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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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, 1998 Commission File No. 000-27582
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3853788
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification Number)
140 58th Street, Suite 7E, Brooklyn, NY 11220
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(718) 567-4300
(Registrant's telephone number)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share
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 the 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. |_|
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant was $22,905,649 on March 29, 1999, based on
the closing trade price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market system
on that date.
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 29, 1999 was
17,157,357.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Sections of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement (as defined in Part III
herein) for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held in May 1999.
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SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1 Business
Item 2 Properties
Item 3 Legal Proceedings
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters
Item 6 Selected Consolidated Financial Data
Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8 Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11 Executive Compensation
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
PART IV
Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
This Form 10-K contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These statements appear in a number of
places in this Form 10-K and include statements regarding the intent, belief or
current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to, among other
things, the ability of the Company to make capital expenditures, the ability to
incur additional debt, as necessary, to service and repay such debt, if any, as
well as other factors that may effect the Company's financial condition or
results of operations. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not
limited to, projections of revenues, income or losses, capital expenditures,
plans for future operations, financing needs or plans, compliance with covenants
in loan agreements, plans for liquidation or sale of assets or businesses, plans
relating to products or services of the Company, assessments of materiality,
predictions of future events, and the ability to obtain additional financing,
including the Company's ability to meet obligations as they become due, and
other pending and possible litigation, as well as assumptions relating to the
foregoing. All statements in this Form 10-K regarding industry prospects and the
Company's financial position are forward-looking statements. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date hereof. Although the Company believes that the
expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can
give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. The
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions
to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The Company
SPEEDUS.COM owns and operates an Internet broadcast system in New York
City capable of delivering data to customers at extraordinarily high speeds.
While T-1 lines are generally regarded as very high speed connections, suitable
for large enterprises, our SPEED service is 31 times faster downstream. These
data rates can transform the quality of the Internet transmissions from a
text-and-still-graphics environment to entertainment-quality experience, on a
full screen with full-motion video and audio. We are working with content
providers to offer programming uniquely supported by its network, as well as
traditional Internet access. SPEEDUS.COM also provides standard direct dial-up
and ISDN service (which is required as a backchannel for two-way Internet
service) and offers web site hosting and e-mail service.
The heart of THE SPEEDUS.COM Internet Broadband Broadcast System is its
local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) license from the FCC, which covers
a territory where 8.6 million people live or work. While our signals cannot be
received at all locations within our licensed area, we believe that where our
signals penetrate, we offer both business and residential customers the
lowest-cost, highest downstream speed Internet access solution available. We
currently have the right to use 450 MHz of spectrum (300 on a permanent basis
and an additional 150 until the first satellite system using these frequencies
is launched).
Our Network Operations Center (NOC), located at the Brooklyn Army
Terminal, supports traditional high-speed Internet services, and can serve
future content-provider venture partners through its data center, which is
capable of digitizing video feeds from any source for Internet transmission. The
NOC is connected to our satellite downlink facility and dedicated fiber network,
giving us access to media sources from all over the world.
The NOC is connected both to the Internet and to our fourteen Internet
Broadcast Stations by dedicated T-1 lines, dedicated fiber network and microwave
relay distribution backbone. Customers receive super high-speed downstream data
through six-inch square roof or window mounted antennas, and send data through
dial-up or ISDN modems to our Manhattan facility, which houses our receive
modems and where Internet subscribers dialup calls are received and processed
for service.
High Speed Internet Marketplace
SPEEDUS.COM operates in New York City, a concentrated population center in
which the Company believes there is substantial unmet demand for high-speed
Internet service. In this marketplace, neither Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
service (which runs high-speed data over existing copper phone wires) nor cable
modem service (which run high speed data over existing cable television cables)
are currently widely available. The Company's high-capacity Internet system has
faster downstream data rates than these technologies, and is a rapidly
deployable, economical solution. SPEEDUS.COM service will be particularly
attractive to customers whose location permits them to receive signals from an
antenna mounted inside the subscriber's window, which greatly reduces
installation costs and avoids the need for in-building wiring.
Business Strategy
Our Internet Broadband Broadcast System has a vast, untapped potential for
delivering entertainment-quality streaming video over the Internet. Our strategy
is to offer the unique super high-speed capabilities of our system to a select
group of media and Internet portal companies, enabling our customers to benefit
from this potential. We plan to enter into alliances with these content
providers to establish a "broadband boutique" with unique content, accessible in
real time only over our system. Coupled with our present offering of low-cost,
high downstream-speed Internet access, we believe these additional offerings
will make our service a compelling proposition for our customers, and give us
the opportunity to enhance our revenue. By multicasting these offerings
simultaneously to many customers, we plan to make efficient use of our available
spectrum.
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History and FCC License
CVUSA Merger Corporation ("CVUSA Merger"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
CellularVision USA, Inc. ("CVUS"), was formed in December 1998. In January 1999,
CVUSA Merger was merged into CVUS with CVUS as the surviving corporation. At the
time of merger, CVUS changed its name to SPEEDUS.COM, INC. ("SPEEDUS.COM").
CVUS was formed in October 1995, as described below, to combine the
ownership of CVNY, a limited partnership, and Hye Crest Management, Inc.
("HCM"), the general partner of CVNY and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CVUS. In
July 1996, HCM changed its name to CellularVision Capital Corporation ("CVCC").
In February 1999, CellularVision of New York, L.P. ("CVNY"), by amendment to its
certificate of limited partnership, changed its name to SPEEDUSNY.COM, L.P.
("SPEEDUSNY"). Unless the context requires otherwise, the term Company includes
SPEEDUS.COM, SPEEDUSNY and CVCC.
From 1992 until November 1998, the Company operated a 49-channel analog
subscription television service utilizing 1,300 MHz of spectrum under a LMDS
license from the FCC. The FCC commercial operating license was awarded to the
Company in recognition of its efforts in developing and deploying LMDS
technology, and for spearheading its regulatory approval at the FCC. In
September 1997, the Company's LMDS license was renewed as a standard LMDS
license through February 1, 2006. The Company is entitled to use its spectrum
for a wide variety of fixed wireless purposes, including wireless local loop
telephony, high-speed Internet access and two-way teleconferencing. The
Company's LMDS license entitled it to utilize 1,150 MHz of spectrum in the 28
GHz range covering the New York Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area ("PMSA"),
a region which covers the 5 boroughs of New York City as well as the New York
Counties of Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam. Under FCC rules, the Company has
the right to use an additional 150 MHz of spectrum until the first Ka band
satellite is launched, an event not expected to occur prior to 2002.
In November 1998, as a result of the assignment of 850 MHz of spectrum to
WinStar Communications, Inc. ("WinStar"), the Company discontinued its
subscription television service. The Company is using its 450 MHz FCC license
and infrastructure to deliver super high-speed Internet service in the Metro New
York area.
Risk Factors
New Industry and Technology Risks and Limitations. The Company's system
utilizes a new technology with a limited operating history whose system
architecture remains subject to further development and refinement. In the past,
the Company has experienced a number of technical difficulties, some of
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which have affected subscriber acceptance of the Company's system. Additional
technical issues may arise in the course of system deployment that could
adversely affect signal availability. The Company recently completed
construction on three new Internet Broadcast Stations as part of the Company's
network development plans to provide continuing improvement in signal
availability in its license territory. Increased signal coverage through
additional Internet Broadcast Stations is crucial to widespread availability of
the SPEED service. The Company now has fourteen fully functional Internet
Broadcast Stations in Metro New York, six in Manhattan, six in Brooklyn and two
in Queens.
Two-Way Services will require the development and mass production of
appropriate equipment. There can be no assurance that such equipment will become
commercially available at a cost acceptable to the Company. While a number of
techniques, including digital compression and frequency reuse technologies, can
expand the effective capacity of the Company's system, the Company's capacity to
support high service volumes will ultimately be limited by its total available
bandwidth and limitations of the technology it employs.
Competition. The market for Internet access and related services is highly
competitive. The Company expects to see competition for its super high-speed
Internet access service from local, regional and national ISPs. This includes
large companies like @Home, America On-Line and ATT World Net. The telephone
companies with Digital Subscriber Line technology, cable operators with
high-speed cable modems and other communication providers also provide
high-speed Internet access. These ISPs, however, do not currently have the
ability to provide the same downstream speed as the Company's Speed modem, or to
provide it on a competitive pricing basis.
Many current and prospective competitors have, or can be expected to have,
greater financial, marketing and other resources than the Company. No assurance
can be given that the Company will be able to compete successfully with these
entities.
Risk of Subscriber Acceptance and Service Cancellation. The success of the
Company's business strategy will depend upon consumer acceptance of the
Company's super high-speed Internet access service. Subscriber acceptance could
be adversely affected by, among other things, customer loyalty to more
established competitors and unfamiliarity with the Company's system. In
addition, there can be no assurance that technical problems will not impede or
delay subscriber acceptance of the Company's service.
Limited Operations; Early Stage Company. Although the Company has been in
operation since 1992, its operations to date have been limited to serving only a
portion of its licensed service area, the New York PMSA. Therefore, historical
financial information is reflective of a company in the early growth stage of
its development. Prospective investors should be aware of the difficulties
encountered by enterprises in development, like the Company, especially in view
of the highly competitive nature of the telecommunications industry and in view
of the fact that the Company's Broadband Wireless telecommunications system
previously has been deployed only in a limited area.
Lack of Profitable Operations. The Company has recorded net losses and
negative operating cash flows in each period of its operations since inception
and, at December 31, 1998, had an accumulated deficit of approximately $36.9
million. Such losses and negative operating cash flows are attributable to the
start-up costs incurred in connection with the commercial roll-out of the
Company's system, and expenses incurred in connection with the LMDS rulemaking
proceeding. While the Company believes that consummation of the spectrum
assignment has provided sufficient liquidity to finance its current level of
operations through 1999, it does not expect to have a positive operating cash
flow until such time as it substantially increases its Internet customer base
and/or forms a strategic alliance for use of its Internet capabilities in the
future. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to increase the
number of its super high-speed Internet access subscribers to the levels
necessary to attain profitability in future years, or that the Company will
succeed in commercializing any other possible applications of the Company's
system.
Liquidity Risk; Need for Additional Financing. Since the completion of the
Company's initial public offering in February 1996, the proceeds of which were
used primarily to fund the build-out of its LMDS transmission system and
marketing and equipment costs, the Company has sought to raise the additional
capital necessary to execute its business plan. During 1998, the Company entered
into several financing arrangements which provided for, or potentially provided
for, the issuance of equity securities at a discount from market prices at
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the time of funding. In November 1998, the Company consummated the assignment of
850 MHz of spectrum to WinStar Communications, Inc. ("WinStar") for $32,500,000,
in cash before closing costs. At the time of closing, the Company repaid
$3,500,000 which it had borrowed from WinStar in July 1998 to meet outstanding
obligations and finance its operations pending the closing. At the time of
closing or shortly thereafter, the Company repaid or repurchased substantially
all of the debt that was outstanding, including convertible debt, and redeemed a
convertible preferred stock issue.
Increased signal coverage through additional Internet Broadband Broadcast
Stations is crucial to widespread availability of the SPEED service. The Company
has the ability to construct four more Internet Broadband Broadcast Stations
from inventory. Thereafter, to the extent that consumer demand in areas of Metro
New York warrants, the Company would have to acquire transmitters, the keystone
to the IBBS. The Company believes that costs may decrease substantially as
improvements in technology create economies.
While the Company believes that consummation of the spectrum assignment
has provided sufficient liquidity to finance its current level of operations
through 1999, it does not expect to have a positive operating cash flow until
such time as it substantially increases its Internet customer base and/or forms
a strategic alliance for use of its Internet capabilities in the future. The
lack of additional capital could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition, operating results and prospects for growth. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources".
Ability to Manage Growth; Loss of Key Personnel. Successful implementation
of the Company's business plan will require the management of growth. There can
be no assurance that the Company's existing operating and financial controls
systems and infrastructure will be adequate to manage such growth, or that any
steps taken to improve such systems and controls will be sufficient. Since
December 1997, the Company has instituted four series of layoffs as part of its
capital conservation measures. In addition, since January 1, 1998, both the
President and the chief financial officer have left the Company, although the
duties of these individuals have been assumed by other corporate officers. The
Company's future success will depend in part upon attracting and retaining the
services of current management and technical personnel. There can also be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in attracting, assimilating and
retaining new personnel in the future as future growth takes place. The Company
does not maintain "key person" life insurance policies on any of its key
personnel.
Dependence Upon Sole-Source Suppliers; Inability to Obtain Equipment. The
Company has obtained the transmitters and customer premises equipment comprising
the Company's Internet Broadband Broadcast System either from sole-source third
party suppliers or from CellularVision Technology and Telecommunications, L.P.
("CT&T"), which purchases them from third party sole-source suppliers (see
"Business - Risk Factors - Potential Conflicts of Interest; Dependence on
Technology Licensed from CT&T").The Company is now in negotiations to work
directly with vendors. If the Company was unable to obtain a sufficient supply
of components from these sources, it is likely that the Company would experience
a delay in developing alternative sources. Inability to obtain adequate supplies
of equipment could result in a delay in providing service to new subscribers,
which would adversely affect the Company's operating results and could damage
future marketing efforts. In addition, a significant increase in the price of
the requisite equipment would adversely affect the Company's financial condition
and operating results. Further, if any of the equipment fails or fails to be
supported by its vendors, it could be necessary for the Company or CT&T to
redesign substantial portions of such equipment. Any of these events could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and operating
results.
Potential Conflicts of Interest;Dependence on Technology Licensed from
CT&T. Shant S. Hovnanian, the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, Vahak S. Hovnanian, a director of the Company,
and Bernard B. Bossard, a director and former officer of the Company,
(collectively, the "Founders") are 80% controlling owners of CT&T. A subsidiary
of Philips Electronics North America Corporation owns the remaining 20% of CT&T.
Although Mr. Hovnanian's employment agreement with the Company provides that he
will devote substantially all of his working time and efforts to the Company's
affairs, pursuant to the agreement, he may devote such working time and efforts
to its affiliates as the due and faithful performance of his obligations under
the agreement permits. CT&T and these individuals are parties to a number of
agreements with the Company, including the CT&T License Agreement and a reserved
channel rights agreement, which may from
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time to time present conflicts of interest with the Company. See "Related Party
Transactions" and "Employment Agreements" in the "Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements".
In serving in their respective positions with the Company, the Founders
may experience conflicts of interest involving the Company and CT&T. CT&T has
the right to license the know-how and trade secrets to related or unrelated
entities providing services similar to those provided by the Company outside the
New York BTA, for which it may receive a fee. The Company may in the future be
dependent upon CT&T's ability to enhance its current technology and to respond
to emerging industry standards and other technological changes. See "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements - Related Party Transactions."
Bell Atlantic Corporation has the right to designate one member of the
Board of Directors. To date, Bell Atlantic has not exercised this right. Bell
Atlantic currently provides Internet access service in the New York metro area
and may in the future provide other services which could compete with those
offered by the Company.
On May 18. 1998, the Company received an offer from Shant S. Hovnanian.
the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to convey to the Company all
of the outstanding shares of VisionStar, Inc. ("VisionStar"), a company
wholly-owned by him, together with related patent application rights. VisionStar
holds a license from the FCC, granted in May 1997, to construct, launch and
operate a geostationary Ka-band telecommunications satellite at 113 degrees West
Longitude, a position overlooking the continental United States. According to
the FCC order granting the license, VisionStar proposes to offer interactive
broadband services covering the nation and in urban areas in conjunction with
broadband service operators such as LMDS operators. These broadband services may
include high-speed Internet access, high-speed data services, video
teleconferencing distance learning and video programming. VisionStar proposes to
offer services on a non-common carrier basis
The FCC requires Ks-band licensees to adhere to a strict timetable for
system implementation, including a requirement that construction must be
commenced within one year of licence grant, and that the satellite be launched
and operational within five years of grant. VisionStar has informed the Company
that it has entered into an agreement with a satellite manufacturer for
construction of its satellite. Mr. Hovnanian's offer contemplated reimbursement
by the Company of his verifiable VisionStar-related, out-of-pocket expenses, in
an amount not to exceed $300,000, which would have been payable in the form of a
note due March 31, 1999, or upon the earlier consummation by the Company of a
financing of $10,000,000 or more. The Company, through a special committee of
the Board of Directors, had been considering Mr. Hovnanian's offer. At a meeting
of the Board of Directors on August 19, 1998, the Board declined to accept Mr.
Hovnanian's offer.
Thereafter, the Board and Mr. Hovnanian have had additional discussions
on the Company pursuing this opportunity but there is currently no open offer
and the matter has been tabled.
Risk of Patent Infringement; Intellectual Property Matters. Given the
rapid development of technology in the telecommunications industry, there can be
no assurance that certain aspects of the Company's system will not infringe on
the proprietary rights of others. The Company believes that if such infringement
were to exist based on the establishment of current or future proprietary rights
of others, it could obtain requisite licenses or rights to use such technology.
However, there can be no assurance that such licenses or rights could be
obtained on terms which would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Control by Principal Stockholders. The Founders in the aggregate own
approximately 59% of the outstanding Common Stock at December 31, 1998. As a
result, the Founders will have the power to elect all of the members of the
Company's Board of Directors, amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
and By-Laws and, subject to certain limitations imposed by applicable law,
effect or preclude fundamental corporate transactions involving the Company,
including the acceptance or rejection of any proposals relating to a merger of
the Company or an acquisition of the Company by another entity, in each case
without the approval of any of the Company's other stockholders. The Founders
are parties to a Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1996 (the
"Stockholders' Agreement"), which provides that the parties thereto will vote to
elect each of the Founders to the Company's Board of Directors, so long as such
Founder owns 5% or more of the shares of Common Stock outstanding on a fully
diluted basis. Bell Atlantic has the right to appoint a Bell Atlantic Nominee to
the Company's Board of Directors, so long as Bell Atlantic holds at least 1% of
the shares of Common Stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis. The parties to
the Stockholders' Agreement have also agreed not to vote to remove any Founder
or the Bell Atlantic Nominee except for "cause" as defined in Section 141 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law ("Delaware Law"). (See "Directors and Executive
Officers of the Registrant.")
Potential Anti-Takeover Effect and Potential Adverse Impact on Market
Price of Certain Charter and Delaware Law Provisions. The Company's Certificate
of Incorporation and By-Laws, and Delaware Law contain certain provisions that
could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire,
or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of the
Company. Such provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be
willing to pay in the future for shares of Common Stock. Certain of these
provisions allow the Company to issue preferred stock with rights senior to
those of the Common Stock and impose various procedural and other requirements
which could make it more difficult for stockholders to effect certain corporate
actions. The Company could issue a series of Preferred Stock that could,
depending upon the terms of such series, impede a merger, tender offer or other
transaction that some, or a majority, of the Company's stockholders might
believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a
premium for their stock over the then current market price of such stock. In
addition, Section 203 of the Delaware Law, which is applicable to the Company,
contains provisions that restrict certain business combinations with interested
stockholders, which may have the effect of inhibiting a non-negotiated tender
offer or other business combination.
Sales and Marketing
The Company is presently offering its super high-speed Internet access
service to business and residential subscribers in Manhattan, Brooklyn and
Queens. The service is being marketed under the service mark SPEED.
The SPEED service requires the purchase and installation of the SPEED
modem. The SPEED modems are currently only available from the Company for $350.
The Company plans to arrange financing for the cost of the SPEED modem to
consumers and to further increase its signal coverage area before commencing a
major marketing campaign. Increased signal coverage through additional Internet
Broadcast Stations is crucial to
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widespread availability of the SPEED service.
The marketing is limited to a pilot roll out and is not expected to
develop into a mass marketing compaign in the immediate future.
The Company participates in a marketing alliance with Bloomberg
Information Television ("Bloomberg"). As part of the agreement, the Company
delivers the Bloomberg programming to the Company's subscribers. In return,
Bloomberg provides marketing support through its sales force and cross promotion
spots and two minutes per hour of advertising time on Bloomberg is made
available to the Company. The Company is currently testing certain services with
Bloomberg and if such tests are successful may amend its agreements to take
advantage of new technological developments.
Year 2000
See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions - Year
2000 Compliance.
Competition
The market for Internet access and related services is highly competitive.
The Company expects to see competition for its super high-speed Internet access
service from local, regional and national ISPs. This includes large companies
like @Home, America On-Line and ATT World Net. The telephone companies with
Digital Subscriber Line technology, cable operators with high-speed cable modems
and other Broadband Wireless communication providers also provide high-speed
Internet access. These ISPs, however, do not currently have the ability to
provide the same downstream speed as the Company's Speed modem, or to provide it
on a competitive pricing basis.
The poor condition of the telephone infrastructure in New York has limited
the growth of ISDN and T-1 access to the Internet. In addition, long lead times
for installation and high prices are typical for the high-end data users. This
is especially true in the outer boroughs where fiber upgrades have been very
slow to occur. There remains a possibility that over time the plant will be
upgraded and the promise of new technologies like XDSL will come true, but today
the market appears to look to the broadband provider as the most likely to
deliver high-speed data in the immediate future.
Many current and prospective competitors have, or can be expected to have,
greater financial, marketing and other resources than the Company. No assurance
can be given that the Company will be able to compete successfully with these
entities.
Equipment and Facilities
The SPEED service is delivered via the Company's state of the art Internet
Broadband Broadcast System. The completed construction to date of the IBBS
infrastructure combines a dedicated fiber optic backbone with microwave relays
delivering high-speed Internet connectivity to fourteen fully functional IBBS
Stations. Six Internet Broadband Broadcast Stations are located in Manhattan,
six are in Brooklyn and two are in Queens.
The NOC has a complete satellite downlink facility with access to
international media sources and a fully equipped data center along with Cisco
7200 hardware and New Media Communication CyberStream(TM) TRX100 Linux based
gateway transmitter hardware and software. The CyberStream hardware and software
is compliant with Digital Video Broadcast Multi-Protocol Encapsulation (DVB/MPE)
and Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standards. SPEEDUS.COM is capable of
delivering live video streaming at up to 30 frames per second over its Internet
network.
In addition to the NOC, the Company has also completed the construction of
a Manhattan point of presence ("POP"). The POP houses dial-up modems that
support the Company's Internet access services.
The principal physical assets incorporated in the Company's system consist
of headend equipment, 28GHz transmitters, fiber optic transmitters and
receivers, repeaters and customer premise equipment (antennas and the SPEED
modem), as well as office space.
Internet access is obtained through dedicated T-1 lines connecting the NOC
to the Internet "backbone."
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Signals from the NOC are then transmitted via fiber optic cable to Internet
Broadcast Stations. Signal is distributed by the Company's fourteen Internet
Broadcast Stations, six in Manhattan, six in Brooklyn and two in Queens,
although the availability of signal in particular localities varies depending
upon a number of factors. Increased signal coverage through additional Internet
Broadcast Stations is crucial to widespread availability of the SPEED service.
The signal is received at the subscriber's premises by a small flat plate,
high-gain antenna positioned in or outside the window or roof, wherever signal
level is adequate. A co-axial cable connects the antenna to a super high-speed
SPEED modem. The subscriber's system requires an existing modem to maintain the
upstream connection. The two modems work together. The SPEED modem handles the
downstream data and the subscriber's existing modem handles the upstream request
for files.
The Company has obtained its transmitters and customer premises equipment
either from sole-source third party suppliers or from CT&T, which has also
obtained them from sole-source third party suppliers. The Company is now in
negotiations to work directly with vendors.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases 20,000 square feet of space at the Brooklyn Army
Terminal for its NOC, as well as, executive and administrative offices. This
lease expires in 2004 and provides for 2 five-year renewal options.
The Company also leases approximately 100 square feet of space on each of
15 rooftops for its Internet Broadcast Stations and relays. These leases,
several of which contain seven-year renewal options, expire from 1999 to 2003.
The Company believes that leased space on rooftops in New York City and other
locations in the New York PMSA will be readily available to serve as additional
Internet Broadcast Stations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
(a) On June 30, 1998, Charles N. Garber, the Company's former Chief
Financial Officer, filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration
Association. Mr. Garber has asserted that his employment agreement was breached
by the Company's failure to pay him guaranteed minimum annual performance
bonuses and certain other matters. In his claim, Mr. Garber seeks damages in an
amount estimated to total $488,000, plus his costs and reasonable attorney's
fees. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims made as
well as a viable counterclaim but cannot make a determination at this time as to
the possible outcome of the action. In the event an adverse judgment is
rendered, the effect could be material to the Company's financial position and
it could have a material effect on operating results in the period in which the
matter is resolved.
(b) On August 27, 1998, M/A-COM, a division of AMP Incorporated, commenced
an arbitration proceeding ("the Arbitration") against the Company and certain
other parties (together, the "Respondents") in Boston, Massachussetts. The claim
alleges that the Respondents have breached their contractual obligations to
purchase certain receiver/antenna assemblies and to pay for approximately
$600,000 worth of receiver/antenna assemblies that were ordered and accepted by
the Respondents. M/A-COM claims to have suffered direct and consequential
damages as a result of such breaches estimated to be in excess of $7,000,000. On
September 3,1998, the Supreme Court of the State of New York (the "New York
Court") issued an order to show cause for order of attachment and temporary
restraining order (the "Order") in response to a Verified Petition of M/A-COM,
which demanded the entry of an order directing the Sheriff of the City of New
York or the Sheriff of any County in the State of New York to seize and attach
any and all property of certain Respondents, including the Company (the "Order
Respondents"), sufficient to satisfy the $7,000,000 amount of M/A-COM's
Arbitration claim ("M/A-COM's Motion"). The Order required the Order Respondents
to appear before the New York Court on September 11, 1998 to show cause why
M/A-COM's Motion should not be granted. In addition, as part of the Order, the
New York Court issued a temporary restraining order enjoining the Order
Respondents and all other persons from transferring or paying any assets of the
Order Respondents pending the New York Court's ruling on M/A-COM's Motion. On
September 11, 1998, the Company filed papers with the New York Court opposing
M/A-COM's Motion and requesting that the New York Court vacate the temporary
restraining order.
On October 2, 1998, the Company made a motion in United States District
Court in New Jersey (the "New Jersey Court") requesting a preliminary injunction
to enjoin the Arbitration against all Respondents, other than CT&T on the ground
that CT&T is the only party to the arbitration agreement with M/A-COM ("the New
Jersey Action"). On November 17, 1998, M/A-COM filed an answer and counterclaims
in the New Jersey Action. On December 18, 1998, the New Jersey Court issued an
order that CT&T is the only proper party to the Arbitration
9
and permanently enjoined M/A-COM from proceeding in the Arbitration against any
of the Respondents other than CT&T.
M/A-COM filed an amended counterclaim in the New Jersey Action on December
21, 1998 whereby M/A-COM seeks to hold the Company, SPEEDUSNY and certain other
parties (together the "Counterclaim Defendants") liable for any judgment entered
against CT&T in the Arbitration. M/A-COM bases its claim against the Company and
SPEEDUSNY on breach of contract; quantum meruit/implied contract; goods sold and
delivered; third party beneficiary; and piercing the corporate veil of CT&T.
M/A-COM seeks to hold the other Counterclaim Defendants liable for any judgment
against CT&T in the Arbitration on similar grounds. The Counterclaim Defendants
filed a reply to the amended counterclaims on January 11, 1999 and asserted the
following defenses: failure to state a claim, promissory and equitable estoppel,
the absence of any agreement with M/A-COM and failure to perform under the
agreement which it seeks to enforce.
The Company intends to defend vigorously its position that neither the
Company nor SPEEDUSNY is responsible to M/A-COM for any judgment that may be
entered against CT&T in the Arbitration. The Arbitration is currently scheduled
to commence on March 30, 1999. The New Jersey Action will not be scheduled for
trial until sometime in 2000, at the earliest. The Company cannot make a
determination at this time as to the possible outcome of the Arbitration or the
New Jersey Action. In the event an adverse judgment is rendered, the effect
could be material to the Company's financial position and it could have a
material effect on operating results in the period in which the matter is
resolved.
(c) On November 20, 1998, Akcess commenced an action in the United States
District Court Southern District of New York against the Company, SPEEDUSNY, and
Shant S. Hovnanian, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, as well
as WinStar and WinStar Wireless Fiber Corp. (the "Akcess Federal Lawsuit"). The
Akcess Federal Lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the Company (i) failed
to convert shares of its Convertible Preferred Stock held by Marshall in
violation of law, (ii) lacked the requisite power and authority to execute the
contract for the assignment of spectrum to WinStar , (iii) did not obtain the
necessary shareholder and director approval for the assignment of spectrum, (iv)
did not obtain adequate consideration for the assignment of spectrum and (v)
tortiously interfered with the contractual agreement between Akcess and MCM.
On November 24, 1998, Akcess commenced an action in the Supreme Court of
the State of New York, County of New York (the "Court") against Marshall, Allan
Weine, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, the Company and Shant S.
Hovnanian (the "Akcess State Lawsuit"). The Akcess State Lawsuit sought to
enjoin the redemption of the Convertible Preferred Stock. Akcess withdrew the
Akcess State Lawsuit on December 8, 1998.
On January 15, 1999, the Company, SPEEDUSNY and Shant S. Hovnanian served
their answer and counterclaim in the Akcess Federal Lawsuit. The answer denied
the allegations of wrongdoing in the complaint, and raised certain affirmative
defenses. The counterclaim asserted that Aklcess had tortiously interfered with
the contract and/or economic advantage relating to the Company's solicitation of
shareholder approval for the assignment of spectrum and that Akcess was guilty
of tortious interference with the Company's performance of its own contractual
obligations.
On March 9, 1999, the Court granted Akcess permission to supplement and
amend its complaint. The amendment to the complaint expanded the description of
the claims of tortious interference from one count to three separate counts for
tortious interference with contract, tortious interference with prospective
business and/or contractual relations, and tortious interference with
prospective economic advantage. Finally, the amendment added a count asserting a
breach of contract theory. The Company intends to respond to the Amended
Complaint by denying the material allegations contained therein and reasserting
the counterclaim. The Company believes that the Akcess Federal Lawsuit is
without merit and intends to defend the case vigorously. The Company cannot make
a determination at this time as to the possible outcome of the Akcess Federal
Lawsuit.
(d) The Company has been named in four lawsuits brought in the normal
course of its business in the aggregate amount of approximately $700,000,
exclusive of expenses. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to a
material portion of these claims and is prepared to pursue litigation if a
reasonable and structured settlement cannot be reached with the parties. In the
event adverse judgments are rendered in the same period, the
10
aggregate effect could be material to the Company's financial position and it
could have a material effect on operating results in the period in which the
matters are resolved.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The following two matters were submitted to, and voted upon by, the
stockholders in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May
20, 1998 in New York, New York:
1. The election of six members to the Board of Directors of the Company to
serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 1999 or
until their successors are duly elected.
2. The appointment of independent auditors of the Company for the 1998
fiscal year to serve until the 1999 Annual Meeting or until their
successors are duly elected.
With respect to the election of Directors, the Board, at the
recommendation of the Nominating Committee, designated six Nominees for election
as directors of the Board to serve until the 1999 Annual Meeting or until their
successors are duly elected and qualified. The Board unanimously recommended a
vote "FOR" the election of the Nominees to the Board. The stockholders approved
the election of the six Nominees to the Board by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock present, in person or by proxy, and
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
With respect to the appointment of independent auditors of the Company,
the Board, at the recommendation of the Audit Committee, proposed that the
stockholders appoint the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC"), formerly
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P, to serve as the independent auditors of the Company for
the 1998 fiscal year until the 1999 Annual Meeting. PwC served as the Company's
independent auditors for the 1997 fiscal year. The Board unanimously recommended
a vote "FOR" the approval of this proposal. The stockholders approved the
appointment by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock
present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
11
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is listed for quotation on the NASDAQ National
Market system under the symbol "SPDE." Prior to January 6, 1999, the Company's
trading symbol was "CVUS". The following table sets forth high, low and closing
trade prices for the Common Stock for the fiscal quarters indicated.
High Sale Low Sale Closing Sale
-------------- -------------- --------------
1998
- - - -----
First Quarter $8.250 $3.375 $5.000
Second Quarter 4.875 0.750 1.000
Third Quarter 1.625 0.094 0.281
Fourth Quarter 2.156 0.188 0.906
1997
- - - -----
First Quarter $11.875 $6.750 $9.000
Second Quarter 10.250 6.875 8.000
Third Quarter 9.000 6.625 7.875
Fourth Quarter 9.750 5.563 6.000
On March 29, 1999, the closing trade price of the Company's Common Stock
was $3.25 per share. As of December 31, 1998, there were 102 registered
shareholders and approximately 3,000 beneficial owners of the Company's Common
Stock. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company did not make any
sales of securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act").
The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common
Stock and does not intend to declare or pay cash dividends on the Common Stock
at any time in the foreseeable future. Future earnings, if any, will be used for
the expansion of the Company's Internet business.
12
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data below should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and Notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(in thousands, except per share data)
Statement of Operations
Data:
Revenues ................ $ 3,648 $ 4,943 $ 2,190 $ 1,196 $ 51
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Service costs ........... 1,479 2,314 1,175 603 39
Selling, general and
administrative ...... 9,691 13,259 10,223 5,435 2,883
Depreciation and
amortization ........ 6,174 3,881 2,258 1,376 188
Bad debts ............... 730 550 351 202 1
Management fees ......... -- -- -- 2,699 1,546
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 18,074 20,004 14,007 10,315 4,657
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating loss .......... (14,426) (15,061) (11,817) (9,119) (4,606)
Net interest income
(expense) ........... (2,365) (202) 186 (2,184) (1,393)
Gain on assignment
of spectrum ......... 28,066 -- -- -- --
Income taxes ............ (302) -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net earnings/(loss) ..... $ 10,973 $ (15,263) $ (11,631) $ (11,303) $ (5,999)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Per Common Share
Basic earnings/(loss) ... $0.59 ($.95) ($.75) ($.91) (1)
Weighted average
outstanding ......... 16,551,417 16,000,000 15,576,478 12,395,142 (1)
Diluted earnings/(loss) . $0.57 ($.95) ($.75) ($.91) (1)
Weighted average
outstanding ......... 17,612,443 16,000,000 15,576,478 12,395,142 (1)
December 31,
------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------- -------- ------- -------- --------
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash
equivalents ............. $12,902 $ 408 $19,600 $ 3,536 $ 12,544
Working capital
(deficiency) ............ 9,312 (7,029) 16,765 (1,647) 10,470
Net property and
equipment ............... 12,836 20,608 14,158 6,322 3,469
Total assets ................ 25,915 23,154 35,924 12,995 16,922
Total debt .................. 338 7,495 6,260 18,871 16,756
Total liabilities ........... 3,868 11,464 8,972 26,314 18,861
Total equity (deficit) ...... 22,047 11,690 26,952 (13,319) (1,939)
(1) Historical loss per common share and weighted average common shares
outstanding for the year ended December 31, 1994 is not presented as they
are not considered indicative of the on-going entity.
13
Summary of Quarterly Financial Data
Quarters Ended
1998 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Year End
Revenues $ 1,423,682 $ 1,363,340 $ 1,169,434 $ (308,785) $ 3,647,671
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 2,643,281 2,833,481 2,870,916 1,342,761 9,690,439
Operating (loss) (3,405,661) (3,435,002) (4,455,325) (3,130,583) (14,426,571)
Gain on assignment
of spectrum -- -- -- 28,066,109 28,066,109
Net earnings (loss) $(3,687,749) $(3,691,356) $(5,640,915) $ 23,993,030 $ 10,973,010
Per share - Basic $ (0.23) $ (0.23) $ (0.33) $ 1.38 $ 0.59
- Diluted $ (0.23) $ (0.23) $ (0.33) $ 1.36 $ 0.57
1997 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Year End
Revenues $ 851,630 $ 1,105,833 $ 1,396,403 $ 1,589,344 $ 4,943,210
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 3,035,603 3,425,207 3,284,662 3,513,086 13,258,558
Operating income (loss) (3,607,286) (3,848,435) (3,754,521) (3,850,835) (15,061,077)
Net income (loss) $(3,541,895) $(3,863,620) $(3,815,006) $ (4,042,141) $(15,262,662)
Per share - Basic $ (0.22) $ (0.24) $ (0.24) $ (0.25) $ (0.95)
- Diluted $ (0.22) $ (0.24) $ (0.24) $ (0.25) $ (0.95)
14
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company and Notes thereto and the other financial
information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Operations
From 1992 until November 1998, the Company operated a 49-channel analog
subscription television system in Brooklyn, New York utilizing 1,300 MHz of
spectrum under a LMDS license from the FCC. The Company's LMDS license entitled
it to utilize 1,150 MHz of spectrum in the 28 GHz range covering the New York
Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area ("PMSA"), a region which covers the 5
boroughs of New York City as well as the New York Counties of Westchester,
Rockland, and Putnam. Under FCC rules, the Company has the right to use an
additional 150 MHz of spectrum until the first Ka band satellite is launched, an
event not expected to occur prior to 2002.
In November 1998, as a result of the assignment of 850 MHz of spectrum to
WinStar, the Company discontinued its subscription television service.
The Company is using its 450 MHz FCC license and infrastructure to deliver
super high-speed Internet service in the Metro New York area. The Company has
built a full-featured Internet Service Provider (ISP) and configured its IBBS
network to deliver super high-speed Internet service in Metro New York. The
service is being marketed under the service mark SPEED.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1998 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December
31, 1997
Revenues decreased $1,295,000 from $4,943,000 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1997 to $3,648,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998.
This decrease is a result of the termination of subscription television services
in early November 1998 and increased service cancellations during the third
quarter of 1998. The decrease is net of increases during the first six months of
1998 as a result of increases in the average subscriber base compared to 1997
and increases in fees charged to subscribers.
Service costs decreased $835,000 from $2,314,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1997 to $1,479,000 for the twelve months ended December 31,
1998. This decrease is a result of the termination of subscription television
services in early November 1998, increased service cancellations during the
third quarter of 1998 and the termination of service from several premium
program providers. This decrease is net of increases during the first six months
of 1998 as a result of increases in the average subscriber base compared to
1997.
15
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3,568,000 from
$13,259,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 1997 to $9,691,000 for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1998. This decrease is primarily attributable
to reduced headcount-related costs as a result of personnel reductions at the
end of 1997 and during the first and third quarters of 1998. This decrease is
net of increases in legal expenses and other costs incurred in connection with
several financings during 1998 and defending against or settling certain claims
brought against the Company.
Depreciation and amortization increased $2,293,000 from $3,881,000 for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1997 to $6,174,000 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1998. This increase is due primarily to 1998 having a full year of
depreciation on customer premises equipment, equipment for additional
transmitter sites and the continued build-out of the Company's customer
service/administrative facilities in 1997.
Bad debt expense increased $180,000 from $550,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1997 to $730,000 for the twelve months ended December 31,
1998. This increase is a result of the Company's de-emphasis of subscription
television services, the related reductions in force and the termination of
service from several premium channel programmers. Prior to the termination of
subscription television services in early November 1998, the Company experienced
a high level of service cancellations and a drastic decrease in collections from
subscribers. While the Company has significantly increased its allowance for bad
debts at December 31, 1998 to reflect these developments, it is considering
several options to vigorously pursue collection of past due accounts.
Interest income decreased $539,000 from $650,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1997 to $111,000 for the twelve months ended December 31,
1998. This decrease is primarily due to decreases in the Company's cash position
as it continued to fund operations and build out its network.
Interest expense and financing fees increased $1,624,000 from $851,000 for
the twelve months ended December 31, 1997 to $2,475,000 for twelve months ended
December 31, 1998. This increase is a result of a substantial increase in the
level of borrowings by the Company commencing in late 1997, some of which
involved the payment of financing fees, and the costs incurred in connection
with the redemption and repayment of debt.
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company recognized a gain of
$28,066,109 from the assignment of a portion of its spectrum to WinStar
Communications.
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company recorded a provision
for income taxes in the amount of $302,000.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December
31, 1996
Revenues increased $2,753,000 from $2,190,000 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1996 to $4,943,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 1997.
This increase is due primarily to an increase in subscribers.
Service costs increased $1,139,000 from $1,175,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1996 to $2,314,000 for the twelve months ended December 31,
1997. Service costs are fees paid to providers of television programming and
royalties paid to CT&T under a license agreement between CT&T and SPEEDUSNY.
These costs increase as the subscriber count and associated revenues increase.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $3,036,000 from
$10,223,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996 to $13,259,000 for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1997. This increase is primarily attributable
to headcount-related costs (as the Company's employee base rose from 104 at
December 31, 1996 to 130 at December 31, 1997. At the end of 1997, the Company
elected to focus its immediate efforts on bringing its high-speed Internet
access service to market. Due to the increased focus on such service, the
Company de-emphasized its marketing efforts related to selling subscription
television service in the immediate future. In conjunction with this action, on
December 31, 1997, the Company reduced its workforce by 43 people, most of whom
worked in subscription television sales, marketing and operations. In addition,
during 1997, there were increases in promotion and other sales-related expenses
due to the increase in subscribers and in rent expenses due to the addition of
new facilities and cell sites.
Depreciation and amortization increased $1,623,000 from $2,258,000 for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1996 to $3,881,000 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1997. This increase is due primarily
16
to the purchase of customer premises equipment and leasehold improvements at the
Company's new state-of-the-art headend facility, customer care center, and
office complex.
Bad debt expense increased $199,000 from $351,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1996 to $550,000 for the twelve months ended December 31,
1997. These expenses increase as the subscriber count and associated revenues
increase.
Interest income decreased $642,000 from $1,292,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1996 to $650,000 for the twelve months ended December 31,
1997. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in the Company's cash
position as the Company continued to expend funds to build out its network and
increase its subscriber base.
Interest expense and financing fees decreased $254,000 from $1,105,000 for
the twelve months ended December 31, 1996 to $851,000 for twelve months ended
December 31, 1997. This decrease is due primarily to the repayment of the 1997
principal installment of the note to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
in June 1997.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December
31, 1995
Revenues increased $994,000 from $1,196,000 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1995 to $2,190,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996.
This increase is due to an increase in subscribers, and a full year of premium
and pay-per-view services, which were introduced in April and June 1995,
respectively.
Service costs increased $572,000 from $603,000 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1995 to $1,175,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996.
These costs increase as the subscriber count and associated revenues increase.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $4,788,000 from
$5,435,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 1995 to $10,223,000 for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1996. This increase is primarily attributable
to headcount-related costs (as the Company's employee base rose from 55 at
December 31, 1995 to 104 at December 31, 1996), increased payments in equipment
rentals and increased legal fees associated primarily with the FCC rulemaking,
offset in part by a decrease in contractor sales, as part of the sales force was
brought in-house.
Management fees decreased $2,699,000 from $2,699,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1995. This decrease is attributable to the termination of a
management agreement with Bell Atlantic Corporation as of December 31, 1995.
Depreciation and amortization increased $882,000 from $1,376,000 for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1995 to $2,258,000 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1996. This increase is due primarily to the purchase of customer
premises equipment and equipment for the Company's transmitter sites.
Bad debt expense increased $149,000 from $202,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1995 to $351,000 for the twelve months ended December 31,
1996. These expenses increase as the subscriber count and associated revenues
increase.
Interest income increased $888,000 from $404,000 for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1995 to $1,292,000 for the twelve months ended December 31,
1996. The increase is due primarily to the interest earned on the proceeds from
the Company's Initial Public Offering in 1996.
Interest expense and financing fees decreased $1,483,000 from $2,588,000
for the twelve months ended December 31, 1995 to $1,105,000 for the twelve
months ended December 31, 1996. This decrease is due primarily to the conversion
of $10,000,000 of convertible exchangeable subordinated notes payable in
conjunction with the Company's Initial Public Offering.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since the completion of the Company's initial public offering in February
1996, the proceeds of which were used primarily to fund the build-out of its
LMDS transmission system and marketing and equipment costs, the Company has
sought to raise the additional capital necessary to execute its business plan.
The Company has recorded operating losses and negative operating cash flows in
each year of its operations since inception, primarily due to the start-up costs
in connection with the commercial roll-out of the Company's system, slower
17
than anticipated consumer acceptance of the Company's subscription television
services and expenses incurred in connection with the LMDS rulemaking
proceeding.
Since the fourth quarter of 1997 and continuing through the end of
November 1998, the Company had experienced a severe liquidity shortfall due to
the postponement or cancellation of several planned financing transactions and
reductions in the subscriber base for its subscription television services.
After several proposed financing arrangements failed to be consummated, in
December 1997, the Company recognized an impending liquidity crisis, instituted
a round of layoffs and ceased active promotion of its subscription television
service. In March and August of 1998, additional layoffs were instituted. During
1998, the Company entered into several financing arrangements, as discussed
below, which provided for, or potentially provided for, the issuance of equity
securities at a discount from market prices at the time of funding.
In December 1997, SPEEDUSNY entered into an agreement with Logimetrics,
Inc. ("Logimetrics") pursuant to which SPEEDUSNY assumed financial
responsibility for certain equipment purchased through its affiliate, CT&T, and
issued a $2,621,695 Secured Promissory Note to Logimetrics. In December 1997,
Logimetrics sold its interest in the Secured Promissory Note to Newstart
Factors, Inc. ("Newstart"). In April 1998, the Secured Promissory Note (the
"Original Note") was restructured on the following terms: (i) the Company made a
$500,000 principal payment under the New Note, as defined below, (ii) the
Original Note was amended and restated as a Secured Convertible Promissory Note
in the principal amount of $2,315,917 (the "New Note"), and (iii) the Company
issued to Newstart a warrant to purchase 125,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $5 per share (still outstanding at December 31, 1998). In July
1998, Newstart received an additional $500,000 principal payment under the New
Note. Newstart had the option to convert the New Note, in whole or in part, into
Common Stock of the Company. In connection therewith, Newstart converted
$500,000 in principal amount of the New Note into 883,706 shares of Common
Stock, after which the unpaid principal balance under the New Note was $815,917.
As disclosed in amendments to a Form 13D filed by Newstart in connection with
its beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock, on October 19, 1998,
Newstart sold the New Note to Akcess Pacific Group, LLC ("Akcess"). In December
1998, after Akcess apparently failed to pay Newstart for the New Note, the
Company repurchased the New Note from Newstart for an aggregate price of
$1,093,339, including accrued interest and a premium.
In January 1998, the Company issued new Subordinated Exchange Notes, in
the aggregate principal amount of $1,191,147 (the "New Notes"), to Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan Guaranty"), the holder of the
Company's Subordinated Exchange Notes (the "Original Notes"), in exchange for
$1,000,000 in cash and as payment of $191,147 in respect of an interest payment
due on December 28, 1997. As consideration for the purchase of the New Notes,
the waiver of certain defaults under the Original Notes and the consent to the
restructuring of other debt, Morgan Guaranty received warrants to purchase an
aggregate 127,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of
$.01 per share (still outstanding at December 31, 1998). In order to effectuate
the assignment of spectrum, as discussed below, the Company and SPEEDUSNY paid a
fee of $750,000 to Morgan Guaranty, payable $500,000 in cash and $250,000 by the
issuance of new Subordinated Exchange Notes. The Subordinated Exchange Notes
with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $6,026,675 were repaid in November
1998 for an aggregate of $6,569,355, including accrued interest and prepayment
penalties, as a result of the assignment of spectrum.
In April 1998, the Company issued 3,500 shares of its Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock ("Convertible Preferred Stock") to Marshall Capital Management,
Inc. ("Marshall") for $3,500,000. Additional issuances of Convertible Preferred
Stock in the amounts of $3,000,000 and $3,500,000 were subsequently waived by
mutual agreement of the parties. The Convertible Preferred Stock was convertible
into Common Stock of the Company at the option of Marshall. In connection
therewith, through November 1998, Marshall had converted 37 shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock into 144,152 shares of Common Stock. As disclosed in
a Form 13D filed by Akcess on October 19, 1998, in addition to acquiring the New
Note from Newstart, Akcess entered into an agreement with Marshall pursuant to
which Akcess would purchase the Common Stock of the Company issued to Marshall
upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock held by Marshall. The Company
informed Marshall of its view that Marshall, by virtue of its apparent
membership in a group including Akcess, already held beneficial ownership (as
defined in certain rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of more than
4.99% of the Company's Common Stock and that further conversions of the
Convertible Preferred Stock were prohibited. The remaining 3,463 shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock with an aggregate stated value of $3,463,000 were
redeemed in November 1998 as a result of the assignment of spectrum for an
aggregate price of $4,616,560, including accrued dividends and a mandatory
redemption premium.
18
In April 1998, the Company issued to Marion Interglobal Ltd. ("Marion")
(i) a warrant to purchase up to $2,000,000 worth of shares of Common Stock and
(ii) 110,000 shares of its Common Stock. The shares of Common Stock were issued
for nominal consideration and Marion was required to exercise the warrant at the
request of the Company. In June 1998, following the Company's demand to pay the
warrant exercise price, Marion defaulted. The Company plans to commence
litigation against Marion for non-performance and resulting damages.
In May 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with Wasserstein
Perella & Co. Inc. ("WP&Co.") as its exclusive financial advisor for the purpose
of exploring and evaluating the Company's strategic and financial alternatives.
The Company's primary objective was to capitalize on its exclusive commercial
license to utilize its existing LMDS system in offering telecommunications
services in the New York Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area. WP&Co. and the
Company intended to jointly analyze potential transactions including, but not
necessarily limited to, merger or sale of the Company, a recapitalization, a
joint venture, or a capital infusion.
As a result of the foregoing financing agreements, the Company had
committed sources of capital, coupled with internally generated funds, that it
believed would be adequate to satisfy its minimum anticipated capital needs and
operating expenses for the remainder of 1998. However, certain of these
transactions as originally contemplated were not completed and payments needed
to address accounts payable to equipment vendors, programmers and providers of
professional services, all of whom were critical to the Company's subscription
television services and continued operations, substantially exceeded
expectations. In addition, there were payment obligations to creditors due
throughout the balance of 1998. As a result, the Company decided that it was in
its best interest to enter into the following transaction.
In November 1998, pursuant to an agreement dated July 10, 1998, as
amended, between the Company and WinStar Communications, Inc. ("WinStar"), the
Company consummated the assignment of 850 MHz of spectrum to WinStar for
$32,500,000 in cash. The transaction was subject to regulatory and shareholder
approval, both of which were received. At the time of closing, the Company
repaid $3,500,000 which it had borrowed from WinStar in July 1998. The Company
had used these loan proceeds to meet outstanding obligations and finance its
operations pending the closing. As previously indicated, at the time of closing
or shortly thereafter, the Company also repaid the Subordinated Exchange Notes
held by Morgan Guaranty, redeemed the Convertible Preferred Stock held by
Marshall and repurchased the Secured Convertible Promissory Note held by
Newstart. In connection with the WinStar transaction, the Company paid an
investment banking fee of $1,050,000 to WP&Co.
The Company is using its 450 MHz FCC license and infrastructure to deliver
super high-speed Internet service in the Metro New York area. The Company has
built a full-featured Internet Service Provider (ISP) and configured its IBBS
network to deliver super high-speed Internet service in Metro New York. The
service is being marketed under the service mark SPEED.
The SPEED service requires the purchase and installation of the SPEED
modem and signal availability. The SPEED modems are currently only available
from the Company for $350. The signal coverage is currently limited to parts of
Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The Company plans to arrange financing for the
cost of the modem to consumers and to increase its signal coverage area before
commencing a major marketing campaign.
While the Company believes that consummation of the spectrum assignment
has provided sufficient liquidity to finance its current level of operations
through 1999, it does not expect to have a positive operating cash flow until
such time as it substantially increases its Internet customer base and/or forms
a strategic alliance for use of its Internet capabilities in the future. The
lack of additional capital could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition, operating results and prospects for growth.
19
Year 2000 compliance
The "Year 2000" or "Y2K" problem exists because of the potential for
computer programs to recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 instead of the
year 2000 which could cause disruption of normal business operations.
If not addressed and completed on a timely basis, the Year 2000 problem
could lead to incomplete or inaccurate accounting, billing and customer service
functions with resultant financial loss, legal liability or business
interruption.
The Company has established a project team to address the extent, if any,
to which its systems may be affected by the Year 2000 problem and to establish
procedures to resolve Year 2000 issues. The project team includes Company
personnel and, to the extent necessary, outside consultants. The Company expects
to complete its assessment, as well as modification or replacement of software,
during 1999. At the present time, costs over the 1998-1999 period are estimated
to be less than $75,000 and approximately one-third of this amount has been
incurred and expensed through the end of 1998.
The Company has established that its Internet connectivity systems are
Year 2000 compliant and that the systems remaining subject to completion of
review are involved with accounting and related administrative functions. The
majority of the Company's accounting systems have also been determined to be
Year 2000 compliant. The Company believes that modification or replacement of
the remaining systems, if necessary, would not incur a material cost. During
1999, the Company will be reviewing contingency plans for processes that could
likely be affected by the Year 2000 problem with the primary focus being
unforeseen failures of computer software and hardware.
There are inherent uncertainties as to the extent to which the Year 2000
problem may effect the Company in the future. However, since the Year 2000
problem has been identified on such a broad basis, the Company believes that
relationships with vendors and suppliers, including systems and service
providers, in the future course of its business would only occur after the
Company has satisfied itself that such companies are Year 2000 compliant.
While the Company expects that its Year 2000 efforts will be successful,
failure of the Company's computer systems could have a material adverse effect.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company believes that its financial instruments as described in
Footnote 2 of this Form 10-K are not subject to material market risk. The
Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consist of
short-term investments and long-term debt. The carrying value of each of these
financial instruments approximates its market value, since the investments have
short maturities and the interest rate on the long-term debt periodically
adjusts based on the prime rate.
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and related Notes
thereto and the financial information required to be filed herewith are included
under Item 14 of this Form 10-K.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
20
PART III
The information called for by Item 10, Directors and Executive Officers of
the Registrant; Item 11, Executive Compensation; Item 12, Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Item 13, Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions, is hereby incorporated by reference to the corresponding
sections of the Company's definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held in May 1999.
21
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Financial Statements and Financial Schedule
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements Page(s)
------
Report of Independent Accountants................................. 27
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and
December 31, 1997................................................. 28
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.................................. 29
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital and
Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996..................................................... 30
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.................................. 31
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................ 32-39
(2) Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.................. S-1
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company filed Current Reports on Form 8-K, all for events specified in
Item 5 of such reports, on October 2, 1998, October 9, 1998, October 22,
1998 and October 27, 1998.
The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, for an event specified in
Item 2 of such report, on December 9, 1998. This filing included pro forma
financial statements, in narrative form, as required under Item 7(b) of
such report.
(c) Exhibits
3.1a Certificate of Incorporation. (1)
3.1b Certificate of Ownership and Merger of CVUSA Merger Corporation With
and Into Cellularvision USA, Inc. (2)
3.2 By-laws. (1)
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate. (1)
4.2 Stockholders Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1996, by and among
CellularVision USA, Inc., Shant S. Hovnanian, Bernard B. Bossard and
Vahak S. Hovnanian. (1)
4.3 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1996, by and
among CellularVision USA, Inc., Bell Atlantic Ventures XXIII, Inc.,
Philips PGNY Corp., Inc. and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York, as Trustee of the Commingled Pension Trust Fund (Multi-Market
Special Investment) of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
and as Investment Manager and Agent for an Institutional Investor.
(1)
10.1 Amended and Restated License Agreement, together with Addendum to
License Agreement, each dated as of July 7, 1993, by and between
CellularVision Technology & Telecommunications, L.P. and
CellularVision of New York, L.P. and certain amendments and
supplements thereto. (1)
22
10.2 Reserved Channel Rights Agreement, dated as of July 7, 1993, by and
between Vahak S. Hovnanian, Shant S. Hovnanian, Bernard B. Bossard,
CellularVision of New York, L.P. and Bell Atlantic Ventures XXIII,
Inc. (1)
10.3 Restructuring Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1996, by and among
the Company, CellularVision of New York, L.P., Hye Crest Management,
Inc., Suite 12 Group, Bell Atlantic Ventures XXIII, Inc., Philips
PGNY Corp., Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee of
the Commingled Pension Trust Fund (Multi-Market Special Investment)
of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, and as Investment
Manager and Agent for an Institutional Investor, Shant S. Hovnanian,
Bernard B. Bossard and Vahak S. Hovnanian. (1)
10.4a CellularVision USA, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan. (1)
10.4b CellularVision USA, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan. (Amended and
Restated as of December 2, 1998) (2)
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1995, between
CellularVision USA, Inc. and Bernard B. Bossard. (1)
10.6 Employment Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1995, between
CellularVision USA, Inc. and Shant S. Hovnanian. (1)
10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1996, between
CellularVision USA, Inc. and John Walber. (1)
10.8 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1996, between
CellularVision USA, Inc. and Charles N. Garber. (3)
10.9 Intercompany Agreement, dated January 12, 1996, by and among
CellularVision USA, Inc., CellularVision Technology &
Telecommunications, L.P., CellularVision of New York, L.P., Shant S.
Hovnanian, Bernard B. Bossard and Vahak S. Hovnanian. (1)
10.10 Second Addendum to License Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1996,
by and between CellularVision Technology & Telecommunications, L.P.
and CellularVision of New York, L.P. (1)
10.11 Corporate Name License and Grant of Future Licenses Agreement, dated
as of January 12, 1996, by and between CellularVision Technology &
Telecommunications, L.P. and CellularVision USA, Inc. (1)
10.12 Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of
CellularVision of New York, L.P., dated as of July 7, 1993, by and
between Hye Crest Management, Inc., Bell Atlantic Ventures, XXIII,
Inc. and the limited partners set forth on the signature page
thereto. (1)
10.13 Master Amendment Agreement, dated as of October 8, 1993, by and
among Vahak S. Hovnanian, Shant S. Hovnanian, Bernard B. Bossard,
Hye Crest Management, Inc., Suite 12 Group, CellularVision of New
York, L.P., CellularVision Technology & Telecommunications, L.P.,
Bell Atlantic Ventures XIII, Inc. and Philips PGNY Corp. (1)
10.14 Second Master Amendment Agreement, dated as of December 29, 1993, by
and among Hye Crest Management, Inc., Suite 12 Group, CellularVision
of New York, L.P., CellularVision Technology & Telecommunications,
L.P., Bell Atlantic Ventures XXIII, Inc., Philips PGNY Corp., Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as trustee of the Commingled
Pension
23
Trust Fund (Multi-Market Special Investment) of Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York, and as Investment Manager and Agent for
an Institutional Investor. (1)
10.15 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 29, 1993, between
CellularVision of New York, L.P. and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York, as trustee of the Commingled Pension Trust Fund
(Multi-Market Special Investment) of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York with respect to the issuance and sale of $12,000,000
principal amount of Convertible Exchangeable Subordinated Notes of
CellularVision of New York, L.P. (1)(4)
10.16 Agreement of Lease, dated May 9, 1994, by and between Cellular
Vision of New York and New York City Economic Development
Corporation and Sublease, dated March 8, 1995, between
CellularVision of New York, L.P. and Harvard Fax, Inc. (1)
10.17 Communications Antenna Site Agreement, dated December 6, 1994,
between CellularVision of New York L.P. and Tower Owners, Inc., as
amended. (1)
10.18 Master Lease Agreement No. 6035, dated December 12, 1995, between
Linc Capital Management, a division of Scientific Leasing Inc., and
CellularVision of New York, L.P., together with the Schedules and
Addendum No. 1thereto; Warrant Certificate Nos. 1, 2 and 3, dated
December 14, 1995, issued to Linc Capital Partners, Inc. by the
Company. (1)
10.19 Master Equipment Lease, dated December 14, 1995 between Boston
Financial & Equity Corporation and CellularVision of New York, L.P.,
together with the Schedules and the Addendum thereto; Warrant
Certificate Nos. 4 and 5, dated December 14, 1995, issued to Boston
Financial &Equity Corporation by the Company. (1)
10.20 Senior Convertible Term Note, dated December 1, 1995, in the
principal amount of $3,521,257 issued to Bell Atlantic Ventures
XXIII, Inc. by CellularVision of New York, L.P. and CellularVision
USA, Inc. and the Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1995, by and
among CellularVision USA, Inc., CellularVision of New York, L.P.,
and Bell Atlantic Ventures XXIII, Inc. (1)
10.21 Warrant, dated June 1, 1994, issued by CellularVision of New York,
L.P. to Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated. (1)
10.22 Warrant, dated June 1, 1994, issued by CellularVision of New York,
L.P. to Mark B. Fisher. (1)
10.23 Warrant, dated December 29, 1993, issued by CellularVision of New
York, L.P. to Peter Rinfret. (1)
10.24 Warrant, dated October 8, 1993, issued by Vahak S. Hovnanian and
Shant S. Hovnanian to Alex. Brown Financial Corporation. (1)
10.25 Warrant, dated October 8, 1993, issued by Vahak S. Hovnanian and
Shant S. Hovnanian to Mark B. Fisher. (1)
10.26 Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement under the CellularVision USA,
Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, dated as of January 15, 1996, by and
between the Company and John Walber. (1)
10.27 Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1996, by and among CellularVision
USA, Inc., CellularVision of New York, L.P., Hye Crest Management,
Inc., Shant S. Hovnanian, Vahak S. Hovnanian, Bernard B. Bossard and
Bell Atlantic Ventures XXIII, Inc. (1)
24
10.28 Exchange Notes, dated as of December 15, 1995, of CellularVision
USA, Inc. issued to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as
trustee of the Commingled Pension Trust Fund (Multi-Market Special
Investment) of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, and as
Investment Manager and Agent for an Institutional Investor, in the
principal amounts of approximately $5.0 million and $1.3 million,
respectively (form of Exchange Note included as Exhibit A-2 to
Exhibit 10.15 above). (1)
10.29 Agreement to Purchase LMDS License, dated as of July 10, 1998 by and
between Winstar Communications, Inc., CellularVision USA, Inc. and
CellularVision of New York, L.P. (5)
10.30 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement to Purchase LMDS License, dated as of
October 6, 1998 among Winstar Communications, Inc., CellularVision
USA, Inc. and CellularVision of New York, L.P. (6)
10.31 Amendment No. 2 to Agreement to Purchase LMDS License, dated as of
October 20, 1998 among Winstar Communications, Inc., CellularVision
USA, Inc. and CellularVision of New York, L.P. (7)
21 Subsidiaries of CellularVision USA, Inc. (1)
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2)
27 Financial Data Schedule (2)
- - - ----------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement in
Form S-1 (File No. 33-98340) which was declared effective by the
Commission on February 7, 1996.
(2) Filed herewith.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 1996 filed on August 12, 1996.
(4) An identical note purchase agreement has been entered into by
CellularVision of New York, L.P. and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York, as Investment Manager and Agent for an Institutional
Investor with respect to the issuance and sale of $3,000,000
principal amount of Convertible Exchangeable Subordinated Notes of
CellularVision of New York, L.P.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed on July
15, 1998.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed on October
9, 1998.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed on October
22, 1998.
25
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule of SPEEDUS.COM, INC. (the "Company") listed in Item 14(a) of
this Form 10-K, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Company at December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, and the consolidated
results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
March 30, 1999
26
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,902,085 $ 407,741
Due from affiliates 86,444 181,012
Prepaid expenses and other 23,348 112,058
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $1,019,933 and $290,984 -- 1,233,501
------------ ------------
Total current assets 13,011,877 1,934,312
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation of $5,488,766 and $5,277,052 12,836,368 20,607,744
Other assets 67,165 171,811
Intangible assets, net of accumulated
amortization of $147,261 -- 203,388
Notes receivable from related parties -- 171,245
Debt placement fees -- 65,590
------------ ------------
Total assets $ 25,915,410 $ 23,154,090
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 2,519,345 $ 1,873,317
Accrued liabilities 807,499 2,093,148
Other current liabilities 203,812 2,761
Current portion of notes payable 168,750 4,993,997
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 3,699,406 8,963,223
Notes payable 168,750 2,501,163
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 3,868,156 11,464,386
Commitments and Contingencies -- --
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock ($.01 par value; 40,000,000
shares authorized; 17,131,357 and 16,000,000
shares issued and outstanding) 171,314 160,000
Preferred stock ($.01 par value; 20,000,000
shares authorized):
Series A Convertible ($1,000 stated value;
10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued -- --
and outstanding)
Additional paid-in-capital 58,794,847 58,267,533
Accumulated deficit (36,918,907) (46,737,829)
------------ ------------
Stockholders' equity 22,047,254 11,689,704
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 25,915,410 $ 23,154,090
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
27
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31,
------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Revenues $ 3,647,671 $ 4,943,210 $ 2,189,766
------------ ------------ ------------
Expenses:
Service costs 1,479,360 2,314,435 1,174,619
Selling, general and administrative 9,690,439 13,258,558 10,222,523
Depreciation and amortization 6,174,393 3,881,004 2,258,415
Bad debts 730,050 550,290 351,839
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 18,074,242 20,004,287 14,007,396
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating loss (14,426,571) (15,061,077) (11,817,630)
Interest income 110,719 649,843 1,291,516
Interest expense and financing fees (2,475,247) (851,428) (1,105,087)
------------ ------------ ------------
Loss before gain on assignment of spectrum
and provision for income taxes (16,791,099) (15,262,662) (11,631,201)
Gain on assignment of spectrum 28,066,109 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Earnings/(loss) before provision for
income taxes 11,275,010 (15,262,662) (11,631,201)
Provision for income taxes 302,000 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net earnings/(loss) $ 10,973,010 $(15,262,662) $(11,631,201)
============ ============ ============
Per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.59 $ (0.95) $ (0.75)
============ ============ ============
Weighted average common shares
outstanding 16,551,417 16,000,000 15,576,478
============ ============ ============
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.57 $ (0.95) $ (0.75)
============ ============ ============
Weighted average common shares
outstanding 17,612,443 16,000,000 15,576,478
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
28
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS'
CAPITAL AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998
Total Partners'
Capital and
Shareholders'
Partners' Common Preferred Additional Accumulated Equity
Capital Stock Stock Paid-in capital Deficit (Deficit)
-------------- ------------ ------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Balance
January 1, 1996 $ 6,401,454 $ 123,951 $ -- $ -- $ (19,843,966) $ (13,318,561)
Conversion of stock
existing prior to IPO (100) (100)
Common stock issued
at IPO (3,614,858
shares) 36,149 36,149
Conversion of
Partners' Capital to
Additional
Paid-in capital at (6,401,454) 6,401,454 --
IPO
Additional Paid-in 51,866,079 51,866,079
capital
Net loss (11,631,201) (11,631,201)
-------------- ------------ -------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Balance
December 31, 1996 -- 160,000 -- 58,267,533 (31,475,167) 26,952,366
Net loss (15,262,662) (15,262,662)
-------------- ------------ -------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Balance
December 31, 1997 -- 160,000 -- 58,267,533 (46,737,829) 11,689,704
Issuance of common
stock 1,100 1,100
Issuance of preferred
stock 3,500,000 3,500,000
Conversion of
secured note 8,837 491,163 500,000
Conversion of
preferred stock 1,421 (37,000) 35,579 --
Dividends on
preferred stock 21 507 (88,728) (88,200)
Redemption of
preferred stock (3,463,000) (1,065,360) (4,528,360)
Retirement of common
stock (65) 65 --
Net earnings 10,973,010 10,973,010
-------------- ------------ -------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Balance
December 31, 1998 $ -- $ 171,314 $ -- $ 58,794,847 $ (36,918,907) $ 22,047,254
============== ============ ============== =============== =============== ===============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
29
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
For the years ended December 31,
------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings/(loss) $ 10,973,010 $(15,262,662) $(11,631,201)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 6,174,393 3,881,004 2,258,415
Amortization of placement fees 65,590 115,479 98,783
Provision for doubtful accounts 730,050 550,290 351,839
Gain on assignment of spectrum (28,066,109) -- --
Noncash increase in notes payable 250,000 -- --
Stock option compensation expense -- -- 150,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Due from affiliates 94,568 578,515 (2,054,339)
Prepaid expenses and other 88,710 143,742 (26,997)
Accounts receivable 503,451 (1,253,458) (472,031)
Other assets 104,646 (10,829) (2,388)
Notes receivable 171,245 (79,970) (91,275)
Accounts payable 646,028 979,456 2,766,139
Other current liabilities 201,051 (252,247) 230,209
Accrued liabilities (1,285,649) 530,166 (683,367)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in operating activities (9,349,016) (10,080,514) (9,106,213)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from [assignment of spectrum] 31,041,378 -- --
Property and equipment additions (1,174,898) (10,261,204) (10,191,494)
Intangibles -- (86,106) (127,802)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment -- -- 135,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities 29,866,480 (10,347,310) (10,184,296)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from sale of stock 3,501,100 -- 41,850,000
Proceeds from notes payable 4,691,147 2,996,695 --
Repayment of notes payable (11,598,807) (1,761,200) (3,521,257)
Redemption of preferred stock (4,616,560) -- --
Distribution -- -- (13,889)
Deferred offering costs -- -- (2,960,629)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities (8,023,120) 1,235,495 35,354,225
------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents 12,494,344 (19,192,329) 16,063,716
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 407,741 19,600,070 3,536,354
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 12,902,085 $ 407,741 $ 19,600,070
============ ============ ============
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
Cash paid for interest during the period $ 1,161,379 $ 611,900 $ 1,100,133
============ ============ ============
Cash paid for income taxes during the period $ -- $ -- $ --
============ ============ ============
Noncash transactions:
Common stock issued for convertible debt $ 500,000 $ -- $ 12,731,450
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
30
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization and Business
Organization
CVUSA Merger Corporation ("CVUSA Merger"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
CellularVision USA, Inc. ("CVUS"), was formed in December 1998. In January 1999,
CVUSA Merger was merged into CVUS with CVUS as the surviving corporation. At the
time of merger, CVUS changed its name to SPEEDUS.COM, INC. ("SPEEDUS.COM").
CVUS was formed in October 1995 to combine the ownership of CVNY, a
limited partnership, and Hye Crest Management, Inc. ("HCM"), the general partner
of CVNY and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CVUS. In July 1996, HCM changed its
name to CellularVision Capital Corporation ("CVCC"). In February 1999,
CellularVision of New York, L.P. ("CVNY"), by amendment to its certificate of
limited partnership, changed its name to SPEEDUSNY.COM, L.P. ("SPEEDUSNY").
Unless the context requires otherwise, the term Company includes SPEEDUS.COM,
SPEEDUSNY and CVCC.
Business and FCC License
From 1992 until November 1998, the Company operated a 49-channel analog
subscription television service utilizing 1,300 MHz of spectrum under a Local
Multipoint Distribution Service ("LMDS") license from the Federal Communications
Commission (the "FCC"). In September 1997, the Company's LMDS license was
renewed as a standard LMDS license through February 1, 2006. The Company is
entitled to use its spectrum for a wide variety of fixed wireless purposes,
including wireless local loop telephony, high-speed Internet access and two-way
teleconferencing. The Company's LMDS license entitled it to utilize 1,150 MHz of
spectrum in the 28 GHz range covering New York City, Westchester, Rockland and
Putnam counties. Under FCC rules, the Company has the right to use an additional
150 MHz of spectrum until the first Ka band satellite is launched, an event not
expected to occur prior to 2002.
In November 1998, as a result of the assignment of 850 MHz of spectrum to
WinStar Communications, Inc., the Company discontinued its subscription
television service. The Company is using its 450 MHz FCC license and
infrastructure to deliver super high-speed Internet service in the Metro New
York area.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Financial statements and principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SPEEDUS.COM,
SPEEDUSNY and CVCC. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with
original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash
equivalents consist of reverse repurchase agreements and commercial paper.
Exclusive of cash in banks, cash equivalents at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were
approximately $13,132,000 and $100,000, respectively.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially could subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist largely of trade accounts receivable. The
majority of the Company's revenues since inception have been derived from
subscription television service in New York City, which has been discontinued in
November 1998. Prior to the termination of subscription television services, the
Company experienced a high level of service cancellations and a drastic decrease
in collections from subscribers. While the Company has significantly increased
its allowance for bad debts at December 31, 1998 to reflect these developments,
it is considering several options to vigorously pursue collection of past due
accounts.
The Company's cash equivalents and short-term investments are potentially
subject to concentrations of credit risk but this risk is limited due to these
investments being made in investment grade securities.
31
Revenue Recognition
The majority of the Company's revenues to date have been derived from
subscriber fees, billed one month in advance and recorded as revenue in the
period in which the service was provided. Deferred revenue associated with
advance billings was recorded as a current liability.
Property and Equipment
Transmission and headend equipment, customer premises equipment, office
equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and depreciated on a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from
three to seven years. Fiber optic lines are depreciated over an estimated
service life of 40 years. Transmitters are not depreciated until such assets are
constructed or placed in service. Depreciation on customer premises equipment
commences the month following receipt of the equipment. When assets are fully
depreciated, it is the Company's policy to remove the costs and related
accumulated depreciation from its books and records.
The Company capitalized subcontractor labor and materials incurred in
connection with the installation of customer premises equipment and depreciates
them over the shorter of the estimated average period that the subscribers are
expected to remain connected to the Company's system, or five years.
Long-lived assets
The Company periodically evaluates the net realizable value of long-lived
assets, including fixed assets and other assets, relying on a number of factors
including operating results, business plans, economic projections and
anticipated future cash flows. In addition, the Company's evaluation considers
nonfinancial data such as market trends, product and development cycles, and
changes in management's market emphasis. An impairment in the carrying value of
an asset is recognized when the expected future operating cash flows derived
from the asset are less than its carrying value.
Intangible Assets
The costs of field studies to determine line-of-sight transmission
capabilities are capitalized and amortized over five years by the straight-line
method. If a site is abandoned or deemed inoperable, all costs associated with
that site are charged to expense.
Income Taxes
As required by SFAS No. 109, the Company is required to provide for
deferred tax assets or liabilities arising due to temporary differences between
the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities existing at the time of the
consummation of the incorporation transactions immediately prior to the
Company's initial public offering in 1996.
As of December 31, 1997, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset of
approximately $19.2 million primarily related to operating losses and the
difference between the book and tax basis of the Company's investment in CVNY.
An offsetting valuation allowance of $19.2 million was established as the
Company had no ability to carryback its losses and a limited earnings history.
The Company has recorded a provision for income tax of $302,000 relating to
Federal Alternative Minimum Taxes. This provision was calculated after
recognizing a deferred tax benefit of approximately $5,000,000 relating to
carryforward losses. As of December 31, 1998, the Company has a deferred tax
asset of approximately $14.2 million and an offsetting valuation allowance of
the same amount.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, the difference between the Company's
provision for income taxes and income taxes computed at the Federal statutory
rate of 35% is primarily due to the deferred income tax benefit recognized in
1998.
Debt Placement Fees
Unamortized debt issuance costs are amortized over the term of the related
debt by the effective interest rate method.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
32
at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of operating
revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is a subjective and imprecise measurement that is based on
assumptions and market data which require significant judgment and may only be
valid at a particular point in time.
The Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consist
of short-term investments and long-term debt. The carrying value of these
financial instruments approximates market value since the investments have short
maturities and the interest rate on the long-term debt periodically adjusts
based on the prime rate.
Deferred Offering Costs
Expenses associated with the Company's initial public offering were
capitalized as deferred offering costs at December 31, 1995. Upon the successful
completion of the initial public offering in 1996, these costs were deducted
from the proceeds of the initial public offering and recorded as a reduction to
additional paid-in capital.
Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per common share are determined in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings
Per Share". Stock options and warrants have been excluded from the diluted loss
per share for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 since their effect
would be antidilutive.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, basic net earnings available for
common shareholders in the amount of $9,818,922 was determined by subtracting an
aggregate of $1,154,088, representing the redemption premium and dividends on
the Convertible Preferred Stock, from net earnings of $10,973,010. Diluted net
earnings available for common stockholders in the amount of $9,981,093 was
determined by subtracting the redemption premium in the amount of $1,065,360
from, and adding interest expense on convertible debt in the amount of $73,443
to, net earnings of $10,973,010. The weighted average common shares for diluted
earnings per share were determined by adding weighted average shares in the
amounts of 1,470, 133,740, 212,578 and 713,238 for the assumed exercise or
conversion of stock options, warrants, convertible debt and Convertible
Preferred Stock, respectively, to the weighted average shares outstanding for
basic earnings per share for a total of 17,612,443 weighted average shares
outstanding for diluted earnings per share.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the
current year's presentation.
3. Related Party Transactions
CT&T License Agreement
In July 1993, SPEEDUSNY entered into a license agreement with
CellularVision Technology and Telecommunications, L.P. ("CT&T") for use of
certain patented technologies owned by CT&T and for CT&T know-how related to the
LMDS technology. CT&T is 80% owned by Shant S. Hovnanian, the Chairman of the
Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Vahak S.
Hovnanian, a director of the Company, and Bernard B. Bossard, a director and
former officer of the Company, (collectively, the "Founders"). The license
agreement grants SPEEDUSNY the right to utilize the licensed LMDS technology to
construct and operate its system and sell communications services on an
exclusive basis within the New York PMSA and the New York BTA (to the extent the
Company holds or obtains a commercial license for this territory). CT&T has also
agreed to license the LMDS technology to the Company in other BTAs in which the
Company obtains LMDS licenses. The economic terms and conditions of such
licenses will be, in the aggregate, at least as favorable as the terms of any
other license granted by CT&T within the United States. Under the license
agreement, CT&T earns a royalty equal to 7.5% of gross revenues on a quarterly
basis. The license will remain in effect until either the expiration, revocation
or invalidation of CT&T patent rights directly related to the operation of the
Company's system, or the year 2028, subject to earlier termination upon the
occurrence of certain events. The license fees were $288,000, $324,000 and
$149,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company had amounts due from CT&T of
approximately $86,000 and $181,000, respectively, which represent the Company's
allocation of costs to CT&T, reduced by licensing fees. The Company and CT&T
have agreed to apply licensing fees in excess of $80,000 in each calendar year
otherwise due to CT&T to the outstanding amounts due from CT&T, which will bear
interest at the rate of 6% per annum. The Company has paid $80,000 in licensing
fees to CT&T for each of the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Under the license agreement, CT&T may charge the Company a fee of up to
2.5% of the value of equipment purchased through CT&T, and the Company's ability
to procure capital equipment relating to its system from sources other than CT&T
had been limited. Pursuant to an amendment dated January 12, 1996, subject to
certain conditions and except for outstanding purchase orders, the Company is
under no obligation to continue to purchase equipment or supplies from CT&T,
although it may continue to do so. The total amount of equipment
33
purchased from CT&T for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 was
$1,467,000 and $6,198,000, respectively. No equipment was purchased from CT&T
during 1998.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had outstanding long-term orders with
CT&T for the purchase of equipment in the aggregate amount of approximately
$3,200,000, net of deposits in the aggregate amount of approximately $600,000.
Approximately $1,400,000 of this amount, net of deposits, is represented by
set-top converters and head-end equipment which has been delivered to the
Company but have experienced performance problems, as a result of which CT&T is
presently involved in litigation with the vendor of this equipment. The Company
has not accepted billings for this equipment and no amounts are reflected in the
accompanying financial statements. As a result of discontinuing the subscription
television service, if the Company is ultimately forced to accept and pay for
this equipment, the equipment may have little or no value and would be written
off. Approximately $1,800,000 of this amount, net of deposits, represents
long-term orders which are still outstanding for modems that would be usable by
the Company in its high-speed internet access business. The Company is now
dealing directly with this vendor.
Other Transactions
(a) On May 18, 1998, the Company received an offer from Shant S.
Hovnanian, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to convey to the
Company all of the outstanding shares of VisionStar, Inc. ("VisionStar"), a
company wholly-owned by him, together with related patent application rights.
VisionStar holds a license from the FCC, granted in May 1997, to construct,
launch and operate a geostationary Ka-band telecommunications satellite at 113
degrees West Longitude, a position overlooking the continental United States.
According to the FCC order granting the license, VisionStar proposes to offer
interactive broadband service covering the nation and in urban areas in
conjunction with broadband service operators such as LMDS operators. These
broadband services may include high-speed Internet access, high-speed data
services, video teleconferencing, distance learning and video programming.
VisionStar proposes to offer services on a non-common carrier basis.
The FCC requires Ka-band licensees to adhere to a strict timetable for
system implementation, including a requirement that construction must be
commenced within one year of license grant, and that the satellite be launched
and operational within five years of grant. VisionStar has informed the Company
that it has entered into an agreement with a satellite manufacturer for
construction of its satellite. Mr. Hovnanian's offer contemplated reimbursement
by the Company of his verifiable VisionStar-related, out-of-pocket expenses, in
an amount not to exceed $300,000, which would have been payable in the form of a
note due March 31, 1999, or upon the earlier consummation by the Company of a
financing of $10,000,000 or more. The Company, through a special committee of
the Board of Directors, had been considering Mr. Hovnanian's offer. At a meeting
of the Board of Directors on August 19, 1998, the Board declined to accept Mr.
Hovnanian's offer.
Thereafter, the Board and Mr. Hovnanian have had additional discussions on
the Company pursuing this opportunity but there is currently no open offer and
the matter has been tabled.
(b) The Founders are parties to an agreement with SPEEDUSNY, pursuant to
which they have the nontransferable right to require SPEEDUSNY to make available
60 MHz of continuous spectrum per polarization in the spectrum awarded by the
FCC for the purpose of providing certain programming (other than telephony,
two-way voice or data communication services) developed by them.
(c) SPEEDUSNY has had an agreement with the International CellularVision
Association ("ICVA"), to fund, along with all other members of ICVA, operating
expenses of ICVA. SPEEDUSNY funded $209,000, $264,000 and $287,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Company had also
subleased certain office space for ICVA on a month-to-month basis which is
included in the foregoing totals. Congressman Matthew J. Rinaldo, a director of
the Company, served as President of ICVA. Congressman Rinaldo is formalizing
the dissolution of ICVA.
34
4. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following:
December 31,
------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
Transmission and headend equipment ... $11,519,726 $12,181,152
Customer premises equipment .......... 2,950,976 7,373,321
Leasehold improvements ............... 2,298,610 2,579,690
Office equipment ..................... 553,714 892,057
Fiber optics ......................... 375,000 375,000
Capitalized installation costs ....... -- 1,856,468
Equipment deposits ................... 627,108 627,108
----------- -----------
18,325,134 25,884,796
Less--accumulated depreciation ....... 5,488,766 5,277,052
----------- -----------
Property and equipment $12,836,368 $20,607,744
=========== ===========
Depreciation expense was approximately $6,104,000, $3,811,000 and
$2,221,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
5. Notes Payable
Notes payable consist of the following:
December 31,
------------------------
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Promissory note (a) ........... $ 337,500 $ 337,500
Subordinated exchange notes (b) -- 4,585,528
Convertible promissory note (c) -- 2,572,132
---------- ----------
337,500 7,495,160
Less--current portion ......... 168,750 4,993,997
---------- ----------
Long-term portion ............. $ 168,750 $2,501,163
========== ==========
(a) The promissory note is payable in equal quarterly installments of
principal through December 2000 with interest at the prime rate.
(b) In January 1998, the Company issued new Subordinated Exchange Notes,
in the aggregate principal amount of $1,191,147 (the "New Notes"), to Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan Guaranty"), the holder of the
Company's Subordinated Exchange Notes (the "Original Notes"), in exchange for
$1,000,000 in cash and as payment of $191,147 in respect of an interest payment
due on December 28, 1997. As consideration for the purchase of the New Notes,
the waiver of certain defaults under the Original Notes and the consent to the
restructuring of other debt, Morgan Guaranty received a warrant to purchase an
aggregate 127,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of
$.01 per share (still outstanding at December 31, 1998). In order to effectuate
the assignment of spectrum, the Company and SPEEDUSNY paid a fee of $750,000 to
Morgan Guaranty, payable $500,000 in cash and $250,000 by the issuance of new
Subordinated Exchange Notes. The Subordinated Exchange Notes with an aggregate
unpaid principal balance of $6,026,675 were repaid in November 1998 for an
aggregate of $6,569,355, including accrued interest of $452,280 and prepayment
penalties of $90,400, as a result of the assignment of spectrum.
(c) In December 1997, SPEEDUSNY entered into an agreement with
Logimetrics, Inc. ("Logimetrics") pursuant to which SPEEDUSNY assumed financial
responsibility for certain equipment purchased through its affiliate, CT&T, and
issued a $2,621,695 Secured Promissory Note to Logimetrics. In December 1997,
Logimetrics sold its interest in the Secured Promissory Note to Newstart
Factors, Inc. ("Newstart"). In April 1998, the Secured Promissory Note (the
"Original Note") was restructured on the following terms: (i) the Company made a
$500,000 principal payment under the New Note, as defined below, (ii) the
Original Note was amended and restated as a
35
Secured Convertible Promissory Note in the principal amount of $2,315,917 (the
"New Note"), and (iii) the Company issued to Newstart a warrant to purchase
125,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5 per share (still
outstanding at December 31, 1998). In July 1998, Newstart received an additional
$500,000 principal payment under the New Note. Newstart had the option to
convert the New Note, in whole or in part, into Common Stock of the Company. In
connection therewith, Newstart converted $500,000 in principal amount of the New
Note into 883,706 shares of Common Stock, after which the unpaid principal
balance under the New Note was $815,917. As disclosed in amendments to a Form
13D filed by Newstart in connection with its beneficial ownership of the
Company's Common Stock, on October 19, 1998, Newstart sold the New Note to
Akcess Pacific Group, LLC ("Akcess"). In December 1998, after Akcess apparently
failed to pay Newstart for the New Note, the Company repurchased the New Note
from Newstart for an aggregate price of $1,093,339, including accrued interest
of $73,443 and a premium of $203,979.
6. Stockholders' Equity
Convertible Preferred Stock
In April 1998, the Company issued 3,500 shares of its Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock ("Convertible Preferred Stock") to Marshall Capital Management,
Inc. ("Marshall") for $3,500,000. Additional issuances of Convertible Preferred
Stock in the amounts of $3,000,000 and $3,500,000 were subsequently waived by
mutual agreement of the parties. The Convertible Preferred Stock was convertible
into Common Stock of the Company at the option of Marshall. In connection
therewith, through November 1998, Marshall had converted 37 shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock into 144,151 shares of Common Stock. As disclosed in
a Form 13D filed by Akcess on October 19, 1998, in addition to acquiring the New
Note from Newstart, Akcess entered into an agreement with Marshall pursuant to
which Akcess would purchase the Common Stock of the Company issued to Marshall
upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock held by Marshall. On October
23, 1998, the Company received a request from Marshall for the conversion of 76
shares of Convertible Preferred Stock into 828,501 shares of Common Stock. The
Company informed Marshall of its view that Marshall, by virtue of its apparent
membership in a group including Akcess, already held beneficial ownership (as
defined in certain rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of more than
4.99% of the Company's Common Stock and that further conversions of the
Convertible Preferred Stock were prohibited. The remaining 3,463 shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock with an aggregate stated value of $3,463,000 were
redeemed in November 1998, as a result of the spectrum asignment, for an
aggregate price of $4,616,560, including accrued dividends of $88,200 and a
mandatory redemption premium of $1,065,360.
Stock Options
The Company's 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the "Plan") provides
for the grant of various stock-based incentives, including non-qualified and
incentive stock options. The Plan has reserved 1,250,000 shares of Common Stock
of the Company for issuance to employees, directors and consultants.
At December 31, 1995, there were no outstanding options.
During 1996, a total of 213,700 non-qualified stock options were granted
at exercise prices ranging from $9.875 to $15 per share and 13,000 options were
cancelled. All options were granted at the market price per share on the date of
grant and have ten-year terms. The weighted average exercise price for the
200,700 options outstanding at December 31, 1996 was $11.46 per share. At
December 31, 1996, there were 1,049,300 shares available for future grant.
During 1997, a total of 495,000 non-qualified stock options were granted
at exercise prices ranging from $7 to $9.25 per share and 447,550 options were
cancelled. All options were granted at the market price per share on the date of
grant and have ten-year terms. The weighted average exercise price for the
248,150 options outstanding at December 31, 1997 was $9.98 per share. At
December 31, 1997, there were 1,001,850 shares available for future grant.
During 1998, a total of 91,700 non-qualified stock options were granted at
an exercise price of $.89 and 191,600 options were cancelled. All options were
granted at the market price per share on the date of grant and have ten-year
terms. The weighted average exercise price for the 148,250 options outstanding
at December 31, 1998, all of which were exercisable, was $4.06 per share. At
December 31, 1998, there were 1,101,750 shares available for future grant.
36
The Company accounts for the cost of stock-based compensation plans in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees." Since all options to date have been granted at the market price
per share on the date of grant, no compensation expense has been recognized by
the Company for its stock-based compensation plans during the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. If the Company had determined compensation
expense based upon the fair value at the date of grant in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," compensation expense would have been $70,000, $398,000 and
$1,297,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
On a pro forma basis, for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996: (i)
net earnings/(loss) would have been $10,900,000, $($15,661,000) and
$(12,928,000), respectively; (ii) basic earnings/(loss) per share would have
been $.59, ($.98) and ($.83), respectively, and (iii) diluted earnings/(loss)
per share would have been $.57, ($.98) and ($.83), respectively.
In determining fair value, the stock options were valued using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model. Key assumptions used in valuing the options
granted during 1998 included a risk-free interest rate of 4.6%, an expected life
of five years and a volatility factor of 120%.
Warrants
Warrants to purchase up to 190,862 shares of Common Stock of the Company,
issued in 1995, were outstanding at December 31, 1998. Of this amount, an
aggregate of up to 113,256 shares were issuable by the Company, and 77,606
shares were issuable by Vahak S. Hovnanian, a director of the Company, from his
Common Stock holdings. The warrants issued by the Company have a ten-year term
and an exercise price ranging from $12.50 to $15.03 per share. The holders of
all outstanding warrants have registration rights in respect of the shares of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise.
During 1998, a total of 302,000 warrants were issued at exercise prices
ranging from $.01 to $5 per share. All warrants have five-year terms. The
holders of all outstanding warrants have registration rights in respect of the
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise.
All warrants are still outstanding at December 31, 1998.
7. Sale of Spectrum
In November 1998, pursuant to an agreement dated July 10, 1998, as
amended, between the Company and WinStar Communications, Inc. ("WinStar"), the
Company consummated the assignment of 850 MHz of spectrum to WinStar for
$32,500,000 in cash. The transaction was subject to regulatory and shareholder
approval, both of which were received. At the time of closing, the Company
repaid $3,500,000 which it had borrowed from WinStar in July 1998. The Company
had used these loan proceeds to meet outstanding obligations and finance its
operations pending the closing. As previously indicated, at the time of closing
or shortly thereafter, the Company also repaid the Subordinated Exchange Notes
held by Morgan Guaranty for an aggregate amount of $6,569,355, redeemed the
Convertible Preferred Stock held by Marshall for an aggregate amount of
$4,616,560 and repurchased the Secured Convertible Promissory Note held by
Newstart for an aggregate amount of $1,093,339. In connection with the WinStar
transaction, the Company paid an investment banking fee of $1,050,000 and
incurred other closing costs in the aggregate amount of approximately $409,000.
The assignment of spectrum required the Company to discontinue its
subscription television services. As a result, the Company wrote off property
and equipment with a carrying value aggregating approximately $2,975,000,
represented by headend equipment, set-top converters and capitalized
installation costs, which amount has been included in `Gain on assignment of
spectrum'.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Noncancellable Leases
At December 31, 1998, future minimum lease payments due under
noncancellable leases are as follows:
1999................................ $ 733,000
2000................................ 312,000
2001................................ 284,000
2002................................ 262,000
2003................................ 212,000
Thereafter.......................... 368,000
----------
Total.................. $2,171,000
==========
37
Rent expense was approximately $766,000, $695,000 and $432,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Employment Contracts
The Company entered into an employment agreement with Shant S. Hovnanian
in October 1995. The agreement provides that Mr. Hovnanian will act as President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and will devote substantially all of
his working time and efforts to the Company's affairs. Pursuant to the
agreement, Mr. Hovnanian may devote such working time and efforts to CT&T and
its affiliates as the due and faithful performance of his obligations under the
agreement permits. The agreement has a one year term and provides for an annual
salary of $250,000, effective February 7, 1996. Upon the expiration of the
initial employment term on February 7, 1997, the agreement provides for
automatic extensions on a month-to-month basis, unless terminated by either
party upon 30 days advance written notice. Mr. Hovnanian is continuing to serve
as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to the terms of this
employment agreement.
10. Legal Proceedings
(a) On June 30, 1998, Charles N. Garber, the Company's former Chief
Financial Officer, filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration
Association. Mr. Garber has asserted that his employment agreement was breached
by the Company's failure to pay him guaranteed minimum annual performance
bonuses and certain other matters. In his claim, Mr. Garber seeks damages in an
amount estimated to total $488,000, plus his costs and reasonable attorney's
fees. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims made as
well as a viable counterclaim but cannot make a determination at this time as to
the possible outcome of the action. In the event an adverse judgment is
rendered, the effect could be material to the Company's financial position and
it could have a material effect on operating results in the period in which the
matter is resolved.
(b) On August 27, 1998, M/A-COM, a division of AMP Incorporated, commenced
an arbitration proceeding ("the Arbitration") against the Company and certain
other parties (together, the "Respondents") in Boston, Massachussetts. The claim
alleges that the Respondents have breached their contractual obligations to
purchase certain receiver/antenna assemblies and to pay for approximately
$600,000 worth of receiver/antenna assemblies that were ordered and accepted by
the Respondents. M/A-COM claims to have suffered direct and consequential
damages as a result of such breaches estimated to be in excess of $7,000,000. On
September 3,1998, the Supreme Court of the State of New York (the " New York
Court") issued an order to show cause for order of attachment and temporary
restraining order (the "Order") in response to a Verified Petition of M/A-COM,
which demanded the entry of an order directing the Sheriff of the City of New
York or the Sheriff of any County in the State of New York to seize and attach
any and all property of certain Respondents, including the Company (the "Order
Respondents"), sufficient to satisfy the $7,000,000 amount of M/A-COM's
Arbitration claim ("M/A-COM's Motion"). The Order required the Order Respondents
to appear before the New York Court on September 11, 1998 to show cause why
M/A-COM's Motion should not be granted. In addition, as part of the Order, the
New York Court issued a temporary restraining order enjoining the Order
Respondents and all other persons from transferring or paying any assets of the
Order Respondents pending the New York Court's ruling on M/A-COM's Motion. On
September 11, 1998, the Company filed papers with the New York Court opposing
M/A-COM's Motion and requesting that the New York Court vacate the temporary
restraining order.
On October 2, 1998, the Company made a motion in United States District
Court in New Jersey (the "New Jersey Court") requesting a preliminary injunction
to enjoin the Arbitration against all Respondents, other than CT&T on the ground
that CT&T is the only party to the arbitration agreement with M/A-COM ("the New
Jersey Action"). On November 17, 1998, M/A-COM filed an answer and counterclaims
in the New Jersey Action. On December 18, 1998, the New Jersey Court issued an
order that CT&T is the only proper party to the Arbitration and permanently
enjoined M/A-COM from proceeding in the Arbitration against any of the
Respondents other than CT&T.
M/A-COM filed an amended counterclaim in the New Jersey Action on December
21, 1998 whereby M/A-COM seeks to hold the Company, SPEEDUSNY and certain other
parties (together "Counterclaim Defendants") liable for any judgment entered
against CT&T in the Arbitration. M/A-COM bases its claim against the Company and
SPEEDUSNY on breach of contract; quantum meruit/implied contract; goods sold and
delivered; third party beneficiary; and piercing the corporate veil of CT&T.
M/A-COM seeks to hold the other Counterclaim
38
Defendants liable for any judgment against CT&T in the Arbitration on similar
grounds. The Counterclaim Defendants filed a reply to the amended counterclaims
on January 11, 1999 and asserted the following defenses: failure to state a
claim, promissory and equitable estoppel, the absence of any agreement with
M/A-COM and failure to perform under the agreement which it seeks to enforce.
The Company intends to defend vigorously its position that neither the
Company nor SPEEDUSNY is responsible to M/A-COM for any judgment that may be
entered against CT&T in the Arbitration. The Arbitration is currently scheduled
to commence on March 30, 1999. The New Jersey Action will not be scheduled for
trial until sometime in 2000, at the earliest. The Company cannot make a
determination at this time as to the possible outcome of the Arbitration or the
New Jersey Action. In the event an adverse judgment is rendered, the effect
could be material to the Company's financial position and it could have a
material effect on operating results in the period in which the matter is
resolved.
(c) On November 20, 1998, Akcess commenced an action in the United States
District Court Southern District of New York against the Company, SPEEDUSNY, and
Shant S. Hovnanian, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, as well
as WinStar and WinStar Wireless Fiber Corp. (the "Akcess Federal Lawsuit"). The
Akcess Federal Lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the Company (i) failed
to convert shares of its Convertible Preferred Stock held by Marshall in
violation of law, (ii) lacked the requisite power and authority to execute the
contract for the assignment of spectrum to WinStar , (iii) did not obtain the
necessary shareholder and director approval for the assignment of spectrum, (iv)
did not obtain adequate consideration for the assignment of spectrum and (v)
tortiously interfered with the contractual agreement between Akcess and MCM.
On November 24, 1998, Akcess commenced an action in the Supreme Court of
the State of New York, County of New York (the "Court") against Marshall, Allan
Weine, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, the Company and Shant S.
Hovnanian (the "Akcess State Lawsuit"). The Akcess State Lawsuit sought to
enjoin the redemption of the Convertible Preferred Stock. Akcess withdrew the
Akcess State Lawsuit on December 8, 1998.
On January 15, 1999, the Company, SPEEDUSNY and Shant S. Hovnanian served
their answer and counterclaim in the Akcess Federal Lawsuit. The answer denied
the allegations of wrongdoing in the complaint, and raised certain affirmative
defenses. The counterclaim asserted that Aklcess had tortiously interfered with
the contract and/or economic advantage relating to the Company's solicitation of
shareholder approval for the assignment of spectrum and that Akcess was guilty
of tortious interference with the Company's performance of its own contractual
obligations.
On March 9, 1999, the Court granted Akcess permission to supplement and
amend its complaint. The amendment to the complaint expanded the description of
the claims of tortious interference from one count to three separate counts for
tortious interference with contract, tortious interference with prospective
business and/or contractual relations, and tortious interference with
prospective economic advantage. Finally, the amendment added a count asserting a
breach of contract theory. The Company intends to respond to the Amended
Complaint by denying the material allegations contained therein and reasserting
the counterclaim. The Company believes that the Akcess Federal Lawsuit is
without merit and intends to defend the case vigorously. The Company cannot make
a determination at this time as to the possible outcome of the Akcess Federal
Lawsuit.
(d) The Company has been named in four lawsuits brought in the normal
course of its business in the aggregate amount of approximately $700,000,
exclusive of expenses. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to a
material portion of these claims and is prepared to pursue litigation if a
reasonable and structured settlement cannot be reached with the parties. In the
event adverse judgments are rendered in the same period, the aggregate effect
could be material to the Company's financial position and it could have a
material effect on operating results in the period in which the matters are
resolved.
39
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, in New York, New York
on March 31, 1999.
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
/s/ Shant S. Hovnanian
--------------------------------------
Shant S. Hovnanian
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Shant S. Hovnanian Chairman of the Board of Directors, March 31, 1999
- - - ------------------------ President and Chief Executive and
Shant S. Hovnanian Financial Officer
/s/ Angela M. Vaccaro Controller and Chief Accounting March 31, 1999
- - - ------------------------ Officer
Angela M. Vaccaro
Director March 31, 1999
- - - ------------------------
Bernard B. Bossard
/s/ Vahak S. Hovnanian Director March 31, 1999
- - - ------------------------
Vahak S. Hovnanian
/s/ Matthew J. Rinaldo Director March 31, 1999
- - - ------------------------
Matthew J. Rinaldo
40
SPEEDUS.COM, INC.
SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Balance at Charged to
Beginning Costs and Balance at end
Description of Period Expenses Deductions of Period
------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------------
1998
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 290,984 $ 730,050 $ 1,101 $1,019,933
========== ========== ========== ==========
1997
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 124,370 $ 550,290 $ 383,676 $ 290,984
========== ========== ========== ==========
1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 133,730 $ 351,839 $ 361,199 $ 124,370
========== ========== ========== ==========
S-1