporation and William S. Leftwich
#10.20.2 -- First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated
August 16, 1999, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and William S. Leftwich
#10.21 -- Form of Proprietary Rights and Information Agreement
#10.22 -- Manufacturing and Marketing Agreement, effective as of
December 6, 1999, by and between Digital:Convergence
Corporation and RadioShack Corporation
#10.23 -- Print Publishing Agreement, dated January 13, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Forbes, Inc.
#10.24 -- Print License Agreement, dated February 16, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and Wired Magazine
#10.25 -- Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2000, by and between
Digital:Convergence Corporation and A.T. Cross Company
+10.26 -- License Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2000, by and
between Digital:Convergence Corporation and NeoMedia
Technologies, Inc.
#21.1 -- Subsidiaries of Digital:Convergence Corporation
+23.1 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
+23.2 -- Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1)
#24.1 -- Power of Attorney (included in signature page)
+27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
------------------------
+ Filed herewith
* To be filed by amendment
# Previously filed
