UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2000
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to _________
Commission file number 000-29113
SYCONET.COM, INC.
(Name of Small Business Issuer in its charter)
Delaware 54-1838089
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
9208B Venture Court, Manassas, Virginia 20111
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number: (703) 366-2946
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
Check whether the Issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [_] No [X]
The aggregate number of shares outstanding of the Issuer's Common Stock, its
sole class of common equity, was 16,766,140 as of August 16, 2000.
Transitional Small Business Issuer Disclosure Format: Yes [_] No [X]
Page 1 of 26; Exhibit Index is on Page 25
1
<PAGE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
SYCONET.COM, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
2000 1999
Unaudited
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 56,350 $ 587,559
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $22,000 and $15,000 at
June 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively 106,501 63,233
Due from officers -- 65,000
Prepaid expenses 8,274 4,324
Inventories 352,234 352,176
Other current assets 2,534 1,930
----------- -----------
Total current assets $ 525,893 $ 1,074,222
----------- -----------
Property and Equipment, at cost $ 324,410 $ 84,869
Less accumulated depreciation (44,267) (12,679)
----------- -----------
Total property and equipment $ 280,143 $ 72,190
----------- -----------
Other Assets 4,388 5,000
----------- -----------
Total assets $ 810,424 $ 1,151,412
=========== ===========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 110,533 $ 31,974
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,250,711 1,020,428
Stock subscriptions refund payable 41,200 22,500
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities $ 1,402,444 $ 1,074,902
</TABLE>
2
See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Long-Term Debt, less current maturities 72,007 --
----------- -----------
Total liabilities $ 1,474,451 $ 1,074,902
----------- -----------
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Preferred stock, authorized, 1,000,000 shares; no shares
outstanding $ -- $ --
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, authorized 85,000,000
shares in 2000 and 1999; issued and outstanding 15,516,140
and 11,795,429 shares in 2000 and 1999, respectively $ 1,552 $ 1,180
Additional paid-in capital 6,457,385 7,245,967
Deferred compensation (463,727) (721,900)
Retained Deficit (6,659,237) (6,448,737)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) $ (664,027) $ 76,510
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 810,424 $ 1,151,412
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
3
See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
<PAGE>
SYCONET.COM, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30,
------------------------- ---------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 477,832 $ 397,987 $ 241,026 $ 207,422
Cost of goods sold 416,055 292,916 272,407 150,565
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit (loss) $ 61,777 $ 105,071 $ (31,381) $ 56,857
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 2,874,822 424,521 1,536,942 220,328
Restructuring charges and other unusual items 422,986 -- 422,986 --
Reversal of stock compensation expense (3,040,000) -- (3,040,000) --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) $ (196,031) $ (319,450) $ 1,048,691 $ (163,471)
Nonoperating expense, net 14,469 1,406 7,020 700
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ (210,500) $ (320,856) $ 1,041,671 $ (164,171)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Earnings (loss) per common share, basic and diluted $ (0.02) $ (0.04) $ .08 $ (0.02)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted 12,865,651 9,104,478 13,535,250 8,336,048
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
4
See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
<PAGE>
SYCONET.COM, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
-----------------------------
2000 1999
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net loss $ (210,500) $ (320,856)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
(used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 54,447 2,839
Amortization of deferred compensation
related to stock options 258,173 --
Restructuring charges and other unusual items 422,986 --
Reversal of stock compensation (3,040,000) --
Changes in assets charges and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable (43,268) 1,417
(Increase) in prepaid expenses (3,950) --
(Increase) in inventory (58) (215,685)
(Increase) in other assets (148,626) --
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses 230,283 (64,776)
Increase in stock subscription refund payable 18,700 5,000
----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) operating activities $(2,461,813) $ (592,061)
----------- -----------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities,
purchase of property and equipment $ (380,330) $ --
----------- -----------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of stock $ 1,751,790 $ 679,000
Short-term loans from officers -- (10,000)
Repayments of loans to officers 65,000 --
Short-term loans to employees -- 1,200
Proceeds from Other Financing 500,000 --
Principal payments on long-term debt (5,856) (2,009)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities $ 2,310,934 $ 668,191
----------- -----------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents $ (531,209) 76,130
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Beginning 587,559 20,676
----------- -----------
Ending $ 56,350 96,806
=========== ===========
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information,
cash payments for interest $ 334 $ 491
=========== ===========
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
Payment of long-term debt by issuance of stock $ 500,000 $ --
=========== ===========
Long-term debt incurred for the purchase of equipment $ 156,422 $ --
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
5
See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
<PAGE>
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
Syconet.com, Inc. ("the Company") has prepared its consolidated financial
statements as of June 30, 2000 in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These statements are unaudited
and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal
recurring adjustments and accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial
condition and results of operations for the periods presented. Certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. Operating results for the
quarter ended June 30, 2000 are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. These consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial
statements and the accompanying notes included in the Company's Form 10SB
Registration Statement declared effective March 25, 2000 and Form SB2, initially
made effective on June 23, 2000, and all its related post-effective amendments.
GOING CONCERN
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles, which contemplates continuation of the
company as a going concern. However, the Company has sustained substantial
operating losses since inception and the Company has used substantial amounts of
working capital in its operations. In addition, there has been a loss of key
personnel which may cause a disruption to operations. The above conditions raise
substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern.
In view of these matters, the Company needs to obtain substantial
additional working capital and to replace certain key personnel. The Company is
actively engaged in pursuing financing and other arrangements. However, the
Company can not assure that it will be able to obtain the financing necessary to
continue to support its business.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at
the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents and are carried at
cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable are shown net of related allowance for doubtful
accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts were $ 22,000 and $ 15,000 as of
June 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or
market. Inventories consisted of goods, primarily anime videos, purchased for
redistribution.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, principally computer hardware and software, are
stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. The costs of additions
and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to
expense. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over a three to
five-year estimated life. Depreciation expense totaled $ 54,400 and $ 2,800 for
the quarters ended June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
LOSS PER SHARE
Loss per share is computed on the weighted average number of shares
outstanding and excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and
convertible securities. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the
computation if their effect is antidilutive.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Sales are recorded net of discounts, which range from 28% to 50% versus
manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). Generally, web-based consumer
purchases are non-returnable, except for damaged products. For retailers, the
right of return is granted in exchange for a cash refund or merchandise exchange
contingent upon receipt of the returned inventory on a case-by-base basis.
Retailer returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee. In December, 1999, the
Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101,
"Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" (SAB 101), which summarizes
guidelines for recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in the
financial statements. The Company has determined that it is in compliance with
the subject bulletin.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Syconet.com
and its non-operating subsidiaries. There are no inter-company balances and
transactions.
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ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred or if applicable, are amortized over
the contract term based on a guaranteed number of impressions for the period.
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND OTHER UNUSUAL ITEMS
Restructuring charges consist primarily of penalties associated with early
terminations of various leases on facilities and furniture which the Company is
unable to use as a result of downsizing and consolidation of operations. Other
unusual items consist of one-time writedowns for certain assets from which the
Company may never benefit. Following is a breakdown of these charges:
Losses from facility
exit and lease
cancellations 148,633
Asset Write-downs 274,353
-------
422,986
=======
INCOME TAXES
Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax
assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss
and tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for
taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between
the reported amounts of asset and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax
assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management,
it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets
will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the
effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In July, 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued its consensus
on EITF Issue 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs." This
consensus provided that all amounts billed for shipping and handling in a sale
transaction be classified as revenue. However, the EITF did not reach consensus
on the accounting for shipping and handling costs incurred by the seller. The
Company currently includes in cost of sales inbound shipping costs, but
classifies warehousing, order fulfillment, and outbound shipping costs under
Selling, General and Administrative Expense.
NOTE 2 -- REVERSAL OF STOCK COMPENSATION
During the first and second quarter of 2000, 13,599,750 outstanding stock
options were cancelled or forfeited, resulting in a reversal of $3,040,000 of
stock compensation expense.
NOTE 3 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, the Company may be subject to legal proceedings and
claims in the ordinary course of business, including contract terminations,
employment related claims and claims of alleged infringement of trademarks,
copyrights and other intellectual property rights. The Company currently is not
aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that it believes will have,
individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on its business,
prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Item contains forward looking statements (as such term is defined in
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements involve
significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various
important factors. The following factors, among others, could affect our
performance and could cause actual results for fiscal 2000 and beyond to differ
materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking
7
<PAGE>
statements: loss of personnel associated with operating our core business, and
our inability to replace such personnel which may cause disruptions to
operations; failure to attract new customers or maintain repeat customers
inability to obtain, or delay in obtaining, the substantial additional capital
we need; changes in consumer spending patterns and debt levels; market
acceptance of Anime and e-commerce; technological obsolescence; and the impact
of competitive market factors.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
SyCoNet.Com, Inc. has been capitalized since its inception from private
placements of its Common Stock. We currently need substantial additional
capital, and we can give no assurance that we will be able to obtain it in the
near future or at all, or on commercially reasonable terms.
A. Anime Business
We are engaged principally in the distribution and direct marketing of
Anime -- animated cartoons produced in Japan and shipped to the United States
where the licensee or master distributor inserts English subtitles or dialogue
prior to distribution on videocassettes. We sell directly to individuals over
the Internet at www.Animedepot.com and at Anime trade shows and other retail
events.
Our main product line consists primarily of video tapes and DVDs, and has
recently been expanded to include games, trading cards, apparel, and toys. We
have recently retained a consultant to help us explore upselling and
cross-selling opportunities, including licensing arrangements that would allow
us to control distribution for a wide variety of products (toys, games, apparel,
etc.) that are directly related to Anime themes. Depending on the product, we
could take advantage of these licenses in various ways - from sublicensing to
warehousing to manufacturing to direct sales. We are not focused on Anime as a
niche market, but as an all- encompassing mainstream phenomenon that can be
easily monetized through aggressive and creative marketing applications.
We began as a wholesaler of Anime products to small retail outlets, such as
Anime specialty stores, comic book specialty stores and video stores, that are
focused almost exclusively on being the resident experts on Anime in their
geographic area. We plan to continue providing wholesale services to retail
stores that would like us to provide their Anime product line. We believe this
line of business will continue to grow at 50% or more per year as the genre
grows, and as we develop our licensing and product creation businesses. The
consummation of our Letter of Intent to acquire Zocchi Distributing Inc.
("Zocchi"), which is not probable at this time, would have greatly enhanced our
wholesale position, as it has a substantial number of wholesale accounts,
virtually all of which specialize in the retail games industry.*
----------
* We entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire Zocchi Distributing Inc., a
distributor of games and science fiction/fantasy products. The Letter of
Intent expressly provides that as a condition to the Zocchi acquisition we
must cause to be removed the personal guarantee by the sole Zocchi
shareholder of Zocchi's repayment of its bank debt. Given our financial
condition as reflected in our December 31, 1999 and June 30, 2000,
financial statements, we think it unlikely that such condition can be
satisfied absent our receipt of substantial additional financing, increase
in our stock price, or dramatic improvement in our results of operations,
and we can give no assurance that either will occur in the near future or
at all. Additionally, the current price of the Company's common stock does
not favor a quick closing on the Zocchi deal which presupposes a certain
valuation for the shares to be issued in connection with the acquisition.
The acquisition, had it materialized earlier, would have enabled Syconet to
purchase some games and enable each Company to cross-sell its products to
the other company's customer base while creating vertical supply chain
efficiencies.
8
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B. Technology Development and Business to Business Services
In the latter half of 1999, we began to develop plans to create a full
service e-commerce and distribution platform to better serve our wholesale and
retail Anime customers. In completing these plans it became apparent that a real
need existed for Internet companies to have a cost-effective and flexible
alternative to the current set of third party distribution outsourcing
companies, many of which provide poor service and little flexibility or
attention to specific customer needs, and that the cost of building a platform
with the flexibility and scalability to allow us to service other businesses
would not be significantly greater than the cost of building a platform for our
own customers. The principal difference would be in ensuring that the database
design and equipment architecture would allow flexibility in as many ways as
possible. As a result we decided to build a technical team dedicated to creating
a business to business distribution and e-commerce platform that we could sell
to third parties. If successful, we would have been able to create an additional
source of ongoing revenue and profit. Over time, the cost per sale for
distribution of our own products would decrease dramatically due to better
overall utilization of infrastructure and back office systems. In late June 2000
when we announced that we would not be able to meet our payroll on time, we lost
substantially all of our technical staff to an internet company. Absent the
technical staff and the funding required to finish the platform, we currently
are not able to complete a working model of the e-commerce platform nor avail
ourselves of our first potential beta customer. We are in negotiation with a key
subcontractor on the e-commerce project to determine the feasibility and the
resources required to complete the platform which, if launched at all, would be
at a scaled back level.
Our platform's accounting system is fully operational to track real-time
inventory levels. Purchasing/ ordering/ shipping/ receiving transactions plus
customer information processing have been simplified and integrated into the
Great Plains system. This greatly increased the level of service we provide to
our customers. However, we lack the technical capability to maintain and
continue running this system efficiently. Thus, we are exploring the possibility
of outsourcing this process to a vendor that can host the application.
In addition to e-commerce and distribution services, our plan to develop a
virtual ISP (Internet Service Provider) service-in-a-box that would be
integrated into the e-commerce platform has been put on hold.
Business Strategy - Anime
A. Licenses & Proprietary Product
We believe that licensing proprietary product from Japanese Anime content
providers is critical for our future success. If we are able to raise financing,
we plan to acquire distribution rights which would enable us to offer Anime
titles and associated products that are only available from us. Acquiring
proprietary product rights would require us to translate Japanese language Anime
tapes into English for release and distribution as sub-titled and voice dubbed
VHS tapes and DVDs, but should also enable us to achieve greater revenues with
higher, more stable profit margins that could withstand the entry of larger
wholesale players (service and cost advantages are not effective barriers to
entry) and significantly increase our competitive advantage. In June 2000, we
retained a consultant to help promote business development efforts, including
identification of licensing opportunities.
B. Acquisitions
The Company's merger and acquisition strategy is directed toward obtaining
a critical mass through the acquisition of customers, infrastructure, property
licenses, and key employees, which would allow us to compete more effectively
for the right to distribute the most popular Anime series, as represented today
by Pokemon, Dragonball Z, and Princess Mononoke.
9
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We have several competitors in the wholesale distribution market consisting
of small privately held companies that serve the Anime niche market of small
specialty retailers. The most important of these companies are: Animeigo,
Central Park Media, Media Blasters, AD Vision. In addition, we compete with
several privately held companies that are focused primarily on Anime but also
sell a wider variety of products including games, toys, wallscrolls, cards, etc.
These are Action Ace, Fandom, and Next Planet Over. Our strategy is to acquire
Anime distributors to leverage their assets (customers, licenses, people,
infrastructure) to create true critical mass for that industry segment and
enable rapid expansion into contiguous markets. Although we still believe that a
merger or a strategic partnership with any one of these companies will result in
synergies that will be mutually beneficial, the decline in the Company's current
stock price and deterioration of financial condition will probably not enable us
to negotiate the most favorable terms, if any. We have not entered into any
agreements to make any acquisitions and we can give no assurance that we will
make any acquisitions in the near future or at all.
C. Marketing
We have modified our marketing program to focus on new customer acquisition
as well as recapture of former customers that might have been lost to the
competition as a result of product stock-outs during the period of financial
retrenchment. The new program will incorporate the following principal
components:
Direct Sales to Customers. We had put on hold plans to design several
separate web sites for the different audiences that enjoy various subgenera
of Anime and action oriented films (such as martial arts). Upon receipt of
the next tranch of financing from Alliance, we expect to rebuild our
customer service infrastructure and implement direct selling techniques,
including telemarketing for a limited period. We will continue to focus on
providing a full line of Anime product that appeals to the core Anime
customer - Anime fans who buy 24 tapes or more per year. This includes both
consumers who buy from us directly and retailers who operate retail Anime
shops. We will continue to target these customers via Anime conventions and
through the sponsorship of events where Anime fans are expected to appear.
Web Based Advertising. Upon receipt of the next tranch of financing from
Alliance, we expect to resume web advertising via virtual malls or
participation in performance marketing and similar affinity programs.
Unless we are able to negotiate more favorable terms, it is unlikely that
we will be able to continue our advertising agreements with USA Networks or
the World Wrestling Federation.
Title Sponsorship of Dragon*Con and Conventions in General. We have a
three-year agreement to be the title sponsor of Dragon*Con. Dragon*Con is
North America's largest Science Fiction and Popular Arts convention and one
of Atlanta's largest annual events. Due in part to limited resources,
including product availability, our sales at the Dragon*Con convention,
which occurred in the beginning of the third quarter of 2000, fell below
expectations. However, we expect to be able to restock our inventory in
time to perform at our usual levels at the remaining conventions for this
year.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
The following is a discussion of certain factors affecting our results for
the quarters and six month periods ended June 30, 2000 and 1999, and our
liquidity and capital resources. This discussion and analysis should be read
along with our financial statements and their notes, contained elsewhere in this
Form 10QSB. The SEC is currently reviewing the financial classification of
distribution and fulfillment costs as reported by e-commerce companies.
Concurrent with industry practice, we
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present these costs on the financial statements as a component of selling,
general and administrative expenses. The SEC may later decide to require the
classification of certain distribution costs as cost of sales. If this occurs,
we will reclassify these costs pursuant to the new SEC requirements, and our
gross profit will be negatively impacted accordingly. However, such
reclassification will not have any impact on our sales, operating profit or
loss, or net profit or loss.
As a reminder, our fiscal year ends on December 31. The years mentioned
throughout are fiscal years.
Since inception, we have incurred losses, and as of June 30, 2000, we had
an accumulated deficit of $6.6 million. We expect losses to continue, pending
our achievement of growth in web sales or the acquisition of targeted product
licenses, which would allow us to realize higher profit margins. We believe that
Internet sales growth will be contingent on our ability to (a) establish name
recognition among fans of Anime and capitalize on up-selling and cross-selling
opportunities; (b) select and market product lines that will gain popularity
among Anime fans and will have cross-over potential to mainstream animation
fans; (c) provide our customers good value, in terms of competitive pricing and
order fulfillment; (d) identify and capitalize on advertising media and search
engine tools that will allow us to best reach our target customers; and (e)
acquire and successfully market product licenses. In January, 2000, we entered
into an alliance with USA Network Interactive, which will enable us to launch an
integrated advertising and branding campaign for our Anime product line through
an e-commerce area jointly developed by USA Networks' Interactive science
fiction web site, Scifi.com, and animedepot.com, our premier Anime website. In
addition to directly targeting Anime fans, the partnership provides a venue for
us to cross-sell to science fiction enthusiasts, build brand awareness, and
drive traffic to our web site, thereby potentially increasing sales. The
agreement also calls for the joint development of web content, print media
advertising, promotional events, and direct targeting through millions of banner
impressions. Our agreement with USA Networks is on hold, pending its review of
our proposed re-negotiated payment terms. A separate advertising agreement with
World Wrestling Federation ("WWF") has expired and payment terms are currently
being re-negotiated. We can't assure you that advertising agreements with either
USA or WWF will ever occur.
As of June 30, 2000, we lost most of our officers and senior management,
including our former CEO, Sy Picon. Our new CEO, William Spears, is charged with
the responsibility of re-establishing our operating structure and re-focusing on
our core business. Because of our recent downsizing, we expect the sales growth
to flatten, or even decline temporarily through the end of the third quarter.
Any growth in sales during the fourth quarter and beyond will be contingent
on promotional discounts, convention marketing, recapture of lost customers,
customer loyalty demonstrated through repeat sales, current trends, which
influence the popularity of certain of our product lines, inventory levels and/
or product availability, and seasonal demand. Although we continue to experience
sales growth relative to the same periods in prior years, our quarterly sales
during a given year reflect seasonality, with the lowest and highest volumes
reported during the first quarter and fourth quarter, respectively. Other
factors that may impact sales in the future include unforeseen technological
problems associated with web traffic and server availability, government
regulations on web transactions, and the general state of the economy.
Operating margins will be, and have been, significantly impacted by (a) our
ability to maintain and satisfy our existing repeat customers, as well as
attract new customers with the same level of loyalty; (b) competitive pricing
pressures; (c) the effectiveness of advertising and marketing expenditures and
management's ability to measure and evaluate results; (d) the effectiveness of
our web design and content in attracting and leading consumers to consummate
on-line sales; (e) shipping efficiencies; (f) proportion of distributor sales in
relation to consumer sales; (g) general economies of scale; (h) overall
operating
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efficiencies as well as cost reduction measures and (i) overall sales of high
margin product which normally appeals to certain segments our niche market.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the quarters ended June 30, 2000 and 1999
Net sales, consisting of the selling price of VHS and DVD products, trading
cards, toys and apparel, net of discounts and customer returns, were $241,000
for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, a 16% increase over net sales of $ 207,400
during the comparable quarter in 1999. Net sales for the six months ended June
30, 2000 were $ 477,800, up 20% compared to $ 398,000 for the same period last
year, indicating a more robust sales growth in the first quarter. The second
quarter sales performance reflects steady growth in our Internet and convention
sales, despite a continued decline in our wholesale sales. Towards the end of
the second quarter and continuing on to the third quarter, we were not able to
fulfill increased customer demand for new product and back orders, resulting in
foregone sales and lost customers. Because of cash constraints, which were not
alleviated until late August, 2000, we were unable to buy the inventory needed
to meet our customer demand. We have since renegotiated terms with our key
suppliers and arranged for product returns in exchange for new product. However,
we have lost sales momentum during the third quarter and believe that we
probably will not realize any sales improvement, if any, until the fourth
quarter, provided that, along with the inventory restocking, we are able to
successfully implement a limited but focused marketing program, direct sales
campaign and promotion, and streamline our order fulfillment and inventory
management process in order to recapture old customers and attract new ones.
The following table sets forth certain financial data for us as a
percentage of net sales for the indicated periods:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30,
-------------------------- ----------------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Cost of Goods Sold 87.07% 73.60% 113.02% 72.59%
------ ----- ------ -----
Gross Profit (Loss) 12.93% 26.40% (13.02%) 27.41%
Operating Expenses:
Selling General and Administrative Expenses 601.64% 106.67% 637.67% 106.22%
Restructuring Charges and Other Unusual Items 88.52% -- 175.49% --
Reversal of Stock Compensation Expense (636.21%) -- (1261.27%) --
------ ----- ------- -----
Operating Income (Loss) (41.02%) (80.27%) 435.09% (78.81%)
Non-operating Expense-Net 3.03% 0.35% 2.91% 0.34%
------ ----- ------ -----
Net Income (Loss) (44.05%) (80.62%) 432.18% (79.15%)
</TABLE>
Gross profit is defined as sales less cost of sales, which consists of the
cost of product sold to the customers and inbound shipping costs. Our gross
margin during the second quarter was affected by the increasing proportion of
consumer sales relative to retail sales, the former generally yielding higher
margins than sales from our distribution business. Our gross profit was $61,777
for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, a 42% decline over the gross profit during
1999. We expect gross margins to fluctuate from period to period based on any
shift in the customer base (wholesaler/retailer versus consumer), mix of
products sold, or change in shipping and handling costs. Specifically, during
the second quarter, our gross margins were negatively impacted by significant
inventory shrinkage and disposal, as a result of an inordinate amount of
inventory in transit, amidst the loss and turnover of personnel, resulting in
the erosion of our gross margin.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses include the costs of
personnel involved in product distribution, customer service, financial
administrative and executive functions, in addition to travel, advertising,
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investor relations, legal and professional services, stock compensation, and
other operating costs. SG&A were $1.5 million and $220,300 for the quarters
ended June 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively, and $2.8 million and $424,500 for
the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 1999.
Factors accounting for the increased SG&A costs during 2000 include: hiring
of key personnel in management, information technology, customer service, and
warehousing/distribution to establish our infrastructure and facilitate order
fulfillment; travel related to financing efforts and trade conventions; grass
roots marketing and on-line advertising; and professional services required in
connection with regulatory compliance. We also charged to SG&A the development
costs (labor and non-labor) associated with our e-commerce platform, which in
the aggregate amounted to $400,000.
Operating expenses during the second quarter for 2000 were reduced by the
reversal of previously recognized stock compensation costs as a result of the
cancellation of 13,599,750 options previously granted to our two co-founders and
other employees that were awarded last year and cancelled in 2000.
Subsequent stock option awards to Spears and certain of the remaining
employees were noncompensatory, owing to the exercise price being set at the
price of the stock as of the date of award and cancelled in 2000.
Towards the end of the second quarter, several financing deals that were in
negotiation were not successfully completed (see discussion under "Liquidity and
Capital Resources"). Without any immediate cash infusion available to us, we
undertook significant cost-cutting measures. Our year-to-date payroll, which
totaled over $ 1 million through June 30, 2000, has been cut by 70%, as a result
of an across-the-board reduction in force, as well as attrition. We deferred
further development on our e-commerce and V-ISP platform, on which approximately
$ 300,000 of internal labor costs had been spent through the second quarter. We
cancelled most of our advertising contracts and terminated all consulting
agreements, except for retainer agreements necessary to maintain our reporting
status. We consolidated our operations into our warehouse, and negotiated early
termination of other facility leases, with no significant penalties, enabling us
to realize immediate cost savings in rent, telecommunications and utility costs.
Since we have limited financial resources, we are able to focus only on our
core business at this time. We are re-assessing our technology project and
believe that even if we were to resume development, it would be scaled back
considerably, and we would not be able to use certain of the enhanced system
features. As a result of the restructuring and downsizing of our operations, as
well as our technology plans, we have decided to write off certain prepayments
and assets acquired from vendors that we may not recover or from which we may
never benefit in the future. Examples of these restructuring and unusual items
include forfeitures due to early lease terminations and payments made towards
partially utilized software, equipment and licenses that have since been
returned or cancelled. In the aggregate, these restructuring and unusual items
amounted to $423,000.
We believe that the remaining funding from Alliance may enable us to meet
our working capital requirements through year-end but will not be sufficient to
meet our payment obligations. We are actively renegotiating terms of our
payables with our major suppliers and vendors. We are pursuing third party
financing or a strategic merger transaction but cannot assure you that we will
be successful.
Although we have significantly reduced our cash burn arising from expenses
in excess of sales, we believe that our existing lean cost infrastructure and
staffing is well below the optimum level, and will not enable us to improve
sales. By the fourth quarter, subject to our receipt of the remaining funding
from Alliance, we expect our operating costs to increase, as we launch a limited
advertising campaign to facilitate the ramp-up of sales and to rebuild our staff
and operating infrastructure, particularly in the areas of sales and order
fulfillment. Despite a tighter rein on our operations, we cannot assure you that
we will achieve a level of sales commensurate with our efforts. Nor do we claim
that we will have the financial capability, through external financing or cash
flows from operations, despite our efforts, to continue or to sustain
operations.
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Deferred Compensation
We recorded total deferred stock compensation of $258,200 during the first
six months of 2000, in connection with the amortization of compensatory stock
options granted late last year. We had no recognizable deferred compensation
costs during the corresponding quarter of 1999. Deferred stock compensation is
amortized to expense over the vesting periods of the applicable options. The
amortization cost represents the vested portion of the difference between the
exercise price of stock option grants and the deemed fair value of our common
stock at the time of such grants.
Income Taxes
We made no provision for any current or deferred U.S. federal, state income
tax or benefit for any of the periods presented. We cannot provide any assurance
as to when profits will materialize, if at all. Therefore, we cannot predict
when we can use the net operating loss carry-forwards, which begin to expire in
2017, and which may be subject to certain limitations imposed under Section 382
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Due to the uncertainty concerning our
ability to realize the related tax benefit, we have provided a full valuation
allowance on the deferred tax asset, which consists primarily of net operating
loss carry- forwards.
Year 2000
As of the end of 1999, we substantially replaced disparate financial,
purchasing, and customer order databases with a fully integrated Y2K-compliant
enterprise-wide platform of front office, back office, financial and e-business
solutions. We have made an assessment of our internal systems, software,
computer technology and other services internally developed by third party
vendors and have not detected any malfunctions or any system failures at or
beyond the year 2000. These systems include the software to run our financial
accounting system, search engines, sales order fulfillment, inventory control,
transaction-processing, as well as monitoring and back-up capabilities. Failure
of these systems to be Year 2000 compliant could adversely impact the accounting
operations, order fulfillment and other operations of our web site. Based upon
our assessment to date, we believe that our systems are year 2000 compliant,
although there can be no unconditional assurance in this regard. In connection
with our assessment, we have partially relied on assurances from our vendors,
including financial institutions to process credit card payments for Internet
sales, telecommunications and Internet Service Providers. Currently, we do not
believe that it will be necessary to implement a remediation plan for our
third-party software, third-party vendors and computer technology and services
with respect to year 2000 compliance. The costs of the year 2000 readiness
internal review incurred prior to and during the year 2000 were not material and
were charged to operations in the respective periods that they occurred.
Although we do not expect to experience, nor have we experienced, business
disruptions associated with Year 2000-related problems, we cannot assure you
that all potential Year 2000 defects have been uncovered or corrected in our
internal systems, including third party software and related products.
Letter of Intent for an Acquisition
We entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire Zocchi Distributing Inc., a
distributor of games and science fiction/fantasy products. The letter of intent
expressly provides that a condition to the Zocchi acquisition is Syconet causing
the sole Zocchi shareholder to be relieved its personal guarantee of Zocchi's
bank debt. Given our current financial condition, we think it unlikely that such
condition can be satisfied absent our receipt of substantial additional
financing or improvement in our results of operations. There has not been any
progress with the subject transaction.
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Liquidity and capital resources
As of June 30, 2000, our cash position consisted of $ 56,400 in cash
compared to $ 587,600 in cash as of December 31, 1999.
We have funded our operations primarily through private equity financing
from accredited investors pursuant to Regulation D, which is a limited offer and
sale of securities without registration under the Securities Act of 1933. During
the first six months of 2000, net cash provided by financing included $1.8
million in private placement funds compared to $679,000 for the same period in
1999.
Net cash used in operations were $2.4 million during the first half of 2000
compared to $592,100 during the same period in 1999. The use of cash was due
primarily to a loss from operations which was $(210,500) and $(320,900)
for the subject periods in 2000 and 1999, respectively. The loss during 2000 on
a pro forma basis, before the effect of the cancellation of stock options, was
approximately $3.2 million. Additionally, our working capital was tied up in
inventory, which did not turn over as needed. As part of our restructuring, we
have negotiated the return of up to $ 200,000 of our inventory, that has
alleviated our debt load and provided us supplier credit that could be applied
towards the purchase of new product in demand by our customers.
Subsequent to June 30, 2000, we have made some progress in reducing and
controlling debt, through return of equipment or product; cancellation and/ or
suspension of advertising, subscription, software and license agreements;
termination of consulting and leasing agreements; and renegotiation of payment
terms. We are current with our payroll obligations, and may soon be able to
increase staff, in order to rebuild our infrastructure, contingent upon improved
sales and future financing.
During the first half of 2000, net cash used in investing activities
consisted primarily of purchases geared towards the enhancement of our
e-commerce platform. We deployed our technical staff to develop a fully
integrated end-to-end order fulfillment and inventory management system, which
is initially for internal use but can be packaged and customized for resale as a
business-to-business or business-to-consumer solution. Capital expenditures did
not include development costs, which were charged to operations, and consisted
only of equipment and software necessary to complete the platform. Towards this
end, we expended $380,000 through the second quarter but have recently halted
further capital expenditures because of financial constraints. During 1999,
there were no capital expenditures for the comparative period.
During the second quarter of 2000, we entered into various financing
letters of intent (LOI) and agreements to finance our core business and the
development of our e-commerce and ISP platform. The anticipated funding from
these LOIs never materialized and we no longer expect them to result in
additional financing to us.
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Alliance Equities recently re-negotiated its funding commitment with us,
from $2 million to $1 million, of which we have already received $625,000
($500,000 in the first quarter and $125,000 in August, 2000), and the balance
to be advanced in bi-weekly installments, commencing four days after the filing
of our second quarter 10QSB and contingent upon the effectiveness of the
post-effective amendment to our SB2. The funding will be paid off upon our
delivery of stock equivalent to that number of shares valued at 50% of the
closing bid price of our stock on the day immediately preceding the date of our
receipt of that loan payment.
During the first quarter of 2000, we entered into a new lease for a larger
warehouse, which is currently on month-to-month terms. We also executed a
5-year, $1 million lease on a build-to-suit facility in Manassas, Virginia, with
an expected completion date in late 2000. Because of corporate downsizing, we
are unable to utilize this facility and have negotiated one lease cancellation,
subject to the execution of a promissory note in the amount of approximately
$17,000 and a second lease cancellation, subject to the issuance of redeemable
warrants to purchase 36,563 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.16 per
share until August 14, 2005. In late April, 2000, we relocated our corporate
headquarters to an interim location in Manassas, Virginia and have also recently
been released from that lease, in consideration for nominal options issuable to
the landlord and his named beneficiary.
In anticipation of a growth in our staff, we entered into a 3-year capital
lease for furniture at our corporate headquarters. We have been released from
the lease, but forfeited a security deposit in the amount of $40,000 which was
used by the lessor to cover his loss from the resale of our furniture.
We have drastically reduced our cash burn as a result of our restructuring
and the deferment of our technology plans. However, we will need to raise
additional financing to enable us to rebuild our core business; ramp back up the
inventory to enable us to remain competitive and to attract and recapture new
and old customers alike; and to launch a controlled but focused
performance-based marketing program. Accordingly, we are seeking such capital
through debt or private placements, equity offerings or other sources. The sale
of equity or equity-related securities could result in additional dilution to
shareholders. We hope to be able to plan to issue shares to fund the costs of
future acquisition of, or a strategic partnership with, complementary businesses
which may be better capitalized than us, and accordingly, require the issuance
of equity or debt securities.
However, we cannot assure you that our financing requirements can be met by
current, available or potential facilities or that additional facilities will be
available on terms and conditions favorable to us, if at all.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS.
The "Overview" and the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of the
Management's Discussion and Analysis cover risk factors that may impact the
Company's operating results. We have identified additional risk factors as
listed below.
WE HAVE A LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY WHICH CONSTRAINS OUR FORECASTING ABILITY.
Since our inception in 1997 we have not attained profitability, and as of
June 30, 2000, we had an accumulated deficit (unaudited) in excess of $6
million. We have relied primarily on external financing, which during the past
three years consisted primarily of private placements of our common stock to
fund our operations and capital requirements, including our product line
inventory growth, and most recently, the development of our portal and
product-based V-ISP service and our business-to-business e-commerce services. If
we receive the additional financing we need to be able to continue such
development, there can be no assurance that we will succeed. In addition, there
can be no assurance as to when, if ever, we will be able to achieve
profitability or that profitability, if achieved, can be sustained.
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In view of our limited operating history and our recent initiatives in
developing internet-related businesses, we are unable to identify an established
trend on which to base planned operating expenses. Consequently, we may not be
able to contain our costs in a timely manner to offset any unfavorable sales
trend nor improve our infrastructure to absorb unexpected development costs or
sales growth. As a result, during any quarter we may incur a net loss or cash
burn that may be greater than expected.
WE CURRENTLY HAVE A SEVERE CASH SHORTAGE AND, AS A RESULT, WE HAVE HAD TO
SUSPEND OUR E-COMMERCE AND V-ISP PROGRAMS.
We have not received the additional funding we had expected to receive by
now from various potential investors who executed letters of intent with us, in
particular, the $500,000 we expected to receive from Alliance Equities, Inc.
("Alliance") on July 5, 2000. As a result, we were unable to meet our June 26,
2000 payroll, to pay many of our bills as they came due and to continue our
operations at previous levels. Between June 26, 2000 and August 14, 2000, most
of our employees quit, accepted other employment, or were formally laid off, and
as a result, we have suspended all work on our highly customized e-commerce and
V-ISP hardware and software platform, which is now installed and functional
except for the credit card (billing) portion which is also very close to
completion. Assuming we receive all of the additional funding we require, as to
which no assurance can be given, we could produce a complete working model that
could be shown to potential customers within two weeks.
Pursuant to the amendment to our December 16, 1999 funding agreement,
Alliance's funding obligation was reduced from $2,000,000 to $1,000,000, of
which we received $500,000 in December, 1999. Alliance also gave us $125,000 on
August 4, 2000, and we in turn issued to it 1,250,000 shares which Alliance may
resell pursuant to this prospectus. Alliance also is obligated to give us
additional payments of $125,000, $100,000 and $25,000 in bi-weekly installments
commencing on August 28, 2000, and contingent upon the effectiveness of a
post-effective amendment to our Form SB-2 which we expect to file in the next
few days. Each loan will be repaid by us issuing to Alliance that number of
shares of our common stock valued at 50% of the closing bid price of our stock
on the day immediately preceding the date of our receipt of that loan payment.
We intend to apply Alliance's monies to our payroll and other current
obligations, including various vendors, legal and accounting fees, purchasing
Anime inventory, and working capital. The receipt of these funds is contingent
upon our remaining current with our SEC reporting obligations. If we are not
current, all further loan payments will be suspended and Alliance shall not be
required to give us any further loan payments until after we become current, and
thereafter Alliance shall recommence the loan payments as of the date of
suspension. Since we filed our second quarter 10-Q on August 25, 2000 Alliance's
funding obligations were suspended from August 14, 2000 to August 25, 2000 and
our receipt of the next $125,000 was delayed from August 18, 2000 and is now due
on August 29, 2000, provided the post-effective amendment to our Form SB-2,
which we expect to file shortly, has been declared effective by the SEC. This
delay is not expected to have a material adverse effect on us, however, these
funds will not be sufficient for further development of our e-commerce platform.
Although we continue to pursue private placements with potential investors,
if we are unable to obtain the additional capital we require we will have to
rely only on the limited cash flow from the sale of our Anime products to fund
our operating expenses, which might not be sufficient to enable us to remain in
business. In addition, due to the recent loss of key personnel, our substantial
operating losses since inception, and the fact that we have used substantial
amounts of working capital in our operations, our June 30, 2000 financial
statements (unaudited) contain an explanatory paragraph, footnote 4, to the
effect that our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our
ability to obtain substantial additional working capital and to replace certain
key personnel, as to neither of which any assurance can be given.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RAISE THE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL WE CURRENTLY REQUIRE.
We cannot assure you that the additional financing we require will be
available to us on favorable terms, or at all. Available debt financing will
require payment of interest at a significantly higher rate than prime. Funds
raised through equity issuances will result in shareholder dilution. Our recent
financing efforts were unsuccessful and there can be no assurance that our
current efforts will have favorable results.
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WE EXPECT OPERATING LOSSES AND NEGATIVE CASH FLOWS TO CONTINUE.
Assuming we receive the additional capital we require to continue our
business plan, as to which we can give no assurances, in order to expand our
market share and enhance branding we expect to incur significant marketing and
advertising expenses. Certain of these expenses include web-based targeted
advertising as well as partner/affiliate marketing programs to generate new
customers. We expect to hire additional personnel to enhance our sales force and
technology team which we will utilize to increase market penetration via
web-based and traditional selling methods. In connection with the recruitment
and retention of additional personnel, we expect to utilize stock options, which
may result in increased stock compensation costs. Recent increases in capital
investments will result in depreciation or lease amortization costs over these
capital assets' economic lives. Additionally, future acquisitions, if
undertaken, may result in the recognition of goodwill, the amortization of which
would not impact cash flows but could adversely impact results of operations.
Despite our competitive technology and marketing initiatives, we may not be able
to generate adequate sales to offset incurred or planned expenditures in the
foreseeable future.
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON THIRD PARTIES TO SUPPLY OUR ANIME PRODUCTS, AND AS A RESULT
OF OUR CURRENT CASH SHORTAGE, OUR VENDORS WILL ONLY SEND US PRODUCTS ON A
C.O.D. BASIS.
Our success and viability as an Anime retailer and distributor primarily
depends on our ability to obtain a reliable source of products. We obtain our
Anime cassettes on a non-exclusive basis from multiple sources, and therefore,
although no assurance can be given, we believe that we have a secure source of
product. However, due to our recent cash shortage, many vendors refused to
supply us with videos until we satisfied our unpaid balances with them. We
recently worked out an arrangement with our largest supplier whereby they will
continue to provide us with videos provided we make modest monthly payments to
them to cover our accrued liabilities. For our other vendors we made payments to
them or returned many of the videos; most of our vendors now will only send us
videos on a C.O.D. ("cash on delivery") basis. This has resulted in a
significant reduction in our videocassette inventory, which did affect our
ability to fulfill orders. It also means we are unable to receive advance
product, i.e., new videos which have not yet been offered to the public, since
these orders are placed in anticipation of future sales. Our inability to obtain
access to a substantial number of Anime products in a timely manner could have a
material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations. Moreover, we
could lose sales and marketing credibility, which could adversely affect our
reputation, financial condition and prospects in the Anime business.
WE COMPETE WITH WELL-CAPITALIZED COMPANIES IN OUR EXISTING AS WELL AS PLANNED
BUSINESS AREAS.
The distribution of Anime products is dominated primarily by five large
integrated distributors who supply the mass market retailers, and four
relatively small Anime distributors that, like us, serve the Anime niche market
of small specialty retailers. All of our competitors have vastly larger
marketing, financial, personnel and other resources than we do. We compete on
the basis of price, service and product knowledge, and there can be no assurance
that we will be able to compete effectively and expand our business. In the
e-commerce and ISP arenas, our competitors have access to capital markets or
strategic partners that can fund their growth and acquisition, thereby
facilitating the execution of their business plans.
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IF WE LOSE THE SERVICES OF ONE OR MORE OF OUR KEY PERSONNEL, OR FAIL TO ATTRACT
OR RETAIN OTHER MANAGEMENT TALENT IN THE FUTURE, OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND OUR
STOCK PRICE MAY SUFFER.
Our success is dependent upon the continued services and performance of a
number of our key personnel, including William Spears, our president and chief
executive officer, and Kathryn Jacobson, our secretary, treasurer and chief
financial officer. We do not have any employment agreements, and every member of
our senior management team is an employee at will and is therefore free to
terminate his employment with us at any time. For example, Mrs. Jacobson has
recently resigned, effective September 15, 2000, for family reasons. Although
she will be able to assist Mr. Spears part-time for the near future, our
inability to find a chief financial officer to replace her could have a material
adverse effect on our business operations. In addition, we do not maintain any
key man insurance on the lives of anyone in senior management. There can be no
assurance that we would be able to employ qualified person(s) on acceptable
terms to replace them. Our success also hinges largely on our ability to rebuild
our management infrastructure and our continued ability to attract and retain
qualified marketing and sales personnel. We will compete for personnel with
other traditional distributors, and our inability to successfully hire or retain
qualified personnel, especially in senior management, could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
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OUR GROWTH IS PARTLY DEPENDENT UPON OUR ABILITY TO DEVELOP OUR WEBSITE AND
EMPLOY THE MOST RECENT E-COMMERCE TECHNOLOGY.
Commencing in late 1999, we have expended considerable resources in
enhancing our web site. Significant effort has been expended towards the
development of web content and graphics, as well as web maintenance, to include
timely product pricing and product availability information. Our inability to
update our website, facilitate on-line shopping, and cater to changing tastes,
trends and preferences could result in lost customers and sales. In order to
remain competitive and improve our internet sell-through rates, we must continue
to upgrade the functionality and features of our online stores. We can't assure
you that we'll be able to report or sustain sales growth to recover our capital
investment. Our current financial condition does not allow us to continue
further technology development and thus, we can't assure you of any sales growth
at this time, absent any new financing.
WE CANNOT PREDICT WHAT REGULATIONS MAY BE IMPOSED ON US AS A PROVIDER OF ONLINE
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.
We're subject to regulations applicable to businesses generally and laws or
regulations directly applicable to access to online commerce. Although there are
currently few laws and regulations directly applicable to the internet and
commercial online services, it is possible that a number of laws and regulations
may be adopted with respect to the internet or commercial online services
covering issues such as user privacy, pricing, content, copyrights,
distribution, antitrust and characteristics and quality of products and
services. Furthermore, the growth and development of the market for online
commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer protection laws that may
impose additional burdens on those companies conducting business online. The
adoption of any additional laws or regulations may decrease the growth of the
internet or commercial online services, which could, in turn, decrease the
demand for our products and services and increase our cost of doing business, or
otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Moreover, the applicability to the internet and commercial online services
of existing laws in various jurisdictions governing issues such as property
ownership, sales and other taxes, libel and personal privacy is uncertain and
may take years to resolve. For example, tax authorities in a number of states
are currently reviewing the appropriate tax treatment of companies engaged in
online commerce, and new state tax regulations may subject us to additional
state sales and income taxes. Any such new legislation or regulations, the
application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do not
currently apply to our business, or the application of existing laws and
regulations to the internet and commercial online services,
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could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
WE MAY FACE POTENTIAL LIABILITY FOR DEFAMATION, NEGLIGENCE, COPYRIGHT, PATENT OR
TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AND OTHER CLAIMS BASED ON THE NATURE AND CONTENT OF THE
MATERIALS THAT APPEAR ON OUR WEBSITES.
Claims involving defamation, negligence, copyright, patent or trademark
infringement, as well as claims based on the nature and content of the materials
that appear on websites, have been brought, and sometimes successfully pressed,
against online services. Although we carry general liability as well as
directors and officers insurance, any imposition of liability could have a
material adverse effect on our reputation and our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON THE INCREASED USAGE AND STABILITY OF THE INTERNET AND THE
WEB.
The usage of the web for products and services such as those offered by us
will depend in significant part on continued rapid growth in the number of
households and commercial, educational and government institutions with access
to the web, in the level of usage by individuals and in the number and quality
of products and services designed for use on the web. Because usage of the web
as a source for information, products and services is a relatively recent
phenomenon, it is difficult to predict whether the number of users drawn to the
web will continue to increase and whether any significant market for usage of
the web for such purposes will continue to develop and expand. There can be no
assurance that internet usage patterns will not decline as the novelty of the
medium recedes or that the quality of products and services offered online will
improve sufficiently to continue to support user interest. Failure of the web to
stimulate user interest and be accessible to a broad audience at moderate costs
would jeopardize the markets for our websites.
Moreover, issues regarding the stability of the internet's infrastructure
remain unresolved. The rapid rise in the number of internet users and increased
transmission of audio, video, graphical and other multimedia content over the
web has placed increasing strains on the internet's communications and
transmission infrastructures. Continuation of such trends could lead to
significant deterioration in transmission speeds and reliability of the web and
could reduce the usage of the web by businesses and individuals. In addition, to
the extent that the web continues to experience significant growth in the number
of users and level of use without corresponding increases and improvements in
the internet infrastructure, there can be no assurance that the internet will be
able to support the demands placed upon it by such continued growth. Any failure
of the internet to support an increasing number of users due to inadequate
infrastructure or otherwise would seriously limit the development of the web as
a viable source of e-commerce and e-commerce services, which could materially
and adversely affect the acceptance of our products and services, which would,
consequently, materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
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OUR WEBSITES ARE SUBJECT TO CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS AND SYSTEM DISRUPTIONS.
The satisfactory performance, reliability and availability of our websites
and our network infrastructure are critical to attracting web users and
maintaining relationships with business customers and consumers. System
interruptions that result in the unavailability of our websites or slower
response times for consumers would reduce the attractiveness of our websites to
customers. Additionally, any substantial increase in traffic on our websites
would require us to expand and adapt our network infrastructure. Our inability
to add additional software and hardware to accommodate increased traffic on our
websites may cause unanticipated system disruptions and result in slower
response times. There can be no assurance that we would be able to expand our
network infrastructure on a timely basis to meet increased demand. Any increase
in system interruptions or slower response times resulting from the above
factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
OUR WEBSITES ARE SUBJECT TO SECURITY RISKS.
Programmers or hackers may attempt to penetrate our network security. If
successful, such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations. A party who is able to penetrate
our network security could misappropriate proprietary information or cause
interruptions in our websites. We may be required to expend significant capital
and resources to protect against the threat of such security breaches or to
alleviate problems caused by such breaches. Concerns over the security of
internet transactions and the privacy of users may also inhibit the growth of
the internet generally, particularly as a means of conducting commercial
transactions. Security breaches or the inadvertent transmission of computer
viruses could expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability.
There can be no assurance that contractual provisions attempting to limit our
liability in these areas will be successful or enforceable, or that other
parties will accept such contractual provisions as part of our agreements, any
of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
THERE ARE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF OUR DOMAIN NAMES.
We currently hold six web domain names, "animedistribution.com",
"animedistribution.net", "animedistribution.org", "sycodistribution.com",
"altvidwar.com," and "animedepot.com." The regulation of domain names in the
U.S. and in foreign countries is subject to change. Governing bodies may
establish additional top-level domains, appoint additional domain name
registrars or modify the requirements for holding domain names. As a result,
there can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire or maintain relevant
domain names in all countries in which we conduct business. Although we have
filed service mark applications for certain of these domain names, the
relationship between regulations governing domain names and laws protecting
trademarks and similar proprietary rights is unclear. Therefore, we may be
unable to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to,
infringe upon or otherwise decrease the value of our proprietary rights. Any
such inability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
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INVESTORS' NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS OF DOTCOM COMPANIES COULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL
SALES OF OUR COMMON STOCK, WHICH COULD CAUSE OUR STOCK PRICE TO FALL AND REMAIN
LOW.
General market perceptions concerning comparative investment risk
associated with dotcom companies, as well as investors' reassessment of their
risk relative to investment in us, can influence their decision to hold or sell
shares of our stock. Additionally, shareholders who have passed their respective
restriction periods may sell their shares if there is some modest price
appreciation relative to the cost basis of their shares, which might have been
acquired at a discount. If enough stockholders at any one time sell substantial
amounts of our common stock, the market price of our stock could fall, thereby
making it more difficult for us to obtain equity-based financing on favorable
terms. As of August 21, 2000, we had approximately 8.6 million restricted
shares, principally held by management, which commencing June 23, 2000, are
saleable in accordance with the terms and conditions of Rule 144 of the
Securities Act.
Under Rule 144, a person who has beneficially owned restricted securities
for at least one year would be entitled to sell within any three-month period
that number of shares which doesn't exceed the greater of (a) one percent of the
number of shares of common stock then outstanding or (b) the average weekly
trading volume of the common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the
sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also governed by certain requirements with
respect to manner of sale, notice, and the availability of current public
information about us. Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not deemed to have been
our affiliate at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has
beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least two years, is
entitled to sell such shares without compliance with the manner of sale, public
information, volume limitation and notice provisions prescribed by Rule 144.
Sales by our stockholders of a substantial amount of our common stock could
adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
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WE COULD ISSUE SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF ADDITIONAL SHARES WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER
APPROVAL.
We have a substantial number of shares of common stock unissued and not
reserved for specific issuances which could be issued without any action or
approval by our shareholders, thus substantially diluting the percentage
ownership of SyCoNet held by purchasers of the securities and potentially
adversely affecting the market price of our common stock.
WE HAVE NOT PAID ANY DIVIDENDS.
We have never paid any dividends on our common stock and we don't intend to
pay any in the foreseeable future.
Since our common stock is being quoted only on the Bulletin Board, the price of
our common stock could be very volatile.
Under the criteria of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
which administers the NASDAQ system, our common stock does not now qualify for
inclusion in the NASDAQ system and is quoted only on the Bulletin Board. In
addition, the trading volume in our common stock is relatively low. Therefore,
the market for our stock may not be able to efficiently accommodate significant
trades on any given day. Consequently, sizable trades of our common stock may
cause volatility in the market price of our common stock to a greater extent
than in more actively traded securities. These broad fluctuations, in addition
to generally unfavorable stock market conditions, have adversely affected, and
may continue to affect, the market price of our common stock.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Changes in Securities.
In June 2000, pursuant to a funding agreement dated December 16, 1999, we
issued to Alliance Equities, Inc. ("Alliance") 1,869,492 shares of our common
stock, of which 600,000 were issued upon the exercise of Alliance's common stock
purchase warrant and 1,269,492 shares were issued as repayment of the first
$500,000 due to Alliance by us under the agreement. In August 2000, pursuant to
an amendment to the funding agreement, we issued to Alliance 1,250,000 shares of
common stock as repayment of $125,000 due to Alliance by us under the amended
funding agreement. All issuances were made in reliance on the exemption from
registration provided by Sections 4(2) and 4(6) of the Securities Act of 1933
(the "1933 Act.")
In June 2000, we sold to two accredited investors 60,000 shares of common
stock at a price of $.35 per share for an aggregate price of $21,000, in a
private placement made pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by
Sections 4(2) and 4(6) of the 1933 Act.
In June, 2000 pursuant to a lease agreement with Diversified Leasing, Inc.
("Diversified") we granted Diversified a warrant to purchase 94,554 shares of
our common stock at a price of $1.21875. The warrant may not be exercised until
after the closing price of our common stock shall been equal to or greater than
$10.00 for 15 consecutive trading days and only until December 31, 2003.
In June 2000, pursuant to a sponsorship agreement dated March 3, 2000, we
issued 13,793 shares of our common stock to Dragon*con, Inc. This issuance was
made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Sections 4(2)
and 4(6) of the 1933 Act.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
The following exhibit is filed with this report:
Page
27. Financial Data Schedule 27
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
Dated: August 25, 2000 SYCONET.COM, INC.
By: /s/ William Spears
--------------------------------
Name: William Spears
Title: President and Chief
Executive Officer
By /s/ Kathryn Jacobson
--------------------------------
Name: Kathryn Jacobson
Title: Chief Financial Officer
26
