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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM 10-Q
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
1-15015
(Commission File Number)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
OR
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE 06-1461770
(State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation) Identification Number)
75 VARICK STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10013
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(212) 905-8200
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required 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 / /
As of September 30, 2000, there were 66,627,605 shares of the Registrant's
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
PAGE NO.
---------
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2000
(unaudited) and December 31, 1999........................... 3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the three months and nine months ended September 30,
2000 and 1999............................................... 4
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999....... 5
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements.................................................. 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................... 10
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk........................................................ 14
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings........................................... 28
Item 2. Changes In Securities and Use of Proceeds................... 28
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities............................. 28
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......... 28
Item 5. Other Information........................................... 28
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................ 28
Item 7. Signatures.................................................. 28
2
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 1999
------------------ -----------------
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $126,971,000 $274,089,000
Account receivables, net.................................. 14,863,000 7,575,000
Due from officers......................................... 1,365,000 --
Other current assets...................................... 20,351,000 5,506,000
------------ ------------
Total current assets.................................... 163,550,000 287,170,000
Fixed assets, net........................................... 52,681,000 23,160,000
Intangible assets, net...................................... 6,024,000 4,642,000
Goodwill, net............................................... 51,722,000 18,513,000
Other assets................................................ 30,319,000 22,586,000
------------ ------------
Total Assets............................................ $304,296,000 $356,071,000
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 10,538,000 $ 7,535,000
Accrued expenses.......................................... 37,716,000 17,108,000
Loan payable, current portion............................. 1,822,000 1,602,000
Capital lease obligations, current portion................ -- 58,000
Deferred revenues......................................... 2,488,000 632,000
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities............................... 52,564,000 26,935,000
Long-term liabilities:
Loan payable, long term................................... 1,027,000 2,380,000
Deferred rent............................................. 6,022,000 395,000
Stockholders' equity (Deficit):
Preferred Stock, authorized 10,000,000 shares:
Series 1999A Junior Non-Voting Convertible Preferred
Stock, $.001 par value, 2,300,000 shares authorized,
58,140 shares outstanding at September 30, 2000 and
December 31, 1999..................................... -- --
Common stock, $.001 par value, 200,000,000 Shares
authorized, 66,627,605 and 64,151,283 shares issued and
outstanding at September 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999,
respectively............................................ 67,000 64,000
Additional paid-in capital................................ 513,405,000 484,465,000
Deferred compensation..................................... (3,688,000) (8,461,000)
Other comprehensive loss.................................. (732,000) (421,000)
Accumulated deficit....................................... (264,369,000) (149,286,000)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity.................................. 244,683,000 326,361,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................. $304,296,000 $356,071,000
============ ============
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------- -------------------------------
SEPT. 30, 2000 SEPT. 30, 1999 SEPT. 30, 2000 SEPT. 30, 1999
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Revenues................................. $ 17,146,000 $ 5,618,000 $ 40,966,000 $ 11,092,000
Operating expenses:
Product & technology development....... 16,654,000 9,987,000 52,012,000 20,006,000
Sales & marketing...................... 17,348,000 14,274,000 58,209,000 37,200,000
General & administration............... 8,163,000 3,902,000 23,940,000 9,544,000
Non-recurring charges.................. 3,935,000 590,000 3,935,000 1,613,000
Depreciation & amortization............ 8,120,000 1,684,000 19,953,000 3,328,000
Stock-based compensation expense....... 1,149,000 1,848,000 3,469,000 4,860,000
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Total operating expenses............. 55,369,000 32,285,000 161,518,000 76,551,000
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Loss from operations..................... (38,223,000) (26,667,000) (120,552,000) (65,459,000)
Interest income.......................... 2,607,000 1,785,000 9,400,000 3,189,000
Interest expense......................... (352,000) (238,000) (1,036,000) (507,000)
Loss in unconsolidated subsidiary........ -- -- (2,500,000) --
Other expenses........................... (6,000) -- (379,000) --
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Net loss before provision for income
taxes.................................. (35,974,000) (25,120,000) (115,067,000) (62,777,000)
Provision for income taxes............... (9,000) (116,000) (16,000) (116,000)
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Net loss................................. (35,983,000) (25,236,000) (115,083,000) (62,893,000)
Preferred stock dividends and
accretion.............................. -- -- -- (4,266,000)
------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Net loss available to common
shareholders........................... $(35,983,000) $(25,236,000) $(115,083,000) $(67,159,000)
============ ============ ============= ============
Basic and diluted net loss per common
share.................................. $ (0.54) $ (0.43) $ (1.75) $ (1.97)
============ ============ ============= ============
Number of shares used in computing basic
and diluted net loss per share......... 66,384,809 58,142,334 65,631,931 34,131,502
============ ============ ============= ============
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
2000 1999
------------- -------------
Operating activities
Net loss.................................................... $(115,083,000) $ (62,893,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............................. 19,953,000 3,328,000
Provision for bad debts................................... 1,281,000 189,000
Amortization of deferred compensation..................... 3,469,000 4,860,000
Stock option issued for service........................... -- 31,000
Deferred rent............................................. 5,627,000 --
Transaction expenses related to Wass Net, S. L............ -- 732,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of
acquisition)
Accounts receivable..................................... (7,798,000) (3,122,000)
Due from officers....................................... (1,365,000) --
Other assets............................................ (13,685,000) (1,735,000)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................... 15,425,000 8,312,000
Deferred revenue........................................ (38,000) (531,000)
------------- -------------
Net cash used in operating activities....................... (92,214,000) (50,829,000)
Investing activities:
Purchases of fixed assets................................. (38,346,000) (12,389,000)
Intangible assets......................................... (2,090,000) (1,697,000)
Other assets.............................................. (7,057,000) (6,000,000)
Cash paid for acquisitions................................ (10,565,000) (6,776,000)
------------- -------------
Net cash used in investing activities....................... (58,058,000) (26,862,000)
Financing activities:
Issuance of common stock.................................. 4,222,000 154,439,000
Proceeds from issuance of long term debt.................. -- 5,074,000
Net repayments current and long term debt................. (1,133,000) (725,000)
Repayment of amounts due to principal shareholders........ -- (9,000)
Payments under capital lease obligation................... (58,000) (153,000)
------------- -------------
Net cash provided by financing activities................... 3,031,000 158,626,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash
equivalents................................................. 123,000 (581,000)
------------- -------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash............................. (147,118,000) 80,354,000
Cash at beginning of period................................. 274,089,000 53,147,000
------------- -------------
Cash at end of period....................................... $ 126,971,000 $ 133,501,000
============= =============
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid............................................... $ 1,036,000 $ 440,000
============= =============
Income taxes paid........................................... $ -- $ 101,000
============= =============
See notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
StarMedia Network, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company"). All intercompany account balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
The Company is the leading online network targeting Spanish- and
Portuguese-speaking markets worldwide. The Company's network consists of
interest-specific channels, extensive Web-based community features,
sophisticated search capabilities and access to online shopping in Spanish and
Portuguese. These channels cover topics of interest to Spanish- and
Portuguese-speaking markets online, including local and regional news, business
and sports. The Company promotes user affinity to the StarMedia community by
providing Spanish- and Portuguese-language e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging
and personal homepages.
The balance sheet at December 31, 1999 has been derived from the audited
financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information
and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated
financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.
The accompanying September 1999 condensed consolidated financial statements
have been restated to reflect the May 1999 merger with Was Net, S.L. and the
September 1999 merger with Webcast Solutions, Inc., which were accounted for as
poolings-of-interest.
2. ACQUISITIONS
OLA TURISTA LTDA.
In February 2000, the Company acquired all of the shares of Ola Turista
Ltda. ("Ola Turista"), the owner of Guia and Guia RJ, leading culture and
entertainment guides in the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in exchange
for 71,524 shares of its common stock and $2,000,000 in cash. Ola Turista's
portals provide users in the Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro metro areas searchable
listings of restaurants, theaters, nightclubs, cinemas and sports events. Other
offerings include columns on issues of interest to the region such as sporting,
fitness, psychology, and a special teen area. This acquisition has been
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
ADNET, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
In April 2000, the Company acquired all of the outstanding equity interests
of Adnet. S. de R.L. de C.V. ("Adnet"), a leading Mexican search portal and
Mexico's largest web directory. The Company paid $5.0 million in cash and issued
469,577 shares of common stock to acquire all of the outstanding equity of
Adnet. This acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting. Pursuant to the Agreement, StarMedia is obligated to pay additional
consideration in the form of StarMedia common stock for five years subject to
Adnet meeting revenue targets specified in the agreement.
The following pro forma unaudited consolidated result of operations assumes
the consummation of the April 1999 acquisition of KD Sistemas de Informacao,
Ltda., the September 1999 acquisition of
6
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
2. ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)
PageCell International Holdings, Inc., the February 2000 acquisition of Ola
Turista and the April 2000 acquisition of Adnet S. de R. L. de CV as of the
beginning of the respective periods:
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30
----------------------------
2000 1999
------------- ------------
Revenues........................................ $ 42,467,000 $ 13,978,000
Net loss........................................ $(116,036,000) $(66,776,000)
Net loss available for common shareholders...... $(116,036,000) $(71,042,000)
Basic and diluted net loss per share............ $ (1.76) $ (2.04)
The effects of the March 1999 acquisition of Achei Internet Promotion, Ltda.
the June 1999 acquisition of Servicios Interactivos, Ltda., and the November
1999 acquisition of Paisas.com are not included in the pro forma unaudited
consolidated results of operations as they are not material.
3. FOREIGN CURRENCY AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
The functional currency of the Company's active subsidiaries in Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain and Colombia is the local currency in each nation.
The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars
using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, and average rates
for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses are
deferred and accumulated as a component of stockholders' equity. The functional
currency of the Company's subsidiaries in the highly inflationary economies of
Uruguay and Venezuela, is the U.S. dollar.
Accordingly, for those subsidiaries that use U.S. dollars as the functional
currency, monetary assets and liabilities are translated using the current
exchange rate in effect at the period-end date, while nonmonetary assets and
liabilities are translated at historical rates. Operations are generally
translated at the weighted average exchange rate in effect during the period.
The resulting foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated
statement of operations. Revenues, net loss and total assets of the Company's
foreign subsidiaries were $7,371,000, $18,395,000 and $69,299,000, respectively,
as of and for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
4. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
COMMON STOCK
In February 2000, the Company issued 71,524 shares of its common stock in
connection with its acquisition of Ola Turista, valued at approximately
$3,362,000.
In April 2000, the Company issued 469,577 shares of its common stock in
connection with its acquisition of Adnet, S. de R.L. de C.V., valued at
approximately $14,999,000.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2000, the Company issued
1,553,368 shares of its common stock for approximately $4,222,000 in connection
with the exercise of stock options and pursuant to the Employees Stock Purchase
Plan.
7
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
5. LOSS PER SHARE
Diluted net loss per share does not include the effect of options to
purchase 15,433,932 and 9,045,000 shares of common stock at September 30, 2000
and 1999, respectively.
6. STOCK OPTIONS
In connection with the granting of stock options in 1999 and 1998 and the
exchange of non-qualified options to incentive stock options, the Company
recorded deferred compensation of approximately $25,282,000. Deferred
compensation is adjusted quarterly for cancellations and is being amortized for
financial reporting purposes over the vesting period of the options. The amount
recognized as expense during the three and nine month periods ended September
30, 2000 were approximately $1,149,000 and $3,469,000, respectively.
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
At September 30, 2000, approximately $2.8 million (of which $1.8 million is
current) was outstanding. Amounts outstanding are payable in monthly
installments of principal and interest of approximately $170,000, bear interest
at approximately 13.6% per annum and are secured by certain of the Company's
computer equipment and furniture and fixtures.
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2000 includes
approximately $1,008,000 and $3,022,000 respectively from Gratis 1 ("G1"), a
minority-owned unconsolidated investment.
Chase Equity Associates, The Flatiron Fund 2000 LLC and the Flatiron
Associates II LLC (The "Lenders") have purchased debt securities from G1 in an
aggregate amount of $11 million. With respect to $7 million of such securities,
in the event of a default by G1, The Lenders would have the right to purchase
shares of The Company common stock at a purchase price equal to the greater
of (i) $7 per share, and (ii) their then Fair Market Value, in exchange for the
face amount of such debt securities. With respect to up to an additional
$7 million in debt securities of G1 which may be purchased by The Lenders,
including the remaining $4 million of such debt securities purchased to date, in
the event of a change of control of The Company, The Lenders would have the
right to put (and SMN would have a corresponding right to call) such securities
to The Company for The Company common shares or merger consideration, as the
case may be, at their then Fair Market Value for the face amount of such debt
securities plus a 25% annualized return.
In April 1999 we entered into an agreement with AT&T Global Network
Services, formerly IBM Global Network, under which we could offer Internet
access services in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Under the
agreement, we were obligated to pay AT&T certain minimum amounts. Subsequently,
this agreement has been assigned to Gratis1 with StarMedia providing AT&T a
$2.8 million Letter of Credit, on which AT&T may draw if Gratis1 fails to
perform its obligation under the agreement.
8
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
9. DUE FROM OFFICERS
At September 30, 2000, the Company had loans receivable from officers
totaling $1,365,000 pursuant to revolving loan agreements which have a one year
term, bear interest at 7% per annum and are payable at maturity. These loans are
secured to the extent permitted by Regulation U under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and are otherwise non-recourse to the borrower. Upon
termination of employment status, the loans become due and payable within 60
days.
10. COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Total comprehensive loss was $35,957,000 and $115,394,000 for the three and
nine month periods ended September 30, 2000 and $25,253,000 and $63,198,000 for
the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1999.
9
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND NOTES TO THOSE STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT.
THIS REPORT CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS RELATING TO FUTURE EVENTS
AND FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, STATEMENTS REGARDING THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS,
BELIEFS, INTENTIONS OR FUTURE STRATEGIES THAT ARE SIGNIFIED BY THE WORDS
"EXPECTS," "ANTICIPATES," "INTENDS," "BELIEVES" OR SIMILAR LANGUAGE. ACTUAL
RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS. ALL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE BASED
ON INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE COMPANY ON THE DATE HEREOF, AND THE COMPANY
ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE ANY FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. THE COMPANY
CAUTIONS INVESTORS THAT ITS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ARE SUBJECT TO
SUBSTANTIAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. IN EVALUATING THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS,
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE INFORMATION SET FORTH BELOW
UNDER THE CAPTION "RISK FACTORS" IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION SET FORTH
HEREIN.
OVERVIEW
StarMedia Network, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in March 1996. We
commenced operations in September 1996 and launched the StarMedia network in
December 1996. In May 1999, we completed the initial public offering of our
common stock for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $110.4 million and in
October 1999 we completed a follow-on public offering of our common stock for
aggregate net proceeds of approximately $192.1 million.
StarMedia Network is the leading Internet media company targeting Spanish-
and Portuguese-speaking audiences worldwide. The Company is committed to
providing Spanish and Portuguese speakers with a complete selection of services
and products that take full advantage of Internet technologies. StarMedia
Network is the owner of 11 leading brands: StarMedia.com, Cade?, LatinRed,
Periscopio, OpenChile, Panoramas.cl, Zeek!, AdNet, Guia SP, Guia RJ and
Paisas.com. It also operates StarMedia Broadband, StarMedia Network's broadband
services arm, and StarMedia Mobile, the Company's wireless division. Our page
views have grown to 3.3 billion and our active e-mail accounts have reached
approximately 5.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
Page view figures have been audited by ABC Interactive, in compliance with
the Internet Advertising Bureau standards. ABC Interactive is the interactive
auditing unit of the Audit Bureau of Circulation that provides online auditing
services for leading Internet companies worldwide.
"Active" e-mail accounts refers to those e-mail accounts that have been used
at least once within the last 90 days.
10
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
In February 2000, the Company acquired all of the shares of Ola Turista
Ltda. ("Ola Turista"), the owner of Guia and Guia RJ, leading culture and
entertainment guides in the cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Jeneiro in exchange
for 71,524 shares of its common stock and $2,000,000 cash. Ola Turista's portals
provide users in the Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro metro areas searchable
listings of restaurants, theaters, nightclubs, cinemas, and sports events. Other
offerings include columns on issues of interest to the region such as sports,
fitness, psychology, and a special teen area. We accounted for this acquisition
the purchase method of accounting.
In April 2000, the company acquired all of the outstanding equity interests
of Adnet, a leading search portal and Mexico's largest web directory in exchange
for 469,577 shares of common stock and $5,000,000 in cash. This acquisition has
been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
REVENUE
Revenues increased to $17.1 million for the three months ended September 30,
2000 from $5.6 million, for the three months ended September 30, 1999. Revenues
increased to $41.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 from
$11.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. The increase in
revenues was primarily due to an increase in the volume of revenue-producing
advertising impressions and sponsorships. During 2000, we continued to:
- expand our sales force;
- increase the number of impressions available on our network by adding
channels;
- increase our marketing efforts; and
- expand through acquisitions.
For the three months ended September 30, 1999 and 2000, no single advertiser
accounted for more than 10% of our revenue.
For the three months ended September 1999, our top five advertisers
accounted for 27% of our revenue. For the three months ended September 30, 2000,
our top five advertisers account for 32% of our revenue.
For the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 2000, no single advertiser
accounted for more than 10% of our revenue. For the nine months ended September
30, 1999, our top five advertisers accounted for 21% of our revenue. For the
nine months ended September 30, 2000, our top five advertisers accounted for 26%
of our revenue.
OPERATING EXPENSES
PRODUCT AND TECHNOLOGY.
Product and technology expenses increased to $16.7 million, or 97% of total
revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2000, from $10.0 million, or
178% of total revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 1999. This
increase was primarily due to an increase of approximately
11
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
$2.5 million in expenses related to additional staffing levels required to
support the StarMedia network and related systems, increased hosting costs of
approximately $2.3 million and approximately $1.7 million in expenses to enhance
the content and features of the StarMedia network. For the nine months ended
September 30, 2000, product and technology expenses increased to $52.0 million,
or 127% of total revenues, from $20.0 million, or 180% of total revenues, for
the nine months ended September 30, 1999. This increase was primarily due to an
increase of approximately $13.7 million related to staffing levels,
approximately $5.1 million to enhance the content and features of the StarMedia
network, and increased hosting costs of approximately $8.3 million.
We believe that increased investment in new and enhanced features and
technology is critical to attaining our strategic objectives and remaining
competitive. Accordingly, we intend to continue recruiting and hiring
experienced product and technology personnel and to make additional investments
in product development and technological infrastructure. We expect that product
expenditures will continue to increase in absolute dollars in future periods.
SALES AND MARKETING.
Sales and marketing expenses increased to $17.3 million, or 101% of total
revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2000, from $14.3 million, or
254% of total revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 1999. This
increase resulted primarily from $2.1 million in salaries to support an extended
sales force. Sales and marketing expense increased to $58.2 million, or 142% of
total revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 from $37.2 million,
or 335% of total revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. This
increase in sales and marketing expenses was primarily attributable to higher
personnel expenses, including sales commissions, of approximately $7.8 million,
expansion of our advertising, public relations and other promotional
expenditures related to an increase in our branding campaign of approximately
$8.9 million. We expect sales and marketing expenses will continue to increase
in absolute dollars.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE.
General and administrative expenses increased to $8.2 million, or 48% of
total revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2000, from $3.9
million, or 69% of total revenues, for the three months ended September 30,
1999. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to
additional salary and related charges of $1.4 million and additional rent of
$1.5 million to support the growth of our business. General and administrative
expenses increased to $23.9 million, or 58% of total revenues, for the nine
months ended September 30, 2000, from $9.5 million, or 86% of total revenues,
for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. The increase in general and
administrative expenses was primarily due to increased salaries and related
expenses associated with the hiring of additional personnel of approximately
$4.4 million, additional rental costs of approximately $4.7 million, additional
professional fees and consulting charges of $2.1 million and additional business
taxes and insurance of $1.5 million. Non-recurring charge for the three months
ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 were $3.9 million and $590,000, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, non-recurring charges
were $3.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The non-recurring charges for
the three months ended September 30, 2000 were associated with the integration
of acquisitions and subsequent company-wide realignment of business operations.
We expect that we will incur additional general and administrative expenses
as we hire additional personnel and incur additional costs related to the growth
of our business and our operation as a
12
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
public company. Accordingly, we anticipate that general and administrative
expenses will continue to increase in absolute dollars in future periods.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $8.1 million, or 47% of
total revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2000, from $1.7 million
or 30% of total revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 1999.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $20.0 million, or 49% of
total revenues, in the nine months ended September 30, 2000 from $3.3 million,
or 30% of total revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. The
dollar increases were primarily attributable to the increase in fixed assets of
approximately $39.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and
$13.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and goodwill
amortization expense of $4.4 and $10.3 million in the three months and nine
months ended September 30, 2000, respectively, related to the acquisitions in
1999 and 2000. We expect that depreciation and amortization expenses will
continue to increase as we build the structure necessary to improve StarMedia's
product and acquire other businesses.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE.
Of the cumulative deferred compensation amount, $3.5 million was recorded as
an expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and $1.1 million was
recorded as expense in the three months ended September 30, 2000. The
unamortized balance is being amortized over the vesting period for the
individual options, which is typically three years for options issued prior to
February 1999 and four years for options issued thereafter.
INTEREST INCOME.
Interest income includes income from our cash and investments. Interest
income increased from $1.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 1999
to $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2000. Interest income
increased from $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to $9.4
million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. Interest income increased
as a result of an increase in the average cash balance for the above periods.
Interest expense increased from $238,000 in the three months ended September
30, 1999 to $352,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2000. Interest
expense increased from $507,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to
$1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. Interest expense
increased as a result of an increase in the average loan balance outstanding for
the above periods.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
To date, we have primarily financed our operations through the sale of our
equity securities. At September 30, 2000, we had $127.0 million in cash and cash
equivalents, a decrease of $147.1 million from December 31, 1999.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2000, we used $92.2 million in
operating activities, substantially related to our $115.1 million loss during
the period, which included non-cash activities such as $20.0 million in
depreciation, amortization and $3.5 million in non-cash charges related to stock
option grants and $5.6 million of deferred rent.
13
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
For the nine months ended September 30, 2000, we used $58.1 million in
investing activities, including $38.3 million for fixed assets, $9.1 million for
investments and other long-term assets and $10.6 million in connection with
acquisitions and related costs.
Net cash provided by financing activities were $3.0 million and $158.6
million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Net
cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30,
2000 and September 30, 1999 consisted primarily of proceeds from issuance of
common stock
At September 30, 2000, approximately $2.8 million (of which $1.8 million is
current) long-term debt was outstanding. Amounts outstanding are payable in
monthly installments of principal and interest of approximately $170,000, bear
interest at approximately 13.6% per annum and are secured by certain computer
equipment and furniture and fixtures.
Our principal commitments consist of obligations outstanding under capital
and operating leases. We expect that our capital expenditures will increase
significantly in the future as we make technological improvements to our system
and technical infrastructure.
We have experienced a substantial increase in our capital expenditures and
operating lease arrangements since our inception consistent with the growth in
our operations and staffing. We anticipate that this will continue for the
foreseeable future. Additionally, we will continue to evaluate possible
investments in businesses, products and technologies.
We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to
meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for
at least the next 12 months. If cash generated from operations is insufficient
to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or
debt securities or establish an additional credit facility. The sale of
additional equity or convertible debt securities could result in additional
dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of additional indebtedness would
result in increased fixed obligations and could result in operating covenants
that would restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be
available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Company continues to assess the effects of recently issued accounting
standards. The impact of all recently adopted and issued accounting standards
has been disclosed in the footnotes to the Unaudited Consolidated Condensed
Interim Financial Statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
INFLATION AND FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE LOSSES
To date, our results of operations have not been impacted materially by
inflation in the United States or in the countries that comprise Latin America.
Although a substantial portion of our revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars,
an increasing percentage of our revenues are denominated in foreign currencies.
As a result, our revenues may be impacted by fluctuations in these currencies
and the value of these currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. In addition, a
portion of our monetary assets and liabilities, our accounts payable and
operating expenses are denominated in foreign currencies. Therefore, we are
exposed to foreign currency exchange risks. Revenues derived from foreign
currencies, however, historically have not comprised a material portion of our
revenues. As a result, we
14
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
have not tried to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by using
hedging transactions. Although we may enter into hedging transactions in the
future, we may not be able to do so successfully. Accordingly, we may experience
economic loss and a negative impact on earnings and equity as a result of
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
MARKET RISK
Our accounts receivable are subject, in the normal course of business, to
collection risks. We regularly assess these risks and have established policies
and business practices to protect against the adverse effects of collection
risks. As a result, we do not anticipate any material losses in this area.
INTEREST RATE RISK
Our investments are classified as cash and cash equivalents with original
maturities of three months or less. Therefore, changes in the market's interest
rates do not affect the value of the investments as recorded by us.
15
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RISK FACTORS
RISKS RELATED TO OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION AND BUSINESS MODEL
OUR LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY MAKES EVALUATING OUR BUSINESS
DIFFICULT.
We were incorporated in March 1996. We commenced operations in September
1996 and launched the StarMedia network in December 1996. Accordingly, we have
only a limited operating history from which to evaluate our business. You must
consider the risks, expenses and uncertainties that an early stage company like
ours faces.
These risks include our ability to:
- increase awareness of our Internet brands and continue to build user
loyalty;
- expand the content and services on our network;
- attract a larger audience to our network;
- attract a large number of advertisers from a variety of industries;
- maintain our current strategic relationships, and develop new ones;
- respond effectively to competitive pressures; and
- continue to develop and upgrade our technology.
If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks, our business, financial
condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
WE HAVE NEVER MADE MONEY AND EXPECT OUR LOSSES TO CONTINUE.
We have never been profitable. As of September 30, 2000, we had an
accumulated deficit of approximately $264.4 million. We expect to continue to
incur significant losses for the foreseeable future. Although our revenues have
grown in recent quarters, our expenses have grown even faster and we expect to
increase our spending significantly. Accordingly, we will need to generate
significant revenues to achieve profitability. We may not be able to do so.
WE HAVE DERIVED A PORTION OF OUR REVENUES FROM RECIPROCAL ADVERTISING
AGREEMENTS, WHICH DO NOT GENERATE CASH REVENUE.
We derive a portion of our revenues from reciprocal advertising arrangements
under which we exchange advertising space on our network predominantly for
advertising space on television and radio stations, rather than cash payments.
In the three months ended September 30, 2000, we derived approximately $1.7
million, or 10% of revenues, from these arrangements. We expect that revenues
from reciprocal advertising arrangements will continue to account for a portion
of our revenues in the foreseeable future. Reciprocal advertising arrangements
do not generate any cash revenues.
YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON OUR ANNUAL OPERATING RESULTS AS AN INDICATION OF OUR
FUTURE RESULTS BECAUSE THEY ARE SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT FLUCTUATIONS.
Our future revenues and results of operations may fluctuate significantly
due to a combination of factors, including:
- growth and acceptance of the Internet, particularly in Latin America;
- our ability to attract and retain users;
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- demand for advertising on the Internet in general and on our network in
particular;
- our ability to upgrade and develop our systems and infrastructure;
- technical difficulties that users may experience on our network;
- technical difficulties or system downtime resulting from the developing
telecommunications infrastructure in Latin America;
- competition in our markets;
- foreign currency exchange rates that affect our international operations;
and
- general economic conditions, particularly in Latin America.
Accordingly, you should not rely on year-to-year comparisons of our results
of operations as an indication of our future performance. It is possible that in
future periods our results of operations may be below the expectations of public
market analysts and investors. This could cause the trading price of our common
stock to decline.
OUR OPERATING RESULTS MAY ALSO FLUCTUATE DUE TO SEASONAL FACTORS.
The level of use on our network is highly seasonal. This may cause
fluctuations in our revenues and operating results. Visitor traffic on our
network has historically been significantly lower during the first calendar
quarter of the year because it includes the summer months in much of Latin
America during which:
- our target audience tends to take extended vacations; and
- schools and universities are generally closed.
As a result, advertisers have historically spent less in the first calendar
quarter. We believe that these seasonal trends will continue to affect our
results of operations. If our expenses increase during these periods, we may not
generate sufficient revenue to offset these expenses.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO GROW OUR BUSINESS.
We intend to continue to grow our business. Because we expect to generate
losses for the foreseeable future, we do not expect that income from our
operations will be sufficient to meet these needs. Therefore, we will likely
have substantial future capital requirements.
Obtaining additional financing will be subject to a number of factors,
including:
- market conditions;
- our operating performance; and
- investor sentiment.
These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of
additional financing unattractive for us. If we are unable to raise additional
capital, our growth could be impeded.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR MARKETS AND STRATEGY
IF THE INTERNET IS NOT WIDELY ACCEPTED AS A MEDIUM FOR ADVERTISING AND
COMMERCE, OUR BUSINESS WILL SUFFER.
We expect to derive most of our revenue for the foreseeable future from
Internet advertising, and to a lesser extent, from electronic commerce. If the
Internet is not accepted as a medium for
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
advertising and commerce, our business will suffer. The Internet advertising
market is new and rapidly evolving, particularly in Latin America. As a result,
we cannot gauge its effectiveness or long-term market acceptance as compared
with traditional media.
Advertisers and advertising agencies must direct a portion of their budgets
to the Internet and, specifically, to our network. Many of our current or
potential advertising and electronic commerce partners have limited experience
using the Internet for advertising purposes and historically, have not devoted a
significant portion of their advertising budgets to Internet-based advertising.
Advertisers that have invested substantial resources in other methods of
conducting business may be reluctant to adopt a new strategy that may limit or
compete with their existing efforts.
In addition, companies may choose not to advertise on the StarMedia network
if they do not perceive our audience demographic to be desirable or advertising
on our network to be effective.
THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE INTERNET AS A MEDIUM FOR ADVERTISING DEPENDS ON THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A MEASUREMENT STANDARD.
No standards have been widely accepted for the measurement of the
effectiveness of Internet advertising. Standards may not develop sufficiently to
support the Internet as an effective advertising medium. If these standards do
not develop, advertisers may choose not to advertise on the Internet in general
or on our network specifically. This would have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS IN LATIN AMERICA MAY CAUSE VOLATILITY IN OUR
OPERATIONS AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
We have and expect to continue to derive substantially all of our revenues
from Latin American markets. Social and political conditions in Latin America
are volatile and may cause our operations to fluctuate. This volatility could
make it difficult for us to sustain our expected growth in revenues and
earnings, which could have an adverse effect on our stock price. Historically,
volatility in Latin America has been caused by:
- significant governmental influence over many aspects of local economies;
- political instability;
- unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
- social unrest;
- slow or negative growth;
- imposition of trade barriers; and
- wage and price controls.
We have no control over these matters. Volatility resulting from these
matters may decrease Internet availability, create uncertainty regarding our
operating climate and adversely affect our customers' advertising budgets, all
of which may adversely impact our business.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS AND GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN LATIN AMERICA MAY
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
The currencies of many countries in Latin America have experienced
substantial depreciation and volatility. The currency fluctuations, as well as
high interest rates, inflation and high unemployment, have materially and
adversely affected the economies of these countries. Poor general economic
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
conditions in Latin American countries may cause our customers to reduce their
advertising spending, which could adversely impact our business and could cause
our revenue to decline unexpectedly.
WE MAY SUFFER CURRENCY EXCHANGE LOSSES IF LOCAL LATIN AMERICAN CURRENCIES
DEPRECIATE RELATIVE TO THE U.S. DOLLAR.
Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. In a number of cases, however,
customers in Latin America may be billed in local currencies. Our accounts
receivable from these customers will decline in value if the local currencies
depreciate relative to the U.S. dollar. To date, we have not tried to reduce our
exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by using hedging transactions. Although
we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, we may not be able to do
so successfully. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified if
we become subject to exchange control regulations restricting our ability to
convert local currencies into U.S. dollars.
IF INTERNET USE IN SPANISH- AND PORTUGUESE-SPEAKING MARKETS DOES NOT GROW,
OUR BUSINESS WILL SUFFER.
The Internet in Spanish - and Portuguese-speaking markets is in an early
stage of development. Our future success depends on the continued growth of the
Internet in these markets. Our business, financial condition and results of
operations will be materially and adversely affected if Internet usage in these
markets does not continue to grow or grows more slowly than we anticipate.
Internet usage in these markets may be inhibited by a number of factors,
including:
- the cost of Internet access;
- concerns about security, reliability, and privacy;
- ease of use; and
- quality of service.
UNDERDEVELOPED TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE MAY LIMIT THE GROWTH OF THE
INTERNET IN LATIN AMERICA AND ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
Access to the Internet requires a relatively advanced telecommunications
infrastructure. The telecommunications infrastructure in many parts of Latin
America is not as well developed as in the United States or Europe. The quality
and continued development of the telecommunications infrastructure in Latin
America will have a substantial impact on our ability to deliver our services
and on the market acceptance of the Internet in Latin America in general. If
further improvements to the Latin American telecommunications infrastructure are
not made, the Internet will not gain broad market acceptance in Latin America.
If access to the Internet in Latin America does not continue to grow or grows
more slowly than we anticipate, our business, financial condition and results of
operations will be materially and adversely affected.
THE HIGH COST OF INTERNET ACCESS MAY LIMIT THE GROWTH OF THE INTERNET IN
LATIN AMERICA AND IMPEDE OUR GROWTH.
Each country in Latin America has its own telephone rate structure, which,
if too expensive, may cause consumers to be less likely to access and transact
business over the Internet. Although rates charged by Internet service providers
and local telephone companies have been reduced recently in some countries, we
do not know whether this trend will continue. Unfavorable rate developments
could decrease our visitor traffic and our ability to derive revenues from
transactions over the Internet. This could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
19
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
OUR PAN-REGIONAL APPROACH TO CONTENT DELIVERY MAY NOT BE APPEALING TO OUR
USERS.
Our target markets are made up of a number of diverse regions that differ
historically, culturally, economically and politically. We generally use a
pan-regional approach to community development and to advertisements. Users,
however, may prefer content and community features which are specifically
created for a local audience using a strictly localized approach over our
pan-regional approach.
If users do not find the pan-regional content on our network appealing, they
will decrease in number and advertisers will find our network an unattractive
medium on which to advertise.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DEVELOP OUR BRANDS AND ATTRACT USERS TO OUR NETWORK.
Maintaining our brands is critical to our ability to expand our user base
and our revenues. We believe that the importance of brand recognition will
increase as the number of Internet sites in our target markets grows. In order
to attract and retain Internet users, advertisers and electronic commerce
partners, we intend to increase substantially our expenditures for creating and
maintaining brand loyalty.
Our success in promoting and enhancing our brands will also depend on our
success in providing high quality content, features and functionality. If we
fail to promote our brands successfully or if visitors to our network or
advertisers do not perceive our services to be of high quality, the value of our
brands could be diminished. This could have a material and adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
OUR ADVERTISING PRICING MODEL, THAT IS BASED ON THE NUMBER OF TIMES AN
ADVERTISEMENT IS DELIVERED TO USERS, MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL.
Different pricing models are used to sell advertising on the Internet, and
the models we adopt may prove to not be the most profitable. Advertising based
on impressions, or the number of times an advertisement is delivered to users,
comprises a significant portion of our revenues. To the extent that minimum
guaranteed impression levels are not met, we defer recognition of the
corresponding revenues until guaranteed impression levels are achieved. To the
extent that minimum impression levels are not achieved, we may be required to
provide additional impressions after the contract term, which would reduce our
advertising inventory. This could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY ADAPT TO NEW INTERNET ADVERTISING PRICING
MODELS.
It is difficult to predict which pricing model, if any, will emerge as the
industry standard. This makes it difficult to project our future advertising
rates and revenues. Our advertising revenues could be adversely affected if we
are unable to adapt to new forms of Internet advertising or we do not adopt the
most profitable form.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TRACK THE DELIVERY OF ADVERTISEMENTS ON OUR NETWORK IN
A WAY THAT MEETS THE NEEDS OF OUR ADVERTISERS.
It is important to our advertisers that we accurately measure the
demographics of our user base and the delivery of advertisements on our network.
Companies may choose to not advertise on our network or may pay less for
advertising if they do not perceive our ability to track and measure the
delivery of advertisements to be reliable. We depend on third parties to provide
us with some of these measurement services. If they are unable to provide these
services in the future, we would need to perform them ourselves or obtain them
from another provider. This could cause us to incur additional costs or cause
interruptions in our business during the time we are replacing these services.
We are currently implementing additional systems designed to record information
on our users. If we do not
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
implement these systems successfully, we may not be able to accurately evaluate
the demographic characteristics of our users.
THE LOSS OF ONE OF OUR TOP ADVERTISERS COULD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE OUR
ADVERTISING REVENUE AND MATERIALLY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
In the three months ended September 30, 2000, our top 5 advertisers
accounted for approximately 32% of our total revenues. Our top 10 advertisers
accounted for approximately 46% of our total revenues. Our business, financial
condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected
by the loss of one or more of our top advertisers.
WE EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO RELY HEAVILY ON ADVERTISING REVENUES AND IF WE DO
NOT INCREASE OUR ADVERTISING SALES, OUR BUSINESS WILL NOT GROW AS EXPECTED.
We depend on our advertising sales department to maintain and increase our
advertising sales. Our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected if our advertising sales department
is not effective. As of September 30, 2000, our advertising sales department
consisted of 95 employees. Although we expect our advertising sales department
to grow, it can take a relatively long period of time before new sales personnel
become productive.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE OUR EXPANDING OPERATIONS.
We have recently experienced a period of rapid growth. This has placed a
significant strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources. To
accommodate this growth, we must implement new or upgraded operating and
financial systems, procedures and controls throughout many different locations.
We may not succeed with these efforts. Our failure to expand and integrate these
areas in an efficient manner could cause our expenses to grow, our revenues to
decline or grow more slowly than expected and could otherwise have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
OUR BUSINESS AND GROWTH WILL SUFFER IF WE ARE UNABLE TO HIRE AND RETAIN KEY
PERSONNEL.
We depend on the services of our senior management and key technical
personnel. In particular, our success depends on the continued efforts of our
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fernando J. Espuelas, and our President,
Jack C. Chen. The loss of the services of either executive officer or any of our
key management, sales or technical personnel could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In
addition, our success is largely dependent on our ability to hire highly
qualified managerial, sales and technical personnel. These individuals are in
high demand and we may not be able to attract the staff we need. The
difficulties and costs in connection with our personnel growth are compounded by
the fact that many of our operations are internationally based.
OUR JOINT VENTURES, ACQUISITIONS AND ALLIANCES MAY STRAIN OUR MANAGERIAL,
OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND MAY BE DISRUPTIVE TO OUR BUSINESS.
In the past, we have acquired or developed alliances or joint ventures with
complementary businesses, technologies, services or products. Acquisitions could
result in a number of adverse financial consequences, including:
- potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities;
- large non-recurring write-offs;
- reduced cash balances and related interest income;
- higher fixed expenses which require a higher level of revenues to maintain
gross margins;
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities; and
- amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets.
Furthermore, acquisitions involve numerous operational risks, including:
- difficulties in the integration of operations, personnel, technologies,
products and the information systems of the acquired companies;
- diversion of management's attention from other business concerns;
- diversion of resources from our existing businesses, products or
technologies;
- risks of entering geographic and business markets in which we have no or
limited prior experience; and
- potential loss of key employees of acquired organizations.
We could have difficulty in effectively assimilating and integrating these,
or any future joint ventures, acquisitions or alliances, into our operations.
Any difficulties in this process could disrupt our ongoing business, distract
our management and employees, increase our expenses and otherwise adversely
affect our business.
FINANCING FOR FUTURE JOINT VENTURES, ACQUISITIONS OR ALLIANCES MAY NOT BE
AVAILABLE OR MAY DILUTE EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS.
We do not know if we will be able to identify any future joint ventures,
acquisitions or alliances or that we will be able to successfully finance these
transactions. A failure to identify or finance future transactions may impair
our growth. In addition, to finance these transactions, it may be necessary for
us to raise additional funds through public or private financings. Any equity or
debt financings, if available at all, may impact our operations and, in the case
of equity financings, may result in dilution to existing stockholders.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY AGAINST OUR COMPETITORS.
There are many companies that provide websites and online destinations
targeted to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking people in general. Competition for
visitors, advertisers and electronic commerce partners is intense and is
expected to increase significantly in the future because there are no
substantial barriers to entry in our market.
Increased competition could result in:
- lower advertising rates;
- price reductions and lower profit margins;
- loss of visitors;
- reduced page views; or
- loss of market share.
Any one of these could materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, our competitors may develop content that is better than ours or
achieves greater market acceptance. It is also possible that new competitors may
emerge and acquire significant market share. A loss of users to our competitors
may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTRACT VISITORS OR ADVERTISERS IF WE DO NOT
CONTINUALLY ENHANCE AND DEVELOP THE CONTENT AND FEATURES OF OUR NETWORK.
To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve our content.
In addition, we must:
- continually improve the responsiveness, functionality and features of our
network; and
- develop other products and services that are attractive to users and
advertisers.
We may not succeed in developing or introducing features, functions,
products and services that visitors and advertisers find attractive in a timely
manner.
This would likely reduce our visitor traffic and materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
WE RELY FOR OUR CONTENT ON THIRD PARTIES WHO MAY MAKE THEIR CONTENT
AVAILABLE TO OUR COMPETITORS.
We constantly attempt to determine what content, features and functionality
our target audience wants. We rely to a large extent on third parties for our
content, much of which is easily available from other sources. If other networks
present the same or similar content in a superior manner, it could adversely
affect our visitor traffic.
As we provide more audio and video content, particularly music, we may be
required to spend significant amounts of money on content acquisition and
content broadcasts.
IF WE FAIL TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH CONTENT
PROVIDERS, ELECTRONIC COMMERCE MERCHANTS AND TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS, WE MAY NOT BE
ABLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN USERS.
We have focused on establishing relationships with leading content
providers, electronic commerce merchants and technology and infrastructure
providers. Our business depends extensively on these relationships. Because most
of our agreements with these third parties are not exclusive, our competitors
may seek to use the same partners as we do and attempt to adversely impact our
relationships with our partners. We might not be able to maintain these
relationships or replace them on financially favorable terms.
If the parties with which we have these relationships do not adequately
perform their obligations, reduce their activities with us, choose to compete
with us or provide their services to a competitor, we may have more difficulty
attracting and maintaining visitors to our network and our business, financial
condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We intend to actively seek additional relationships in the future. Our efforts
in this regard may not be successful.
RISKS RELATED TO THE INTERNET AND OUR TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE
UNEXPECTED NETWORK INTERRUPTIONS CAUSED BY SYSTEM FAILURES MAY RESULT IN
REDUCED VISITOR TRAFFIC, REDUCED REVENUE AND HARM TO OUR REPUTATION.
In the past, we have experienced:
- system disruptions;
- inaccessibility of our network;
- long response times;
- impaired quality; and
- loss of important reporting data.
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Although we are in the process of improving our network, we may not be
successful in implementing these measures. If we experience delays and
interruptions, visitor traffic may decrease and our brand could be adversely
affected. Because our revenues depend on the number of individuals who use our
network, our business may suffer if our improvement efforts are unsuccessful.
We maintain our central production servers at the New Jersey data center of
Exodus Communications. We maintain regional network operating centers in Brazil
and Argentina. A failure by Exodus to protect its systems against damage from
fire, hurricanes, power loss, telecommunications failure, break-ins or other
events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
CONCERNS ABOUT SECURITY OF ELECTRONIC COMMERCE TRANSACTIONS AND
CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET MAY REDUCE THE USE OF OUR NETWORK
AND IMPEDE OUR GROWTH.
A significant barrier to electronic commerce and confidential communications
over the Internet has been the need for security. Internet usage could decline
if any well-publicized compromise of security occurs. We may incur significant
costs to protect against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate
problems caused by these breaches. Unauthorized persons could attempt to
penetrate our network security. If successful, they could misappropriate
proprietary information or cause interruptions in our services. As a result, we
may be required to expend capital and resources to protect against or to
alleviate these problems. Security breaches could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
COMPUTER VIRUSES MAY CAUSE OUR SYSTEMS TO INCUR DELAYS OR INTERRUPTIONS AND
MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
Computer viruses may cause our systems to incur delays or other service
interruptions. In addition, the inadvertent transmission of computer viruses
could expose us to a material risk of loss or litigation and possible liability.
Moreover, if a computer virus affecting our system is highly publicized, our
reputation could be materially damaged and our visitor traffic may decrease.
RISKS RELATED TO LEGAL UNCERTAINTY
WE MAY BECOME SUBJECT TO BURDENSOME GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS AND LEGAL
UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTING THE INTERNET, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
To date, governmental regulations have not materially restricted use of the
Internet in our markets. However, the legal and regulatory environment that
pertains to the Internet is uncertain and may change. Uncertainty and new
regulations could increase our costs of doing business and prevent us from
delivering our products and services over the Internet. The growth of the
Internet may also be significantly slowed. This could delay growth in demand for
our network and limit the growth of our revenues.
In addition to new laws and regulations being adopted, existing laws may be
applied to the Internet. New and existing laws may cover issues, which include:
- sales and other taxes;
- user privacy;
- pricing controls;
- characteristics and quality of products and services;
- consumer protection;
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- cross-border commerce;
- libel and defamation;
- copyright, trademark and patent infringement;
- pornography; and
- other claims based on the nature and content of Internet materials.
WE MAY BECOME SUBJECT TO CLAIMS REGARDING FOREIGN LAWS AND REGULATIONS WHICH
MAY BE EXPENSIVE, TIME CONSUMING AND DISTRACTING.
Because we have employees, property and business operations throughout the
world, we are subject to the laws and the court systems of many jurisdictions.
We may become subject to claims based on foreign jurisdictions for violations of
their laws. In addition, these laws may be changed or new laws may be enacted in
the future. International litigation is often expensive, time consuming and
distracting. Accordingly, any of the foregoing could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BY THIRD PARTIES MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
We regard our copyrights, service marks, trademarks, trade secrets and other
intellectual property as critical to our success. Unauthorized use of our
intellectual property by third parties may adversely affect our business and our
reputation.
We rely on trademark and copyright law, trade secret protection and
confidentiality and/or license agreements with our employees, customers,
partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite our
precautions, it may be possible for third parties to obtain and use our
intellectual property without authorization. Furthermore, the validity,
enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property in
Internet-related industries are uncertain and still evolving. The laws of some
foreign countries are uncertain or do not protect intellectual property rights
to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
DEFENDING AGAINST INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS COULD BE TIME
CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE AND, IF WE ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL, COULD SUBJECT US TO
SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES AND DISRUPT OUR BUSINESS.
We cannot be certain that our products do not or will not infringe valid
patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights held by third parties.
We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time relating to
the intellectual property of others in the ordinary course of our business. We
may incur substantial expenses in defending against these third-party
infringement claims, regardless of their merit. Successful infringement claims
against us may result in substantial monetary liability or may materially
disrupt the conduct of our business.
WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CLAIMS BASED ON THE CONTENT WE PROVIDE OVER OUR
NETWORK.
The laws in our target markets relating to the liability of companies which
provide online services, like ours, for activities of their visitors are
currently unsettled. Claims have been made against online service providers and
networks in the past for defamation, negligence, copyright or trademark
infringement, obscenity, personal injury or other theories based on the nature
and content of information that was posted online by their visitors. We could be
subject to similar claims and incur significant costs in their defense. In
addition, we could be exposed to liability for the selection of listings that
may be accessible through our network or through content and materials that our
visitors
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
may post in classifieds, message boards, chat rooms or other interactive
services. It is also possible that if any information provided through our
services contains errors, third parties could make claims against us for losses
incurred in reliance on the information. We offer Web-based e-mail services,
which expose us to potential liabilities or claims resulting from:
- unsolicited e-mail;
- lost or misdirected messages;
- illegal or fraudulent use of e-mail; or
- interruptions or delays in e-mail service.
Investigating and defending these claims is expensive, even if they do not
result in liability.
WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CLAIMS BASED ON PRODUCTS SOLD ON OUR NETWORK.
We have entered into arrangements to offer third-party products and services
on our network under which we may be entitled to receive a share of revenues
generated from these transactions. These arrangements may subject us to
additional claims including product liability or personal injury from the
products and services, even if we do not ourselves provide the products or
services. These claims may require us to incur significant expenses in their
defense or satisfaction. While our agreements with these parties often provide
that we will be indemnified against such liabilities, such indemnification may
not be adequate.
Although we carry general liability insurance, our insurance may not cover
all potential claims to which we are exposed or may not be adequate to indemnify
us for all liability that may be imposed. Any imposition of liability that is
not covered by insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations or could result in the imposition of criminal penalties. In addition,
the increased attention focused on liability issues as a result of these
lawsuits and legislative proposals could impact the overall growth of Internet
use.
OTHER RISKS
OUR STOCK PRICE IS LIKELY TO BE HIGHLY VOLATILE AND COULD DROP UNEXPECTEDLY.
Our stock price has been, and may continue to be, extremely volatile.
The trading prices of Internet stocks in general, and ours in particular,
have experienced extreme price fluctuations. These fluctuations often have been
unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies.
Any negative change in the public's perception of the prospects of Internet or
e-commerce companies could depress our stock price regardless of our results of
operations. Other broad market and industry factors may decrease the trading
price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. Market
fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions such as
recession of interest rate or currency rate fluctuations, also may decrease the
trading price of our common stock. In addition, our stock price could be subject
to wide fluctuation in response to the following factors:
- actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results;
- announcements of new products, product enhancements, technological
innovations or new services by us or our competitors;
- changes in financial estimate by securities analysts;
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- conditions of trends in the Internet and online commerce industries;
- changes in the market valuations of other Internet or online service
companies;
- developments in Internet regulations:
- announcements by us or our competitors or significant acquisitions,
strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
- unscheduled system downtime;
- additions or departure of key personnel; and
- sales of our common stock or other securities in the open market.
IF OUR STOCK PRICE IS VOLATILE, WE MAY BECOME SUBJECT TO SECURITIES
LITIGATION WHICH IS EXPENSIVE AND COULD RESULT IN A DIVERSION OF RESOURCES.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a
particular company's securities, securities class action litigation has often
been brought against that company. Many companies in our industry have been
subject to this type of litigation in the past. We may also become involved in
this type of litigation. Litigation is often expensive and diverts management's
attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect upon our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
OUR CHARTER DOCUMENTS AND DELAWARE LAW MAY INHIBIT A TAKEOVER THAT
STOCKHOLDERS MAY CONSIDER FAVORABLE.
Provisions in our charter and bylaws may have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change of control or changes in our management that stockholders
consider favorable or beneficial. If a change of control or change in management
is delayed or prevented, the market price of our common stock could suffer.
WE ARE CONTROLLED BY A SMALL GROUP OF OUR EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS, WHOSE
INTERESTS MAY DIFFER FROM OTHER STOCKHOLDERS.
Our directors, executive officers and affiliates currently beneficially own
approximately 40% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Accordingly,
they will have significant influence in determining the outcome of any corporate
transaction or other matter submitted to the stockholders for approval,
including mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of
our assets, and also the power to prevent or cause a change in control. The
interests of these stockholders may differ from the interests of the other
stockholders.
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STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART II-- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time the Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims in
the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of
trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property rights, and a variety of
claims arising in connection with the Company's email, message boards, and other
communications and community features, such as claims alleging defamation and
invasion of privacy. The Company is not currently aware of any legal proceedings
or claims that the Company believes will have, individually or in the aggregate,
a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS NONE
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
ITEM 7. SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
STARMEDIA NETWORK, INC.
Dated: November 14, 2000 By: /s/ Steven J. Heller
Steven J. Heller
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (DULY AUTHORIZED
OFFICER AND PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER)
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