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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2000
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999
Home Shopping Network, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Commission File No. 333-71305-01
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Delaware 59-2649518
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
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152 West 57th Street, New York, New York, 10019
(Address of Registrant's principal executive offices)
(212) 314-7300
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code):
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
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Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No |_|
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. |X|
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INDEX
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Page
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PART I
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Item 1. Business.................................................................................. 3
Item 2. Properties................................................................................ 20
Item 3. Legal Proceedings......................................................................... 21
PART II
Item 4. Not required under reduced disclosure format as contemplated by General
Instruction I to Form 10-K................................................................ --
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters..................... 24
Item 6. Not required under reduced disclosure format as contemplated by General
Instruction I to Form 10-K................................................................ --
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations............................. 24
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................. 28
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures..... 46
Items 10, 11, 12 and 13. Not required under reduced disclosure format as contemplated by General
Instruction I to Form 10-K................................................................ --
PART III
Not required under reduced disclosure format as contemplated by
General Instruction I to Form 10-K
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K........................... 47
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PART I
Item 1. Business
GENERAL
Home Shopping Network, Inc. (the "Company" or "Holdco"), through its
subsidiary USANi LLC, is a leading media and electronic commerce company. USANi
LLC's principal operating assets include USA Network, Sci-Fi Channel, Studios
USA, Home Shopping Network and Internet Shopping Network.
Holdco is organized along three principal areas of business:
! Networks and television production, which includes Networks and
Studios USA. Networks operates USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel cable
networks and Studios USA produces and distributes television
programming.
! Electronic retailing, consisting primarily of Home Shopping Network
and America's Store, which are engaged in the electronic retailing
business.
! Internet services, which includes the Internet Shopping Network,
USANi LLC's online retailing networks business.
Holdco is a subsidiary of USA Networks, Inc. ("USAi"). On February 12,
1998, USAi completed the Universal transaction, in which USAi acquired USA
Networks, a New York partnership (which consisted of USA Network and Sci-Fi
Channel cable television networks) and the domestic television production and
distribution business ("Studios USA") of Universal Studios, Inc. ("Universal")
from Universal. Universal is controlled by The Seagram Company Ltd., a Canadian
corporation ("Seagram"). USAi paid Universal approximately $1.6 billion in cash
($300 million of which was deferred with interest) and an effective 45.8%
interest in USAi through shares of USAi common stock, USAi Class B common stock
and shares of USANi LLC. The USANi LLC shares are exchangeable for shares of
USAi's common stock and Class B common stock on a one-for-one basis.
Due to Federal Communication Commission ("FCC") restrictions on foreign
ownership of entities such as USAi that control domestic television broadcast
licenses, Universal, which is controlled by Seagram, is limited in the number of
shares of USAi's stock that it may own. USAi formed USANi LLC primarily to hold
USAi's non-broadcast businesses in order to comply with such FCC restrictions
and for other tax and regulatory reasons. Universal's interest in USANi LLC is
not subject to the FCC foreign ownership limitations. USAi maintains control and
management of USANi LLC, and the businesses held by USANi LLC are managed by
USAi in substantially the same manner as they would be if USAi held them
directly through wholly owned subsidiaries. As long as Mr. Diller is the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of USAi and does not become disabled, these
arrangements will remain in place. At such time as Mr. Diller no longer occupies
such positions, or if Mr. Diller becomes disabled, Universal may have the right
to designate a person to be the manager of USANi LLC and the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of USAi. If Universal does not have such right, Liberty Media
Corporation ("Liberty") may be entitled to designate such persons. In all other
cases, USAi is entitled to designate the manager of USANi LLC.
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Forward Looking Statements
This report contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the securities laws. We have based these forward-looking statements on our
current expectations and projections about future events, based on the
information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements are
principally contained in the sections "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business." The forward-
looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to our
anticipated financial performance, business prospects, new developments, new
merchandising strategies and similar matters.
These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, that may affect the operations, performance, development and
results of our business and include, but are not limited to, the following:
o Material adverse changes in economic conditions in our markets;
o Future regulatory actions and conditions in our operating areas;
o Competition from others;
o Successful integration of our divisions' management structures;
o Product demand and market acceptance;
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o The ability to protect proprietary information and technology or to
obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms; and
o Obtaining and retaining key executives and employees.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or any other reason. In light of these risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, the forward- looking events discussed in this report may not occur.
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESSES
Networks and Television Production
Networks
Networks operates two domestic advertiser-supported 24-hour cable
television networks--USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel. Since its inception in
1977, USA Network has grown into one of the nation's most widely distributed and
viewed satellite-delivered television networks. According to Nielsen Media
Research, as of December 1999, USA Network was available in approximately 77.2
million U.S. households (77% of the total U.S. households with televisions). For
the 1999 year, USA Network earned the highest primetime rating of any domestic
basic cable network, with an average rating of 2.4 in primetime for the 12-month
period (Source: Nielsen Media Research). USA Network is a general entertainment
network featuring original series and movies, theatrical movies, off-network
television series and major sporting events, designed to appeal to the available
audiences during particular viewing hours. In general, USA Network's programming
is targeted at viewers between the ages of 18 to 49.
Sci-Fi Channel was launched in 1992. It has been one of the fastest-
growing satellite-delivered networks since its inception. According to Nielsen
Media Research, as of December 1999, Sci-Fi Channel was available in 59.7
million U.S. households (60% of the total U.S. households with televisions).
Sci-Fi Channel features science fiction, horror, fantasy and science-fact
oriented programming. In general, Sci-Fi Channel's programming is designed to
appeal to viewers between the ages of 18 to 49. According to Nielsen Media
Research, Sci-Fi Channel averaged a prime time 1.0 rating for December 1999, a
new record for the network.
USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel derive virtually all of their revenues from
two sources. The first is the per-subscriber fees paid by the cable operators
and other distributors. The second is from the sale of advertising time within
the programming carried on each of the networks. AT&T Corp. and Time Warner
together represent nearly 40% of USA Network's distribution and more than 30% of
Sci-Fi Channel's distribution. Holdco, through USANi LLC, is currently in
negotiations with AT&T to renew its distribution agreement for USA Network.
USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel each distribute their programming service
on a 24-hour per day, seven day per week basis. Both networks are distributed in
all 50 states and Puerto Rico via satellite for distribution by cable television
systems and direct broadcast satellite systems and for satellite antenna owners
by means of satellite transponders owned and leased by Networks. Any cable
television system or individual satellite dish owner in the United States and
its territories and possessions equipped with standard satellite receiving
facilities is capable of receiving Networks' services.
Networks has the full-time use of four transponders on two domestic
communications satellites, although one of those transponders has been
subleased, and is available only in the event of certain catastrophic events.
Like Home Shopping Network, Networks has protection in the event of the failure
of its transponders. A transponder failure that would necessitate a move to
another transponder on the same satellite would not result in any significant
interruption of service to those that receive Networks' programs. However, a
failure that would necessitate a move to another satellite temporarily may
affect the number of cable systems that receive Networks programs as well as
other programming carried on the failed satellite, because of the need to
install equipment or to reorient earth stations. The projected ends of life of
the two satellites utilized by Networks are May 2004 and March 2006,
respectively.
Networks' control of two different transponders on each of two different
satellites would enable it to continue transmission of its programs should
either one of the satellites fail. Although Networks believes it is taking
reasonable measures to ensure its continued satellite transmission capability,
there can be no assurance that termination or interruption of satellite
transmission will not occur. Such a termination or interruption of service by
one or both of these satellites could have a material adverse effect on the
operations and financial condition of USANi LLC. The availability of replacement
satellites and transponders is dependent on a number of factors over which
Networks has no control, including competition among prospective users for
available transponders and the availability of satellite launching facilities
for replacement satellites.
Each of the networks enters into agreements with cable operators and other
distributors which agree to carry the programming service, generally as part of
a package with other advertiser-supported programming services. These agreements
are multi-year arrangements in which the distributor pays Networks a fee for
each subscriber to the particular
<PAGE>
programming service.
Television Production
Studios USA produces and distributes television programs and motion
picture films intended for initial exhibition on television and home video in
both domestic and international markets. These productions include original
programming for network television, first-run syndication through local
television stations, pay television, basic cable and home video and
made-for-television movies. Studios USA also is the exclusive domestic
distributor of the Universal television library. In addition to the activities
of Studios USA, other USAi business units are also engaged in financing or
producing television programs for exhibition on USA Network or Sci-Fi Channel.
Several of Studios USA's subsidiary companies are individually and
separately engaged in the development and/or production of television programs.
Certain of these subsidiaries are also signatories to various collective
bargaining agreements within the entertainment industry. The most significant of
these are the agreements with the Writers Guild of America, the Directors Guild
of America and the Screen Actors Guild which agreements typically have a term of
several years and then require re-negotiation.
Studios USA licenses television film product to independent stations and
directly to network affiliated stations in return for either a cash license fee,
barter or part-barter and part-cash. Barter syndication is the process whereby
Studios USA obtains commitments from television stations to broadcast a program
in certain agreed upon time periods. Studios USA retains advertising time in the
program in lieu of receiving a cash license fee, and sells such retained
advertising time for its own account to national advertisers at rates based on
the projected number of viewers. By placing the program with television stations
throughout the United States, an "ad hoc" network of stations is created to
carry the program. The creation of this ad hoc network of stations, typically
representing a penetration of at least 80% of total U.S. television households,
enables Studios USA to sell the commercial advertising time through advertising
agencies for sponsors desiring national coverage. The rates charged for this
advertising time are typically lower than rates charged by U.S. broadcast
networks for similar demographics since the networks' coverage of the markets is
generally greater. In order to create this ad hoc network of stations and reach
80% of total U.S. television households, Studios USA must syndicate its
programming with stations that are owned and operated by the major broadcast
networks and station groups, which are essentially entities which own many
stations in the major broadcast markets across the United States. Without
commitments from broadcast network stations and station groups, the necessary
market penetration may not be achieved which may adversely affect the chances of
success in the first-run syndication market.
Generally, television films produced for broadcast or cable networks or
barter syndication provide license fees and/or advertising revenues that cover
only a portion of the anticipated production costs. The recoverability of the
balance of the production costs and the realization of profits, if any, is
dependent upon the success of other exploitation including international
syndication licenses, subsequent basic cable and domestic syndication licenses,
releases in the home video market, merchandising and other uses. Pursuant to an
agreement with Universal, Studios USA has the right to include eligible product
in Universal's international free television output and volume agreements with
television broadcasters in major international territories. These agreements
represent a substantial revenue source for Studios USA.
Studios USA distributes its current programming domestically. In addition,
USAi and Universal have agreed that Studios USA will have the exclusive right
through February 2013, to distribute domestically Universal's large television
library, with programming dating back to the 1950s and including such series as
Alfred Hitchcock Presents; The Virginian; Marcus Welby, M.D.; Dragnet; Columbo;
Kojak; The Rockford Files; Murder She Wrote; Magnum P.I.; Miami Vice; Coach and
Northern Exposure. During this period, Studios USA also has the exclusive right,
with limited exceptions, to distribute domestically television programming newly
produced by Universal.
In addition, USAi and Universal have agreed that Universal will have the
exclusive right, again with limited exceptions, to distribute all Studios USA
programming internationally. In that regard, Universal has entered into several
output and volume agreements with international television broadcasters that
include programming produced by Studios USA. In May 1996, Universal signed a
free television output and co-production agreement with Germany's RTL. The
ten-year agreement covers all new and existing product distributed by Universal
to RTL, UFA and CLT broadcasting outlets in Germany and other German- speaking
territories and provides that RTL will co-produce a minimum number of series
from Universal and Studios USA over the term of the agreement, providing a
portion of each series' production costs. With regard
<PAGE>
to the output arrangement, RTL has exclusive first-run free television rights in
its territories to carry every series and television movie made by Universal and
Studios USA during the term of the agreement. In 1997, Universal signed similar
volume agreements in France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom in which the
licensor generally committed to license a minimum number per year of first-run
series and first-run television movies during a specified term in the territory.
Pursuant to the terms of the international distribution agreement between USAi
and Universal, USAi's eligible programming will have the first right to
participate in Universal's international output and volume agreements with
international television broadcasters, including in Germany, France, Spain,
Italy and the United Kingdom.
Electronic Retailing
Home Shopping Network sells a variety of consumer goods and services by
means of live, customer-interactive electronic retail sales programs which are
transmitted via satellite to cable television systems, affiliated broadcast
television stations and satellite dish receivers. Home Shopping Network operates
two retail sales programs, Home Shopping Network and America's Store, each 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
Home Shopping Network's retail sales and programming are intended to
promote sales and customer loyalty through a combination of product quality,
price and value, coupled with product information and entertainment. Home
Shopping Network and America's Store programs are carried by cable television
systems and broadcast television stations throughout the country. Home Shopping
Network and America's Store are divided into segments which are televised live
with a host who presents the merchandise, sometimes with the assistance of a
guest representing the product vendor, and conveys information relating to the
product. Viewers purchase products by calling a toll-free telephone number.
According to Nielsen Media Research, as of December 31, 1999, Home Shopping
Network was available in approximately 73.7 million unduplicated households,
including approximately 60.6 million cable households.
The following table highlights the changes in the estimated unduplicated
television household reach of Home Shopping Network, by category of access for
the year ended December 31, 1999:
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Cable Broadcast Satellite Total
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(In thousands of households)
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Households--December 31, 1998.............. 53,455 13,842 2,028 69,325
Net additions/(deletions).................. 7,163 (2,394) (353) 4,416
Households--December 31, 1999.............. 60,618 11,448 1,675 73,741
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Households capable of receiving both broadcast and cable transmissions are
included under cable and therefore are excluded from broadcast to present
unduplicated household reach. Cable households included 9.1 million and 5.2
million direct broadcast satellite households at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively, and therefore are excluded from satellite.
According to industry sources, as of December 31, 1999, there were 100.1
million homes in the United States with a television set, 68.5 million basic
cable television subscribers and 1.7 million homes with satellite dish
receivers, excluding direct broadcast satellite.
As of December 31, 1999, America's Store reached approximately 6.8 million
cable television households, of which 1.2 million were on a part time basis. Of
the total cable television households receiving America's Store, 6.5 million
also receive Home Shopping Network.
Product Purchasing and Liquidation
Home Shopping Network purchases merchandise made to its specifications,
merchandise from manufacturers' lines, merchandise offered under certain
exclusive rights and overstock inventories of wholesalers. The mix of products
and source of such merchandise depends upon a variety of factors including price
and availability. Home Shopping Network generally does not have long-term
commitments with its vendors, and there are various sources of supply available
for each category of
<PAGE>
merchandise sold.
Home Shopping Network's product offerings include: jewelry; hardgoods,
which include consumer electronics, collectibles, housewares, and consumables;
health and beauty, which consists primarily of cosmetics, skin care, fitness and
nutritional supplements; softgoods, which consist primarily of apparel; and
fashion accessories. For 1999 hardgoods, jewelry, health and beauty, softgoods
and fashion accessories accounted for approximately 42.3%, 27.6%, 17.3%, 11.2%
and 1.6%, respectively, of Home Shopping Network's net sales.
Home Shopping Network liquidates excess inventory through its four outlet
stores located in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas and one outlet store in the
Chicago area. Damaged merchandise is liquidated by Home Shopping Network through
traditional channels.
Transmission and Programming
Home Shopping Network produces its programming in its studios located in
St. Petersburg, Florida. Home Shopping Network and America's Store programs are
distributed to cable television systems, broadcast television stations, direct
broadcast satellite, and satellite antenna owners by means of Home Shopping
Network's satellite uplink facilities to satellite transponders leased by Home
Shopping Network. Any cable television system, broadcast television station or
individual satellite dish owner in the United States and the Caribbean Islands
equipped with standard satellite receiving facilities is capable of receiving
Home Shopping Network and America's Store.
Home Shopping Network has lease agreements securing full-time use of three
transponders on three domestic communications satellites, although one of those
transponders has been subleased as described below. Each of the transponder
lease agreements grants Home Shopping Network "protected" rights. When the
carrier provides services to a customer on a "protected" basis, replacement
transponders (i.e., spare or unassigned transponders) on the satellite may be
used in the event the "protected" transponder fails. Should there be no
replacement transponders available, the "protected" customer will displace a
"preemptible" transponder customer on the same satellite. The carrier also
maintains a protection satellite and should a satellite fail completely, all
"protected" transponders would be moved to the protection satellite which is
available on a "first fail, first served" basis.
Use of the transponder which Home Shopping Network subleases may, however,
be preempted in order to satisfy the owner's obligations to provide the
transponder to another lessee on the satellite in the event that the other
lessee cannot be restored to service through the use of spare or reserve
transponders (the "special termination right"). As of June 5, 1995, Home
Shopping Network discontinued use of this satellite transponder for which it has
a non-cancelable operating lease calling for monthly payments of approximately
$150,000 through December 31, 2006. In 1996, Home Shopping Network subleased
this satellite transponder for a term of 10 years with an option to cancel after
four years. The monthly sublease rental is in excess of the monthly payment.
A transponder failure that would necessitate a move to another transponder
on the same satellite would not result in any significant interruption of
service to the cable systems and/or television stations which receive Home
Shopping Network and America's Store. However, a failure that would necessitate
a move to another satellite may temporarily affect the number of cable systems
and/or television stations which receive Home Shopping Network and America's
Store, as well as all other programming carried on the failed satellite, because
of the need to install equipment or to reorient earth stations.
The terms of two of the satellite transponder leases utilized by Home
Shopping Network are for the life of the satellites, which are projected through
2004. The term of the third subleased satellite is through December 31, 2006,
subject to earlier implementation of the special termination right.
Home Shopping Network's access to two transponders pursuant to long-term
agreements would enable it to continue transmission of Home Shopping Network
programming should either one of the satellites fail. Although Home Shopping
Network believes it is taking every reasonable measure to ensure its continued
satellite transmission capability, there can be no assurance that termination or
interruption of satellite transmissions will not occur. Such a termination or
interruption of service by one or both of these satellites could have a material
adverse effect on the operations and financial condition of Holdco.
<PAGE>
The availability of replacement satellites and transponder time beyond
current leases is dependent on a number of factors over which Home Shopping
Network has no control, including competition among prospective users for
available transponders and the availability of satellite launching facilities
for replacement satellites.
Affiliation Agreements with Cable Operators
Home Shopping Network has entered into affiliation agreements with cable
system operators to carry Home Shopping Network, America's Store, or both
services. The agreements have terms ranging from 3 to 14 years, and obligate the
cable operator to assist with the promotional efforts of Home Shopping Network
by carrying commercials promoting Home Shopping Network and America's Store and
by distributing Home Shopping Network's marketing materials to the cable
operator's subscribers. All cable operators receive a commission of 5 percent of
the net merchandise sales within the cable operator's franchise area, regardless
of whether the sale originated from a cable or a broadcast household. With
larger, multiple system operators, Home Shopping Network has agreed to provide
additional compensation. This compensation will be in various forms, for
example, by purchasing advertising availabilities from cable operators on other
programming networks, by establishing commission guarantees for the operator, or
by making an upfront payment to the operator in return for commitments to
deliver a minimum number of Home Shopping Network subscribers for a certain
number of years.
Affiliation Agreements with Television Stations
Home Shopping Network has entered into affiliation agreements with
television stations to carry Home Shopping Network or America's Store programs.
In addition to 13 owned and operated full power television stations owned by
USAi (three of which do not carry Home Shopping Network or America's Store) and
26 low power television stations owned by USAi, as of December 31, 1999, Holdco,
through USANi LLC, has affiliation agreements with 5 full-time, full power
stations, 39 part-time, full power stations that carry Home Shopping Network or
America's Store and 50 low power stations. USAi has a minority ownership
interest in 3 of the full-time, full power stations that carry Home Shopping
Network or America's Store programs. The affiliation agreements have terms
ranging from four weeks to fourteen years. All television station affiliates
other than stations owned by USAi receive an hourly or monthly fixed rate for
airing Home Shopping Network and America's Store programs. Full power television
signals are carried by cable operators within a station's coverage area. For
more information, see "--Regulation--Must-Carry/Retransmission Consent." Low
power station signals are rarely carried by cable systems.
Internet Services
Holdco, through USANi LLC, operates several Internet services associated
with its media and entertainment and electronic retailing businesses. In July
1998, USAi announced the formation of USA Networks Interactive to coordinate the
operations of its Internet Services business, including those operated by USANi
LLC.
Retailing. Holdco, through USANi LLC, conducts its Internet retailing
operations through Internet Shopping Network. Internet Shopping Network's
retailing services include First Auction.com, which was launched in June 1997,
and First Jewelry.com, which officially launched in October 1999. First
Auction.com is an interactive Internet site, which auctions a broad range of
merchandise, including housewares, home decor products, jewelry, apparel, toys,
collectibles, beauty products, outdoor fitness and sporting equipment, consumer
electronics and computers. As of December 31, 1999, First Auction.com had
approximately 464,000 registered members. First Jewelry.com is an interactive
Internet site, which sells jewelry across a broad range of categories and price
points. Since its October 1999 launch, First Jewelry.com has continued to
experience rapid sales growth.
Internet Shopping Network specializes in marketing, fulfillment, customer
service and site development in online retailing. Internet Shopping Network has
online advertising distribution agreements with America Online, @Home,
Women.com, Lycos Network and MyPoints.com. Internet Shopping Network's
technology partners include Sun Microsystems, LinkShare, Oracle and Netscape.
During 1999, Home Shopping Network re-launched its web site, HSN.com, as a
transactional e-commerce site. Home Shopping Network's site allows consumers to
shop for selected merchandise from Home Shopping Network's inventory, and
provides opportunities for consumers to engage in a variety of entertaining
community activities including live chats with celebrity guests and user
populated bulletin boards.
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Scifi.com. In addition to the retailing services described above, Holdco,
through USANi LLC, operates scifi.com, the web site for Sci-Fi Channel.
Scifi.com, which was launched in 1995, is an online science fiction resource,
featuring original entertainment, daily news, feature stories, games and special
events that focus on science fiction, science fact, fantasy, horror, the
paranormal and the unknown.
INTERNATIONAL VENTURES
International TV Channel Joint Venture
As part of the Universal transaction, USAi and Universal agreed to form a
50-50 joint venture to be managed by Universal which would own, operate and
exploit the international development of USA Network, Sci-Fi Channel and
Universal's action/adventure channel, 13th Street. During the second quarter of
1999, USAi elected to not participate in the venture.
Home Shopping Network Ventures
Europe. On December 17, 1999, USAi entered into an agreement with Thomas
and Leo Kirch and Georg Kofler pursuant to which each agreed to cause the
entities controlled by them to jointly pursue on an exclusive basis in Europe
televised shopping and related e-commerce opportunities and to consider pursuing
other media opportunities in each case subject to preexisting obligations and
applicable law and regulation in the various member countries. The parties
agreed to consider alternatives consistent with applicable law with respect to
the structure of any entities formed to pursue such opportunities.
Germany. In 1999, the joint venture entity through which Home Shopping
Network participates in a German language televised shopping business, H.O.T.
Home Order Television GmbH & Co. KG, was converted to a German AG ("HOT
Germany"). In connection with such restructuring, Home Shopping Network and Mr.
Kofler entered into a shareholders agreement which, among other things, provides
that Mr. Kofler will vote his shares in HOT Germany as directed by HSN on
certain matters including the election of a majority of the members of the
Supervisory Board of HOT Germany. Mr. Kofler also granted Home Shopping Network
a right of first refusal with respect to the stock in HOT Germany held by him.
Home Shopping Network also agreed to purchase Mr. Kofler's HOT Germany stock
under certain circumstances and agreed to vote as directed by Mr. Kofler on
various matters including the election of Mr. Kofler as Chairman of the HOT
Germany Supervisory Board. Mr. Kofler also agreed to take steps as may be
necessary for Home Shopping Network to consolidate the financial results of HOT
Germany with those of Home Shopping Network.
Italy. In 1998, Home Shopping Network entered into a joint venture
agreement with SBS Broadcasting System S.A. and SBS Italia S.r.l. ("SBS Italia")
to explore and, if deemed feasible, develop an Italian language televised
shopping business. During 1999, Home Shopping Network, SBS and SBS Italia agreed
to restructure the joint venture and to change the name of SBS Italia to HOT
Italia and to utilize HOT Italia as the vehicle for developing a live shopping
business in Italy. As a result of the restructuring, 51% of the equity of HOT
Italia was transferred to H.O.T. Home Order Television Europe GmbH & Co. KG
("Hot Europe") and 12% transferred to HOT Germany. HOT Europe is a partnership
in which Home Shopping Network has a 19.2% non-voting equity interest and that
is controlled by H.O.T. Home Order Television International GmbH ("HOT
International"). HOT International is owned by George Kofler, Thomas Kirch and
Quelle AG. Home Shopping Network's direct ownership interest in HOT Italia was
reduced to 18.5% as a result of this restructuring. It is anticipated that HOT
Germany will contribute its interest in HOT Italia to HOT Europe and Quelle will
assign its interest in HOT Europe and HOT International to Mr. Kofler.
HOT Italia owns 10.1% of the equity of an entity, Vallau Italia
Promomarket ("VIP"), that operates an Italian national broadcast network. VIP
has applied for a license to operate a national broadcast network in Italy. In
the event the license is issued, HOT Italia intends to apply for authority to
purchase the remaining 89.9% of the equity in VIP it does not currently own. HOT
Italia has entered into purchase agreements to purchase the remaining equity of
VIP for 118.9 billion Lire. There can be no assurance that VIP will be granted a
license and that HOT Italia will be able to acquire VIP. In the event such
license or authorization is not granted, HOT Italia would be required to seek
alternative means of distributing programming. Currently, there are limited
available means of distributing television programming on a nationwide basis and
there can be no assurance that alternative means of distribution can be secured.
<PAGE>
Japan. In 1997, Home Shopping Network acquired a 30% interest in Jupiter
Shop Channel Co. Ltd., a venture based in Tokyo. Jupiter Shop Channel broadcasts
televised shopping 24 hours a day, of which 60 hours per week are devoted to
live shopping. Jupiter Shop Channel has reached agreements to be available in
approximately 3.37 million full-time equivalent households as of December 31,
1999. Liberty Media International, Inc., a subsidiary of Liberty, owns a 50%
interest in Jupiter Programming Co. Ltd. which is the 70% shareholder in the
venture.
Spanish Language Networks. During 1999, Home Shopping Network continued to
operate Home Shopping en Espanol in conjunction with Univision Communications on
Univision's cable affiliate, Galavision. Currently, Home Shopping en Espanol is
aired six hours per day Sunday through Friday, and seven hours on Saturday with
one-half of the broadcast time being aired on the West Coast and the other half
on the East Coast. It reaches approximately 2.7 million households in the United
States. Home Shopping Network and Univision have agreed that Home Shopping
Network will buy out Univision's interest in the joint venture although no final
agreements have been entered into. In connection therewith, Galavision will
continue to carry Home Shopping en Espanol until December 31, 2000. Home
Shopping Network will continue to seek to expand the distribution of Home
Shopping en Espanol in the United States and elsewhere in the Spanish speaking
world.
<PAGE>
REGULATION
USAi, Holdco, and USANi LLC are subject to various federal, state and
local regulations, some of which may affect the operations of such entities and
their subsidiaries.
Current FCC Regulation
A substantial portion of USAi's businesses, including the businesses of
Holdco and USANi LLC, are subject to various statutes, rules, regulations and
orders relating to communications and generally administered by the FCC. The
communications industry, including the operation of broadcast television
stations, cable television systems, satellite distribution systems and other
multichannel distribution systems and, in some respects, vertically integrated
cable programmers, is subject to substantial federal regulation, particularly
under the Communications Act of 1934, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the FCC. Cable television
systems are also subject to regulation at the state and local level. The
Communications Act prohibits the operation of television broadcasting stations
except under a license issued by the FCC and empowers the FCC to issue, renew,
revoke and modify broadcast licenses, to determine the location of stations, to
establish areas to be served and to regulate aspects of broadcast and cable
programming. The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a broadcast
license or the transfer of control of a licensee without prior FCC approval. If
the FCC determines that violations of the Communications Act or any FCC rule
have occurred, it may impose sanctions ranging from admonishment of a licensee
to license revocation.
Broadcast Television License Grant and Renewal
The Communications Act provides that a broadcast license, including the
licenses controlled by USA Broadcasting (the entity through which USAi conducts
its television broadcasting operations), may be granted to any applicant upon a
finding that the public interest, convenience and necessity would be served
thereby, subject to limitations. Television stations operate according to
broadcasting licenses that are usually granted by the FCC for a maximum
permitted term of eight years. Television station licenses are subject to
renewal upon application to the FCC, which is required under the Communications
Act to grant the renewal application if it finds that (1) the station has served
the public interest, convenience and necessity; (2) there have been no serious
violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or the rules and
regulations of the FCC; and (3) there have been no other violations by the
licensee of the Communications Act or the rules and regulations of the FCC that,
when taken together, would constitute a pattern of abuse.
Alien Ownership of Broadcast Television Stations
The Communications Act prohibits the issuance of a broadcast license to,
or the holding of a broadcast license by, any corporation of which more than 20%
of the capital stock is beneficially or nominally owned or voted by non-U.S.
citizens or their representatives or by a foreign government or a representative
thereof, or by any corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country
(collectively, "Aliens"). The 1934 Act also authorizes the FCC, if the FCC
determines that it would be in the public interest, to prohibit the issuance of
a broadcast license to, or the holding of a broadcast license by, any
corporation directly or indirectly controlled by any other corporation of which
more than 25% of the capital stock is beneficially or nominally owned or voted
by Aliens. The FCC has issued interpretations of existing law under which these
restrictions in modified form apply to other forms of business organizations,
including partnerships. Under the relevant provision of the 1934 Act, Universal
is considered an Alien, since it is 84% owned by The Seagram Co. Ltd., a
Canadian corporation, and 16% by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., a
Japanese corporation. At USAis Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in February
1998, USAi's stockholders approved amendments to USAi's certificate of
incorporation to ensure that USAi will continue to be in compliance with the
Alien ownership limitation of the 1934 Act. Universal's equity interest in USAi,
to the extent held through the ownership of LLC shares relating to USANi LLC,
which does not hold any broadcast licenses, is not regarded as an equity
interest in USAi for purposes of the statutory provision regarding Alien
ownership.
Multiple and Cross Ownership
Current FCC regulations impose significant restrictions on certain
positional and ownership interests in broadcast television stations, cable
systems and other media. On August 5, 1999, the FCC adopted changes in several
of its broadcast ownership rules (collectively, the "FCC Ownership Rules").
These rule changes became effective on November 16, 1999;
<PAGE>
however, several petitions have been filed with the FCC seeking reconsideration
of the new rules, so the rules may change. While the following discussion does
not describe all of the ownership rules or rule changes, it attempts to
summarize those rules that appear to be most relevant to USAi and its
subsidiaries. As a general matter, officers, directors and stockholders who own
5% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a media company (except for some
institutional shareholders, who may own up to 20%) are deemed to have
"attributable" interests in the company. Nonvoting stockholders, minority voting
stockholders in companies controlled by a single majority stockholder, and
holders of options and warrants are generally exempt from attribution under the
current rules. However, under the FCC's new equity-debt plus rule, a party will
be deemed to be attributable if it owns a non-voting interest exceeding 33% of
the total asset value (including debt and equity) of the licensee and it either
provides 15% of the station's weekly programming or owns an attributable
interest in another broadcast station, cable system or daily newspaper in the
market, even if there is a single majority shareholder.
Under the FCC's rules, an individual or entity may hold attributable
interests in an unlimited number of television stations nationwide, subject to
the restriction that no individual or entity may have an attributable interest
in television stations reaching, in the aggregate, more than 35% of the national
television viewing audience subject to a 50% discount in the number of
television households attributed to any UHF station.
The FCC relaxed its "television duopoly" rule, which barred any entity
from having an attributable interest in more than one television station with
overlapping service areas. Under the new rules, an entity may have attributable
interests in stations with overlapping coverage contours if each station is
located in a different DMA. In addition, one entity may now have attributable
interests in two television stations in the same Nielsen Designated Market Area
("DMA") provided that: (1) one of the two stations is not among the top four in
audience share and (2) at least eight independently owned and operated
commercial and noncommercial television stations will remain in the DMA if the
proposed transaction is consummated. The new rules also permit common ownership
of television stations in the same DMA where one of the stations to be commonly
owned has failed, is failing or is unbuilt or where extraordinary public
interest factors are present. The rules continue to restrict the holder of an
attributable interest in a television station from also having an attributable
interest in a radio station, daily newspaper or cable television system serving
a community located within the coverage area of that television station.
Liberty's ownership interests in USAi, including its non-voting ownership
interest in the BDTV entities, have been structured to comply with these
regulations, which apply to Liberty because of the interests in cable television
of AT&T Corp., Liberty's parent company. In a June 14, 1996 "Memorandum Opinion
and Order," the FCC concluded that Liberty's beneficial interest in USAi through
its ownership of convertible non-voting common stock of the BDTV entities, as
augmented by an imputed 50% "control" premium, was subject to the FCC's former
cross- interest policy (which restricted the common ownership of an attributable
interest in one media company and certain non-attributable but "meaningful,"
including substantial non-attributable equity interests, in another media
company serving substantially the same area). The FCC subjected Liberty's
ownership interest in USAi to conditions, including that (1) the prior approval
of the FCC be obtained for any increase in Liberty's interest, and (2) the FCC
be notified prior to completion of any transaction whereby the aggregate
percentage of television households served by cable systems owned or controlled
by AT&T in any of USA Broadcasting's television markets would exceed 50 percent.
Liberty's ownership of USANi LLC shares is not regarded as an equity interest in
USAi for purposes of the FCC cross- ownership rules or practices. Two members of
USAi's board of directors, Messrs. Paul G. Allen and William D. Savoy, have
attributable interests in cable television systems located within the coverage
areas of certain of the television stations controlled by USA Broadcasting. On
November 3, 1998, USAi notified the FCC that Messrs. Allen and Savoy have
pledged to recuse themselves from any matters that come before USAi's Board of
Directors pertaining to the operation or management of the television stations
and therefore qualify under the FCC's rules for exemption from attribution of
any interests of USAi or USA Broadcasting in the television stations.
Notwithstanding the recent elimination, these conditions remain in effect.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Telecommunications Act, the FCC is
considering a formal inquiry to review all of its broadcast ownership rules
which are not otherwise under review, including the national audience
limitation, the associated 50% discount for UHF stations and the
cable/television cross-ownership rule. It is not possible at this time to
predict what action the FCC may take and how it may affect USAi.
Digital Television
The FCC has taken a number of steps to implement digital television
service (including high-definition television) in
<PAGE>
the United States. On February 17, 1998, the FCC adopted a final table of
digital channel allotments and rules for the implementation of digital
television. The table of digital allotments provides each existing television
station licensee or permittee with a second broadcast channel to be used during
the transition to digital television, conditioned upon the surrender of one of
the channels at the end of the digital television transition period. USAi has
commenced construction of its digital facilities for three of its stations, and
has completed construction for WHSH-DT, which began reduced-power digital
operations in October 1998. USAi has preserved its ability to maximize its DTV
facilities for each of its stations and, to the extent that USAi's engineers
determine that maximization is warranted, USAi will file maximization
applications by the FCC's May 1, 2000 deadline.
The digital television implementing rules permit broadcasters to use their
assigned digital spectrum flexibly to provide either standard or high-definition
video signals and additional services, including, for example, data transfer,
subscription video, interactive materials, and audio signals, subject to the
requirement that they continue to provide at least one free, over-the-air
television service. The FCC has set a target date of 2002 for completion of
construction of digital television facilities and 2006 for expiration of the
transition period, subject to biennial reviews to evaluate the progress of
digital television, including the rate of consumer acceptance. Conversion to
digital television may reduce the geographic reach of USAi's stations or result
in increased interference, with, in either case, a corresponding loss of
population coverage. Digital television implementation will impose additional
costs on USAi, primarily due to the capital costs associated with construction
of digital television facilities and increased operating costs both during and
after the transition period. The FCC has adopted rules that require broadcasters
to pay a fee of 5% of gross revenues received from ancillary or supplementary
uses of the digital spectrum for which they receive subscription fees or
compensation other than advertising revenues derived from free over-the-air
broadcasting services.
USAi continually reviews developments relating to the FCC's digital
television proceedings, and the digital television industry generally. Material
developments in this regard could have a material impact on USAi's businesses.
For example, in the future, seven of USAi's 26 low-power television stations, as
well as other low-power television affiliates of Home Shopping Network, will
likely have to cease business operations due to irremediable interference to or
from new digital television allocations. Under procedures established in the
digital television rulemaking proceeding, USAi has filed applications for
authorization to shift the operation of 15 additional low-power television
stations to alternative channels that are not subject to displacement. To date,
six of such applications have been granted by the FCC. The remaining four of
USAi's low-power television stations are not expected to be subject to digital
television displacement at their existing channel assignments.
Children's Television Programming
Under legislation enacted in 1990, the amount of commercial matter that
may be broadcast during programming designed for children 12 years of age and
younger is limited to 12 minutes per hour on weekdays and 10.5 minutes per hour
on weekends. Violations of the children's commercial limitations may result in
monetary fines or non-renewal of a station's broadcasting license. In addition,
the FCC has adopted a guideline for processing television station renewals under
which stations are found to have complied with the Children's Television Act if
they broadcast three hours per week of "core" children's educational
programming, which, among other things, must have as a significant purpose
serving the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and
younger. A television station found not to have complied with the "core"
programming processing guideline could face sanctions, including monetary fines
and the possible non-renewal of its broadcasting license, if it has not
demonstrated compliance with the Children's Television Act in other ways. The
FCC has indicated its intent to enforce its children's television rules
strictly.
Television Violence
As part of a directive in the Telecommunications Act, the broadcast and
cable television industries have adopted, and the FCC has approved a voluntary
content ratings system which, when used in conjunction with so-called "V-Chip"
technology, would permit the blocking of programs with a common rating. The FCC
directed that all television receiver models with picture screens 13 inches or
greater be equipped with "V-Chip" technology under a phased implementation that
began on July 1, 1999. Holdco cannot predict how changes in the implementation
of the ratings system and "V-Chip" technology will affect its business.
Closed Captioning
<PAGE>
The FCC's closed captioning rules, which became effective January 1, 1998,
provide for the phased implementation, beginning in the year 2000, of a
universal on-screen captioning requirement with respect to the vast majority of
video programming. The captioning requirement applies to programming carried on
broadcast television stations and cable programming networks. Although the FCC
has provided for exceptions to or exemptions from the rules under certain
circumstances, none applies to any of the current broadcast or cable programming
services of USA Broadcasting, USA Networks or Home Shopping Network. Both USA
Broadcasting and Home Shopping Club have applied to the FCC for waivers of the
closed captioning rules. Parties are not required to comply with the closed
captioning rules while they have waiver requests pending.
Other Broadcast Television Regulation
The FCC continues to enforce strictly its regulations concerning
"indecent" programming, political advertising, environmental concerns, technical
operating matters and antenna tower maintenance and marking. The FCC recently
adopted new equal employment opportunity rules to replace its former rules which
were partially struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the D.C. Circuit. The FCC's new rules require stations to widely disseminate
information regarding job openings, maintain records of their equal employment
opportunity program and outreach efforts, file annual employment reports with
the FCC and file their model equal employment opportunity program with the FCC
every other year. Stations with fewer than five employees do not have to comply
with the FCC's recruitment standards, but they are subject to reporting
requirements. In addition, FCC regulations governing network affiliation
agreements mandate that television broadcast station licensees retain the right
to reject or refuse network programming or to substitute programming that the
licensee reasonably believes to be of greater local or national importance.
Violation of FCC regulations can result in substantial monetary forfeitures,
periodic reporting conditions, short-term license renewals and, in egregious
cases, denial of license renewal or revocation of license.
Must-Carry/Retransmission Consent
As part of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of
1992, television broadcasters are required to make triennial elections to
exercise either "must-carry" or "retransmission consent" rights with respect to
their carriage by cable systems in each broadcaster's local market. By electing
must-carry rights, a broadcaster demands carriage on a specified channel on
cable systems within its television market (defined by Nielsen as a Designated
Market Area (DMA)). Alternatively, if a broadcaster chooses to exercise
retransmission consent rights, it can prohibit cable systems from carrying its
signal or grant the appropriate cable system the authority to retransmit the
broadcast signal for a fee or other consideration. Home Shopping Network, USA
Broadcasting and USA Networks are affected by the must-carry rules, which were
upheld in a 1997 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. A material change in the must-carry
rules, or their repeal, could have a material impact on USAi's businesses,
including Holdco's businesses. The FCC currently is conducting a rulemaking
proceeding to determine carriage requirements for digital broadcast television
stations on cable systems during and following the transition from analog to
digital broadcasting, including carriage requirements with respect to ancillary
and supplemental services that may be provided by broadcast stations over their
digital spectrum.
SHVIA
On November 29, 1999, the President signed the Satellite Home Viewer
Improvement Act ("SHVIA"). Among other things, SHVIA provides for a statutory
copyright license to enable satellite carriers to retransmit local television
broadcast stations into the stations' respective local markets. After May 27,
2000, satellite carriers will be prohibited from delivering a local signal into
its local markets--so called "local-into-local" service--without the consent or
must-carry election of such station, but stations will be obligated to engage in
good faith retransmission consent negotiations with the carriers. SHVIA does not
require satellite carriers to carry local stations, but provides that carriers
that choose to do so must comply with certain mandatory signal carriage
requirements by a date certain, as defined by the Act or as-yet to be drafted
FCC regulations. Further, the Act authorizes satellite carriers to continue to
provide certain network signals to unserved households, as defined in SHVIA and
FCC rules, except that carriers may not provide more than two same-network
stations to a household in a single day. Also, households that do not receive a
signal of Grade A intensity from any of a particular network's affiliates may
continue to receive distant station signals for that network until December 31,
2004, under certain conditions. The FCC has initiated several rulemaking
proceedings, as required by SHVIA, to implement certain aspects of the Act, such
as standard must-carry procedures, exclusivity protection for local stations
against certain distant signals, and
<PAGE>
enforcement. The FCC has already adopted rules requiring good faith negotiations
for retransmission consent between satellite carriers and television broadcast
stations.
Cable Television Rate Regulation
The Telecommunications Act phased out cable rate regulation, except with
respect to the "basic" tier, which must include all local broadcast stations and
public, educational, and governmental access channels and must be provided to
all subscribers. Home Shopping Network and America's Store programming are
distributed on the basic tier in some areas, and "expanded basic" tiers in other
areas. USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel are primarily distributed on expanded
basic tiers. Rate regulation of all non-basic tiers including the expanded basic
tiers was eliminated as of March 31, 1999. The local franchising authorities are
primarily responsible for regulating the basic tier of cable service. Because
Holdco's revenues are, to some degree, affected by changes in cable subscriber
rates, increased regulation of cable subscriber rates, or a reduction in the
rates that cable service providers may charge customers could have a significant
impact on Holdco's revenues.
Regulation of Cable System Operators Affiliated With Video Programming Vendors
The 1992 Act prohibits a cable operator from engaging in unfair methods of
competition that prevent or significantly hinder competing multichannel video
programming distributors from providing satellite-delivered programming to their
subscribers. The FCC has adopted regulations to (1) prevent a cable operator
that has an attributable interest, including voting or non-voting stock
ownership of at least 5%, in a programming vendor from exercising improper
influence over the programming vendor in the latter's dealings with competitors
to cable; and (2) to prevent a programmer in which a cable operator has an
attributable interest from discriminating between cable operators and other
multichannel video programming distributors, including other cable operators.
The FCC's rules may have the effect, in some cases, of requiring
vertically integrated programmers to offer their programming to multichannel
video programming distributor competitors of cable television, and of
prohibiting certain exclusive contracts between such programmers and cable
system operators. The rules also permit multichannel video programming
distributors to bring complaints before the FCC if they are unable to obtain
cable programming on non-discriminatory terms because of "unfair practices" by
the programmer.
Under the 1992 Act, the FCC set a 40% limit on the number of programming
channels on a cable system that may be occupied by video programmers in which
the cable operator has an attributable interest. USAi, Holdco and USANi LLC
could be affected by the 1992 Act as a consequence of Liberty's ownership
interests, directly and through its affiliates, in both cable systems and cable
programming services.
State and Local Regulation
Cable television systems are generally constructed and operated under
non-exclusive franchises granted by a municipality or other state or local
governmental entity. Franchises are granted for fixed terms and are subject to
periodic renewal. The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 places limitations
on the ability of a local franchising authority to control the operations of a
cable operator, and the courts from time to time have reviewed the
constitutionality of several franchise requirements, often with inconsistent
results. The 1992 Act prohibits exclusive franchises, and allows local
franchising authorities to exercise greater control over the operation of
franchised cable television systems, especially in the areas of customer service
and rate regulation. The 1992 Act also allows local franchising authorities to
operate their own multichannel video distribution systems without having to
obtain franchises. Moreover, local franchising authorities are immunized from
monetary damage awards arising from their regulation of cable television systems
or their decisions on franchise grants, renewals, transfers, and amendments.
The terms and conditions of franchises vary materially from jurisdiction
to jurisdiction. Cable franchises generally contain provisions governing time
limitations on the beginning and completion of construction, and governing
conditions of service, including the number of channels, the types of
programming but not the actual cable programming channels to be carried, and the
provision of free service to schools and certain other public institutions. The
specific terms and conditions of a franchise and the laws and regulations under
which it is granted directly affect the profitability of the cable television
system, and thus the cable television system's financial ability to carry
programming. Local governmental authorities also may certify to regulate basic
cable rates. Local rate regulation for a particular system could result in
resistance on the part of
<PAGE>
the cable operator to the amount of subscriber fees charged by USAi, Holdco or
USANi LLC for their programming.
Various proposals have been introduced at the state and local level with
regard to the regulation of cable television systems, and a number of states
have enacted legislation subjecting cable television systems to the jurisdiction
of centralized state governmental agencies. Holdco is not able to predict the
impact such regulation could have on its businesses.
Other Cable Regulation
The FCC's regulations concerning the commercial limits in children's
programming and political advertising also apply to cable television system
operators. USAi, Holdco and USANi LLC also must provide program ratings
information.
Proposed Changes
Congress and the FCC have under consideration, and in the future may
consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety
of matters that could affect, directly or indirectly, the operation, ownership
and profitability of USAi's broadcast stations and broadcast and cable
programming networks. In addition to the changes and proposed changes noted
above, such matters include, for example, a proposal to adopt rules that would
require video programming distributors, including television broadcast stations,
to provide oral descriptions of their programming for the visually impaired,
rate regulation for upper tiers of service, political advertising rates and
potential restrictions on the advertising of products (beer, wine and hard
liquor, for example). Other matters that could affect USAi's regulated media
businesses (including the businesses of Holdco and USANi LLC) include
technological innovations and developments generally affecting competition in
the mass communications industry, such as direct radio and television broadcast
satellite service, the continued establishment of wireless cable systems,
digital television and radio technologies, and the advent of telephone company
participation in the provision of video programming service.
Other Regulatory Considerations
The summary presented above does not purport to be a complete discussion
of all provisions of the Communications Act or other congressional acts or of
the regulations and policies of the FCC. For further information, you should
review the Communications Act, other congressional acts, and regulations and
public notices promulgated from time to time by the FCC. There are additional
regulations and policies of the FCC and other federal agencies that govern
political broadcasts, public affairs programming, equal opportunity employment
and other matters affecting USAi's business and operations (including the
businesses and operations of Holdco and USANi LLC).
TRADEMARKS, TRADENAMES, COPYRIGHTS AND DOMAIN NAMES
Holdco has registered and continues to register, when appropriate, its
trade and service marks as they are developed and used, and Holdco vigorously
protects its trade and service marks. Holdco believes that its marks are a
primary marketing tool for promoting its identity. Holdco also obtains
copyrights with respect to its original programming as appropriate and registers
the domain names of its Internet websites.
COMPETITION
Networks and Television Production
Networks
Viewership and Advertising Revenues. Networks competes for access to its
customers and for audience share and revenue with broadcasters and other forms
of entertainment. Cable operators and other distributors only contract to carry
a limited number of the available networks. Therefore, they may decide not to
offer a particular network to their subscribers, or they may package a network
with other networks in a manner that only a portion of their subscribers will
receive the service (for example, by charging an additional fee). In addition,
there has been increased consolidation among cable operators, so that USA
Network and Sci-Fi Channel have become increasingly subject to the carriage
decisions made by a small number of operators. This consolidation may reduce the
per-subscriber fees received from cable operators in the future. The
consolidation also means that the loss of any one or more of the major
distributors could have a material adverse impact on
<PAGE>
the networks. The competition for advertising revenues also has become more
intense as the number of television networks has increased. While many factors
affect advertising rates, ultimately they are dependent on the numbers and types
of viewers which a program attracts. As more networks compete for viewers, it
becomes increasingly difficult to increase or even maintain a network's number
of viewers. Moreover, to do so may require a network to spend significantly
greater amounts of money on programming. Therefore, greater pressure may be
placed on the networks' ability to generate advertising revenue increases
consistent with the increases they have achieved in the past. Networks is
affected by competition for advertising revenues.
Third-Party Programming. The competition for third-party programming is
likely to increase as more networks seek to acquire that form of programming. In
addition, many networks, including USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel, are
affiliated with companies that produce programming. As a result, non-affiliated
networks may have a diminished capacity to acquire product from production
companies affiliated with other networks.
Television Production
Programming. Studios USA operates in a highly competitive environment. The
production and distribution of television programming are highly competitive
businesses. While television programs and films produced by Studios USA compete
with all other forms of network and syndication programming, Studios USA
essentially competes with all other forms of entertainment and leisure
activities. Competition is also faced from other major television studios and
independent producers for creative talent, writers and producers, which are
essential ingredients in the filmed entertainment business. The profitability of
Studios USA is dependent upon factors such as public taste that is volatile,
shifts in demand, economic conditions and technological developments.
In 1995, the FCC repealed its financial interest and syndication rules
("fin-syn rules"). The fin-syn rules were adopted in 1970 to limit television
network control over television programming and to foster the development of
diverse programming sources. The rules had restricted the ability of the three
established, major U.S. televisions networks (i.e., ABC, CBS and NBC) to own and
syndicate television programming. The repeal of the rules has increased in-house
production of television programming for the networks' own use. As a result of
the repeal of the fin-syn rules, the industry has become vertically integrated,
with four of the six major broadcast networks being aligned with a major studio.
In addition, two major broadcast networks have formed their own in-house
production units. Mergers and acquisitions of broadcast networks by studios
(e.g., Disney-ABC) have altered the landscape of the industry. It is possible
that this change will have a negative impact on Studios USA's business as its
network customers are now able to choose between their own product and Studios
USA's product in making programming decisions.
Electronic Retailing
The Home Shopping Network business operates in a highly competitive
environment. It is in direct competition with retail merchandisers, other
electronic retailers, direct marketing retailers such as mail order companies,
companies that sell from catalogs, other discount retailers and companies that
market through computer technology.
Home Shopping Network and QVC, Inc. are currently the two leading
electronic retailing companies. Liberty, a subsidiary of AT&T which holds a
substantial equity interest in USAi and USANi LLC, currently owns 43% of QVC but
has entered into a stockholders agreement with Comcast Corporation, which owns
57% of QVC, under which Comcast Corporation controls the day to day operations
of QVC. There are other companies, some having an affiliation or common
ownership with cable operators, that now market merchandise by means of live
television. A number of other entities are engaged in direct retail sales
businesses which utilize television in some form and which target the same
markets in which Home Shopping Network operates. Some competitors of the Home
Shopping Network business are larger and more diversified than Holdco.
Viewership. The Home Shopping Network business also competes for access to
its customers and for audience share and revenue with broadcasters and
conventional forms of entertainment and information, such as programming for
network and independent broadcast television stations, basic and pay cable
television services, satellite master antenna systems, home satellite dishes and
home entertainment centers, newspapers, radio, magazines, outdoor advertising,
transit advertising and direct mail. In particular, the price and availability
of programming for cable television systems affect the availability of these
channels for Home Shopping Network and America's Store programming and the
compensation which must be paid to cable
<PAGE>
operators for carriage of Home Shopping Network and America's Store programming.
Channel Capacity. In addition, Holdco believes that due to a number of
factors, including the development of cable operator owned programming, the
competition for channel capacity has substantially increased. With the advent of
new compression technologies on the horizon, this competition for channel
capacity may substantially decrease, although additional competitors may have
the opportunity to enter the marketplace. No prediction can be made with respect
to the viability of these technologies or the extent to which they will
ultimately impact the availability of channel capacity. A substantial portion of
Holdco's businesses are affected by changes in channel capacity and competition
among programming providers for available channel capacity.
Internet Services
Internet Shopping Network operates First Auction.com, an Internet
retailing auction service that competes with a number of other companies
including uBid, Yahoo! Auctions Powered by OnSale, Excite, OnSale, ZAuction,
Surplus Auction and FairMarket. Internet Shopping Network also operates First
Jewelry.com, an Internet retail jewelry service that competes with a number of
other companies including Mondera, Blue Nile, My Jewelry, Miadora, Adornis,
Ashford and Zales. Home Shopping Network operates HSN.com, an Internet retailing
service that competes with numerous other on-line retail operations, including
iQVC, which is operated by Home Shopping Network's principal television
retailing competitor. Internet Shopping Network and Home Shopping
Network/HSN.com potentially face competition from a number of large online
communities and services that have expertise in developing online commerce.
Holdco believes that the principal competitive factors in this market are scale,
selection of goods, customer service, reliability of delivery, brand
recognition, web site convenience and accessibility, price, quality of search
tools and system reliability.
EMPLOYEES
As of the close of business on December 31, 1999, Holdco and its
subsidiaries employed approximately 5,252 full-time employees, with
approximately 921 employees employed by Networks and Television Production,
4,185 employees employed by Electronic Retailing and 146 employed by Internet
Services. Holdco believes that it generally has good employee relationships,
including employees represented by unions and guilds.
Item 2. Properties
Holdco's facilities for its management and operations are generally
adequate for its current and anticipated future needs. Holdco's facilities
generally consist of executive and administrative offices, fulfillment
facilities, warehouses, operations centers, call centers, television production
and distribution facilities, satellite transponder sites and sales offices.
All of Holdco's leases are at prevailing market (or "most favorable")
rates and, except as noted, with unaffiliated parties. Holdco believes that the
duration of each lease is adequate. Holdco believes that its principal
properties, whether owned or leased, are adequate for the purposes for which
they are used and are suitably maintained for such purposes. Most of the
office/studio space is substantially utilized, and where significant excess
space exists, Holdco leases or subleases such space to the extent possible.
Holdco anticipates no future problems in renewing or obtaining suitable leases
for its principal properties.
Corporate
Holdco maintains its principal executive offices at Carnegie Hall Tower,
152 West 57th Street, New York, New York which consist of approximately 29,850
square feet leased by USAi through October 30, 2005.
Networks and Television Production
The executive offices of Networks are located at 1230 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10020. Networks leases approximately 168,000 square
feet at this office space under a lease that continues until March 31, 2005,
subject to two five-year options to continue the term. Networks also has smaller
offices in Chicago (affiliate relations and sales), Detroit (sales), and Los
Angeles (affiliate relations, sales and programming).
<PAGE>
Networks also leases approximately 55,000 square feet in a facility in
Jersey City, New Jersey, where Networks has its broadcast operations center.
This space is used to originate and transmit the USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel
signals. Post-production for both networks, including audio production, editing,
graphics and duplication, also is performed at this location. The lease for this
space continues through April 30, 2009, and there are options to continue the
term beyond that time.
Studios USA currently conducts its domestic television production and
distribution operations primarily from its executive and administrative offices
in West Hollywood, California in a facility owned by Ticketmaster, a subsidiary
of USAi. Additionally, Studios USA has four domestic sales offices located in
Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and New York City. Production facilities are leased
primarily from Universal on its Universal City lot on an as-needed basis
depending upon production schedules. Studios USA also leases production
facilities in New York City for the production of Law & Order, The Sally Jessy
Raphael Show and Maury, in New Jersey for production of Law & Order: Special
Victims Unit, and in Chicago for production of The Jerry Springer Show.
Electronic Retailing
Home Shopping Network owns an approximately 480,000 square foot facility
in St. Petersburg, Florida, which houses its Home Shopping Network television
studios, broadcast facilities, administrative offices and training facilities.
Home Shopping Network owns two warehouse-type facilities totaling
approximately 84,000 square feet near Home Shopping Network's main campus in St.
Petersburg, Florida. These facilities have been used for returns processing,
retail distribution and general storage.
Home Shopping Network leases a 41,000 square foot facility in Clearwater,
Florida for its video and post production operations.
Home Shopping Network owns and operates a warehouse consisting of 163,000
square feet located in Waterloo, Iowa, which is used as a fulfillment center. In
addition, Home Shopping Network rents additional space in Waterloo, Iowa
consisting of 106,000 square feet.
Home Shopping Network owns and operates a warehouse located in Salem,
Virginia, consisting of approximately 780,000 square feet. In addition, Home
Shopping Network leases one additional location in Salem, Virginia consisting of
194,750 square feet and two additional locations in Roanoke, Virginia consisting
of 70,000 square feet and 175,000 square feet.
Home Shopping Network's retail outlet subsidiary leases five retail stores
in the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Chicago areas totaling approximately 105,785
square feet.
Home Shopping Network and its other subsidiaries also lease office space
in California and Utah.
Internet Services
Internet Shopping Network's executive offices are located in Sunnyvale,
California, where Internet Shopping Network currently leases 31,000 square feet
under a lease expiring in 2000.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, Holdco and its subsidiaries are
parties to litigation involving property, personal injury, contract and other
claims. The amounts that may be recovered in these matters may be subject to
insurance coverage and, although there can be no assurance in this regard, are
not expected to be material to the financial position or operations of Holdco.
Federal Trade Commission Matter
Home Shopping Network is involved from time to time in investigations and
enforcement actions by consumer
<PAGE>
protection agencies and other regulatory authorities. Effective October 2, 1996,
the Federal Trade Commission and Home Shopping Network and two of its
subsidiaries entered into a consent order under which Home Shopping Network
agreed that it will not make claims for specified categories of products,
including any claim that any product can cure, treat or prevent illness, or
affect the structure or function of the human body, unless it possesses
competent and reliable scientific evidence to substantiate the claims. The
settlement did not represent an admission of wrongdoing by Home Shopping
Network, and did not require the payment of any monetary damages. Thereafter,
the FTC investigated Home Shopping Network's compliance with its consent order.
The FTC indicated to Home Shopping Network that it believed Home Shopping
Network had not complied with the consent order and that it intended to seek
monetary penalties and consumer redress for non-compliance. Effective April 29,
1999, Home Shopping Network settled the FTC's claims that it had violated the
consent order. The FTC filed a complaint in Federal District Court in Tampa,
Florida and entered a consent decree, under which Home Shopping Network paid a
civil penalty of $1.1 million and was enjoined from violating the consent order.
The settlement did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by Home Shopping
Network.
ASCAP Litigation
Networks, along with almost every other satellite-delivered network, is
involved in continuing disputes regarding the amounts to be paid by it for the
performance of copyrighted music from members of the American Society of
Composers, Authors and Publishers and by Broadcast Music, Inc. The payments to
be made to the American Society will be determined in a "rate court" proceeding
under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of
New York. In the initial phase of this proceeding, it was determined that
Networks must pay the American Society a specified interim fee, calculated as a
percentage of the gross revenues of each of USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel. This
fee level is subject to upward or downward adjustment in future rate court
proceedings, or as the result of future negotiations, for all payments
subsequent to January 1, 1986 with respect to USA Network and for all payments
subsequent to launch with respect to Sci-Fi Channel. All American Society claims
prior to these times have been settled and are final. As to Broadcast Music,
Networks has agreed with Broadcast Music with respect to certain interim fees to
be paid by both USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel. Subsequent to July 1, 1992 and
subsequent to launch of Sci-Fi Channel, respectively, these interim fees are
subject to upward or downward adjustment, based on a future negotiated
resolution or submission of the issue to Broadcast Music's own federal "rate
court." Holdco cannot predict the final outcome of these disputes, but does not
believe that it will suffer any material liability as a result of them.
Home Shopping Network Consumer Class Action
On November 15, 1999, Home Shopping Network was named as a defendant in a
consumer class action lawsuit entitled Bruce Tomkins, Henrietta Buck and Jodi
Habel Hill on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated individuals
v. Proteva, Inc., Home Shopping Network, Inc. d/b/a Home Shopping Network and
The Home Shopping Network, John Roberts, Vivian Roberts McKinley, Kn Chan,
William Lynch and Brian Jordan, filed in the Chancery Division of the Circuit
Court of Cook County, Illinois, Case No. 99 CH 12013. The action is purportedly
brought on behalf of consumers who were alleged to have purchased a Proteva
personal computer from one of the defendants and experienced one of the three
following conditions: (a) the computer was or became defective upon purchase or
soon thereafter, (b) a defendant refused or failed to honor the rebate offer
which was offered as part of the sale, or (c) a defendant refused or failed to
provide customer service as purportedly advertised. In the complaint, the
plaintiffs assert causes of action for consumer fraud, breach of implied
warranty of merchantability and unjust enrichment and seek compensatory and
punitive damages along with interest, costs and attorneys' fees. Home Shopping
Network has filed an answer to the complaint and intends to vigorously defend
this action.
Marketingworks Litigation
On October 14, 1999, Marketingworks, Inc., a home video distribution
company, filed a complaint against Universal Studios Home Video and Studios USA
Television Distribution LLC ("Universal/USA") in Los Angeles Superior Court,
alleging contract and tort claims in connection with a home video series
consisting of out-takes from The Jerry Springer Show. Marketingworks contends
that in January 1997, it disclosed confidential marketing plans to Universal
Television, which were subsequently appropriated for use in the "out-take" home
video series. In January 2000, Universal/USA removed the case to Federal Court
as the claims may be preempted by copyright and Marketingworks has sought
federal remedies under the Lanham Act. Universal/USA also filed a motion to
dismiss those claims that are within the scope of copyright
<PAGE>
preemption. Marketingworks has filed a motion to have the matter remanded back
to state court. Both motions are expected to be heard in March 2000. Although
discovery is only commencing, based on information provided by outside counsel
to Universal/USA to date, Holdco believes it is unlikely that this claim could
present any material liability to the Company.
First Jewellery Litigation
On November 10, 1999, First Jewellery Company of Canada, Inc. and its
affiliate A&A Jewelers, Inc. filed a complaint against Internet Shopping Network
and USAi in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claiming
that Internet Shopping Network's use of the "First Jewelry" name and URL
infringes on plaintiffs' claimed "First Jewellery" and "1st Jewellery"
trademarks. Plaintiffs also filed a domain name challenge with Network
Solutions, Inc. On December 14, 1999, a hearing was held on plaintiffs'
preliminary injunction motion. On January 31, 2000 and February 17, 2000, the
judge issued two orders granting the preliminary injunction motion, ordering
Internet Shopping Network to cease using the name "First Jewelry" in connection
with Internet Shopping Network's jewelry business commencing on April 17, 2000,
unless used to announce a name change, and ordering Internet Shopping Network
until such name change to prominently display next to the "First Jewelry" logo
on the First Jewelry home page a statement disclaiming any affiliation with
plaintiffs, but permitting Internet Shopping Network throughout the pendency of
the litigation to use the www.firstjewelry.com URL provided the web page at such
URL is only used to announce the new name and provide consumers a link to a new
URL under which the web site operates with its new name.
Other
Holdco is engaged in various other lawsuits either as plaintiffs or
defendants. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of these various
lawsuits should not have a material impact on Holdco.
<PAGE>
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Holdco's common stock is not quoted on any stock exchange and are not
traded. The common stock held by Liberty is exchangeable for shares of USAi's
common stock and Class B common stock on a one-for-one basis. All outstanding
shares are held by USAi and Liberty.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations
GENERAL
Holdco (the "Company" or "Holdco"), a subsidiary of USA Networks, Inc.
("USAi"), is a holding company, the subsidiaries of which are engaged in
diversified media and electronic commerce businesses.
On February 12, 1998, USAi acquired USA Networks, a New York general
partnership, consisting of cable television networks, USA Network and Sci-Fi
Channel ("Networks"), as well as the domestic television production and
distribution businesses of Universal Studios ("Studios USA") from Universal
Studios, Inc. ("Universal"), an entity controlled by The Seagram Company Ltd.
("Seagram") (the "Universal Transaction"). The Universal Transaction caused a
significant increase in net revenues and operating costs and expenses. To
enhance comparability, the discussion of consolidated results of operations is
supplemented, where appropriate, with pro forma results of operations data. The
pro forma information is presented as if the Universal Transaction had occurred
at the beginning of the respective periods presented. The pro forma information
is not necessarily indicative of the net revenues, operating costs and expenses
or operating profit which would have actually been reported had the Universal
Transaction occurred at the beginning of the respective periods, nor is it
necessarily indicative of future results.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 1999 vs. Year Ended December 31, 1998
Net revenues
For the year ended December 31, 1999, net revenues increased $336.4
million, or 15.3%, to $2.54 billion from $2.21 billion compared to 1998
primarily due to increases of $220.2 million and $120.4 million from the
Networks and television production and the Electronic retailing businesses,
respectively. On a pro forma basis, net revenues increased $179.0 million, or
7.6%, to $2.54 billion from $2.36 billion compared to 1998 primarily due to
increases of $120.4 million and $62.8 million from the Electronic retailing and
the Networks and television production businesses, respectively.
The increase in Networks and television production revenues primarily
resulted from an increase in advertising revenues due to higher ratings at USA
Network and a significant increase in advertising revenues and affiliate
revenues at Sci-Fi Channel due to an increase in subscribers and higher ratings.
The Networks increase was offset by lower revenues at Studios USA due to fewer
deliveries of network product, fewer pilots produced and significantly increased
usage of internally produced series for which revenue recognition is deferred
until aired on USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel. The increase in Electronic
retailing revenues primarily resulted from HSN's core business, which generated
increased sales of $115.0 million, including sales increases of $93.9 million
from Home Shopping Network and America's Store and $25.3 million from continuity
services. Furthermore, sales on Home Shopping en Espanol increased by $5.4
million. Total units shipped increased by 10.8% to 32.0 million units compared
to 28.9 million units in 1998. The increase in net revenues also reflected a
decrease in the return rate to 20.3% from 21.0% in 1998.
Operating costs and expenses
For the year ended December 31, 1999, total operating costs and
expenses increased $224.5 million, or 11.4%, to $2.20 billion from $1.97 billion
compared to 1998, primarily due to increased costs of $89.1 million, $77.1
million and $26.8 million from the Electronic retailing, Networks and television
production and Internet services businesses, respectively. On a pro forma basis,
total operating costs and expenses increased $94.7 million, or 4.5%, to $2.20
billion
<PAGE>
from $2.10 billion compared to 1998, primarily due to increased costs of $89.1
million and $26.8 million from the Electronic retailing and Internet services
businesses, respectively, and a decrease of $39.4 million from the Networks and
television production business.
The increase in costs and expenses of Electronic retailing resulted
primarily from higher sales volume and higher merchandising personnel costs.
Also contributing to the increase in costs were international sales and costs
associated with developing the Company's Short Shopping concept. Networks and
television production costs and expenses increased due to the full year impact
in 1999 of the Universal transaction, although the increase was offset by a
decrease which resulted primarily from lower overhead and marketing costs, lower
television production and increased usage of internally developed product. The
increase in costs and expenses of Internet services resulted primarily from
increased costs to maintain and enhance the Internet Services; the costs
incurred to develop and launch FirstJewelry.com in October 1999 and increased
costs of shipping product as First Auction expanded its product mix.
Goodwill amortization increased by $16.4 million due to the full year
impact in 1999 of the Universal transaction.
Other Income (Expense), Net
For the year ended December 31, 1999, net interest expense decreased by
$48.0 million, compared to 1998 primarily due to lower borrowing levels as a
result of the repayment of bank debt in the fourth quarter of 1998 and in 1999
from the proceeds of equity transactions involving Universal and Liberty Media
Corporation, a subsidiary of AT&T Corporation ("Liberty"). In addition, lower
interest rates resulted in decreased interest expense.
In the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company realized gains of $89.7
million related to the sale of securities and $10.4 million from the reversal of
equity losses which were recorded in 1998 as a result of the Universal
transaction.
Income Taxes
Holdco's effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 1999 of 18.8%
is lower than the statutory due to the effects of income of its subsidiary,
USANi LLC, which is attributable to the other LLC partners, offset by the
effects of non-deductible goodwill and state income taxes.
Other Matters
The widespread use of computer programs that rely on two-digit dates to
perform computation and decision-making functions may cause computer systems,
including systems and software used by our company and our websites, to
malfunction in the Year 2000, and may lead to significant business delays and
disruptions in our business and operations in the United States and
internationally. We have completed our plan to minimize the impact of this Year
2000 problem on our operations. The dollar cost of our Year 2000 compliance was
approximately $9 million, substantially all of which has been spent through
December 31, 1999. To date, we have not experienced any significant Year 2000
problems and, therefore, the risk that any Year 2000 problems will occur in the
future has diminished significantly.
In addition to our internal systems, several systems provided by third
parties are required for the operation of our services, any of which may contain
software code that still might prove not to be Year 2000 compliant. These
systems include server software used to operate our network servers, software
controlling routers, switchers and other components of our data network, disk
management software used to control out data disk arrays, firewall, security,
monitoring and back-up software, as well as desktop PC applications software. In
most cases, we employ widely available software applications and other products
from leading third-party vendors, and expect that these vendors will provide any
required upgrades or modifications in a timely fashion. However, any failure of
third-party suppliers to provide Year 2000 compliant versions of the products
used by us could result in a temporary disruption of our services or otherwise
disrupt our operations. Although to date we have not experienced any material
disruptions in our operations, an undiscovered failure to achieve Year 2000
compliance by third-party systems could result in complete failure or
inaccessibility of our services and could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
SEASONALITY
<PAGE>
USANi LLC's businesses are subject to the effects of seasonality.
Networks and Television Production revenues are influenced by advertiser
demand and the seasonal nature of programming, and generally peak in the spring
and fall.
USAi believes seasonality impacts its Electronic Retailing segment but not
to the same extent it impacts the retail industry in general.
Item 7(a). Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
The Company's exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates
relates primarily to the Company's short-term investment portfolio and issuance
of debt. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments in its
investment portfolio. The Company has a prescribed methodology whereby it
invests its excess cash in debt instruments of government agencies and high
quality corporate issuers. To further mitigate risk, the vast majority of the
securities have a maturity date within 60 days. The portfolio is reviewed on a
periodic basis and adjusted in the event that the credit rating of a security
held in the portfolio has deteriorated.
At December 31, 1999, the Company's outstanding debt approximated $531
million, substantially all of which is fixed rate obligations. If market rates
decline, the Company runs the risk that the related required payments on the
fixed rate debt will exceed those based on the current market rate.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
The Company conducts business in certain foreign markets. However, the
level of operations in foreign markets is insignificant to the consolidated
results.
Equity Price Risk
The Company has no investments in equity securities of a publicly-traded
companies. It is not customary for the Company to make investments in equity
securities as part of its investment strategy.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Home
Shopping Network, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. Our
audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at
Item 14(a). 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 in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Home Shopping Network, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and
the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the
related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all
material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
February 3, 2000
<PAGE>
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
NET REVENUES
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Networks and television production $1,305,871 $1,085,685 $ -
Electronic retailing 1,204,524 1,084,139 1,008,162
Internet services 24,620 21,191 12,857
Other 6,882 14,495 16,041
--------- --------- ---------
Total net revenues 2,541,897 2,205,510 1,037,060
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and services 760,830 682,689 614,799
Program costs 630,956 592,095 -
Selling and marketing 277,257 264,937 134,101
General and administrative 237,317 172,419 80,838
Other operating costs 89,723 87,014 81,028
Amortization of cable distribution fees 26,680 22,089 19,261
Depreciation and amortization 175,539 152,537 45,891
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses 2,198,302 1,973,780 975,918
--------- --------- ---------
Operating profit 343,595 231,730 61,142
Other income (expense):
Interest income 37,573 19,745 1,684
Interest expense (73,106) (103,258) (9,728)
Gain on sale of securities 89,721 - -
Miscellaneous 2,103 (19,077) (11,799)
--------- --------- ---------
56,291 (102,590) (19,843)
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings before income taxes 399,886 129,140 41,299
Income tax expense (73,318) (37,313) (27,490)
Minority interest expense (241,369) (87,262) -
--------- --------- ---------
NET EARNINGS $85,199 $4,565 $13,809
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are
an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
---- ----
December 31,
(In thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents........................................................................ $247,474 $234,903
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $33,317 and $20,572, respectively............. 381,175 317,298
Inventories, net................................................................................. 432,520 411,727
Investment held for sale......................................................................... - 27,737
Deferred income taxes............................................................................ 12,077 9,448
Other current assets, net........................................................................ 8,542 14,685
--------- ---------
Total current assets 1,081,788 1,015,798
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Computer and broadcast equipment................................................................. 123,606 79,465
Buildings and leasehold improvements............................................................. 59,074 55,136
Furniture and other equipment.................................................................... 67,246 45,616
Land............................................................................................. 10,246 10,242
Projects in progress............................................................................. 31,736 14,587
--------- ---------
291,908 205,046
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (79,350) (43,262)
--------- ---------
212,558 161,784
OTHER ASSETS
Intangible assets, net........................................................................... 5,029,769 5,231,776
Cable distribution fees, net ($35,181 and $39,650, respectively, to related parties)............. 130,988 100,416
Long-term investments............................................................................ 93,742 71,601
Notes and accounts receivable, net............................................................... 19,506 -
Inventories, net................................................................................. 154,497 150,293
Advances to USAI and Subsidiaries................................................................ 410,107 132,175
Deferred income taxes............................................................................ 61,755 99,646
Deferred charges and other, net.................................................................. 36,934 39,075
--------- ---------
$7,231,644 $7,002,564
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are
an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
---- ----
December 31,
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term obligations...................................................... $3,758 $28,223
Accounts payable, trade.......................................................................... 147,864 159,288
Obligations for program rights and film costs.................................................... 265,235 184,074
Cable distribution fees payable ($18,733 and $18,633, respectively, to related parties).......... 43,993 44,588
Deferred revenue................................................................................. 47,536 30,813
Other accrued liabilities........................................................................ 271,846 260,441
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities........................................................................ 780,232 707,427
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (net of current maturities)................................................ 527,339 732,307
OBLIGATIONS FOR PROGRAM RIGHTS AND FILM COSTS,
net of current................................................................................... 256,260 409,716
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES...................................................................... 81,156 49,857
MINORITY INTEREST................................................................................ 4,244,114 3,783,085
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.................................................................... - -
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock..................................................................................... 1,221,408 1,221,408
Additional paid-in capital....................................................................... 70,312 70,755
Retained earnings................................................................................ 50,823 18,379
Accumulated other comprehensive income........................................................... - 10,353
Unearned compensation............................................................................ - (723)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity....................................................................... 1,342,543 1,320,172
--------- ---------
$7,231,644 $7,002,564
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are
an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accumulated
Additional Other
Common Paid-in Retained Unearned Comprehensive
Total Stock Capital Earnings Compensation Income
----- ------ ---------- -------- ------------ -------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996 $1,289,463 $1,221,408 $70,755 $5 $(2,705) $-
Amortization of unearned
compensation related to
stock options and equity
participation plans........ 1,132 - - - 1,132 -
Net earnings for the year
ended December 31, 1997.... 13,809 - 13,809 - -
---------- ---------- ------- ------- ------ -------
Balance at December 31, 1997 1,304,404 1,221,408 70,755 13,814 (1,573) -
Comprehensive Income:
Net earnings for the year
ended December 31, 1998 4,565 - - 4,565 - -
Increase in unrealized
gains in available for sale
securities 10,353 - - - - 10,353
--------
Comprehensive income 14,918
Amortization of unearned
compensation related to
stock options and equity
participation plans........ 850 - - - 850 -
---------- ---------- ------- ------- ------ -------
Balance at December 31, 1998 $1,320,172 $1,221,408 $70,755 $18,379 $(723) $10,353
Comprehensive Income:
Net earnings for the year
ended December 31, 1999 85,199 - - 85,199 - -
Decrease in unrealized
gains in available for sale
securities (10,353) - - - - (10,353)
----------
Comprehensive income 74,846
Mandatory tax distribution
to LLC partners............ (52,755) - - (52,755) - -
Amortization of unearned
compensation related to
stock options and equity
participation plans........ 280 - (443) - 723 -
---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----- -----
Balance at December 31, 1999 $1,342,543 $1,221,408 $70,312 $50,823 $- $-
---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----- -----
---------- ---------- ------- ------- ----- -----
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss) $85,199 $4,565 $13,809
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 175,539 152,537 45,891
Amortization of cable distribution fees 26,680 22,089 19,261
Amortization of program rights and film costs 532,900 509,397 -
Amortization of deferred financing costs 5,035 5,503 825
Deferred income taxes 13,298 12,500 13,583
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated affiliates (1,866) 18,238 12,492
Minority interest 241,369 87,262 -
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (33,879) (115,955) (5,290)
Inventories (16,805) (136,160) (37,389)
Accounts payable (11,233) 75,058 14,839
Accrued liabilities and deferred revenue 28,738 84,152 3,174
Payment for program rights and film costs (555,383) (426,949) -
Increase in cable distribution fees (42,887) (11,338) (16,959)
Other, net (19,007) (2,625) (30,168)
-------- --------- --------
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities 427,698 278,274 34,068
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of Universal Transaction, net of cash acquired - (1,297,233) -
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (7,500) - -
Capital expenditures (70,681) (52,085) (27,812)
Increase in long-term investments and notes receivable (54,478) (23,226) (26,979)
Proceeds from sale of securities 107,231 - -
Payment of merger and financing costs - (24,105) -
Other, net 8,654 (3,910) 5,000
-------- --------- --------
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (16,774) (1,400,559) (49,791)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Advances (to)/from USAi (493,985) (105,105) 23,390
Borrowings - 1,641,380 -
Net proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes - 494,350 -
Principal payments on long-term obligations (253,224) (1,491,484) (919)
Payment of mandatory tax distribution to LLC partners (52,755) - -
Repurchase of LLC shares (8,934) - -
Proceeds from issuance of LLC shares 410,545 795,025 -
-------- --------- --------
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities (398,353) 1,334,166 22,471
-------- --------- --------
Net Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents 12,571 211,881 6,748
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............................... 234,903 23,022 16,274
-------- --------- --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period..................................... $247,474 $234,903 $23,022
-------- --------- --------
-------- --------- --------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are
an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE>
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION
Home Shopping Network, Inc. (the "Company" or "Home Shopping"), is a
holding company, whose subsidiary USANi LLC is engaged in diversified media and
electronic commerce businesses. In December 1996, the Company consummated a
merger with USA Networks, Inc. ("USAi"), formerly known as HSN, Inc., and became
a subsidiary of USAi (the "Home Shopping Merger").
On February 12, 1998, USAi acquired USA Networks, a New York general
partnership, consisting of cable television networks, USA Network and Sci-Fi
Channel ("Networks"), as well as the domestic television production and
distribution businesses of Universal Studios ("Studios USA") from Universal
Studios, Inc. ("Universal"), an entity controlled by The Seagram Company Ltd.
("Seagram") (the "Universal Transaction").
In connection with the Universal Transaction, the Company formed a new
subsidiary, USANi LLC, and contributed the operating assets of the Home Shopping
Network services ("HSN") to USANi LLC. Furthermore, USAi contributed Networks
and Studios USA to USANi LLC on February 12, 1998.
As of December 31, 1999, the Company engages in three principal areas of
business:
o Networks and television production, which includes Networks and
Studios USA. Networks operates the USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel
cable networks and Studios USA produces and distributes television
programming.
o Electronic retailing, consisting primarily of the Home Shopping
Network and America's Store, which are engaged in the electronic
retailing business.
o Internet services, which represents Internet Shopping Network, the
Company's on-line retailing networks business.
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and all wholly-owned and voting-controlled subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
Investments in which the Company owns a 20%, but not in excess of 50%,
interest and where it can exercise significant influence over the operations of
the investee, are accounted for using the equity method. All other investments
are accounted for using the cost method. The Company periodically evaluates the
recoverability of investments recorded under the cost method and recognizes
losses if a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary.
Revenues
Networks and Television Production
Television production revenues are recognized as completed episodes are
delivered. Generally, television programs are first licensed for network
exhibition and foreign syndication, and subsequently for domestic syndication,
cable television and home video. Certain television programs are produced and/or
distributed directly for initial exhibition by local television stations,
advertiser-supported cable television, pay television and/or home video.
Television production advertising revenues (i.e., sales of advertising time
received by Studios USA in lieu of cash fees for the licensing of program
broadcast rights to a broadcast station ("barter syndication")) are recognized
upon both the commencement of the license period of the program and the sale of
advertising time pursuant to non-cancelable agreements, provided that the
program is available for its first broadcast. Foreign minimum guaranteed amounts
are recognized as revenues on the commencement date of the license
<PAGE>
agreement, provided the program is available for exhibition.
Networks advertising revenue is recognized in the period in which the
advertising commercials are aired on cable networks. Provisions are recorded
against advertising revenues for audience under deliveries ("makegoods").
Affiliate fees are recognized in the period during which the programming is
provided.
Electronic Retailing and Internet Services
Revenues from electronic retailing and internet services primarily consist
of merchandise sales and are reduced by incentive discounts and sales returns to
arrive at net sales. Revenues are recorded for credit card sales upon
transaction authorization, and for check sales upon receipt of customer payment,
which does not vary significantly from the time goods are shipped. Home
Shopping's sales policy allows merchandise to be returned at the customer's
discretion within 30 days of the date of delivery. Allowances for returned
merchandise and other adjustments are provided based upon past experience.
Program Rights
License agreements for program material are accounted for as a purchase of
program rights. The asset related to the program rights acquired and the
liability for the obligation incurred are recorded at their net present value
when the license period begins and the program is available for its initial
broadcast. The asset is amortized primarily based on the estimated number of
airings. Amortization is computed generally on the straight-line basis as
programs air; however, when management estimates that the first airing of a
program has more value than subsequent airings, an accelerated method of
amortization is used. Other costs related to programming, which include program
assembly, commercial integration and other costs, are expensed as incurred.
Management periodically reviews the carrying value of program rights and records
write-offs, as warranted, based on changes in programming usage.
Merchandise Inventories, Net
Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost
being determined using the first-in, first-out method. Cost includes freight,
certain warehouse costs and other allocable overhead. Market is determined on
the basis of net realizable value, giving consideration to obsolescence and
other factors. Merchandise inventories are presented net of an inventory
carrying adjustment of $29.1 million and $23.4 million at December 31, 1999 and
1998, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments.
Short-term investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Securities, U.S.
Government agencies and certificates of deposit with original maturities of less
than 91 days.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, including significant improvements, are
recorded at cost. Repairs and maintenance and any gains or losses on
dispositions are included in operations.
Depreciation and amortization is provided for on a straight-line basis to
allocate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated
service lives.
Asset Category Depreciation/Amortization Period
Computer and broadcast equipment............................ 3 to 13 Years
Buildings................................................... 30 to 40 Years
Leasehold improvements...................................... 4 to 20 Years
Furniture and other equipment............................... 3 to 10 Years
Depreciation and amortization expense on property, plant and equipment was
$41.0 million and $35.0 million for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.
<PAGE>
Long-Lived Assets Including Intangibles
The Company's accounting policy regarding the assessment of the
recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets, including goodwill
and other intangibles and property, plant and equipment, is to review the
carrying value of the assets if the facts and circumstances suggest that they
may be impaired. If this review indicates that the carrying value will not be
recoverable, as determined based on the projected undiscounted future cash
flows, the carrying value is reduced to its estimated fair value.
Cable Distribution Fees
Cable distribution fees relate to upfront fees paid in connection with
long term cable contracts for carriage of Home Shopping's programming. These
fees are amortized to expense on a straight line basis over the terms of the
respective contracts, with original terms from 5 to 15 years.
Advertising
Advertising costs are primarily expensed in the period incurred.
Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 were
$95.5 million, $88.8 million and $13.2 million, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company is subject to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123 "Accounting and Disclosure of Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"). As
allowed by SFAS 123, the Company accounts for stock-based compensation in
accordance with APB 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." In cases
where exercise prices are less than fair value as of the grant date,
compensation is recognized over the vesting period.
Minority Interest
Minority interest represents the ownership interests of third parties in
the net assets and results of operations of certain consolidated subsidiaries.
Accounting Estimates
Management of the Company is required to make certain estimates and
assumptions during the preparation of consolidated financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and
assumptions impact the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures
of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated
financial statements. They also impact the reported amount of net earnings
during any period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates underlying the accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the inventory carrying adjustment, program rights and film
cost amortization, sales return and other revenue allowances, allowance for
doubtful accounts, recoverability of intangibles and other long-lived assets,
estimates of film revenue ultimates and various other operating allowances and
accruals.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior years' consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to the 1999 presentation.
NOTE 3--BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
Universal Transaction
In connection with the Universal Transaction, USAi paid Universal
approximately $4.1 billion in the form of a cash
<PAGE>
payment of approximately $1.6 billion, a portion of which ($300 million plus
interest) was deferred until no later than June 30, 1998, and an effective 45.8%
interest in USAi through shares of USAi common stock and USAi Class B Common
Stock, and LLC Shares which are exchangeable (subject to regulatory
restrictions) into shares of USAi Common Stock and USAi Class B Common Stock. At
the closing of the Universal Transaction, USAi contributed its Home Shopping
business to USANi LLC, a subsidiary of USAi.
The Investment Agreement, as amended and restated as of December 18, 1997,
among USAi, Home Shopping, Universal and Liberty (the "Investment Agreement"),
relating to the Universal Transaction also contemplated that, on or prior to
June 30, 1998, the Company and Liberty, a subsidiary of AT&T Corporation
("AT&T"), would complete a transaction involving a $300 million cash investment,
plus an interest factor, by Liberty in the Company through the purchase of
Common Stock or LLC Shares. The transaction closed on June 30, 1998 with Liberty
making a cash payment of $308.5 million in exchange for 30,000,000 LLC shares.
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for
the year ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, is presented to reflect the results
of the Company as if the Universal Transaction occurred at the beginning of each
of the periods presented. The pro forma results include certain adjustments,
including increased amortization related to goodwill, changes in programming and
film costs amortization and an increase in interest expense, and are not
necessarily indicative of what the results would have been had the Universal
Transaction actually occurred on the aforementioned dates.
Years Ended
December 31,
--------------
1998 1997
---- ----
(In thousands)
Net revenues................................... $2,362,874 $2,144,664
Net earnings................................... 143,187 65,648
NOTE 4--INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets represents goodwill which is amortized using the
straight-line method over 40 years.
Goodwill primarily relates to the acquisition by USAi of Home Shopping and
the Universal Transaction, and represents the excess of purchase price over the
fair value of assets acquired and is net of accumulated amortization of $284.7
million and $150.7 million at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
NOTE 5--LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Unsecured Senior Credit Facility; with a $40,000,000 sub-limit for letters of credit, entered
into February 12, 1998, which matures on December 31, 2002. At the Company's option, the
interest rate on borrowings is tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or the Alternate Base
Rate ("ABR"), plus an applicable margin. Interest rate at December 31, 1998 was 6.0%................... $- $250,000
$500,000,000 6 3'4% Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes") due November 15, 2005; interest payable May 15
and November 15 commencing May 15, 1999. Interest rate at December 31, 1999 was 6.84%.................. 497,914 496,896
Other long-term obligations maturing through 2007..................................................... 33,183 13,634
Total long-term obligations........................................................................... 531,097 760,530
Less current maturities............................................................................... (3,758) (28,223)
Long-term obligations, net of current maturities...................................................... $527,339 $732,307
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
On February 12, 1998, USAi and USANi LLC, as borrower, entered into a
credit agreement which provides for a $1.6 billion credit facility. The credit
facility was used to finance the Universal Transaction and to refinance USAi's
then-existing $275.0 million revolving credit facility. The credit facility
consists of (1) a $600.0 million revolving credit facility with a $40.0 million
sub-limit for letters of credit, (2) a $750.0 million Tranche A Term Loan and,
(3) a $250.0 million Tranche B Term Loan. The Tranche A Term Loan and the
Tranche B Term Loan have been permanently repaid as of December 31, 1999, as
described below. The revolving credit facility expires on December 31, 2002.
On November 23, 1998, USAi and USANi LLC completed an offering of $500.0
million 6 3'4% Senior Notes due 2005 (the "Notes"). Proceeds received from the
sale of the Notes together with available cash were used to repay and
permanently reduce $500.0 million of the Tranche A Term Loan. On August 5, 1998,
USANi LLC permanently repaid the Tranche B Term Loan in the amount of $250.0
million from cash on hand. In 1999 the Company permanently repaid the Tranche A
Term Loan in the amount of $250.0 million from cash on hand.
The credit facility is guaranteed by substantially all of USAi's
material subsidiaries. The interest rate on borrowings under the existing credit
facility is tied to an alternate base rate or the London InterBank Rate, in each
case, plus an applicable margin, and $598.7 million was available for borrowing
as of December 31, 1999 after taking into account outstanding letters of credit.
The credit facility includes covenants requiring, among other things,
maintenance of specific operating and financial ratios and places restrictions
on payments of dividends, incurrence of indebtedness and investments. The
Company pays a commitment fee of .1875% on the unused portion of the credit
facility.
Aggregate contractual maturities of long-term obligations are as follows:
Years Ending December 31, (In thousands)
- ------------------------- --------------
2000................................................ $3,758
2001................................................ 6,500
2002................................................ 6,315
2003................................................ 2,722
2004................................................ 2,031
Thereafter.......................................... 509,771
--------
$531,097
--------
--------
NOTE 6--INCOME TAXES
In connection with the Home Shopping Merger on December 20, 1996, Home
Shopping became a subsidiary of USAi and began to be included in the
consolidated federal tax returns of USAi. Federal income tax expense represents
an allocation of income tax expense from USAi, calculated as if Home Shopping
was a separate filer for federal tax purposes.
A reconciliation of total income tax expense to the amounts computed by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes
is shown as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended
December 31,
------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income tax expense at the federal statutory rate of 35%.......... $140,064 $45,199 $14,454
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles................... 11,618 12,369 10,916
State income taxes, net of effect of federal tax benefit......... 10,128 4,363 723
Impact of minority interest...................................... (87,246) (26,509) -
Other, net....................................................... (1,246) 1,891 1,397
------- ------- -------
Income tax expense............................................... $73,318 $37,313 $27,490
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended
December 31,
------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current income tax expense (benefit):
Federal $47,265 $20,061 $12,795
State 12,755 4,752 1,112
------- ------- ------
Current income tax expense (benefit) 60,020 24,813 13,907
Deferred income tax expense:
Federal 10,472 10,541 12,955
State 2,826 1,959 628
------- ------- ------
Deferred income tax expense 13,298 12,500 13,583
------- ------- ------
Total income tax expense $73,318 $37,313 $27,490
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The tax effects of cumulative temporary differences that give rise to
significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at
December 31, 1999 and 1998, are presented below. The valuation allowance
represents items for which it is more likely than not that the tax benefit will
not be realized.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Inventory costing $5,141 $6,860
Provision for accrued expenses 4,682 5,742
Deferred revenue (19,336) (20,212)
Other 21,590 17,058
------- ------
Total current deferred tax assets $12,077 $9,448
Non-current deferred tax assets:
Broadcast and cable fee contracts $4,300 $10,381
Programming costs 43,249 31,847
Amortization of tax deductible goodwill (39,353) (19,464)
Other 57,156 80,479
------- ------
Total non-current deferred tax assets 65,352 103,243
Less valuation allowance (3,597) (3,597)
------- ------
Net non-current deferred tax assets $61,755 $99,646
------- -------
------- -------
</TABLE>
The Company has Federal income tax returns under examination by the
Internal Revenue Service. The Company has received proposed adjustments related
to certain examinations. Management believes that the resolution of the proposed
adjustments will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 7--AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases satellite transponders, computers, warehouse and office
space, as well as broadcast and production facilities, equipment and services
used in connection with its operations under various operating leases and
contracts, many of which contain escalation clauses.
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Future minimum payments under non-cancellable agreements are as
follows:
Years Ending December 31, (In thousands)
- ------------------------- --------------
2000.................................................. $46,243
2001.................................................. 43,948
2002.................................................. 36,270
2003.................................................. 18,346
2004.................................................. 13,320
Thereafter............................................ 14,460
--------
$172,587
--------
--------
Expenses charged to operations under these agreements were $44.1 million,
$45.9 million and $20.0 million for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
The Company is required to provide funding, from time to time, for the
operations of its investments in joint ventures accounted for under the equity
method.
NOTE 8--INVENTORIES
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, December 31,
1999 1998
---- ----
Current Noncurrent Current Noncurrent
------- ---------- ------- ----------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Film costs:
Released, net of amortization $76,183 $47,012 $98,082 $61,283
In process and unreleased 38,366 2,378 138 -
Programming costs, net of amortization................................ 149,959 105,107 151,192 89,010
Sales merchandise, net................................................ 168,012 - 162,315 -
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total $432,520 $154,497 $411,727 $150,293
-------- -------- -------- --------
-------- -------- -------- --------
</TABLE>
The Company estimates that approximately 90% of unamortized film costs at
December 31, 1999 will be amortized within the next three years.
NOTE 9--LITIGATION
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is engaged in various
lawsuits, including certain class action lawsuits initiated in connection with
the Home Shopping Merger and the Ticketmaster Transaction. In the opinion of
management, the ultimate outcome of the various lawsuits should not have a
material impact on the liquidity, results of operations or financial condition
of the Company.
NOTE 10--BENEFIT PLANS
The Company offers various plans pursuant to Section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code covering substantially all full-time employees who are not
party to collective bargaining agreements. The Company's share of the matching
employer contributions is set at the discretion of the Board of Directors or the
applicable committee thereof.
NOTE 11--STOCK OPTION PLANS
The following describes the stock option plans. Share numbers, prices and
earnings per share reflect USAi's two-for-one stock split to holders of record
at the close of business on February 10, 2000.
USAi has outstanding options to employees or consultants of the Company
under several plans (the "Plans") which provide for the grant of options to
purchase USAi's common stock at not less than fair market value on the date of
the grant. The options under the Plans vest ratably, generally over a range of
three to five years from the date of grant and generally expire not more than 10
years from the date of grant. Four of the Plans have options available for
future grants.
USAi also has outstanding options to outside directors under one plan (the
"Directors Plan") which provides for the grant of options to purchase USAi's
common stock at not less than fair market value on the date of the grant. The
options under the Directors Plan vest ratably, generally over three years from
the date of grant and expire not more than 10 years from the date of grant. A
summary of changes in outstanding options under the stock option plans following
the Company's two-for-one stock split, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------
Price Price Price
Shares Range Shares Range Shares Range
------ ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(Shares in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning of period................................. 68,916 $2-37 65,872 $2-37 32,598 $1-37
Granted or issued in connection with mergers....................... 8,093 $16-28 7,338 $9-15 23,160 $5-10
Exercised.......................................................... (7,881) $1-13 (3,074) $2-8 (1,936) $1-8
Cancelled.......................................................... (798) $6-18 (1,220) $3-13 (1,096) $3-37
Options transferred to employees and outside directors of USAi..... - - 13,146 $1-8
------ ------ ------
Outstanding at end of period....................................... 68,330 $1-37 68,916 $2-37 65,872 $1-37
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
Options exercisable................................................ 44,697 $1-37 34,422 $2-37 21,680
------ ------ ------
------ ------ ------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The weighted average exercise prices during the year ended December 31,
1999, were $23.77, $6.05 and $11.56 for options granted, options exercised and
options cancelled, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options
granted during the year was $9.52.
The weighted average exercise prices during the year ended December 31,
1998, were $12.62, $5.04 and $12.34 for options granted, exercised and
cancelled, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted
during the year was $12.56.
The weighted average exercise prices during the year ended December 31,
1997, were $9.39, $3.70 and $7.35 for options granted, exercised and cancelled,
respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
was $5.91.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------- -------------------
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Remaining Average Exercisable at Average
Outstanding at Contractual Exercise December 31, Exercise
Range of Exercise Price December 31, 1999 Life Price 1999 Price
- ----------------------- ----------------- ---- ----- ---- -----
(In thousands) (In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$0.01 to $5.00....................... 18,850 5.8 $4.71 19,509 $4.71
$5.01 to $10.00...................... 32,055 7.0 8.20 23,057 7.68
$10.01 to $15.00..................... 8,362 8.6 12.51 1,994 12.50
$15.01 to $20.00..................... 3,612 9.1 18.71 20 19.44
$20.01 to $25.00..................... 662 8.4 21.42 117 21.44
$25.01 to $37.00..................... 4,789 9.9 27.91 - -
------ ------
68,330 7.2 9.83 44,697 6.64
------ ------
------ ------
</TABLE>
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required SFAS 123. The information is determined as if the Company had accounted
for its employee stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the
fair market value method. The fair value for these options was estimated at the
date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions for 1999, 1998 and 1997: risk-free interest rates
of 5.0%, 5.0% and 5.5%, respectively; a dividend yield of zero; a volatility
factor of .44, .56 and .71, respectively, based on the expected market price of
USAi Common Stock based on historical trends; and a weighted-average expected
life of the options of five years.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair market value of traded options which have no vesting
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models
require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock
price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have
characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because
changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair
market value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not
necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee
stock options.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's
pro forma information follows:
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pro forma net income (loss) (in thousands)................. $357,900 $89,010 $(1,137)
</TABLE>
These pro forma amounts may not be representative of future disclosures
since the estimated fair value of stock options is amortized to expense over the
vesting period and additional options may be granted in future years.
NOTE 12--STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Transactions for the year ended December 31,
1999:
In 1999, the Company acquired post-production equipment through a
capital lease totaling $2.5 million.
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Transactions for the year ended December 31,
1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
--------------
<S> <C>
Acquisition of Networks and Studios USA
Acquisition price.................................................................. $4,115,531
Less: Amount paid in cash.......................................................... (1,300,983)
Total non-cash consideration....................................................... $2,814,548
Components of non-cash consideration:
Deferred purchase price liability.................................................. $300,000
Issuance of USAi Common Shares and USAi Class B Shares............................. 277,898
Issuance of USANi LLC Shares....................................................... 2,236,650
$2,814,548
Exchange of Class B USANi LLC Shares for Deferred Purchase Price Liability......... $304,636
</TABLE>
During the period ended December 31, 1998, the Company acquired computer
equipment through a capital lease totaling $15.5 million.
On December 30, 1998, the Company acquired from Universal an entity which
owned 3,411,308 Class B LLC Shares in exchange for issuing to Universal 670,000
shares of USAi Class B Common Stock and 2,741,308 shares of USAi Common Stock.
The transaction resulted in the Class B LLC Shares being converted into Class A
LLC Shares.
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended
December 31,
------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest............................................................... $47,112 $68,751 $5,875
Income tax payments.................................................... 3,935 - 6,339
Income tax refund...................................................... - - 5,732
</TABLE>
NOTE 13--RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 1999, the Company was involved in several agreements
with related parties as follows:
The Company entered into a lease agreement with an entity owned by the
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company providing for
the use of an aircraft for corporate purposes. The lease has a five-year term
and is terminable by either party on thirty days' notice. In the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company paid a total of $2.1 million, $2.0
million and $2.7 million, respectively, related to the use of the aircraft.
Universal provides certain support services to the Company under a
Transition Services agreement entered into in connection with the Universal
Transaction. For these services, which include use of pre-production, production
and post-production facilities, information technology services, physical
distribution, contract administration, legal services and office space,
Universal charged the Company $12.5 million and $15.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, of which $8.0 million and $8.5
million was capitalized to production costs, respectively.
Universal and the Company entered into an International Television
Distribution Agreement under which the Company pays to Universal a distribution
fee of 10% on all programming owned or controlled by the Company distributed
outside of the United States. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998,
the fee totaled $9.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
In addition, the Company and Universal entered into a Domestic Television
Distribution Agreement under which the Company distributes in the United States
certain of Universal's television programming. For the years ended December 31,
1999 and 1998, Universal paid the Company $1.5 million in both years.
In the normal course of business, Home Shopping Network and Networks enter
into agreements with the operators of cable television systems and operators of
broadcast television stations for the carriage of Home Shopping, USA Network and
Sci-Fi Channel programming. Home Shopping Network and Networks have entered into
agreements with a number of cable operators that are affiliates of AT&T. The
long-term contracts for Home Shopping Network provide for a minimum subscriber
guarantee and incentive payments based on the number of subscribers. Cash paid
by Home Shopping Network to AT&T and certain of its affiliates under these
contracts for cable commissions and advertising was $9.5 million, $9.5 million,
and $9.6 million for the years ended 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively. The
long-term contracts for Networks provide for subscriber fee payments to
Networks. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, AT&T paid $70.4 and
$62.2 million respectively to Networks under these agreements.
Home Shopping has affiliation agreements with USA Broadcasting
("USAB"), a wholly owned subsidiary of USAi which provides for the USAB's
broadcast of Home Shopping's electronic retailing programming on a full-time
basis. Expense related to these affiliation agreements with USAB for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $38.1 million, $38.7 million and
$41.7 million, respectively.
Under the USANi LLC Operating Agreement, USANi LLC is obligated to make
a distribution to each of the LLC members in an amount equal to each member's
share of USANi LLC's taxable income at a specified tax rate. The first such
payment was made on March 1, 1999 to USAi, Universal and Liberty covering the
year ended December 31, 1998 in the amount of $52.8 million, of which $24.0
million was paid by USAi.
NOTE 14--TRANSACTIONS WITH USAi AND SUBSIDIARIES
Advances to USAi and subsidiaries generally represent net amounts
transferred from the Company to USAi and its subsidiaries to fund operations and
other related items. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, all excess cash held
at USAi and subsidiaries is transferred to the Company no less frequently than
monthly and the Company may transfer funds to USAi to satisfy obligations of
USAi and its subsidiaries. Under the Investment Agreement, transfers of cash are
evidenced by a demand note and accrue interest at the Company's borrowing rate
under the credit facility.
During the year ended December 31, 1999, net transfers from USANi LLC to
USAi totaling approximately $429.1 million, including $372.2 million related to
the Hotel Reservations Network Transaction and the October Films/PFE Transaction
(including $200 million to make the Universal Advance), $50.9 million to fund
the operations of USAi's television broadcast operations, $98.6 million to repay
a portion of the outstanding borrowings assumed in the October Films/PFE
Transaction and $8.8 million to fund the operations of USA Films. Funds were
also transferred to USAi to purchase shares of treasury stock. These amounts
were offset by $79.4 million and $40.0 million of funds transferred to USANi LLC
from the Ticketing operations business and the Hotel reservations business,
respectively. During the year ended December 31, 1998 net cash transfers
totaling approximately $118.2 million were made to repay USAi's revolving credit
facility, repay Ticketmaster's bank credit facility, and fund the operations of
USAi's broadcast operation, offset by proceeds from the sale of the assets of SF
Broadcasting and USAi's Baltimore television station. The interest incurred on
the net transfers for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 was
approximately $7.2 million and $9.5 million, respectively.
<PAGE>
The Company allocates certain overhead expenses to the USAi parent company
based upon the fair value of services performed. Expenses allocated for the
periods ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 were $8.6 million and $5.9 million,
respectively.
In accordance with the Investment Agreement, certain transfers of funds
between the Company and USAi are not evidenced by a demand note and do not
accrue interest, primarily relating to the establishment of the operations of
the Company and to equity contributions.
NOTE 15--QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
Ended Ended Ended Ended
December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
------------ ------------- -------- ---------
(In thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1999
Net revenues................................................. $718,037 $594,857 $611,114 $617,889
Operating profit............................................. 117,254 68,048 76,450 81,843
Net earnings (a)............................................. 23,891 21,237 8,573 31,498
Year Ended December 31, 1998 (b)
Net revenues................................................. $657,322 $548,418 $584,412 $415,358
Operating profit............................................. 83,858 50,261 66,755 30,856
Net earnings................................................. 7,229 (6,142) 6,715 (3,237)
</TABLE>
(a) In the first quarter of 1999, the Company recorded a gain of $11.5 million
related to the reversal of equity losses which were previously recorded in
1998 as a result of the Universal Transaction. Furthermore, the Company
recorded gains on the sale of securities of $47.3 million, $3.0 million,
and $39.5 million in the first, second and third quarters of 1999,
respectively.
(b) Includes the operations of Networks and Studios USA since their
acquisition on February 12, 1998.
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 16--INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company operated
principally in three industry segments: Networks and television production,
Electronic retailing and Internet services. The Networks and television
production segment consists of the cable networks USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel
and Studios USA, which produces and distributes television programming. The
Electronic retailing segment consists of Home Shopping Network and America's
Store, which are engaged in the sale of merchandise through electronic
retailing. The Internet services segment represents the Company's on-line
retailing networks business.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue
Networks and television production.............................................. $1,305,871 $1,085,685 $-
Electronic retailing............................................................ 1,204,524 1,084,139 1,008,162
Internet services............................................................... 24,620 21,191 12,857
Other........................................................................... 6,882 14,495 16,041
---------- ---------- ----------
$2,541,897 $2,205,510 $1,037,060
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit (loss)
<PAGE>
Networks and television production.............................................. $319,500 $190,191 $-
Electronic retailing............................................................ 96,265 76,502 78,848
Internet services............................................................... (42,392) (17,296) (9,851)
Corporate and other............................................................. (29,778) (17,667) (7,855)
---------- ---------- ----------
$343,595 $231,730 $61,142
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Assets
Networks and television production.............................................. $5,524,436 $5,190,669 $-
Electronic retailing............................................................ 1,810,401 1,777,524 1,641,048
Internet services............................................................... 27,622 12,711 6,197
Corporate and other............................................................. 110,467 21,781 6,630
---------- ---------- ----------
$7,472,926 $7,002,685 $1,653,875
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Depreciation and amortization
Networks and television production.............................................. $113,034 $99,225 $-
Electronic retailing............................................................ 83,808 72,312 62,811
Internet services............................................................... 3,167 1,436 1,903
Corporate and other............................................................. 2,210 1,653 438
---------- ---------- ----------
$202,219 $174,626 $65,152
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Capital expenditures
Networks and television production.............................................. $6,771 $5,616 $-
Electronic retailing............................................................ 47,197 42,269 25,063
Internet services............................................................... 13,618 2,968 2,125
Corporate and other............................................................. 3,095 1,232 624
---------- ---------- ----------
$70,681 $52,085 $27,812
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
NOTE 17--FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The additional disclosure below of the estimated fair value of financial
instruments was made in accordance with the requirements of Statements of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 107. The estimated fair value amounts have
been determined by the Company using available market information and
appropriate valuation methodologies when available. The carrying value of all
current assets and current liabilities approximates fair value due to their
short-term nature.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1999 December 31, 1998
----------------- -----------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents.................................................. $247,474 $247,474 $234,903 $234,903
Long-term investments...................................................... 93,742 93,742 71,601 71,601
Long-term obligations...................................................... 531,097 531,097 760,530 760,530
</TABLE>
NOTE 18--PROGRAM RIGHTS AND FILM COSTS
As of December 31, 1999, the liability for program rights, representing
future payments to be made under program contract agreements amounted to $468.4
million. Annual payments required are $219.5 million in 2000, $118.9 million in
2001, $77.9 million in 2002, $30.5 million in 2003, $15.1 million in 2004 and
$6.5 million in 2005 and thereafter. Amounts representing interest are $50.0
million and the present value of future payments is $418.4 million.
As of December 31, 1999, the liability for film costs amounted to $103.1
million. Annual payments are $72.6 million in 2000 and $30.5 million in 2001.
Unrecorded commitments for program rights consist of programs for which
the license period has not yet begun or the program is not yet available to air.
As of December 31, 1999, the unrecorded commitments amounted to $748.8 million.
Annual commitments are $138.6 million in 2000, $141.4 million in 2001, $124.7
million in 2002, $121.6 million in 2003, $99.6 million in 2004 and $122.9
million in 2005 and thereafter.
NOTE 19--GUARANTEE OF NOTES
USAi issued $500.0 million 6 3'4% Senior Notes due 2005 (the "Notes").
USANi LLC is a co-issuer and co-obligor of the Notes. The Notes are jointly,
severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of USAi,
including the Company and all of the subsidiaries of USANi LLC (other than
subsidiaries that are, individually and in the aggregate, inconsequential to
USANi LLC on a consolidated basis) (collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors").
All of the Subsidiary Guarantors (other than the Company) (the "Wholly Owned
Subsidiary Guarantors") are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company
or USANi LLC, as the case may be.
Separate financial statements for each of the Wholly Owned Subsidiary
Guarantors are not presented and such Wholly Owned Subsidiary Guarantors are not
filing separate reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 because the
Company's management has determined that the information contained in such
documents would not be material to investors.
<PAGE>
NOTE 20--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
On January 12, 2000, USAi announced that it reached a definitive agreement
to acquire Precision Response Corp. ("PRC") in a stock-for-stock transaction,
whereby each share of PRC will be exchanged for 1.08 USAi shares. The
transaction is expected to close in April 2000.
On January 25, 2000, USAi and Styleclick.com Inc., a leading enabler of
e-commerce for manufacturers and retailers, announced an agreement to form a new
company by merging USA's Internet Shopping Network ("ISN") and Styleclick.com.
The new company, which will be named Styleclick, Inc., will own and operate the
combined properties of Styleclick.com Inc. and ISN. Under the terms of the
agreement, USAi will also invest $40 million in cash, contribute $10 million in
dedicated media, and will receive warrants to purchase additional shares of the
new company. Upon both the closing of the transaction and on a fully diluted
basis, USAi will own approximately 75% of the new company and Styleclick.com
stockholders will own approximately 25%. In the interim, USAi has agreed to
extend a $10 million bridge loan to Styleclick.com. The transaction is expected
to close in the second quarter of 2000.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosures
Not applicable.
<PAGE>
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) List of Documents filed as part of this Report
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule Page
Number Number
-------- ------
<S> <C>
II --Valuation and Qualifying Accounts............................................................................ 101
(1)--Home Shopping Network, Inc. and Subsidiaries Financial Statements
Report of Independent Auditors........................................................................... 102
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 .............. 103
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 ............................................ 104
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 .... 106
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 .............. 107
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .............................................................. 108
</TABLE>
All other financial statements and schedules not listed have been omitted
since the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial
Statements or the notes thereto, or is not applicable or required.
(5)nExhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Description Number
Number ----------- ------
- ------
<S> <C> <C>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Exchange and Merger, dated as of August 25,
1996, by and among Silver King Communications, Inc.,
HouseAcquisition Corp., Home Shopping Network, Inc. and Liberty
HSN,Inc., filed as Appendix B to USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement,
dated November 20, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Silver King
Communications, Inc., Thames Acquisition Corporation and Savoy
Pictures Entertainment, Inc., as amended and restated as of August
13, 1996, filed as Appendix A to USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement,
dated November 20, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
2.3 Investment Agreement, dated as of October 19, 1997, among Universal
Studios, Inc., HSN, Inc., Home Shopping Network, Inc. and Liberty
Media Corporation, as amended and restated as of December 18, 1997,
filed as Appendix A to USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement, dated
January 12, 1998, is incorporated herein by reference.
2.4 Contribution Agreement, dated as of February 8, 1999, by and among
USAi, USANi LLC and USA Interactive Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.2 to
USAi's Form 8-K filed on February 26, 1999, is incorporated herein
by reference.
2.5 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 12, 2000, by and
among Precision Response Corporation, USAi and P Acquisition Corp.,
filed as Exhibit 1 to USAi's Schedule 13D filed on January 19, 2000
is incorporated herein by reference.
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of USAi filed as Exhibit 3.1
to USAi's Form 8-K, dated February 23, 1998, is incorporated herein
by reference.
<PAGE>
3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws of USAi filed as Exhibit 3.1 to USAi's
Form 8-K, dated January 9, 1998, is incorporated herein by
reference.
3.3 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Home Shopping Network,
Inc., as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.15 to USANi LLC's Registration
Statement on Form S-4, dated January 27,1999, is incorporated herein
by reference.
3.4 By-Laws of Home Shopping Network, Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.4 to Home
Shopping Network, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference
3.5 Certificate of Formation of USANi LLC, filed as Exhibit 3.3 to USANi
LLC's Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated January 27,1999, is
incorporated herein by reference.
3.6 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of USANi
LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.59 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, is incorporated herein by
reference.
4.1 Indenture, dated as of November 23, 1998, among USAi, USANi LLC, the
Guarantors party thereto, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee,
filed as Exhibit 4.1 to USAi's Registration Statement on Form S-4,
dated January 27, 1999 (the "S-4") is incorporated herein by
reference.
4.2 Form of 6 3'4% Senior Notes due 2005 (included as Exhibit B to
Exhibit 4.1 to USAi's S-4).
4.3 Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 23,
1998, among USAi, USANi LLC, the Guarantors party thereto, and Chase
Securities Inc., Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., BNY Capital Markets, Inc.
and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to
the S-4 is incorporated herein by reference.
4.4 Indenture, dated as of June 25, 1993, for the Savoy 7% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due July 1, 2003, filed as Exhibit 4(d) to
Savoy's S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-63192, is incorporated
herein by reference.
4.5 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 24, 1993, for the
Savoy 7% Convertible Debentures due July 1, 2003, filed as Exhibit
4(e) to Savoy's S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-70160, is
incorporated herein by reference.
4.6 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 17, 1993, for
the Savoy 7% Convertible Debentures due July 1, 2003, filed as
Exhibit 4(e) to Savoy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.
4.7 Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 19, 1996, for the
Savoy 7% Convertible Debentures due July 1, 2003 filed as Exhibit
4.1 to Savoy's Form 8-K, dated December 19, 1996, is incorporated
herein by reference.
10.1 Form of Affiliation Agreements between USAi and Home Shopping, filed
as Exhibit 10.2 to USAi's Registration Statement on Form 10, as
amended, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.2* Form of 1992 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan between USAi and
Home Shopping, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to USAi's Registration
Statement on Form 8, as amended, is incorporated herein by
reference.
10.3* Form of Retirement Savings and Employment Stock Ownership Plan,
filed as Exhibit 10.8 to USAi's Registration Statement on Form 8, as
amended, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.4 Form of Indemnification Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to USAi's
Registration Statement on Form 10, as amended, is incorporated
herein by reference.
10.5 Form of Loan Agreement, as amended, by and between Silver King
Capital Corporation, Inc. and Roberts Broadcasting Company of
Denver, filed as Exhibit 10.17 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K,
for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994, is incorporated herein by
reference.
10.6 Form of Shareholder Agreement by and among Silver King Capital
Corporation, Inc., Roberts Broadcasting Company of Denver, Michael
V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts, filed as Exhibit 10.18 to USAi's
Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 31,
1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.7 Limited Liability Company Agreement, Funding Agreement and Form of
First Amendment to LLC, Registration Rights Agreement and associated
documents between USAi, the Class A Shareholders of Blackstar
Communications, Inc. and Fox Television Stations, Inc., dated as of
June 27, 1995 and August 18, 1995, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to USAi's
Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 31,
1995, are incorporated herein by reference.
<PAGE>
10.8* 1986 Stock Option Plan for Employees, dated as of August 1, 1986,
filed as Exhibit 10.33 to Home Shopping's Form S-1 Registration
Statement No. 33-8560, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.9* First, Second, Third and Fourth Amendments to the 1986 Stock Option
Plan for Employees, filed as Exhibit 10.31 to Home Shopping's Annual
Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993,
are incorporated herein by reference.
10.10* Form of 1990 Executive Stock Award Program, dated as of October 17,
1990, as amended, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to Home Shopping's Annual
Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1991, is
incorporated herein by reference.
10.11 Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Home Shopping and The
National Registry Inc., dated as of April 28, 1992, filed as Exhibit
10.29 to Home Shopping's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1992, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.12* Home Shopping Network, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan and
Part-Time Employee Stock Purchase Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.30 to
Home Shopping's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.13* Home Shopping Network, Inc. Employee Equity Participation Plan and
Agreement and Declaration of Trust, filed as Exhibit 10.31 to Home
Shopping's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.14* Home Shopping Network, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan for Employees,
filed as Exhibit A to the Home Shopping Definitive Proxy Statement,
dated March 28, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.15* Home Shopping Network, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan for Outside
Directors, filed as Exhibit B to the Home Shopping Definitive Proxy
Statement, dated March 28, 1996, is incorporated herein by
reference.
10.16 Binding Term Sheet for the Stockholders Agreement, dated as of
August 24, 1995, between Barry Diller and Liberty Media Corporation
and the First Amendment thereto, dated August 25, 1996, filed as
Appendix I to USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement, dated November 20,
1996, are incorporated herein by reference.
10.17 Exchange Agreement, dated as of December 20, 1996, by and between
the Registrant and Liberty HSN, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.25 to
USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.18* Equity and Bonus Compensation Agreement, dated as of August 24,
1995, between Barry Diller and the Registrant filed as Exhibit 10.26
to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.19* Silver King Communications, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan filed as
Appendix G to USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement, dated November 20,
1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.20* Silver King Communications, Inc. Directors' Stock Option Plan filed
as Appendix H to USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement, dated November
20, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.21 Letter Agreement, dated April 3, 1996, between Home Shopping
Network, Inc. and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf filed as Exhibit 10.34
to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.22 Shareholders Agreement, dated December 12, 1996, relating to Jupiter
Shop Channel Co. Ltd. among Jupiter Programming Co. Ltd., Home
Shopping Network, Inc. and Jupiter Shop Channel Co. Ltd. filed as
Exhibit 10.35 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.23 Services and Trademark License Agreement, dated as of December 12,
1996, between Home Shopping Network, Inc. and Jupiter Shop Channel
Co. Ltd., filed as Exhibit 10.36 to USAi's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated
herein by reference.
10.24 Purchase and Sale Agreement among Home Shopping Network GmbH, Home
Shopping Network, Inc., Quelle Schickedanz AG & Co., Mr. Thomas
Kirch and Dr. Georg Kofler, dated as of January 16, 1997, filed as
Exhibit 10.37 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.25 Joint Venture Agreement between Quelle Schickedanz AG & Co., Home
Shopping Network, Inc.,
<PAGE>
Home Shopping Network GmbH, Mr. Thomas Kirch and Dr. Georg Kofler,
filed as Exhibit 5.3 to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, filed as
Exhibit 10.38 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.26 License Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1996, between Ronald A.
Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. and Home Shopping Network, Inc.,
filed as Exhibit 10.39 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by
reference.
10.27 Shareholder Agreement, dated as of April 26, 1996, by and among
Channel 66 of Vallejo, California, Inc., Whitehead Media of
California, Inc. and Silver King Capital Corporation, Inc., filed as
Exhibit 10.40 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.28 Loan Agreement, dated as of April 26, 1996, by and between SKC
Investments, Inc. and Channel 66 of Vallejo, California, Inc., filed
as Exhibit 10.41 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.29 Joint Venture and License Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1992,
between Savoy Pictures Entertainment, Inc. and Home Box Office, Inc.
(confidential treatment for portions thereof granted), filed as
Exhibit 10(a) to Savoy's S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-57956, is
incorporated herein by reference.
10.30 License Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1992, among Savoy Pictures
Entertainment, Inc. and Home Box Office, Inc. (confidential
treatment of portions thereof granted), filed as Exhibit 10(b) to
Savoy's S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-57956, is incorporated
herein by reference.
10.31 Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 2, 1992, between Savoy Pictures
Entertainment, Inc. and Allen & Company Incorporated, filed as
Exhibit 10(f) to Savoy's S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-57956, is
incorporated herein by reference.
10.32 Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 2, 1992, between Savoy Pictures
Entertainment, Inc. and GKH Partners, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10(g)
to Savoy's S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-57956, is incorporated
herein by reference.
10.33 Warrant Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1994, between Savoy and GKH
Partners, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Savoy's Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.34* Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (including form of Stock
Options Agreement) filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Savoy's Registration
Statement No. 33-70740, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.35* Savoy 1995 Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 10(+) to Savoy's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.36 $1,600,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated February 12, 1998, among
USAi, USANi LLC, as Borrower, Various Lenders, The Chase Manhattan
Bank as Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent and Collateral
Agent, and Bank of America National Trust & Savings Association and
The Bank of New York as Co- Documentation Agents, filed as Exhibit
10.50 to USAi's Annual Report on Form 10- K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.37 First Amendment and Consent, dated as of June 24, 1998, to the
Credit Agreement, dated February 12, 1998, among USAi, USANi LLC, as
Borrower, Various Lenders, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent and Collateral Agent, and
Bank of America National Trust & Savings Association and The Bank of
New York, as Co-Documentation Agents, filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the
S-4, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.38 Second Amendment, dated as of October 9, 1998, to the Credit
Agreement, dated February 12, 1998, among USAi, USANi LLC, as
Borrower, Various Lenders, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent and Collateral Agent, and
Bank of America National Trust & Savings Association and The Bank of
New York, as Co- Documentation Agents, filed as Exhibit 10.40 to the
S-4, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.39 Third Amendment, dated as of April 29, 1999, to the Credit
Agreement, dated February 12, 1998, among USAi, USANi LLC, as
Borrower, Various Lenders, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent and Collateral Agent, and
Bank of America National Trust & Savings Association and The Bank of
New York, as Co-Documentation Agents, filed as Exhibit 10.39 to
USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference.
<PAGE>
10.40 Fourth Amendment, dated as of January 31, 2000, to the Credit
Agreement, dated February 12, 1998, among USAi, USANi LLC, as
Borrower, Various Lenders, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent and Collateral Agent, and
Bank of America National Trust & Savings Association and The Bank of
New York, as Co-Documentation Agents, filed as Exhibit 10.40 to
USAi's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.41 Form of Governance Agreement among HSN, Inc., Universal Studios,
Inc., Liberty Media Corporation and Barry Diller, dated as of
October 19, 1997, filed as Appendix B to USAi's Definitive Proxy
Statement, dated January 12, 1998, is incorporated herein by
reference.
10.42 Form of Stockholders Agreement among Universal Studios, Inc.,
Liberty Media Corporation, Barry Diller, HSN, Inc. and The Seagram
Company Ltd. dated as of October 19, 1997, filed as Appendix C to
USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement, dated January 12, 1998, is
incorporated herein by reference.
10.43 Form of Spinoff Agreement between Liberty Media Corporation and
Universal Studios, Inc. dated as of October 19, 1997, filed as
Appendix D to USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement, dated January 12,
1998, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.44* HSN, Inc. 1997 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit F to
USAi's Definitive Proxy Statement, dated January 12, 1998, is
incorporated herein by reference.
10.45* Employment Agreement between Thomas J. Kuhn and HSN, Inc. dated
February 9, 1998 filed as Exhibit 10.56 to USAi's Annual Report on
Form 10- K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 is
incorporated herein by reference.
10.46* Employment Agreement between Michael P. Durney and USAi, dated March
30, 1998, filed as Exhibit 10.9 to USAi's 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1998, is incorporated herein by reference.
10.47* Employment Agreement between Michael Sileck and USAi, dated October
12, 1999, filed as Exhibit 10.47 to USAi's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 is incorporated
herein by reference.
10.48* Employment Agreement between Barry Baker and USAi, dated Fabruary
19, 1999, filed as Exhibit 10.48 to USAi's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 is incorporated
herein by reference.
10.49* HSN, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan ("Savings Plan"), filed as Exhibit
10.58 to USAi's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997 is incorporated herein by reference.
10.50* Amendment to the Savings Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.49 to the S-4, is
incorporated herein by reference.
10.51 Exchange Agreement, dated as of October 19, 1997, by and among HSN,
Inc. (renamed USA Networks, Inc.), Universal Studios, Inc. (and
certain of its subsidiaries) and Liberty Media Corporation (and
certain of its subsidiaries) filed as Exhibit 10.60 to USAi's Annual
Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, is
incorporated herein by reference.
10.52 License and Services Agreement, dated as of August 12, 1998, by and
between Ticketmaster Corporation, Ticketmaster Multimedia Holdings,
Inc., and USAi (confidential treatment for portions thereof
granted), filed as Exhibit 10.29 to Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch,
Inc.'s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 333-64855, is
incorporated herein by reference.
27.1** Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December 31, 1999 (for
SEC use only)
27.2** Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December 31, 1998 (for
SEC use only)
27.3** Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December 31, 1997 (for
SEC use only)
</TABLE>
* Reflects management contracts and compensatory plans.
** Filed herewith.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended December 31, 1999:
None
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
March 17, 2000
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC.
By: /s/ Barry Diller
Barry Diller
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 17, 2000.
Signature Title
--------- -----
/s/ Barry Diller Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Barry Diller Officer and Director
/s/ Victor A. Kaufman Vice Chairman and Director
Victor A. Kaufman
/s/ Thomas J. Kuhn Senior Vice President, General Counsel
Thomas J. Kuhn and Director
/s/ Michael Sileck Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Michael Sileck Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Michael P. Durney Vice President and Controller
Michael P. Durney (Chief Accounting Officer)
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
HOME SHOPPING NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance at Charges to Charges Balance
Beginning Costs and to Other Deductions- At End
of Period Expenses Accounts(2) Describe(1) of Period
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 31, 1999................. $20,572 $21,207 $(1,414) $(7,048) $33,317
Year ended December 31, 1998................. $2,177 $7,810 $14,933 $(4,348) $20,572
Year ended December 31, 1997................. $2,291 $3,008 -- $(3,122) $2,177
</TABLE>
(1) Write-off fully reserved accounts receivable.
(2) Amounts relate to the acquisition of USA Network as part of the Universal
Transaction in 1998. Exhibit 23.1
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1999
<CASH> 247,474
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 432,520
<ALLOWANCES> 33,317
<INVENTORY> 432,520
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,081,788
<PP&E> 212,558
<DEPRECIATION> 79,350
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,231,644
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 780,232
<BONDS> 531,097
0
0
<COMMON> 1,221,408
<OTHER-SE> 121,135
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,231,644
<SALES> 2,541,897
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 2,541,897
<CGS> 1,391,786
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,391,786
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 806,516
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 73,106
<INCOME-PRETAX> 399,886
<INCOME-TAX> 73,318
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 85,199
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 85,199
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 234,903
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 317,298
<ALLOWANCES> 20,572
<INVENTORY> 411,727
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,015,798
<PP&E> 161,784
<DEPRECIATION> 43,262
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,002,564
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 707,427
<BONDS> 760,530
0
0
<COMMON> 1,221,408
<OTHER-SE> 98,764
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,002,564
<SALES> 2,205,510
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 2,205,510
<CGS> 1,274,784
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,274,784
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 698,996
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 103,258
<INCOME-PRETAX> 129,140
<INCOME-TAX> 37,313
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 4,565
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 4,565
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 0
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 0
<PP&E> 0
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 0
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 0
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 0
<SALES> 1,037,060
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,037,060
<CGS> 614,799
<TOTAL-COSTS> 614,799
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 361,119
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 9,728
<INCOME-PRETAX> 41,299
<INCOME-TAX> 27,490
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 13,809
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 13,809
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
