The following tables present our selected historical financial
data, which have been derived from audited financial statements.
Ibero-American Media Partners was deemed to be the acquiror for
accounting purposes in the combination agreement and
accordingly, the historical financial statements of
Ibero-American Media Partners are presented as the financial
statements of Claxson preceding the transaction. In addition,
all fiscal years presented reflect the classification of
Chilevisions financial results as discontinued operations.
See Note 3 Acquisitions and Disposals in the
notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. We
prepare our financial statements in U.S. dollars and in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America (which is commonly called
U.S. GAAP).
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data for the Years
Ended December 31:
Total net revenues
$
90,413
$
92,318
$
59,964
$
62,994
$
68,184
Total operating expenses
91,965
104,775
60,056
57,927
61,882
Operating (loss) income
(1,552
)
(12,457
)
(92
)
5,067
6,302
Other income (expense)
(14,889
)
(47,178
)
(69,526
)
5,106
(1,313
)
Gain on debt restructuring
15,274
Share of (loss) income from unconsolidated affiliates
(4,930
)
(19,073
)
(6,746
)
367
245
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
(855
)
(4,328
)
(215
)
(2,911
)
(1,861
)
Minority interest
(4
)
127
68
46
267
Change in accounting principle
(74,789
)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations
(22,230
)
(82,909
)
(136,026
)
7,675
3,640
Discontinued operations
761
(1,977
)
(2,403
)
662
3,050
Net (loss) income
$
(21,469
)
$
(84,886
)
$
(138,429
)
$
8,337
$
6,690
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data As of December 31:
Cash as cash equivalents (including restricted investments)(1)
$
21,963
$
15,207
$
8,819
$
7,890
$
7,270
Total assets
367,450
278,002
147,622
145,339
156,515
Working capital (deficiency)(2)
37,453
(71,037
)
1,734
676
11,391
Total long-term liabilities
122,570
27,689
80,824
77,362
80,475
Minority interest
2,053
1,164
1,128
562
Shareholders equity
180,465
102,753
3,195
9,993
22,603
(1)
Includes U.S.$4.3 million, U.S.$0.8 million and
U.S.$0.2 million in 2000, 2002 and 2003 respectively, of
restricted investments.
(2)
For 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, includes U.S.$79.5,
U.S.$3.2 million, U.S.$2.3 million, and
U.S.$0.5 million respectively, of Imagens
11% Senior Notes due 2005.
The following summarizes certain risks that may materially
affect our business, financial condition or results of
operations.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
We may not be able to continue as a going concern.
The report of the independent registered public accounting firm
with respect to our consolidated financial statements includes a
going concern explanatory paragraph, indicating that
our potential inability to meet our obligations as they become
due raises substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a
going concern for a reasonable period of time. Our ability to
achieve long-term profitability is dependent on our ability to
accomplish our business plan objectives, which includes
projected revenue increases, stabilization of the economies in
which we operate, and the availability of additional liquidity.
Our failure or inability to successfully carry out these plans,
could ultimately have a material adverse effect on our financial
position and our ability to meet our obligations when due.
We are a highly-leveraged holding company and depend on
our subsidiaries revenues and cash flows to meet our
obligations, and the availability of funds from these
subsidiaries may be limited by contractual or statutory
restrictions.
We are highly leveraged. At December 31, 2004, we had
approximately U.S.$69.2 million in aggregate principal
amount of indebtedness and accrued and unpaid interest, plus
U.S.$16.6 million of future interest payments on our
8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 and U.S.$22.6 million in
total shareholders equity.
We conduct our operations through subsidiaries, and these
subsidiaries are our primary source of cash flow. Our ability to
use and distribute funds out of cash flows generated by Imagen
Satelital and Radio Chile, two of our subsidiaries that generate
a significant portion of our cash flows, is restricted. Our
syndicated bank facility also contains covenants that restrict
our and our subsidiaries ability to utilize cash and the
collateralized assets of our Chilean operations. In addition,
our subsidiary, Imagen Satelital S.A., had outstanding
U.S.$0.3 million in principal amount of 11% Senior
Notes due 2005 which matured in May 2005 but which we have not
repaid.
The degree to which we are leveraged has important consequences
to us, including the following:
Our cash flow available for use in our business is reduced,
We are vulnerable to changes in economic conditions, and
Our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital,
capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes
or other purposes could be impaired.
We depend on a limited number of pay television system
operators for a significant portion of our revenues and the loss
of any of our major pay television system operators or
renegotiation of existing contractual terms could significantly
reduce our revenues.
Our five largest pay television system operators accounted for
approximately 38% and 31% of our total revenues in the years
ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively. The loss of
any of our major
existing pay television system operators, unless replaced by
other operators, could have a material adverse effect on our
financial performance.
Our largest pay television system operator, DIRECTV Latin
America accounted for approximately 22% and 19% of our total
revenues for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004. On
December 22, 2003, The News Corporation Ltd. completed its
acquisition of a controlling interest in Hughes Electronics
Corporation (now known as DIRECTV Group, Inc., the majority
owner of DIRECTV Latin America). NewsCorp owns a significant
interest in Sky Latin America, a direct-to-home satellite
programming provider like DIRECTV Latin America, which operates
in many of the same markets as DIRECTV Latin America, including
Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. In October 2004, DIRECTV
Group, Inc. and NewsCorp announced a series of business
combinations and reorganizations, which if completed, will
result in the termination of the DIRECTV Latin America platform
in Brazil and Mexico and/or the migration of the majority of
DIRECTV subscribers to the Sky platform in those territories. We
currently have distribution agreements with Sky Latin America in
Mexico and Brazil for a limited number of our channels, and have
distribution for all of our pan-regional channels with DIRECTV
Latin America in those countries as well as the rest of the
region, but do not have distribution agreements with Sky Latin
America in other markets where we have distribution rights with
DIRECTV Latin America. If the announced business combinations
and reorganizations are completed and we are unable to negotiate
similar distribution agreements with Sky Latin America for
Brazil or Mexico or for any other region in which we operate
where the DIRECTV Latin America platform is discontinued, we
will experience a significant decrease in revenues.
Our existing distribution agreements with DIRECTV Latin America
for our premium channels expired in December 2004. Although the
final agreements have not yet been executed, we have negotiated
new terms for these agreements and have been operating under
these terms since January 2005 which provide us with a lower
revenue share percentage for our premium channels than
previously received. In addition, our basic channels expire on
December 31, 2005. We are currently negotiating these
agreements with DIRECTV Latin America and based on those
negotiations believe that the new agreements will contain lower
per subscriber rates than our current contracts. If we are
unable to negotiate new agreements with similar terms as the
existing agreements, we will experience a reduction in our
revenues. In addition, on October 19, 2004, an affiliate of
the Cisneros Group of Companies that is a minority shareholder
in DIRECTV Latin America filed a lawsuit against DIRECTV Group
Inc. and others, including, The News Corporation Ltd., Sky
Multi-Country Partners, Innova S. de R.L. de C.V., Globo
Comunicacoes e Participacoes, S.A., and Grupo Televisa, S.A.,
related to the business combination and reorganization of
DIRECTV Latin America with NewsCorps affiliates.
Our businesses have incurred losses and may incur losses
in the future.
Our businesses have a history of losses and may continue to
incur losses, given the costs of servicing our debt and the
volatility of currencies in the region in which we operate, if
we are unable to increase our revenues. Our businesses incurred
total net losses of U.S. $138.4 million for the year
ended December 31, 2002 and U.S. $84.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001.
Should we experience losses in the future, the extent of such
losses will depend, in part, on whether we can increase our
revenues. Our business plan contemplates increasing our
profitability by increasing our revenues while maintaining our
operating expenses at current levels. Our failure to increase
revenues or maintain our operating expenses at their current
level, or otherwise meet our business plan objectives, may
result in our incurring losses in the future.
Members of the Cisneros Group and Hicks Muse control
Claxson, which could inhibit or cause potential changes of
control of Claxson.
Members of the Cisneros Group and Hicks Muse control, in the
aggregate, approximately 80% of the voting power on all matters
submitted to our shareholders and control the outcome of actions
requiring the approval of holders of a majority of our common
shares, including a sale or a material acquisition. In
addition, through their ownership of our Class C and
Class H common shares, these shareholders are entitled to
designate seven of the twelve members of our board of directors.
This control could discourage other parties from initiating
potential merger, acquisition or other change of control
transactions that might otherwise be beneficial to our
shareholders. In addition, the Cisneros Group and Hicks Muse
could use their ownership position to cause a transaction to
occur in which either or both of these shareholders or a third
party would acquire most or all of Claxson, in which event other
shareholders could be deprived of the opportunity to remain
shareholders of Claxson.
Conflicts may arise between members of the Cisneros Group and
Hicks Muse, on the one hand, and our other shareholders, on the
other hand, whose interests may differ with respect to, among
other things, our strategic direction, significant corporate
transactions or corporate opportunities that could be pursued by
us or by either or both of our controlling shareholders.
Hicks Muse and members of the Cisneros Group could have
interests in other businesses which conflict with ours.
In addition to their interests in Claxson, members of the
Cisneros Group and affiliates of Hicks Muse hold, and may in the
future acquire, interests in other media businesses in Ibero
America, some of which may compete, or have relationships with
strategic partners that compete, with us. In particular, members
of the Cisneros Group own an interest in AOL Latin America and
DIRECTV Latin America, and funds affiliated with Hicks Muse own
interests in CableVisión and Teledigital Cable in
Argentina, TV Cidade in Brazil and Intercable in Venezuela.
DIRECTV Latin America, CableVisión, Teledigital Cable, and
Intercable are significant pay television system operators in
Latin America.
Persons serving as our directors and members of the Cisneros
Group or Hicks Muse may have conflicting interests with respect
to the above and other matters. These conflicts could limit our
effectiveness in capitalizing on opportunities for growth.
Competition in the media industry is intense and we expect
it to increase significantly so that any failure by us to
compete successfully would adversely affect our financial
performance.
We derive substantially all of our revenue from subscriber-based
fees and advertising, for which we compete with various other
media, including newspapers, television, radio stations and
other pay television channels that offer customers information
and services similar to ours. Increased competition could result
in price reductions, reduced margins or loss of market share,
any of which could have a material adverse effect on our
financial performance.
We face competition on both country and regional levels. In
addition, each of our businesses competes with companies that
deliver content through the same platforms and with companies
that operate in different media businesses. Our competitors may
develop content that is better than our content or that achieves
greater market acceptance. Some of our competitors may have
better brand recognition and significantly greater financial,
technical, marketing and other resources than we do. We will
have to devote significant resources to maintain the competitive
position of our brands. Competition in our businesses and
markets may limit our ability to expand our market share and
increase revenues in these businesses and markets.
Our businesses involve risks of liability claims for media
content, which could result in significant costs.
As a distributor of media content, we may face potential
liability for:
defamation;
negligence;
copyright, patent or trademark infringement; and
other claims based on the nature and content of the materials
distributed.
These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully,
against broadcasters, online services and other disseminators of
media content. In addition, we could be exposed to liability in
connection with material available through our Internet sites or
for information collected from and about our users. Although we
carry general liability insurance and errors and omissions
insurance, our insurance may not cover potential claims of
defamation, negligence and similar claims, and it may or may not
apply to a particular claim or be adequate to reimburse 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 us.
We may not be able to retain or obtain required licenses,
permits and approvals, which could result in increased costs and
limit our ability to achieve our strategic objectives and
increase revenues.
We must maintain licenses, permits and approvals from regulatory
authorities to conduct and expand our broadcast radio businesses
in Chile and Uruguay and may need to obtain additional permits
and licenses. The process for obtaining or renewing these
licenses, permits and approvals could be complex and
unpredictable. In addition, many of our licenses may not be
transferred without regulatory approval. If we are unable to
maintain the licenses, permits and approvals that we currently
hold or to obtain those that we need to conduct and expand our
businesses at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, our
ability to achieve our strategic objectives could be impaired.
In addition, the regulatory environment in the countries in
which our businesses operate is complex and subject to change,
and adverse changes in that environment could also impose costs
on, or limit the growth of our business.
Changes in governmental regulation could reduce our
revenues, increase our operating expenses and expose us to
significant liabilities.
Our businesses are regulated by governmental authorities in the
countries in which we operate. Regulation relates to, among
other things, licensing, access to satellite transponders,
commercial advertising, foreign investment and standards of
decency/obscenity. Changes in the regulation of our operations
or changes in interpretations of existing regulations by courts
or regulators, could adversely affect us by reducing our
revenues, increasing our operating expenses and exposing us to
significant liabilities for noncompliance with such modified or
reinterpreted regulations.
El Sitio, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a
defendant in several civil securities cases arising out of its
initial public offering, which could result in significant
litigation expense and, if not decided in its favor, damage
payments to the plaintiffs.
El Sitio and some of its former and current directors and
principal executive officers have been named as defendants in
several civil cases arising out of its initial public offering
in December 1999. The complaints primarily relate to alleged
share allocation and commission practices undertaken by the
underwriters for the offering. We believe, after consultation
with counsel, that the allegations relating to El Sitio and
its directors and principal executive officers are without
merit. However, these cases could result in significant
litigation expense for us and, if not decided in El Sitios
favor or successfully settled, damage payments which would among
other things adversely affect our financial performance. See
Item 8A Financial Information-Consolidated Statements
and Other Financial Information-Legal Proceedings for more
information.
Our financial results could be affected by potential
changes in the accounting rules governing the recognition of
stock-based compensation expense.
We have chosen to account for stock based compensation expense
to employees and non-employees using the intrinsic value method
prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related
interpretations. As required by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123R, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, we have presented in the notes to our consolidated
financial statements certain pro forma and other disclosures
related to share-based compensation plans which show the
potential impact of SFAS 123R on our financial results if we
had accounted for stock based compensation under the fair value
method. Under the current proposals, adoption of SFAS 123R
will become effective for us in the first quarter of 2006. If
SFAS 123R becomes effective in its current form, it will
result in our reporting lower earnings per share, which could
negatively impact our future stock price. In addition, this
could also impact our ability or future practice of utilizing
broad-based employee stock plans to attract, reward, and retain
employees, which could also adversely impact our operations.
RISKS RELATED TO LATIN AMERICA
Because our pay television business is concentrated in
Argentina and our broadcast radio business is concentrated in
Chile, our financial performance is especially sensitive to
risks associated with political, regulatory and economic
conditions in these two countries.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, our pay television
business derived 33% of its revenues from operations in
Argentina. In addition, our broadcast radio business derived 92%
of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004 from our
operations in Chile. As a result, changes in Argentine or
Chilean government policy affecting trade, investment, taxes,
protection of intellectual property or the media industry
generally or instability in the Argentine or Chilean currency,
economy or government could have a material adverse effect on
our results of operations and financial condition.
Argentina, in particular, has had a history of political and
economic instability and has recently experienced political
upheaval and a severe economic recession. These events coincided
with a serious downturn in global investor sentiment generally,
marked by significant declines in international equity markets,
pronounced investor risk aversion and a decrease in investor
confidence throughout emerging markets. Some other risks of
investing in a company with operations in Argentina, as well as
other countries in Latin America, include:
the risk of expropriation, nationalization, war, revolutions,
border disputes, renegotiation or modification of existing
contracts, import, export and transportation regulations and
tariffs;
exchange controls, currency fluctuations and other uncertainties
arising out of foreign government sovereignty over our
international operations;
taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and
retroactive tax claims;
laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade,
taxation and investment; and
the possibilities of being subjected to the exclusive
jurisdiction of foreign courts in connection with legal disputes
and the inability to subject foreign persons to the jurisdiction
of courts in the United States.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CLASS A COMMON SHARES
Since our Class A common shares were delisted from
the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, it may be more difficult for
investors to trade in our Class A common shares.
Our Class A common shares are currently traded on the OTC
Bulletin Board. Compared to the NASDAQ SmallCap Market, an
investor may find it more difficult to sell our securities.
Also, since we are no longer traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap
Market and the average trading price of our Class A common
shares remains below $5.00 per share, trading in our
Class A common shares is subject to certain other rules of
the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such rules
require additional disclosure by broker-dealers in connection
with certain trades involving a stock defined as a penny
stock. Penny stock is defined as any
non-Nasdaq equity security that has a market price of less than
$5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Such rules
require the delivery of a disclosure schedule explaining the
penny stock market and the risks associated with that market
before entering into penny stock transactions. The rules also
impose various sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who
sell penny stocks to persons other than established customers
and accredited investors. For these types of transactions, the
broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for
the purchaser and must receive the purchasers
written consent to the transaction prior to the sale. The
additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such
requirements could discourage broker-dealers from effecting
transactions in the securities. This could severely limit the
market liquidity of the securities and the ability to sell the
securities in the secondary market.
Our shareholders may face difficulties in protecting their
interests because we are a British Virgin Islands international
business company.
Our governance matters are principally determined by our
memorandum and articles of association and the International
Business Companies Act of the British Virgin Islands. The rights
of shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of directors,
officers and controlling shareholders under British Virgin
Islands law have not been extensively developed, particularly
when compared with statutes and judicial precedents of most
states and other jurisdictions in the United States. As a
result, our shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting
their interests in the case of actions by our directors,
officers or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of
a corporation incorporated in a state or other jurisdiction in
the United States.
You may experience difficulty in enforcing civil
liabilities against us.
We are a British Virgin Islands international business company
with a substantial portion of our assets located outside of the
United States. In addition, many of our directors and executive
officers, as well as other of our controlling persons, reside or
are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may
not be possible for investors to effect service of process
within the United States upon us or these persons or to enforce
judgments obtained against us or these persons in
U.S. courts predicated solely upon the civil liability
provisions of the U.S. federal or state securities laws. We
have been advised by Conyers Dill & Pearman, our
British Virgin Islands counsel, that there is doubt as to the
enforceability in the British Virgin Islands in original actions
or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts,
of civil liabilities predicated upon the U.S. federal or
state securities laws. There is also doubt as to enforceability
of judgments of this nature in several of the jurisdictions in
which we operate and our assets are located.
We are a foreign private issuer and you will receive less
information about us than you would from a domestic
U.S. corporation.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from
rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
impose certain disclosure and procedural requirements in
connection with proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the
Exchange Act. Our directors, executive officers and principal
shareholders also are exempt from the reporting and
short-swing profit recovery provisions of
Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder
with respect to their purchases and sales of our shares. In
addition, we are not required to file periodic reports and
financial statements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies
whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. As a
result, you may not be able to obtain some information relating
to us as you would for a domestic U.S. corporation.
Item 4.
Information on the Company
A.
History and Development of the Company
We were incorporated as an international business company under
the laws of the British Virgin Islands on October 16, 2000.
Our registered office is at Romasco Place, PO Box 3140,
Wickhams Cay I, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Our headquarters and principal executive offices are located at
Avenida Melian, 2752, C1430EYH Buenos Aires, Argentina and our
telephone number is 011-54-11-4546-8000. We maintain a United
States principal executive office located at 1550 Biscayne
Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33132. Our telephone number in Miami
is (305) 894-3500.
We were formed in a merger transaction that combined media
assets contributed by Ibero-American Media Partners II,
Ltd., and other media assets contributed by members of the
Cisneros Group and
El Sitio, Inc. For a description of the merger transaction,
see the Introduction to this annual report on
Form 20-F.
B.
Business Overview
We are a multimedia provider of branded entertainment content to
Spanish and Portuguese speakers around the world. We have
combined assets in pay television, broadcast radio, and Internet
and broadband to create an integrated media company with a
portfolio of popular entertainment brands and multiple methods
of distributing our content.
Our pay television business, currently our largest source of
revenues, includes 13 pay television channels distributed to
approximately 11.7 million pay television households, which
account for approximately 53.3 million basic channel
subscribers through cable and direct-to-home television
platforms. We calculate the number of subscribers based on the
number of channels received per household so that if for example
a household receives five channels, we count five subscribers
for such household. Three of these pay television channels are
owned by Playboy TV Latin America, our 81% owned joint venture
with an affiliate of Playboy Enterprises Inc.
Our broadcast radio business includes an eight-station radio
network with the largest audience share in Chile, which
constitutes the largest radio group in Chile, and three radio
stations in Uruguay. We formerly operated the fourth largest
broadcast television network in Chile which we sold in May 2005,
see Note 3 Acquisitions and Disposals in the
notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Our Internet and broadband business, which is our newest
business, is primarily dedicated to support our media assets and
the production, distribution and selling of digital content
specifically developed for broadband.
We integrate licensed and proprietary content for pay
television, radio and Internet formats. By taking advantage of
the complementary nature of our assets and the experience of our
management team, we seek to achieve revenue growth and reduce
expenses through operational synergies that we believe will lead
to enhanced long-term financial performance and better position
us to take advantage of emerging trends in media distribution.
The following tables present historical selected financial
information for our business operations for the years and
periods indicated (in thousands of U.S. dollars):
Our vision is to provide high-quality branded content to serve
the tastes and needs of our target audience. We tailor
multi-media programming to the Ibero American market by creating
original content, as well as by dubbing and subtitling third
party content into Spanish and Portuguese, while remaining
sensitive to local preferences. We seek to fill the need for a
pan-regional alternative that can create, gather, package and
deliver differentiated content across multiple media platforms.
The key elements of our strategy include the following:
Increase Subscription Revenues from a Portfolio of Leading
Pay Television Brands.
We hold a number of well-known pay
television brands under one roof. We expect to
increase subscriber-based revenues by expanding distribution of
our channels to pay television system operators that we do not
reach today, and by benefiting from anticipated growth in pay
television subscribers in Ibero America.
Create Significant Operating Benefits.
We endeavor to
combine our product offerings to create operating benefits
across all of our businesses, including:
cross-promotion across multiple channels, thereby increasing
brand awareness while driving audience growth and reducing
marketing expenditures; and
aggregation of management expertise in traditional and new media
to create innovative and interactive content and to expand our
brands across all media.
Develop Additional Revenue Streams.
We intend to
capitalize on our diverse media assets to develop additional
sources of revenue, including, among others, the sale or license
of content through existing and new media, such as broadband.
Exploit Market Opportunities for Growth Through Strategic
Alliances.
Our strategy includes geographic expansion of our
existing pay television business, as well as increasing
penetration in those geographic markets in which we currently
operate, through strategic alliances and opportunistic
acquisitions of channels targeting specific genres, which
compliment our channel offerings.
Leverage Strategic Relationships.
We believe that our
relationships with the Cisneros Group and Hicks Muse, our
principal shareholders, provide us with competitive advantages.
We draw upon the relationships, regional expertise and extensive
media assets of our principal shareholders to enhance our
content offerings and facilitate access to distribution and
technology platforms.
PAY TELEVISION BUSINESS
Our pay television business includes 13 pay television channels
distributed throughout various Ibero American countries. We have
a strong presence in Latin America with premium and pay-per-view
services through our Playboy TV Latin America joint venture, as
well as in Argentina and the rest of the southern portion of
South America with the basic channels, which is commonly called
the Southern Cone.
Our channels are tailored to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking
television viewers throughout Ibero America and offer a diverse
mix of programming, including movies, music videos, local news,
documentaries, fashion, family series and adult entertainment on
a basic, premium or pay-per-view basis. Content for local,
regional and international markets, is either originally
produced in, dubbed or subtitled into Spanish or Portuguese.
At December 31, 2004, we wholly-owned seven of the channels
that we distributed: Space; I.Sat; Retro (formerly known as
Uniseries); Infinito; FTV; MuchMusic and HTV. We control the
programming content of our wholly-owned channels. In addition to
Venus (a partially owned channel), we distribute two other
channels in Ibero America through our Playboy TV Latin America
joint venture, the Playboy TV channel and the Spice Live
channel. In June 2004, through our Playboy TV Latin America
joint venture, we launched a new adult pay-per-view service
called G Channel. In May 2005, Playboy TV Latin
America entered into an exclusive agreement with Private Media
Group to operate and distribute the Private channel and to offer
it as part of our adult channels bouquet in the market. We also
have exclusive distribution rights throughout certain parts of
Ibero America with respect to certain channels, including
Crónica TV, a channel owned by Estrella Satelital S.A., in
the Southern Cone; Venevision Continental (solely with respect
to distribution to pay television providers other than DIRECTV
Latin America), a channel owned by the Cisneros Group, in the
Latin America region; and Utilisima Satelital, a channel owned
by HediFam, S.A. in Latin America. Our 31% owned joint venture,
DMX MUSIC Latin America, offers digital music channels
throughout Latin America. Digital Latin America, LLC, a company
in which we have a 48% equity investment, offers a digital
solution cable system by operating a digital network through
satellite transmission.
Wholly Owned Basic Tier Channels
Film Channels
Space
offers 24 hours of a varied selection
of Hollywood movies and blockbusters from the rest of the world,
among a varied programming line-up for the entire family in the
Southern Cone. Programming includes thematic blocks featuring
horror movies, Italian films, Spanish productions, action
movies, major boxing events and artistic specials. With 200
different films aired every month, Space offers its audience an
important number of movies with the majority dubbed into
Spanish. Spaces live boxing events have often set ratings
records in Argentina, frequently surpassing broadcast television.
I.Sat
specializes in current and alternative
entertainment designed especially for the 18-35 year old
urban market. I.Sat presents contemporary movies, series, music,
documentaries and original productions. I.Sat offers its viewers
in the Southern Cone not only recent Hollywood blockbusters, but
also independent films and movies popular with the
18-35 year old urban market. In addition, all genres of
international music are featured including videos and specials
showcasing contemporary music artists from all over the world.
Retro
(formerly known as Uniseries) specializes in
classic films and series focused on genres such as westerns,
gladiators, cult horror, and science fiction of the 50s,
60s and 70s. Retro also showcases such milestone TV
series as Mission Impossible, The Untouchables, Combat, The
Fugitive and others.
Infinito
offers programming based on themes of the
new millennium. Infinito is dedicated to the unknown, the occult
and the unexpected and presents an alternative to traditional
documentary channels. Bringing viewers closer to the unknown,
Infinito features documentaries, interviews, talk shows, series
and news. Infinito is available throughout Latin America.
FTV/ Fashion TV
is a global television network
entirely dedicated to the fashion world. Since November 2001, we
have controlled the distribution and advertising sales rights
for Latin America of FTV. Under an agreement with FTV Paris,
which expires in December 2005, we develop original content
featuring local celebrities and brands to customize the channel
to the preferences of the local markets. FTV is a 24-hour
international television channel targeting fashion enthusiasts
around the world. FTVs programming highlights include
Focus On..., a daily show covering the regional fashion scene;
Fashion Clips, Haute Couture Paris, covering fashion events from
Paris, Rome and Milan; and major fashion events from Sao Paulo,
New York and Buenos Aires.
Music Channels
MuchMusic Argentina
is a channel that integrates
music, interactivity and humor. MuchMusic Argentina targets the
12-24 and 25-34 age brackets and combines live productions and
localized content with local production packaging, and
international flair through a wide spectrum of styles: Rock,
Pop, Latin Music, Dance, Hard Core and other new music trends.
MuchMusic also offers original non-musical content developed
under the same localist programming philosophy. We
license the MuchMusic brand and certain content from CHUM
Limited, a Canadian company and content provider. In addition,
we have the right to develop the MuchMusic television service in
Latin America and Ibero America and we distribute the MuchMusic
Argentina channel pan-regionally on DirectTV Latin America.
HTV
is a vehicle of Latin culture and offers a
diverse music mix overcoming geographic barriers and language.
Taking advantage of the popularity for all things Latin and
Latin music, HTV has established a following in Latin America
and the U.S. Hispanic market. HTV programming covers a
spectrum of Latin American music genres, including pop, Latin
rock, tropical, hip-hop, reggae and ballads. HTV also features
current popular crossover hits, introduced by the artists
themselves. HTV plays uninterrupted Spanish and
Portuguese-language music without VJs or other
non-musical programming.
Partially Owned Channels Adult
Playboy TV Network
and
Spice Live Network
are owned, operated and distributed throughout Latin
America, Spain and Portugal by Playboy TV Latin America. Playboy
TV Latin America is a joint venture that was created in 1996
between a member of the Cisneros Group and an affiliate of
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. Today, a subsidiary of Claxson owns
81% of Playboy TV Latin America, while an affiliate of Playboy
Enterprises, Inc. owns the remaining 19%. Playboy TV Latin
America offers high quality adult entertainment, which generally
can be purchased monthly as a premium channel or on a
pay-per-view basis. A portion of Playboy TV Latin Americas
programming is tailored to the Ibero American market and is
customized according to regional preferences.
Venus
is a premium and pay per view adult content
channel that we launched in 1994 and targeted specifically to
the Latin American audience. Venus offers themed features,
specials and weekly shows to demanding subscribers. Venus brings
a wide variety of adult genres and high quality programming,
including original productions and a sophisticated on-air look.
Venus was transferred to the Playboy TV Latin America joint
venture, as part of the overall restructuring of the
relationship with Playboy Enterprises, Inc.
G Channel
is an adult content pay-per-view channel
targeted specifically to gay males featuring premium films and
features containing gay male themes.
Private
is a premium adult channel with hardcore,
high quality features and productions offering exclusive content
under the Private brand, an adult film producer. Its programming
is comprised of a rotating digital library of 500 original films
produced by the Private Media Group.
Distributed Channels
Crónica TV
is a third party channel owned and
produced by Estrella Satelital S.A. We are the exclusive sales
agent for Crónica TV programming in the Southern Cone.
Crónica TV is a 24-hour live news channel, delivering local
and international news coverage that is popular, in large part,
for its live coverage of events in Argentina. Crónica TV is
one of the leading news channels in Argentina.
Venevision Continental
, which is owned by the
Cisneros Group, is a general entertainment channel with family
programming that integrates highly rated shows from the main
Spanish-speaking television broadcasters. Venevision
Continentals programming includes soap operas, magazine
and talk shows, variety shows, comedy, childrens
programming, beauty contests and news. Venevision Continental is
distributed pan-regionally. We represent Venevision Continental
for sales to cable operators throughout Latin America.
Utilisima Satelital
, which is a third party
channel owned by HediFam S.A., is designed by and targeted to
todays woman, and is the market leader in its category in
Argentina. Utilisima combines a mix of content and services in
an educational, entertaining format with subjects such as arts
and crafts, cooking, beauty, quality of life, and home decor.
Utilisima broadcasts 10 daily original hours and 3,000 premiere
shows a year through 40 programs with original content.
Utilisima was launched in 1996 and we commenced pan-regional and
U.S. Hispanic distribution for Utilisima on January 1,
2004.
Production Operations
Claxson Playout Inc., formerly known as The Kitchen,
Inc.
, offers network playout and post production
services. Claxson Playout Inc. offers broadcast services to
customers in Miami. Prior to May 2005, Claxson Playout Inc.
also provided language conversion and international master
recording traffic services. As a result of the weak performance
of this division in the past, and our increased focus on our
channel business, we sold our language conversion and
international master recording traffic operations in Miami along
with The Kitchen trade name in May 2005.
In Jaus
is our creative division in charge of
broadcast design (both video and audio) as well as the
production services for promotional spots, feature films and
made for TV movies, and documentaries or video clips. The
original production of documentaries and other programs is also
managed by In Jaus , as well as the distribution and sale of
these programs and all proprietary programs and television
formats to third parties. During the year 2004, In Jaus provided
services to external clients, generating revenues of
U.S.$0.2 million as well as U.S.$0.3 million in
content sales.
Pay Television Distribution
As of December 31, 2004, our channels were distributed in
23 countries in Ibero America and reached approximately
53.3 million basic channel subscribers in over
11.7 million pay television households. We believe that our
ability to provide a diversified package of branded channels to
pay television operators is a favorable alternative to
individual channels that offer a more limited menu of
programming choices. We have distribution agreements with pay
television operators that distribute our channels in each of our
markets.
The following table identifies the number of subscribers for
each of our basic channels as of December 31, 2002, 2003
and 2004. The total number of subscribers for each channel in
2002 was strongly affected by a decrease of approximately 25% in
the total subscribers in Argentina as a result of the economic
situation during 2002.
Total Number of Subscribers
December 31,
2002
2003
2004
(In thousands)
Basic Package
Space
4,805
4,861
5,336
I. Sat
4,674
4,724
5,194
Retro(1)
3,555
5,005
5,868
Infinito
8,229
8,330
9,266
FTV
3,576
4,055
5,520
MuchMusic
4,494
4,569
5,245
HTV
5,061
4,947
5,644
Cronica TV(2)
3,997
3,881
4,267
Venevision Continental(2)
998
901
978
Locomotion(3)(4)
5,330
Cl@se(5)
1,718
Utilisima Satelita(6)
5,955
Total Basic Channel Subscribers
46,437
41,273
53,273
(1)
Retro was known as Uniseries prior to March 2003.
(2)
Represents cable subscribers only.
(3)
Represented channel.
(4)
We sold our 50% interest in Locomotion in May 2002 and ceased
providing any transitional services for the channel in August
2003.
(5)
We sold Cl@se in January 2003 and ceased providing sales
representation services to the channel in 2004.
(6)
We commenced distributing Utilisima Satelital on January 1,
2004.
Pay Television Revenue Sources
Like most providers of pay television content, we derive
substantially all of our pay television revenues from
subscriber-based fees and advertising revenue. Subscriber-based
revenues currently are the primary source of revenue for our pay
television business, accounting for 80% of total pay television
net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2004 and 81% in
the year ended December 31, 2003. Advertising accounted for
11% of total pay television net revenue in the year ended
December 31, 2004 and 8% in the year ended
December 31, 2003. In addition, we derived 9% of total pay
television net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2004
and 11% in the year ended December 31, 2003 from other
sources, including production services, management and other
fees for services we provide to third parties.
Subscriber-Based Fees.
We charge pay television operators
either a flat or per-subscriber fee for the right to broadcast
our channels through their networks. Pricing for basic channels
typically involves a lump sum monthly payment per channel or
package of channels or fixed price per subscriber. Generally, we
enter into long-term distribution agreements with an average
term of approximately three years. For premium and other
pay-per-view channels, we determine a retail price in each
market and receive a percentage of the revenues generated from
subscribers of those channels.
Our channels are distributed by more than 1,100 pay television
operators in Ibero America. These operators include, among
others, DIRECTV Latin America, CableVisión (Argentina),
Multicanal (Argentina), Digital Plus (Spain), Sky Latin America,
Net Brasil (Brazil), Cablevisión (Mexico), VTR (Chile) and
Intercable (Venezuela). Our five largest pay television
distributors accounted for 43% of total pay television net
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004, and DIRECTV
Latin America, our largest pay television distributor, accounted
for 27% of total pay television revenues for the year ended
December 31, 2004. See Item 3D Risk
Factors We depend on a limited number of pay
television system operators for a significant portion of our
revenues and the loss of any of our major pay television system
operators or renegotiation of existing contractual terms could
significantly reduce our revenues.
Advertising Revenue.
We derive revenues from the sale of
advertising on our pay television channels to advertisers and
agencies. We believe that our geographic reach enables us to
pursue local, pan-regional and global advertising budgets. We
offer advertisers pan-regional reach, local focus and the
opportunity to incorporate direct marketing and promotional
events to create multimedia campaigns. We believe that our
channels spectrum of highly-rated programming appeals to
advertisers that want to target audiences in specific
demographic and other focused groups. We seek to offer
advertisers maximum value for their advertising expenditures and
have implemented a strategy that provides customized options,
including the following: on-air spots; program sponsorships;
on-air promotions; product integration; customized commercials;
special events; and interactive elements.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, our channels sold
advertising to 273 advertisers. In the year ended
December 31, 2004, our top ten advertisers accounted for
approximately 49% of our pay television advertising revenues.
Our strongest advertising sales were made for the Space channel,
which accounted for 33% of pay television advertising revenue in
the year ended December 31, 2004.
Production Revenue.
We derive other revenues from
services that we provide to pay television businesses we
partially own and to certain third parties. These revenues
include playback, library, satellite space, dubbing, subtitling,
creative services, and programming from our partner channels as
well as from independent third parties and fees for back office
and other services provided to these joint ventures.
Marketing
We focus our marketing efforts on increasing pay television
operator interest, subscriber levels and brand awareness,
maintaining and improving the ratings of our channels, and
creating promotional opportunities that are attractive to our
target audiences, distributors and advertisers. We conduct
multimedia marketing campaigns designed to promote audience
loyalty and support the programming of our channels. These
campaigns generally combine on-air and off-air events with
traditional print, radio and billboard advertising targeted to
current and potential viewers. Our channels also have
promotional websites that allow our subscribers to learn more
about our programming and off-air events, while providing
sponsors and advertisers with another medium for interacting
with subscribers.
Our marketing staff works closely with our other departments,
including advertising sales, affiliates sales, creative,
programming and communications, to coordinate and implement
activities that achieve its marketing goals. For example, our
marketing, affiliate and advertising sales departments work
closely together to create marketing concepts and off-air
promotional events that appeal to its advertisers and system
operators and reinforce a brands key elements. In
addition, our marketing staff works with the programming and
creative departments to develop strategic programming concepts
that strengthen the uniqueness of a channels identity,
increase viewership and create sponsorship opportunities. We
believe that our marketing initiatives achieve their primary
goals of growing our brands, retaining viewer loyalty,
increasing the distribution of our channels, creating innovative
promotional opportunities for their advertisers and affiliates
and maintaining or improving ratings and audience.
Our programming library includes licensed programming, owned
films, original productions and other programming totaling
approximately 17,400 hours. Approximately 15,660 hours
are currently in our possession and 800 hours are to be
delivered pursuant to contracts with suppliers.
We tailor our pay television programming for the Ibero American
audience and air most of our programming in Spanish or
Portuguese. We believe that our library of customized
Spanish-and Portuguese-language programming represents a
valuable asset, because many of our competitors air
significantly more of their programming with subtitles, which we
believe is less popular with television audiences in Ibero
America. The availability of an extensive, edited and
ready-to-air programming library permits us to schedule movies
and other programming quickly for inclusion in theme-oriented
programming blocks in response to current events.
Licensed Programming.
We have exhibition rights from
third-party programmers totaling approximately 15,100 hours
of programming. These rights include approximately 4,400 films,
representing approximately 8,700 hours of programming,
which allows channels such as Space and I.Sat to air programming
with less repetition than many of their competitors. The
remaining 6,400 hours of programming consist of
approximately 9,100 television series episodes and
documentaries, allowing Retro and Infinito not to repeat its
episodes of any series or documentary for up to one year. Our
exhibition rights also include sports and music entertainment
events.
Our program license agreements generally provide for the
non-exclusive right to exhibit programming within a specified
period of time by means of basic pay television in the Southern
Cone, and sometimes provide for options to extend these rights
on a pan-regional basis throughout Latin America. In the case of
each of Infinito, FTV and Retro, our pan-regional channels, we
obtain exhibition rights on a pan-regional basis throughout
Latin America.
We have entered into programming agreements with key providers
of high-quality programming, including Sony Pictures Corp.,
Warner, CHUM Limited, and FTV Paris. We believe that our
relationships with pay television programming suppliers are good.
Owned Programming.
We own approximately 535 classic
Argentine films, totaling approximately 700 programming hours,
including the San Miguel film library and films from the
Lumiton film library that we purchased. Many of these films date
from the golden age of Argentine filmmaking in the 1940s and
1950s.
We own a substantial amount of programming originally produced
for the channels, including approximately 1,500 hours of
original programming recently produced for Infinito and Fashion
TV, as well as boxing and film commentaries produced to air on
Space and concert and film commentaries produced for MuchMusic
Argentina and I.Sat. We also own certain brief lead-in
programming that we produce relating to much of our film library
and other interstitial programming material.
In addition to owned and licensed programs, we have a limited
amount of first-run rights relating to boxing matches and other
special events, such as music concerts, exclusive interviews and
specials featuring music artists.
Playboy TV Latin America Joint Venture
Playboy TV Latin America, a joint venture 81% owned by us and
19% owned by an affiliate of Playboy Enterprises, Inc., owns,
operates and distributes Playboy TV Network, Spice Live and the
Venus channel throughout Latin America, Spain, and Portugal and
the recently launched G Channel as a pay-per-view service. In
1999, an affiliate of Playboy Enterprises, Inc. and an affiliate
of the Cisneros Group created Playboy TV International LLC, a
joint venture to own and operate Playboy TV networks outside of
the United States and Canada.
In December 2002, we negotiated a restructuring of our
relationship with Playboy TV. As a result of the restructuring,
we:
transferred our 80.1% interest in Playboy TV International
(outside of Latin America, Spain and Portugal) to Playboy
Enterprises, Inc.;
contributed the Venus channel to Playboy TV Latin America;
transferred all of its preferred shares of Playboy.com, Inc. to
Playboy Enterprises, Inc;
were released from our capital commitments to Playboy TV
International; and
revised the terms for our continued relationship in Latin
America, Spain and Portugal by retaining through a wholly-owned
subsidiary an 81% interest in Playboy TV Latin America and now
controlling the management of this joint venture.
As a result of the restructuring, we began to consolidate the
Playboy TV Latin America operations into our pay television
division, in December 2002. Under the existing Playboy TV Latin
America joint venture, Playboy Enterprises has an option to buy
up to 49.9% of the joint venture at any time prior to December
2012. In addition, Playboy Enterprises has an option to buy the
remaining 50.1% of the joint venture during the year 2008,
provided that, the 49.9% option has been exercised. Both options
are at the fair market value at the time of exercise.
Consequently, we now operate all adult content operations (which
includes the Playboy TV, Spice Live and Venus channels) under
the Playboy TV Latin America joint venture. An affiliate of
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. will distribute the Playboy TV Latin
America programs in the U.S. Hispanic market for a 20%
distribution fee to our joint venture.
As part of the restructuring, an affiliate of Playboy
Enterprises, Inc. agreed to exclusively license to Playboy TV
Latin America its entire Playboy TV television programming
library which was in existence as of March 31, 2002. The
library consisted of approximately 12,500 hours of Playboy
original programming, licensed movies, and other shows. The
program supply agreement also requires an affiliate of Playboy
Enterprises, Inc. to license exclusively all new programs
produced to Playboy TV Latin America each year, subject to a
certain minimum number of program hours. In exchange for these
rights, Playboy TV Latin America must pay an affiliate of
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. 17.5% of the net revenues from the
distribution of these programs, with a guaranteed annual minimum
of U.S. $4.2 million, subject to annual increases
equal to the consumer price index.
DMX MUSIC Latin America
In May 2002, we completed a business combination transaction
with DMX MUSIC whereby DMX MUSIC contributed to our joint
venture all its existing affiliation agreements with cable and
DTH operators in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market
and cash in the amount of U.S.$0.7 million, in exchange for
an additional 19% of the equity interests in the joint venture.
After the business combination, the venture re-branded its
services as DMX MUSIC Latin America and expanded its channel
offerings. We now own 31% of DMX MUSIC Latin America. DMX MUSIC
Latin America also intends to develop and deliver music services
to retail and commercial establishments in Latin America.
Digital Latin America
Digital Latin America, LLC offers a digital equipment and
programming solution to cable companies by operating a digital
network through satellite transmission, including an interactive
programming guide, digital music offerings and pay-per-view
Hollywood movies. Digital Latin America reached 224,000
subscribers as of December 31, 2004. On October 29,
2004 Claxson purchased a 48% equity interest in DLA Holdings,
Inc., the newly formed holding company of Digital Latin America.
Claxson obtained its equity interest in DLA Holdings in exchange
for U.S.$3.4 million in funds and an agreement to provide
services of up to an aggregate of U.S.$3.0 million
(including satellite space, playout of Digital Latin
Americas channels and back-office support) over three
years. Concurrently with this transaction, Hicks Muse purchased
830,259 newly-issued Class A Common Shares of Claxson.
Hicks Muse owns 38% of the
equity interests of DLA Holdings. An affiliate of Motorola owns
the other equity interests of DLA Holdings.
BROADCAST RADIO BUSINESS
We wholly own and operate two integrated broadcast radio
businesses: Iberoamerican Radio Chile, S.A., which we refer to
herein as Radio Chile; and Radio Sarandi. Radio
Chile is the radio network with the largest audience in Chile,
and we operate two radio stations owned by Sarandi
Communications, S.A. in Uruguay, together with a third station
that we lease from a third party.
Market Overview
Our radio broadcast business is presently concentrated in Chile.
The advertising market in Chile is seasonal, with advertising
expenditures increasing throughout the year and peaking in the
fourth quarter when consumer expenditures reach their peak.
Radio Chile
owns and/or operates eight centrally
programmed radio networks, namely Pudahuel FM, Rock &
Pop, Corazón, FM Dos, Concierto, Futuro, FM Hit , and
Imagina , five of which were among the top ten ranked radio
networks during 2004 in Santiago, which represents 39% of the
national population and 58% of Chiles purchasing power.
The Radio Chile networks deploy a variety of programming formats
designed to increase Radio Chiles market share and to
present a wide range of options to advertisers. We believe that
our variety of programming formats makes Radio Chile less
susceptible to changes in listening preferences than networks
focused on a single segment.
The following table identifies the formats and target audiences
of the radio networks.
Radio Network
Format
Pudahuel FM
News, Latin music and talk show formats targeted to women 25 to
59 years old.
Corazón
Interactive, tropical music format targeted to listeners 25 to
59 years old.
Rock & Pop
Rock music and talk show format targeted to listeners 15 to
24 years old.
FM Dos
Romantic music format in Spanish (70%) and English (30%)
targeted to women 20 to 34 years old.
FM Hit
Top 40 music format targeted to listeners 15 to 19 years
old.
Futuro
Classic rock format targeting men 25 to 44 years old.
Futuro complements Concierto in Santiago, where the two stations
occupy the number one and two spots in their segment.
Imagina
Romantic music format targeted to women 25 to 59 years old.
Concierto
Adult contemporary music format in English (70%) and Spanish
(30%), targeting men and women 25 to 44 years old.
Radio Chiles eight radio networks had a combined 36.4%
audience share in the Santiago market for the period from
January through December 2004. The following table presents the
rank and audience share in Santiago for each Radio Chile radio
network for the periods indicated.
Radio Chile is a distant leader in audience share in Santiago,
compared to the other radio groups that operate more than one
network. The Garcia Reyes Group captures a 7% audience share
with the operation of two networks; the Consorcio Radial de
Chile (PRISA Group) obtains 9% audience share operating four
networks; and the Bezanilla Group has an 8% audience share
operating three networks.
Radio Chiles networks reach over 90% of Chiles
population in 28 cities through 142 FM concessions.
Our three largest networks reach over 90% of the total
population, two reach over 70% of the total population, and the
rest reach between 40% and 70% of the total population depending
on the concentration of the target market of each network. Radio
Chile had U.S.$13.7 and U.S.$16.7 million in revenue in
2003 and 2004, respectively, which accounted for an estimated
35% and 37% of the Chilean radio advertising market in 2003 and
2004, respectively.
Radio Sarandi
On September 21, 2001, our
Uruguayan subsidiary executed a five-year lease and
co-management agreement for the operation of three radio
stations owned by Sarandi Communications, S.A: AM 690 (Sarandi),
AM 890 (Sport), and FM 91.9 (Music One, today known as Radio
Disney). Our chairman of the board and chief executive officer,
Roberto Vivo-Chaneton and one of the beneficial owners of our
Class F common shares, Guillermo Liberman (the owner of
SLI.com), each owns a 25% equity interest in Sarandi. See
Item 7B. Related Party Transactions. We
coordinate the programming and marketing strategy and manage the
advertising sales and other operational matters of AM Sarandi
and operate the Radio Disney station pursuant to a franchise
agreement with an affiliate of Disney, while we sub-lease the AM
Sport station to a third party. We have also negotiated an
option with Sarandi, (see Item 7B. Related Party
Transactions) to acquire the company holding the Sarandi
radio concession. Should we choose to exercise the option, the
option price may be paid, at our election, in cash and/or our
Class A common shares, which will be valued at the market
price of the shares at the time of exercise and 50% of all
amounts previously paid by us in lease monthly payments will be
applied towards the option payment. We believe, that the
proposed structure for the lease transaction complies with
Uruguayan laws and regulations that prohibit foreign (i.e.,
non-Uruguayan) ownership of broadcasting transmission licenses.
However, no Uruguay regulatory authority has approved the terms
and conditions of this agreement. In June, 2004 we commenced the
operation of Radiofutura 91.1 FM station which we lease
from a third party under a five-year contract.
INTERNET AND BROADBAND BUSINESS
We created and launched El Sitio Digital Channel in the fourth
quarter of 2001, with the first broadband operator in Argentina,
one of the first concrete efforts in Latin America toward
digital-age content production specifically developed for
broadband. El Sitio Digital Channel offers features organized
along three axes: video and audio streaming and pay per view; 2D
and 3D multiplayer games; and a community engine that allows
users to personalize their content. This interphase was
specially designed to run in broadband platforms such as cable
modem, ADSL, wireless and satellite (DirectPC). In addition, for
a limited time, we are offering users the option to acquire
content by downloading it via a modern e-license system.
Currently El Sitio Digital Channel is offering through
Argentinean and Brazilian multiple system operators and
telecommunication networks a wide range of content tailored to
the interests of its target audience on a video-on-demand basis
(e.g., family, news, sports and adult content) with own and
third party brands such as Reuters, Foxsport, Playboy and
Utilisima. El Sitio Digital Channel includes more than 2000
digitized videos in AVH and DVD quality
Venus and Playboy TV clips for adults, Infinito documentaries,
current events and information, MuchMusic music, its own radio,
channels to upload personal videos and audio files, video
tutorials and 2D community tools.
During 2004 we were able to advance the development of a
broadband and narrowband platform to sell originally produced
and third party content, as well as improve our technology with
respect to the digitalization of our content. In September 2004,
we entered into an agreement with Microsoft Corporation pursuant
to which the Windows Media Player 10 incorporates El Sitio
Digital Channels platform to
distribute digital content in Latin America. In October 2004, we
entered into an agreement with Brazil Telecom for the license of
our El Sitio Digital Channel broadband platform and content to
be distributed throughout Brazil Telecoms client network.
We were also able to continue to update and consolidate the El
Sitio Digital Channel platform, and renew our relationship with
Fibertel, a broadband provider in Argentina.
Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights
Some companies, including other participants in the media
industry, use and/or may use trademarks or service marks in
English or other languages which, when translated, are similar
to certain of our core marks. This usage may hinder our ability
to build a unique brand identity and may lead to trademark
disputes. If we lose the right to use a trademark or service
mark, we may be forced to adopt a new mark which would result in
the loss of substantial resources and brand identity. In any
event, even if successful, litigating a trademark dispute would
result in expenditures and diversion of executives time.
Any inability to protect, enforce or use our trademarks, service
marks or other intellectual property may have a material adverse
effect on us.
We also depend upon technology licensed from third parties for
chat, homepage, search and related web services. Any dispute
with a licensor of the technology may result in El Sitios
inability to continue to use that technology. Additionally,
there may be patents issued or pending that are held by third
parties and that cover significant parts of the technology,
products, business methods or services used to conduct our
business. We cannot be certain that its technology, products,
business methods or services do not or will not infringe upon
valid patents or other intellectual property rights held by
third parties. If a third party alleges infringement, we may be
forced to take a license, which we may not be able to obtain on
commercially reasonable terms. We may also incur substantial
expenses in defending against third-party infringement claims,
regardless of the merit of those claims.
REGULATION
Regulation of the Pay Television Industry in Latin
America
In general, many of the Latin American markets in which we
operate do not have specific pay television laws. As a result,
many of the old broadcast laws are applied to the pay television
industry. The scope of broadcast regulation varies from country
to country, although in many significant respects a similar
approach is taken across all of the markets in which we operate.
For example, broadcast regulations in most of our markets
require cable and direct-to-home system operators to obtain
licenses or concessions from the applicable domestic authority.
In addition, most countries have regulations which set certain
minimum standards regarding programming content, prescribe
minimum standards for the content and scheduling of television
advertisements and provide that a certain portion of the
programming carried by the operators be produced domestically.
The content regulations concerning programming in the countries
in which we operate often prohibit material which contains
excessive violence and pornography and usually provide a
restricted exhibition schedule for adult-rated content and other
material that is deemed inappropriate for children or the
population at large. The general scheme of regulations governing
the content of television advertising focuses on prohibiting
fraudulent and misleading advertising. Many countries also
restrict television advertising of alcohol and tobacco products.
Generally, the domestic broadcasting licensing authorities have
the responsibility for monitoring and enforcing compliance with
broadcasting and programming content regulations; however, the
level of enforcement varies widely among the different countries
in which we operate.
With the exception of Argentina, we are a foreign programmer of
pay television channels in every market in which our pay
television channels operate. As a foreign programmer, we are not
directly subject to the broadcasting and content laws of the
foreign countries where we operate. However, the local cable and
direct-to-home system operators that distribute foreign
programming, including our pay television channels, are subject
to local broadcasting and content regulations and are therefore
responsible for
complying with any local programming requirements and
advertising laws. Consequently, many of our contracts with our
cable and direct-to-home distributors require that our
programming comply with domestic programming content and
advertising regulations, and require us to indemnify our
distributors should they suffer damages arising from our
noncompliance with such domestic programming and advertising
regulations. In December 2004, the Venezuelan government enacted
a new law regulating the content and advertising for television
and radio, including pay television. This new law which is
called the Radio and Television Social Responsibility Law and
became effective on June 8, 2005, imposes significant new
restrictions on advertising over television networks in
Venezuela, and contains onerous penalties and fines for the
distributors in case of noncompliance. As a result, our clients
in Venezuela have requested that we comply with the regulations,
including those restrictions relating to the advertisement of
alcoholic beverages, and have advised us that our failure to
comply with such new regulations will result in a breach of our
existing agreements and require us to indemnify them for any
resulting damages. Since most of our channels are distributed
through one feed (i.e., the same content and advertising is used
in all regions), and certain of our channels have sponsorships
or other forms of indirect advertisement of alcoholic beverages,
our advertising revenues may be negatively affected, or our
operating costs could increase should we be required to separate
the feeds in order to allow different territories to air
different advertising.
There is a bill pending in the Argentine Senate that would
require all programming broadcast through pay television in
Argentina to be dubbed into Spanish. The Argentine House of
Representatives has already approved the bill. A substantial
part of our programming (especially the film channels
distributed in the Southern cone and our adult channels) is
subtitled. Consequently, if this bill were to become effective
it would materially increase our programming costs.
During 2003, the Federal Broadcast Commission in Argentina
enacted a resolution which was scheduled to become effective in
April 2004 prohibiting commercial breaks during movie broadcasts
on pay television. The Argentine Chamber of Satellite
Programmers appealed the resolution and its application was
suspended until December 2004. The Federal Broadcast Commission
extended the suspension pending issuance of an opinion by the
Argentine Attorney General which has not yet been issued.
Currently, under the interim rules of the Argentine Chamber of
Satellite Programmers, we may air up to three commercial breaks
during any movie broadcast. If the resolution or a similar law
becomes effective our advertising revenues from our film
channels will be negatively affected.
Several Latin American countries began the process of
deregulation of their telecommunications industries during 2001.
Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico are all opening
their telecommunications markets to private competition. While
deregulation will not immediately and directly affect the pay
television industry, the effects of deregulation, including
increased competition, lowered telephone tariffs and connection
rates and increased investments in new technologies, could lead
to increased opportunities for content distribution and higher
Internet and multi-channel penetration rates.
Regulation of the Brazilian Pay Television Industry
During 2002 the Brazilian government enacted and amended various
regulations affecting the movie theater, home video and pay
television industries. With respect to the Brazilian pay
television industry, the regulations require cable and other pay
television operators in Brazil to withhold 11% of the payments
made to foreign programming providers, unless the programming
providers elect to reinvest 3% of the revenues generated in
Brazil in local productions. The programming provider must
register before the National Film Agency (ANCINE) and the
local cable operator must deposit such 3% in a bank account in
Banco do Brazil. The foreign programming provider has
270 days to utilize such deposited funds for local
production projects after which time any unused funds may be
utilized by ANCINE.
We have finalized the registration with ANCINE and the opening
of the bank account in Banco do Brazil and our Brazilian pay
television clients are withholding the required 3% of payments.
Since its inception in early 2002, these regulations have
undergone many modifications and further modifications in the
future remain possible. If the regulations are further modified,
it may affect our business.
Regulation of the Chilean Broadcast Radio Industry
The radio broadcast industry in Chile is regulated by the
Subsecretariat of Telecommunications, which is known as
SUBTEL, which is overseen by the Ministry of Public
Works, Transport and Telecommunications. Legislation regarding
radio in Chile is contained in the 1982 General
Telecommunications Law, as amended. Broadcast radio licenses are
currently awarded for 25-year terms.
A Chilean law, published on June 4, 2001, includes
provisions that may be relevant to the ongoing operations of our
Chilean broadcast radio businesses. The law provides that any
change in ownership or control of a radio business concession is
subject to approval of the Chilean anti-trust authorities who
must issue a report regarding the impact on the information and
news market of the change in control. If this report is not
issued within 30 days from the filing of the application it
will be deemed that the authorities have no objections. This law
also provides that radio broadcasting concessions may only be
granted or transferred to entities that have more than 10%
non-Chilean ownership if in the country of origin of the foreign
nationals, Chilean nationals are granted similar rights. This
provision may affect the manner in which Claxson and its
affiliates conduct its broadcast radio business in Chile,
including the renewal of the existing concession or acquisition
of new ones.
COMPETITION
The media and entertainment business is highly competitive. Each
of our pay television, broadcast television and radio businesses
competes against companies operating in these and other media
segments. For example, our pay television business faces
competition from other pay television operators as well as
Internet companies, broadcast networks, print media and other
forms of entertainment.
Within the pay television industry, our channels compete with
programming from AOL Time Warner, Viacom, Liberty Media, Disney,
Globo and Televisa, among others. We compete with their channels
for carriage on cable and satellite systems that have limited
capacity. We also compete with these channels for viewers and
advertising dollars based upon quality of programming, number of
subscribers, ratings and subscriber demographics.
Our broadcast radio business in Chile competes with national and
regional broadcasters for audience share and advertising
revenues primarily on the basis of program content that appeals
to a particular target demographic audience. Radio Chiles
main competitors are the Garcia Reyes Group, the Consorcio
Radial de Chile (Prisa Group) and the Bezanilla Group, each of
which have established significant audience share.
Many companies provide websites and services targeted to
Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking audiences. All of these
companies compete with our websites for user traffic and
advertising dollars. Competition for users and advertisers is
intense and there are no substantial barriers to entry in this
market. We also compete with providers of content and services
over the Internet, including web directories, portals, search
engines, content sites, Internet service providers and sites
maintained by government and educational institutions.
The following chart presents our current operational structure.
The chart omits certain intermediate holding companies. For
purposes of this chart, names in italics are brand names.
(1)
Playback and post-production facility.
(2)
Operated through lease and co-management agreement.
D.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Properties
A description of the location and use and of our principal
offices and facilities is set forth below.
Pay Television Facilities
Our U.S. headquarters are located at 1550 Biscayne
Boulevard, Miami, Florida. This facility occupies approximately
25,600 square feet of leased space.
Our principal executive offices and headquarters in Buenos
Aires, Argentina are located at Av. Melian 2752/54 in a
60,000 square foot building that we own, containing both
administrative and production functions, including two
television studios. We also own two additional offices that are
located at Av. Manuel Ugarte 3612/18 and Av. Melian
2760/62. Prior to May 2005, we also leased approximately
8,000 square feet of warehouse space in Buenos Aires and
approximately 20,000 square feet of office and production
space with a street front television studio for our Much Music
channel. As of May 2005, we have moved the operations of Much
Music into our Av. Melian location.
In addition, we lease office space in Mexico, the Bahamas and
Brazil to support sales efforts to cable and direct-to-home
operators in certain markets.
Broadcast Radio Facilities
Radio Chiles principal offices are located in Santiago,
Chile, where we own an office building containing approximately
1,600 square meters of office space. Radio Chile owns
additional office space of
400 square meters in Santiago, Chile and either owns or
leases a number of radio transmission towers throughout Chile.
Radio Sarandi leases office space of approximately
600 square meters in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition
and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our
historical consolidated financial statements and related notes
which accompany this Annual Report on Form 20-F. In
addition, the results of operations for 2002, 2003 and 2004
reflect the classification of Chilevisions financial
results as discontinued operations. See Note 3
Acquisitions and Disposals in the notes to the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking
statements appear throughout this annual report, including,
without limitation, under Item 3. Key
Information Risk Factors, Item 4.
Information on the Company and Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. These
forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our
business model, strategy, plans and timing for the introduction
or enhancement of our services and products, proposed
dispositions, and other expectations, intentions and plans
contained in this annual report that are not historical fact.
When used in this annual report, the words expects,
anticipates, intends, plans,
may, believes, seeks,
estimates and similar expressions generally identify
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current
expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, including but not limited to, those set forth
under Item 3. Key Information Risk
Factors. In light of the many risks and uncertainties
surrounding our business, results of operations, financial
condition and prospects, you should understand that we cannot
assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this
annual report will be realized.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes continuity of
operations and realization of assets and satisfaction of
liabilities in the ordinary course of business. See
Item 3.D. Key Information Risk
Factors We may not be able to continue as a going
concern and Note 1 of our consolidated financial
statements.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. The preparation of financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and
expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. A summary
of our significant accounting policies and judgments can be
found in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
The SEC has defined a companys most critical accounting
policies as those that are most important to the portrayal of
the companys financial condition and results of operations
that require managements most difficult, subjective or
complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make
estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. These
judgments and estimates often involve future events. Although we
believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are
based upon information available at the time of the valuations.
Actual results may differ significantly from estimates under
different assumptions or conditions. The following is a summary
of critical accounting judgments and estimates and is based on
our accounting practices in effect during 2004.
Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Assets
In
accordance with SFAS No. 142, we review the carrying
value of goodwill on an annual basis. We measure fair value
based on an evaluation of estimated future discounted cash
flows, market comparisons, recent comparable transactions or a
combination thereof. This
evaluation considered several earnings scenarios and the
likelihood of possible outcomes, and utilized the best
information available at the time the valuation was performed.
Impairments, if any, are recognized when the fair value of
goodwill is less than their carrying value. In 2003, as a result
of our annual review, we recorded a goodwill impairment loss of
U.S.$2.5 million related to our Pay Television segment and
a goodwill impairment loss of U.S.$0.3 million related to
our Broadband and Internet segment. Upon adoption of
SFAS No. 142 in 2002, we recorded cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle of U.S.$74.8 million.
Separable intangible assets that have finite useful lives,
primarily consisting of broadcast and television licenses, are
amortized over their respective useful lives ranging from 5 to
30 years. The carrying value of intangible assets with
finite useful lives are periodically reviewed for impairment
when factors indicating impairment are present.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
We
carry accounts receivable at the amount we deem to be
collectible. Accordingly, we provide allowances for accounts
receivable deemed to be uncollectible based on our
managements estimates. Recoveries are recognized in the
period they are received. The ultimate amount of accounts
receivable that become uncollectible could differ from the
estimated amount.
Revenue Recognition
We entered into
distribution agreements with cable and direct-to-home
distributors pursuant to which we receive monthly
subscriber-based fees. The subscriber-based fee is recognized as
revenue as we provide the television services to the
distributor. Advertising revenue is recognized at the time the
advertisement is aired. Revenue from the licensing of
programming rights are recognized ratably over the license
period when a contractual obligation exists. Other revenue
consists primarily of fees for playback, library, satellite,
dubbing, subtitling and back office services which are
recognized as the services are performed.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2004, FASB issued Staff Position No. 129-1,
Disclosure requirements under
SFAS No. 129, Disclosure of Information
About Capital Structure, Relating to Contingently Convertible
Securities
, which provides disclosure guidance for
contingently convertible securities, including those instruments
with contingent conversion requirements that have not been met
and are otherwise not required to be included in the computation
of diluted earnings per share, and requires to disclose the
significant terms of the conversion features of convertible
securities. Staff Position No. 129-1 is effective
immediately and applies to all existing and new created
securities. We have included in the determination of the average
number of diluted common shares the shares that would be issued
if the contingently convertible securities mentioned in
Notes 6 and 8 to the accompanying audited consolidated
financial statements were converted.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (R),
Share Based Payment
, which replaces
SFAS No. 123
Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation
, supersedes APB Opinion No. 25
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees
, and
is effective for public entities at the beginning of the first
interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2005.
SFAS No. 123 (R) requires expensing share based
compensation costs in an amount equal to the fair value of
share-based payments granted to employees measured on the date
of grant of the equity or liability instruments issued, and
remeasured at the end of each reporting period. Compensation
costs will be recognized over the period that an employee
provides services in exchange for the award (usually the vesting
period). The cumulative effect of initially applying this
statement, if any, should be recognized as of the effective
date. We are currently reviewing the effect that this statement
may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. See
Note 2 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on
Form 20-F and Item 3. Key Information Risk
Factors Our financial results could be affected by
potential changes in the accounting rules governing the
recognition of stock-based compensation expense.
In December 2004, FASB also issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary assets, an amendment to APB
Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions, replacing the exception from fair value
measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive
assets to nonmonetary
exchanges of assets that do not have commercial substance (those
that are not expected to significantly change the future cash
flows of the entity as a result of the exchange). This statement
shall be applied prospectively and is effective for nonmonetary
assets exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after
June 15, 2005. We do not expect that the adoption of
SFAS No. 153 will have a material impact on our
results of operations or our financial position.
In March 2005, FASB issued FIN No. 47,
Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement
Obligations
which clarifies the term conditional
asset retirement obligation as used in
SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations, staying that the term refers to a legal
obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the
timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a
future event that may or may not be within the control of the
entity, obligation is unconditional even though the existing
uncertainty. As a result, a liability should be recognized and
measured when sufficient information exists to make a reasonable
estimated of the fair value of the obligation. This
interpretation is effective prospectively for fiscal years
ending after December 15, 2005. We do not expect that the
adoption of FIN No. 47 will have a material impact on
our results of operations or on our financial position.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table illustrates our contractual obligations and
commercial commitments as of December 31, 2004 after giving
effect to the refinancing of approximately $1.7 million in
11% Senior Notes due 2005 of Imagen Satelital S.A. which
occurred after December 31, 2004 and is described in the
paragraph following the chart. The debt obligations include
accrued interest payable as of December 31, 2004:
Less Than
1-3
4-5
More Than
1 Year
Years
Years
5 Years
11% Senior Notes due 2005
$
450
$
$
$
8.75% Senior Notes due 2010
3,648
15,382
25,611
13,515
6.25% Senior Notes due 2013
58
2,667
Other Senior Notes
535
1,183
919
Syndicated bank facility
2,441
6,834
7,178
Convertible Debentures
116
3,500
Other long term liabilities
924
891
Operating leases
4,081
7,656
5,578
4,467
Purchase Obligations
12,221
9,352
9,340
15,087
On April 14, 2005, U.S.$1.7 million of unexchanged
principal amount of Imagen Satelital 11% Senior Notes due
2005 were exchanged for new Imagen Satelital promissory notes in
the principal amount of U.S.$2.3 million, which do not bear
interest and mature through 2009.
Purchase obligations described in the chart above include
payments under programming agreements for programming delivered
or to be delivered in the future, including purchase obligations
for future minimum annual license fees of U.S.$4.2 million
owed to Playboy Entertainment Group, Inc. as a result of the
restructuring of our relationship with Playboy Enterprises, Inc.
Introduction to Operating Results
Net Revenues
We derive our revenues from subscriber-based fees charged to pay
television system operators that distribute our branded
television channels, from advertising on our pay television
channels and broadcast media assets and from advertising on our
network of websites. We also generate revenues through
production services, sales commissions, management fees and
other services provided to certain affiliated channels as well
as from third parties.
We derive a majority of our revenues from subscriber-based fees
we charge to pay television system operators that distribute our
branded television channels. We charge pay television system
operators either a flat or per-subscriber fee for the right to
broadcast our branded television channels through their cable or
direct-to-home distribution systems. Pricing for basic channels
typically involves either a monthly lump sum payment per channel
or package of channels or a fixed price per subscriber. For
premium and pay-per-view channels, we receive a percentage of
the revenues generated from the subscribers to these channels.
We typically enter into long-term distribution agreements with
pay television system operators with an average term of
approximately three years. We recognize revenues on long-term
agreements on a monthly basis as the branded television channels
are provided to the pay television system operators. Revenues
from exclusivity arrangements are recognized ratably over the
term of the related agreement. Payment for exclusivity received
in advance are recorded as unearned revenues.
We also derive subscriber-based fees in the form of sales
commissions that we charge to the channels that we represent for
acting as their sales agent.
Advertising Revenues
We derive revenues from the sale of advertising on our pay
television channels, our broadcast media assets and our
websites. Our multiple sales offices enable us to solicit local,
pan-regional and global advertising accounts from advertisers
and agencies directly. We derive advertising revenues
principally from:
advertising arrangements under which we receive fees for
advertising spots placed on our pay television channels and
broadcast stations for specified periods of time;
sponsorship arrangements that allow advertisers to sponsor a
program on one or more of our pay television channels, broadcast
stations or networks in exchange for fixed payments;
advertising arrangements under which we receive fixed fees for
banners placed on our websites for specified periods of time; and
reciprocal services arrangements, under which we exchange
advertising space on our media assets for advertising or
services from other parties.
We generally recognize advertising revenues as advertising spots
are aired. In the case of certain advertising spots placed on
our broadcast radio stations, we guarantee minimum ratings to
the advertiser. In those cases, we do not recognize the
corresponding revenues until we achieve the guaranteed ratings.
Payments received before an advertisement spot is displayed are
recorded as unearned revenues. Revenues from sponsorship
arrangements are recognized ratably. The terms of our contracts
with advertisers and advertising agencies range from one to
twelve months.
With respect to Internet advertising, we recognize advertising
revenues ratably in the period in which the advertisement is
displayed, so long as no significant obligations remain. When
minimum impression levels are guaranteed, we do not recognize
the corresponding revenues until we achieve guaranteed levels.
Production Services
Claxson Playout Inc., formerly known as The Kitchen, Inc., one
of our subsidiaries, provides playback program origination and
post-production services to certain affiliated channels as well
as to third parties. In addition, our In Jaus division provides
creative services to third parties. We recognize production
services revenues as work is performed.
We also derive revenues from management fees and other services
provided to pay television channels and other businesses that we
partially own or are affiliated with, as well as from third
parties. These services include technical, satellite space, back
office support and other services. We also derive revenues from
the licensing of programming rights to third parties. Revenue
from the licensing of programming rights is recognized when the
license period begins and a contractual obligation exists.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of:
product, content and technology;
marketing and sales;
corporate and administration; and
depreciation and amortization.
Product, Content and Technology Expenses.
Product,
content and technology expenses consist primarily of the
amortization of rights to broadcast acquired or licensed
television content and related rights, the cost of satellite
space used in delivering our pay television channels, and
personnel and related costs associated with programming,
purchase and production of content, post-production, dubbing,
playback, and the up-link of our pay television channels or
transmission of our broadcast radio stations. The cost of
broadcast and license rights is amortized over the term of
licenses and based on the anticipated usage of the program.
Product, content and technology expenses also consist of
personnel costs associated with development, testing and
upgrading of our network of websites and systems, purchases of
content and specific technology, particularly software, and
telecommunications links and access charges. Except for hardware
(which is depreciated), we expense product, content and
technology expenses and telecommunications infrastructure costs
as they are incurred.
Marketing and Sales Expenses.
Our marketing and sales
expenses consist primarily of salaries and expenses of marketing
and sales personnel, commissions, withholding taxes and other
marketing-related expenses, including expenses related to our
branding and advertising activities and to the provision for
uncollectible accounts receivable.
Corporate and Administration Expenses.
Corporate and
administration expenses consist primarily of costs related to
corporate personnel, occupancy costs, general operating costs
and professional fees, such as accounting, legal and consulting
fees. Corporate and administration expenses also include
monitoring fees paid to our principal shareholders, as well as
fee and expenses related to our board of directors.
Depreciation and Amortization.
Depreciation and
amortization expenses consist primarily of depreciation and
amortization of production, post-production and other equipment,
servers and other computer equipment, buildings, office
furniture and leasehold improvements. Investments in property
and equipment, other than leasehold improvements, are
depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements
are amortized over the lesser of the term of the lease or the
useful life of the improvement. Property and equipment is being
depreciated and amortized, as the case may be as follows:
buildings 20-50 years;
computers, software and other equipment 3-10 years;
leasehold improvements 5-7 years; and
furniture, fixtures and other fixed assets 5-10 years.
We also incur amortization expense related to the amortization
of broadcast television and radio licenses.
Other Income (Expense).
Other income
(expense) consists primarily of the foreign exchange income
(loss) resulting from the effect of changes in the Argentine
peso and Chilean peso exchange rates per U.S. dollar on our
Argentine and Chilean based assets and liabilities denominated
in U.S. dollars. Other income (expense) also includes
interest expense, net of interest earned, on Imagens
outstanding U.S.$80 million 11% Senior Notes due 2005,
and the outstanding Radio Chile syndicated bank facility, as
well as other miscellaneous income and expense items. Other
income (expense) does not include the interest expense of
our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 as the total amount of such
future interest was already included in the carrying amount of
the debt in the determination of the gain on debt restructuring
that we reported in 2002. Therefore, as interest on the notes is
paid, the debt is reduced proportionately with no effect on our
income statement.
Share of Loss from Unconsolidated Affiliates.
Share of
loss from unconsolidated affiliates includes our proportionate
share of the net income of DMX Music Latin America for 2003 and
2004, as well as out proportionate share of the net income of
Digital Latin America from November 1, 2004 to
December 31, 2004. For 2001 and 2002 it represents our
proportionate share of the net income or loss of Playboy TV
Latin America, LLC (prior to December 2002), The Locomotion
Channel, Playboy TV International, DMX Music Latin America and
certain other companies in which we had investments. Share of
loss from unconsolidated affiliates also includes gains or
losses resulting from the divestiture of certain of these
investments.
Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2003
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated
selected financial information for our pay television, broadcast
radio, Internet and broadband businesses, and our corporate
department. The results of operations in the following chart are
affected by a 2% depreciation of the Argentine Peso and a 5%
appreciation of the Chilean Peso in 2004 compared to 2003,
against the U.S. dollar.
Net revenues increased U.S.$5.2 million, or 8%, to
U.S.$68.2 million in 2004 from U.S.$63.0 million in
2003. Approximately 59% of net revenues in 2004 was comprised of
subscriber-based revenues. For 2003 and 2004, 25% and 24% of net
revenues were earned in Argentina, while Chile represented 25%
and 28% of net revenues in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Pay television revenues increased U.S.$1.7 million, or 4%,
to U.S.$49.9 million in 2004 from U.S.$48.2 million in
2003. Approximately 80% of pay television revenues in 2004 was
comprised of subscriber-based fees, compared to 81% in 2003.
Pay television subscriber-based fees increased
U.S.$1.1 million, or 3%, to U.S.$40.1 million in 2004
from U.S.$38.9 million in 2003. This increase was primarily
due to the increased distribution of our basic channels as
revenue per subscriber remained unchanged at U.S.$0.07. For 2003
and 2004, 30% and 28%, respectively, of pay television
subscriber-based revenues were earned in Argentina.
Advertising revenues increased U.S.$4.8 million, or 26%, to
U.S.$23.3 million in 2004 from U.S.$18.5 million in
2003. Approximately 74% and 72% of advertising revenues were
earned in Chile in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Pay television advertising revenues increased
U.S.$1.5 million, or 39%, to U.S.$5.3 million in 2004,
from U.S.$3.9 million in 2003. This increase resulted from
the stabilization of the Argentine Peso compared to the
U.S. dollar, and a corresponding increase in Argentine Peso
advertising spending as a result of the economic recovery in
Argentina during 2004, which represents our primary market of
pay television advertising.
Broadcast radio advertising revenues increased
U.S.$3.3 million, or 23%, to U.S.$17.9 million in
2004, from U.S.$14.6 million in 2003. The increase is
primarily due to the increase in Radio Chiles revenues as
a result of increased advertising spending in Chile as well as
certain price increases. Revenues from Radio Sarandi were
U.S.$0.6 million higher than in 2003 as a result of the
recovery of the advertising market in Uruguay.
Internet and Broadband advertising revenues were almost
unchanged in 2004 compared to 2003.
Production services revenues increased U.S.$0.2 million to
U.S.$3.2 million in 2004, from U.S.$3.0 million in
2003. We expect production services revenues to decrease
significantly in 2005 as a result of our divestiture of the
language conversion and international traffic operations of
Claxson Playout (formerly known as The Kitchen, Inc.) in May
2005.
Other revenues decreased U.S.$0.9 million, or 37%, to
U.S.$1.6 million in 2004, from U.S.$2.5 million in
2003. The decrease is principally attributable to the
termination of the services provided to Locomotion through
December 2003.
Operating Expenses
Product, Content and Technology Expenses
Product, content and technology expenses increased
U.S.$5.1 million, or 21%, to U.S.$29.3 million in 2004
from U.S.$24.2 million in 2003. Product, content and
technology expenses as a percentage of revenues increased to 43%
in 2004 from 38% in 2003.
Product, content and technology expenses for pay television
increased U.S.$4.3 million, or 23%, to
U.S.$22.9 million in 2004 from U.S.$18.6 million in
2003. Product, content and technology expenses for pay
television as a percentage of pay television revenues increased
from 39% in 2003 to 46% in 2004. The increase in these expenses
is primarily due to a U.S.$1.0 million increase in original
production, primarily for the Infinito channel, a
U.S.$0.9 million increase in amortization of programming as
a result of increased investments in acquired programming, a
U.S. $0.8 million increase in technical expenses as a
result of the need for additional satellite space to deliver the
Infinito channel into the U.S. Hispanic market and the
Playboy TV Latin America channel into Spain, a
U.S.$0.8 million increase in personnel
expenses for product and content primarily as a result of an
increase in original production, and a U.S.$0.6 million
increase in language conversion expenses as a result of the
provision of services with higher costs than services provided
in 2003.
Product, content and technology expenses for broadcast radio
increased U.S.$1.1 million, or 24%, to
U.S.$5.5 million in 2004, from U.S.$4.4 million in
2003. Product, content and technology expenses for broadcast
radio remained unchanged as a percentage of broadcast radio
revenues at 30%. The increase in product, content and technology
expenses is primarily attributable to a U.S.$0.4 million
increase in production expenses at Radio Chile for talent and
third party productions, as well as a U.S.$0.3 million
increase in personnel expenses, and a U.S.$0.3 million
increase in production expenses as a result of our launch of a
new radio station in Uruguay.
Product, content and technology expenses for Internet and
broadband decreased U.S.$0.6 million, to
U.S.$0.4 million in 2004, from U.S.$1.0 million in
2003. The decrease is attributable to the elimination of certain
service offerings.
Marketing and Sales Expenses
Marketing and sales expenses increased U.S.$3.6 million, or
38%, to U.S.$12.9 million in 2004 from
U.S.$9.3 million in 2003. Marketing and sales expenses as a
percentage of net revenues increased to 19% in 2004, from 14% in
2003.
Pay television marketing and sales expenses increased
U.S.$1.6 million, or 25%, to U.S.$8.0 million in 2004,
from U.S.$6.4 million in 2003. Marketing and sales expenses
for pay television as a percentage of pay television revenues
increased from 13% in 2003 to 16% in 2004. The overall increase
was primarily due to a U.S.$0.8 million increase in
marketing expenses, primarily spent on the relaunch of Playboy
TV Latin America in the Spanish market, and
U.S.$0.8 million in increased selling expenses primarily
due to increased withholding tax expenses related to Playboy TV
Latin America as a result of the transfer of our DIRECTV Latin
America contracts to our local in country operating companies
from the U.S. based company.
Marketing and sales expenses for broadcast radio increased
U.S.$1.8 million, or 70%, to U.S.$4.3 million in 2004,
from U.S.$2.5 million in 2003. Marketing and sales expenses
for broadcast radio as a percentage of broadcast radio revenues
increased to 24% in 2004 compared to 17% in 2003. The increase
is attributable to a U.S.$0.8 million increase in selling
expenses as a result of agency commissions for Chilean radio as
a result of the increase in revenues as well as a
U.S.$0.3 million increase in the provision for
uncollectible accounts receivable, U.S.$0.3 million
increased selling personnel expenses to support the increase in
revenues, and a U.S.$0.2 million increase in marketing
expenses for our Chilean radio as part of the efforts to
maintain and increase ratings and market share, as well as
increased marketing and sales expenses in Radio Sarandi of
U.S.$0.2 million.
Marketing and sales expenses for Internet and broadband
represented U.S.$0.2 million for 2004, which reflects an
increase in marketing activities to promote the new services
compared to no marketing investment in 2003.
Corporate and Administration Expenses
Corporate and administration expenses decreased
U.S.$1.8 million, or 11%, to U.S.$14.8 million in 2004
from U.S.$16.6 million in 2003. Corporate and
administration expenses as a percentage of net revenues
decreased to 22% for 2004 compared to 26% in 2003.
Corporate and administrative expense for pay television
decreased U.S.$0.8 million, or 8%, to U.S.$9.4 million
in 2004 from U.S.$10.1 million in 2003. Corporate and
administration expenses for pay television as a percentage of
pay television revenues decreased to 19% for 2004 compared to
21% in 2003. The decrease in corporate and administration
expenses for pay television was primarily attributable to a
reduction of U.S.$0.6 million in infrastructure expenses in
the U.S. operation as a result of the
consolidation of the operations into one facility, as well as a
U.S.$0.3 million decrease in personnel expenses in the
U.S. as part of our continued restructuring of our
operations.
Corporate and administrative expenses for broadcast radio
increased U.S.$0.4 million, or 26%, to
U.S.$1.8 million in 2004 from U.S.$1.5 million in
2003. Corporate and administration expenses for broadcast radio
as a percentage of broadcast radio net revenues remained
unchanged at 10% for 2004 and 2003. The increase in corporate
and administrative expenses for broadcast radio is primarily
attributable to increased expenses in Chile to support the
increase in revenues.
Corporate and administrative expenses for Internet and broadband
decreased U.S.$0.2 million, or 31%, to
U.S.$0.5 million in 2004 from U.S.$0.7 million in
2003. The decrease in corporate and administration expenses for
Internet and broadband was primarily attributable to the
transfer of personnel and related expenses that were not
specifically related to our Internet business from our Internet
division to our pay television division.
Finally, expenses at the corporate level decreased
U.S.$1.1 million to U.S.$3.2 million in 2004 from
U.S.$4.3 million in 2003. The decrease is primarily
attributable to a decrease of U.S.$0.8 million due to the
elimination of certain unpaid director fees as a result of the
renewal of an advisory services contract with the Cisneros
Group, Hicks Muse and the Founders, as well as continued cost
reduction in other expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased
U.S.$0.1 million, or 3%, to U.S.$4.9 million in 2004
from U.S.$5.0 million in 2003. Depreciation and
amortization expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased
to 7% in 2004 from 8% in 2003.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense), which principally consists of foreign
currency exchange loss, net, interest expense, interest income,
and other miscellaneous income (expenses) consisted of net
expenses of U.S.$1.3 million in 2004 compared with net
income of U.S.$5.1 million in 2003. This change resulted
primarily from a foreign currency exchange loss of
U.S.$0.2 million in 2004 compared to a foreign exchange
gain of U.S.$8.5 million in 2003, due primarily to the
stabilization of the exchange rate of the Argentine Peso against
the U.S. dollar in 2004.
Share of Loss from Unconsolidated Affiliates
Share of income from unconsolidated affiliates represents our
proportionate share of the net income or loss from DMX MUSIC
Latin America and other companies in which we have investments.
For 2004, in addition to our interest in DMX MUSIC Latin
America, income from unconsolidated affiliates included our
proportionate share of the net income or loss of DLA Holdings,
Inc. Our share of income from unconsolidated affiliates
decreased U.S.$0.2 million to U.S.$0.2 million in 2004
from U.S.$0.4 million in 2003. The decrease is due to the
investment in DLA Holdings, Inc in October of 2004 that had net
losses.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations represent the net income of our
broadcast television division, Chilevision, which we sold in
April 2005. For the year ended December 31, 2004,
Chilevision had net income of U.S.$3.1 million, a
U.S.$2.4 million increase compared to net income of
U.S.$0.7 million in 2003. The increase was primarily a
result of an increased revenues due to increased ratings which
enabled the channel to increase its prices.
Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2002
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated,
selected financial information for our pay television, broadcast
television and radio, Internet and broadband businesses, and our
corporate department. The results of operations in the following
chart are affected by a 6% appreciation of the Argentine Peso
and a 2% depreciation of the Chilean Peso in 2003 compared to
2002, against the U.S. dollar.
Year Ended December 31,
2002
2003
Pay
Broadcast
Pay
Broadcast
Television
Radio
Broadband
Corporate
Total
Television
Radio
Broadband
Corporate
Total
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
Net revenues:
Subscriber-based fees
$
31,493
$
$
73
$
$
31,566
$
38,922
$
$
10
$
$
38,932
Advertising
2,260
13,170
121
15,551
3,857
14,601
73
18,531
Production services
7,081
7,081
3,051
3,051
Other
5,358
412
(4
)
5,766
2,385
95
2,480
Total net revenues
46,192
13,582
190
59,964
48,215
14,601
178
62,994
Operating expenses:
Product, content and technology
16,142
4,545
1,846
22,533
18,581
4,401
1,016
213
24,211
Marketing and sales
7,434
2,361
1,001
10,796
6,382
2,513
50
355
9,300
Corporate and administration
8,016
1,752
1,554
4,012
15,334
10,145
1,457
725
4,286
16,613
Depreciation and amortization
5,297
3,860
3,473
(1,237
)
11,393
3,362
1,499
6
178
5,045
Impairment of Goodwill
2,479
279
2,758
Operating income (loss)
$
9,303
$
1,064
$
(7,684
)
$
(2,775
)
$
(92
)
$
7,266
$
4,731
$
(1,898
)
$
(5,032
)
$
5,067
Net Revenues
Net revenues increased U.S.$3.0 million, or 5%, to
U.S.$63.0 million in 2003 from U.S.$60.0 million in
2002. Approximately 62% of net revenues in 2003 was comprised of
subscriber-based revenues. For 2002 and 2003, 26% and 25% of net
revenues were earned in Argentina, while Chile represented 22%
and 25% of net revenues in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
Pay television revenues increased U.S.$2.0 million, or 4%,
to U.S.$48.2 million in 2003 from U.S.$46.2 million in
2002. Approximately 81% of pay television revenues in 2003 was
comprised of subscriber-based fees, compared to 68% in 2002.
Pay television subscriber-based fees increased
U.S.$7.4 million, or 24%, to U.S.$38.9 million in 2003
from U.S.$31.5 million in 2002. This increase was due to
the net impact of the consolidation of Playboy TV Latin America
of approximately U.S.$8.2 million and U.S.$1.8 million
as a result of the increase in distribution of our channels.
This increase in pay television subscriber-based fees was
partially offset by a U.S.$2.6 million decrease in revenues
from DIRECTV Latin America as a result of our renegotiation in
late 2002 of our affiliation agreements with DIRECTV Latin
America which reduced per subscriber rates for our basic
channels and converted prices into local currencies in exchange
for a two-year extension of the contracts. The average monthly
fee per subscriber increased to U.S.$0.07 per subscriber in
2003 from U.S.$0.05 per subscriber in 2002. The increase in
the average monthly fee per subscriber resulted primarily from
the consolidation of Playboy TV Latin America which, as a
premium and pay-per-view service, derives a higher per
subscriber revenue, partially offset by the decrease in rates
for our basic package to DIRECTV Latin America.
For 2002 and 2003, 44% and 30%, respectively, of pay television
subscriber-based revenues were earned in Argentina. The decrease
is a result of the consolidation of Playboy TV Latin America and
to a lesser extent to the increase in distribution outside of
Argentina as a result of the increased distribution of FTV and
the launch of Retro in March 2003.
Advertising revenues increased U.S.$3.0 million, or 19%, to
U.S.$18.5 million in 2003 from U.S.$15.5 million in
2002. Approximately 79% and 74% of advertising revenues were
earned in Chile in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
Pay television advertising revenues increased
U.S.$1.6 million, or 71%, to U.S.$3.9 million in 2003,
from U.S.$2.3 million in 2002. This increase resulted from
the stabilization of the Argentine Peso compared to the
U.S. dollar, and a corresponding increase in Argentine Peso
advertising spending as a result of the slight economic recovery
in Argentina during 2003, which represents our primary market of
pay television advertising.
Broadcast radio advertising revenues increased
U.S.$1.4 million, or 11%, to U.S.$14.6 million in
2003, from U.S.$13.2 million in 2002. The increase is
primarily due to the increase in Radio Chiles revenues of
U.S.$1.5 million as a result of increased advertising
spending in Chile. Revenues from Sarandi were
U.S.$0.1 million lower than in 2002.
Internet and Broadband advertising revenues were almost
unchanged in 2003 compared to 2002.
Production services revenues decreased U.S.$4.1 million to
U.S.$3.0 million in 2003, from U.S.$7.1 million in
2002. The decrease is principally attributable to the
consolidation of the operations of Playboy TV Latin America,
which represented revenues of U.S.$2.5 million in 2002, and
whose revenues are now eliminated upon consolidation, as well as
a slowdown in the market for language conversion created by the
uncertainties in content acquisition as a result of the war in
Iraq and a preference for subtitling over dubbing, with the
later generating higher revenues.
Other revenues decreased U.S.$3.3 million, or 57%, to
U.S.$2.5 million in 2003, from U.S.$5.8 million in
2002. The decrease is principally attributable to the
consolidation of the operations of Playboy TV Latin America
which represented U.S.$2.1 million in revenues for 2002. In
addition, approximately U.S.$0.5 million of the decrease is
attributable to a reduction in the services provided to
Locomotion, while the remaining decrease is explained by the
termination during 2003 of services provided to Playboy TV
International.
Operating Expenses
Product, Content and Technology Expenses
Product, content and technology expenses increased
U.S.$1.7 million, or 7%, to U.S.$24.2 million in 2003
from U.S.$22.5 million in 2002. Product, content and
technology expenses as a percentage of revenues remained
unchanged at 38% for both 2003 and 2002.
Product, content and technology expenses for pay television
increased U.S.$2.5 million, or 15%, to
U.S.$18.6 million in 2003 from U.S.$16.1 million in
2002. Product, content and technology expenses for pay
television as a percentage of pay television revenues increased
from 35% in 2002 to 39% in 2003. The increase in these expenses
is primarily due to a U.S. $4.6 million increase in
programming expense due to the consolidation of the Playboy TV
Latin America operation and a U.S.$0.9 million increase in
programming expense due to the expansion of rights necessary to
launch Retro pan-regionally, partially offset by a
U.S.$1.8 million decrease in language conversion expenses
as a result of the lower revenues and a restructuring of the
department, and U.S.$1.4 million in reduced satellite
expenses as a result of a renegotiation and price reduction with
our satellite provider.
Product, content and technology expenses for broadcast radio
decreased slightly, to U.S.$4.4 million in 2003, from
U.S.$4.5 million in 2002. Product, content and technology
expenses for broadcast radio decreased as a percentage of
broadcast radio revenues from 33% in 2002 to 30% in 2003. The
decrease is primarily attributable a U.S.$1.0 million
increase in programming and production expenses for Radio
Chile, excluding personnel, as a result of the increase in
investment in independent production to maintain our position in
the market, partially offset by a U.S. $0.5 million
reduction in production personnel expense as a result of a
switch to independent productions and a U.S.$0.5 million
reduction in production expenses in the Uruguayan radios as a
result of the reduced investment in programming to adjust for a
lower level of revenues.
Product, content and technology expenses for Internet and
broadband decreased U.S.$0.8 million, to
U.S.$1.0 million in 2003, from U.S.$1.8 million in
2002. The decrease is attributable to the elimination of certain
service offerings.
Marketing and Sales Expenses
Marketing and sales expenses decreased U.S.$1.5 million, or
14%, to U.S.$9.3 million in 2003 from
U.S.$10.8 million in 2002. Marketing and sales expenses as
a percentage of net revenues decreased to 15% in 2003, from 18%
in 2002.
Pay television marketing and sales expenses decreased
U.S.$1.0 million, or 14%, to U.S.$6.4 million in 2003,
from U.S.$7.4 million in 2002. Marketing and sales expenses
for pay television as a percentage of pay television revenues
decreased from 16% in 2002 to 13% in 2003. The overall decrease
was primarily due to a reduction in sales expense of U.S.$1.4 as
a result of reduced provisions for uncollectible accounts
receivables following our significant effort to improve the
aging of receivables and the collection of receivables that were
provisioned for, partially offset by U.S.$0.7 million
increase attributable to the consolidation of Playboy TV Latin
America.
Marketing and sales expenses for broadcast radio increased
U.S.$0.1 million, or 6%, to U.S.$2.5 million in 2003,
from U.S.$2.4 million in 2002. Marketing and sales expenses
for broadcast radio as a percentage of broadcast radio revenues
remained unchanged at 17% for both 2003 and 2002.
Marketing and sales expenses for Internet and broadband
represented U.S.$0.1 million for 2003, which reflect the
reduction of expenses in the Internet and broadband division
from 2002 expense of U.S.$1.0 million.
Corporate and Administration Expenses
Corporate and administration expenses increased
U.S.$1.3 million, or 8%, to U.S.$16.6 million in 2003
from U.S.$15.3 million in 2002. Corporate and
administration expenses as a percentage of net revenues remained
unchanged at 26% for both 2003 and 2002.
Corporate and administrative expense for pay television
increased U.S.$2.1 million, or 26%, to
U.S.$10.1 million in 2003 from U.S.$8.0 million in
2002. Corporate and administration expenses for pay television
as a percentage of pay television revenues increased to 21% for
2003 compared to 17% in 2002. The increase in corporate and
administration expenses for pay television was primarily
attributable to an expense increase of U.S.$1.0 million
related to the transfer of corporate and administrative
personnel formerly employed by the Internet division to our pay
television division, approximately U.S.$0.2 related to the
appreciation of the Argentine currency, and increased legal and
audit expenses as a result of the negotiations with the
remaining holders of the 11% Senior Notes due 2005.
Corporate and administrative expenses for broadcast radio
decreased U.S.$0.3 million, or 17%, to
U.S.$1.5 million in 2003 from U.S.$1.8 million in
2002. Corporate and administration expenses for broadcast radio
as a percentage of broadcast radio net revenues decreased to 10%
in 2003 from 13% in 2002 due to a U.S.$0.2 million
reduction of expenses in Chile and a U.S.$0.1 million
reduction in the expenses related to Radio Sarandi.
Corporate and administrative expenses for Internet and broadband
decreased U.S.$0.9 million, or 53%, to
U.S.$0.7 million in 2003 from U.S.$1.6 million in
2002. The decrease in corporate and administration expenses for
Internet and broadband was primarily attributable to the
transfer of personnel and related
expenses that were not specifically related to our Internet from
our Internet division to our pay television division.
Finally, expenses at the corporate level increased
U.S.$0.3 million to U.S.$4.3 million in 2003 from
U.S.$4.0 million in 2002. The increase is primarily
attributable to the U.S.$0.7 million increase in the
accrual of personnel compensation related to senior management
bonuses, partially offset by reduced insurance premiums as a
result of the elimination of directors insurance for El
Sitio, Inc.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased
U.S.$6.4 million, or 56%, to U.S.$5.0 million in 2003
from U.S.$11.4 million in 2002. Depreciation and
amortization expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased
to 8% in 2003 from 19% in 2002. This decrease is due to the
extension by the Chilean government of the life of the license
for a significant number of our radio concessions which
decreased our amortization expense by $2.0 million for the
year, a U.S.$5.9 million decrease in depreciation related
to our Internet assets as a result of the full depreciation of a
majority of these assets in 2002, and a reduction in pay
television depreciation as a result of the full depreciation
during 2002 of assets related to information systems and
implementations that were not going to be used by us and that
represented U.S.$1.5 million of depreciation during 2002.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense), which principally consists of foreign
currency exchange loss, net, interest expense, interest income,
and other miscellaneous income (expenses) consisted of net
expenses of U.S.$5.1 million in 2003 compared with net
expenses of U.S.$54.3 million in 2002. This change resulted
primarily from a foreign currency exchange gain of
U.S.$8.5 million in 2003 compared to a foreign exchange
loss of U.S.$60.5 million in 2002, due primarily to the
stabilization of the exchange rate of the Argentine Peso against
the U.S. dollar in 2003 and a decrease in interest expense
of U.S.$10.2 million as a result of our debt restructuring
whereby we were required to expense all future interest payments
on our 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 at issuance in 2002.
Share of Loss from Unconsolidated Affiliates
Share of loss from unconsolidated affiliates represents our
proportionate share of the net income or loss from DMX MUSIC
Latin America and other companies in which we have investments.
For 2002, in addition to our interest in DMX MUSIC Latin
America, loss from unconsolidated affiliates represented our
proportionate share of the net income or loss of Playboy TV
International, Playboy TV Latin America, and The Locomotion
Channel. Our share of loss from unconsolidated affiliates
increased U.S.$7.1 million to a gain of
U.S.$0.4 million in 2003 from a loss of
U.S.$6.7 million in 2003. The increase is due to the
divestiture of our interest in companies that had net losses,
primarily the renegotiation with Playboy Enterprises, Inc which
resulted in a net loss of U.S.$9.3 million in 2003, and the
sale of our share of The Locomotion Channel which generated a
net gain of U.S.$1.6 million in 2003.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations represent the net income of our
broadcast television division, Chilevision, which we sold in
April 2005. For the year ended December 31, 2003,
Chilevision had net income of U.S.$0.7 million, a
U.S.$3.1 million increase compared to a net loss of
U.S.$2.4 million in 2002. The increase is primarily a
result of increased revenues due to increased ratings which
enabled the channel to increase its prices.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes continuity of
operations and realization of assets and satisfaction of
liabilities in the
ordinary course of business. See Item 3D. Key
Information Risk Factors We may not be
able to continue as a going concern and Note 1 of our
consolidated financial statements.
Our principal liquidity and capital resources needs in the
future include the debt service on our outstanding debt, which
will require principal and interest payments of approximately
U.S.$8.2 million in 2005. We believe that our cash, cash
equivalents and other working capital resources, including the
proceeds from the sale of Chilevision, will be sufficient to
meet our capital resources and liquidity requirements through
2005. A failure to meet our business plan objectives could
result in an inability to meet our obligations when due.
Our principal sources of liquidity and capital resources consist
of our balance of cash and cash equivalents, cash from
operations and, to lesser degree, debt financing.
At December 31, 2004, we had total cash and cash
equivalents of U.S.$7.3 million, as compared to U.S.$7.7 at
December 31, 2003.
As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately
U.S.$77.7 million in long-term debt and
U.S.$8.2 million in short-term debt, as compared to
U.S.$74.4 million in long-term debt and
U.S.$11.5 million in short-term debt, at December 31,
2003. Our debt included U.S.$58.0 million under
Claxsons 8.75% Senior Notes due 2010 (which includes
U.S.$16.6 million in future interest payments as required
by accounting principles applicable to us due to the debt
restructuring of our 11% Senior Notes due 2005), and
U.S.$16.5 million under a syndicated bank facility payable
through 2009. Since December 31, 2004 we were able to
exchange U.S.$1.7 million of Imagen 11% Senior Notes
due 2005 into other debt maturing through 2009. The remaining
U.S.$0.3 million principal amount of Imagens
11% Senior Notes due 2005 that are outstanding continue to
be in default and are classified as short-term. The indenture
for the 8.75% Senior Notes and the syndicated bank debt
agreement restrict the ability of some of our operating
subsidiaries from, among other things, incurring additional
indebtedness and paying dividends.
Cash flow provided by operating activities was
U.S.$3.6 million in the twelve months ended
December 31, 2004 compared to U.S.$13.0 million in
2003. The decrease in cash flows provided by operating
activities is primarily a result of changes in the assets of
Chilevision of U.S.$14.0 million, and an increase of
U.S.$1.9 million in payments for programming rights in 2004
compared to 2003 as part of our increased investment in
programming, partially offset by a U.S.$5.5 million
increase in net income excluding non-cash items in 2004 compared
to 2003 and U.S.$1.0 million reduction in accounts
receivable from third and related parties in 2004 compared to
2003 as a result of our continued effort to reduce days
outstanding for receivables.
Capital expenditures of U.S.$2.0 million were made in the
twelve months ended December 31, 2004 primarily in
connection with general equipment maintenance and upgrades
compared to U.S.$2.3 million in 2003. Cash provided by
investing activities during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2004 included U.S.$0.6 million from the
sale of non-strategic assets as well as the receipt of a
U.S.$0.5 million deposit for the sale of Chilevision.
Investments made during 2004 included U.S.$1.6 million
related to the payment of certain capitalizable transaction
costs related to the merger transaction compared to
U.S.$2.4 million related to the final installments of the
payment of the purchase price for a minority stake in our
Chilean operations, and U.S.$1.9 million for the payment of
certain capitalizable transaction costs related to the merger
transaction for the year 2003. During 2004 net investments
of U.S.$2.8 million were made in unconsolidated affiliates,
including a U.S. $3.4 million investment in Digital
Latin America partially offset by dividends in the amount of
U.S.$0.5 million received from DMX Music Latin America.
Cash provided by financing activities during the year 2004 was
U.S.$1.6 million as compared to cash used in financing
activities of U.S.$7.6 million for 2003. During 2004 we
paid U.S.$6.3 million of principal payments under Radio
Chiles syndicated credit facility, as well as other
miscellaneous debt. During the year 2004 we issued
U.S.$3.5 million in convertible debentures due 2006, and
obtained proceeds from the sale of common shares to shareholders
of U.S.$3.4 million.
In April 2005 we completed the sale of Chilevision for an
up-front cash payment of U.S.$11.4 million and an
additional U.S.$1.0 million serving as a holdback for
potential indemnifications payable on the first anniversary of
the closing. As part of the terms of the sale, we retained
U.S.$5.9 million of Chilevisions accounts receivable
which we anticipate collecting during 2005. Pursuant to the
indenture for our 8.75% Senior Notes, we may use such
proceeds to repay or prepay any senior indebtness and/or to
invest in our programming business. We are currently exploring
different alternatives for the use of the Chilevision net cash
proceeds, including the repayment of senior indebtedness and
investment in our pay television business by expanding our
current brands and/or acquiring additional programming assets.
If after the twelve month period from such sale, however, we
have not used all of the net cash proceeds to repay senior
indebtedness and/or invest in our programming business and such
unused net cash proceeds exceed U.S.$5.0 million, we will
be required to use all such unused net cash proceeds to
partially redeem our 8.75% Senior Notes.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses,
etc.
Not Applicable
Trend Information
For a description of the trends affecting our business see
Item 3D Risk Factors and Item 5
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.
Item 6.
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A.
Directors and Senior Management
The following table presents the names of our members of the
board of directors as of June 1, 2005, their ages, the date
each member accepted office (the term of each director expires
at the 2005 Annual Meeting):
Name
Age
Director Since
Roberto Vivo-Chaneton
51
September 21, 2001
Carlos Bardasano
60
September 21, 2001
Eric C. Neuman
60
September 21, 2001
Ana Teresa Arismendi
39
April 30, 2002
Frank Feather
62
September 21, 2001
John A. Gavin
74
September 21, 2001
Gabriel Montoya
36
April 30, 2002
José Antonio Rìos
59
September 21, 2001
Emilio Romano
40
November 12, 2001
Marcos Clutterbuck
34
August 23, 2002
Ricardo Verdaguer
54
September 21, 2001
Luis Villanueva
48
April 30, 2002
Mr. Vivo-Chaneton is the chairman of the board of directors
and Messrs. Bardasano and Neuman are vice chairmen of the
board of directors.
Each member of the board of directors serves for a period ending
at each annual meeting of our shareholders, which generally will
be held during the last quarter of each year.
The following table sets forth the names of each of our and our
subsidiaries executive officers as of June 1, 2005,
their ages, the position they hold in Claxson and the date of
employment in said position:
Current Position Held
Name
Age
Position
Since
Roberto Vivo-Chaneton
51
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
September 21, 2001
Ralph Haiek
48
Chief Operating Officer Pay Television
September 21, 2001
José Antonio Ituarte
45
Chief Financial Officer
January 1, 2002
Roberto Cibrian-Campoy
46
Executive Vice President Broadband and Internet
September 21, 2001
Amaya Ariztoy
37
General Counsel
September 21, 2001
Mariano Varela
37
Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing
January 1, 2003
Marcelo Zuñiga
55
Executive Director Ibero American Radio Chile
August 30, 2002
Executive officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion
of, our board of directors.
Biographical Information
Directors
Roberto Vivo-Chaneton
is our chairman of the board and
chief executive officer. Mr. Vivo-Chaneton was El
Sitios co-founder and served as chairman of El
Sitios board of directors from inception.
Mr. Vivo-Chaneton was one of the founders of, and since
1988 has served as a director and deputy chief executive officer
of, IMPSAT Fiber Networks, Inc., a provider of private networks
of integrated data and voice communications systems in a number
of countries in Latin America. Mr. Vivo-Chaneton holds
degrees in Business Administration from Universidad Argentina de
la Empresa and Macroeconomics from Instituto Torcuato di Tella,
both in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Carlos Bardasano
is director and vice chairman of our
board of directors. Mr. Bardasano joined the Cisneros Group
of Companies 39 years ago. Mr. Bardasano is a vice
president of the Cisneros Group of Companies. Mr. Bardasano
served as president and CEO of the Venevision Television Network
from 1992 through 1999. Mr. Bardasano began his career in
the television industry as general manager of the Venevision
Television Network and later became president and chief
executive officer of Venevision International.
Mr. Bardasano is also a member of the board of directors of
Caracol TV Network, the first television network in Colombia,
and a permanent executive member of the programming committee of
Caracol TV. Mr. Bardasano holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Production Engineering and a Masters of Business
Administration degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela.
Mr. Bardasano has been appointed to our board of directors
by our Class C common shareholders. See Item 10B
Memorandum and Articles of Association Voting
Rights.
Eric C. Neuman
is director and vice chairman of our board
of directors. Mr. Neuman has been a partner of Hicks Muse
since January, 2001 and principal of Hicks Muse from April, 1999
to December, 2000. Between June, 1998 and March, 1999,
Mr. Neuman served as senior vice president and chief
strategic officer of Chancellor Media, a company that was
founded by and whose largest shareholder was Hicks Muse. From
1993 to 1998, Mr. Neuman was an officer with Hicks Muse.
Mr. Neuman is chairman of Fox Pan American Sports Network
and Cablevision and serves on the boards of directors of Digital
Latin America, Media Capital and Grupo Multivision. He
previously was a director of Chancellor Media,
Capstar Broadcasting Partners and Sunrise Television
Corporation. Mr. Neuman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree
from the University of South Florida and a Masters of Business
Administration degree (with distinction) from the J.L.
Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.
Mr. Neuman has been appointed to our board of directors by
our Class H common shareholders. See Item 10B
Memorandum and Articles of Association Voting
Rights.
Ana Teresa Arismendi
is currently the executive vice
president of finance and administration of Venevision
Productions, the newly created television production unit of The
Cisneros Group of Companies. She was previously managing
director of the Chairmans Office of the Cisneros Group of
Companies in New York and came from senior vice president
of finance and administration at Playboy TV International. In
1996, Ms. Arismendi joined the Cisneros Television Group as
finance director. Prior to joining the Cisneros Television
Group, Ms. Arismendi was administration manager at Televen,
a Cisneros Group television channel, and financial analysis
manager of the communications division at the Organización
Cisneros, both in Caracas, Venezuela. Ms. Arismendi holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the
Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas, Venezuela.
Ms. Arismendi has been appointed to our board of directors
by our Class C common shareholders. See Item 10B
Memorandum and Articles of Association-Voting Rights.
Marcos Clutterbuck
is a Principle of Hicks, Muse,
Tate & Furst Incorporated . He has been with Hicks Muse
since 1998 and is currently based in the Buenos Aires office.
Prior to joining Hicks Muse, Mr. Clutterbuck worked with R.
Arriazu & Associates in Buenos Aires and with Mercer
Management Consulting in Boston. He was also an assistant
professor of Economics at the Universidad Católica
Argentina. Mr. Clutterbuck also serves on the boards of
several corporations, including Cablevisión S.A.,
International Outdoor Advertising and Editorial Atlántida
S.A. Mr. Clutterbuck received a Licentiate in Economics
from the Universidad Católica Argentina and his Masters of
Business Administration degree from Stanford University, where
he was designated an Arjay Miller Scholar, distinction awarded
to the top 10% of the class. Mr. Clutterbuck has been
appointed to our board of directors by our Class H common
shareholders. See Item 10B Memorandum and Articles of
Association Voting Rights.
Frank Feather
is a consulting business futurist and
author. Until 1981, Mr. Feather was a senior international
banking executive with Barclays Bank, Toronto Dominion Bank and
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. In 1981, Mr. Feather
began consulting to national governments and global corporations
on future trends. Mr. Feather has written several books,
the most recent of which is Biznets: The Webopoly Future
of Business. He hosts the Future-Trends.com website.
Mr. Feather holds an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in
Business Administration from York University in Toronto, Canada.
John A. Gavin
served more than five years as
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico during the administration of
President Ronald Reagan. Thereafter, he was vice president of
Atlantic Richfield Company and president of Univisa Satellite
Communications, a division of a Spanish-speaking broadcast
network. He is the founder and chairman of Gamma Holdings, an
international capital and consulting firm. He also serves on the
boards of The Hotchkis & Wiley Funds, The TCW Galileo
Funds, and Causeway Capital Management. He is a Senior Counselor
of Hicks Trans America Partners. Ambassador Gavin holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Economic History of Latin America
from Stanford University. He has been appointed to our board of
directors by our Class H common shareholders. See
Item 10B Memorandum and Articles of
Association Voting Rights.
Gabriel Montoya
is vice president of the office of the
chairman and chief executive officer of the Cisneros Group of
Companies since May 2004. Prior to his current position, he was
managing director, assistant to the President of the Cisneros
Group of Companies. Previously, Mr. Montoya was director of
new business development at the Cisneros Television Group.
Previously, Mr. Montoya was corporate finance manager at
the Cisneros Group of Companies in Caracas, Venezuela. Before
joining the Cisneros Group of Companies, he was a financial
advisor at Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos y
Protección Bancaria (FOGADE) and a project manager at
Coca-Cola de Venezuela. Mr. Montoya has a Bachelor of
Science degree in Systems Engineering from Universidad
Metropolitana in Caracas, Venezuela (1990) and a Masters of
Business Administration degree from the Instituto de Estudios
Superiores de Administración
(IESA) in Caracas, Venezuela (1993). Mr. Montoya was
also associate professor of Valuation and Financial Investments
at IESA, Caracas, Venezuela and professor of the Finance
for Lawyers seminar at Universidad Católica Andres
Bello, Caracas, Venezuela. Mr. Montoya has been appointed
to our board of directors by our Class C common
shareholders. See Item 10B Memorandum and Articles of
Association Voting Rights.
José Antonio Rìos
is chief administrative
officer and international president of Global Crossing (NASDAQ:
GLBC) overseeing human resources, real estate, vendor management
as well as the companys international operations, covering
Latin America, Europe and Asia. Mr. Rìos is chairman
of the board of Global Crossing UK, and also serves as a
director in more than 60 other Global Crossing entities
worldwide. Prior to joining Global Crossing, Mr. Rìos
served as president and chief executive officer of
Telefónica Media. Additionally, he was one of seven members
of the corporate executive committee of Telefónica S.A. and
a corporate general director. He also has served on the boards
of over 30 companies within the Telefónica group.
Mr. Rìos is the former chairman of the supervisory
board of Endemol Entertainment, a television production company
based in Holland. Earlier in his career, Mr. Rìos was
the founding president and chief executive officer of
DIRECTV
tm
Latin America, where he was responsible for the planning,
development and launch of DIRECTV in the region.
Mr. Rìos previously served as chief operating officer
and corporate vice president of the Cisneros Group of Companies.
Mr. Rìos holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from
the Andres Bello Catholic University in Caracas, Venezuela.
Emilio Romano
is the chief executive officer of Mexicana
Airlines. In 2001, he co-founded Border Group, LLC and served as
an advisor to several entertainment and media companies.
Mr. Romano co-founded SportsYA Media Group, a sports media
and marketing company for the Spanish-speaking world.
Mr. Romano served as its chief executive officer from 1999
to 2001. Between 1995 and 1998, he worked at Grupo Televisa as
director of mergers & acquisitions and later as
vice-president of international operations. While at Televisa,
Mr. Romano was a director of Univision Communications
(NYSE:UVN) where he was responsible for Televisas
operations outside Mexico, as well as co-managing
Cablevisión, the largest cable network in Mexico. From 1989
to 1994, Mr. Romano served in many roles within the Mexican
Ministry of Finance, including General Director of Revenue
Policy and Federal Fiscal Attorney. Mr. Romano holds a law
degree from the Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City and was
a graduate student at the City of London Polytechnic.
Ricardo Verdaguer
has served as Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Impsat Fiber Networks, Inc. since March 2003 and
chief executive officer and member of the Board of Directors of
Impsat Fiber Networks since 1994. Mr. Verdaguer was
co-founder of Impsat Argentina, where he served as President and
CEO from April 1988 to February 1994. Impsat Fiber Networks,
Inc. is a leading provider of fully integrated broadband data,
Internet and voice telecommunications services in Latin America
and the USA. From 1976 to 1988, Mr. Verdaguer occupied
various operational positions at Industrias Metalúrgicas
Pescarmona. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Engineering. Mr. Verdaguer has been appointed to our board
of directors by our Class F common shareholders. See
Item 10B Memorandum and Articles of
Association Voting Rights.
Luis Villanueva
is the President and CEO of Venevision
International LLC, a leading Spanish language entertainment
company which engages in TV programming distribution and
production, film distribution, music, theater and audiobooks,
owned by the Cisneros Group. Since joining the Cisneros Group in
1982, Mr. Villanueva has held several key positions within
the organization, including Vice-President of Venevision
Television Network in Venezuela, Executive Vice-President of
Corporate Finance and Development of the Cisneros Group, and
President of Venevision de Chile. Mr. Villanueva is also a
director of Union de Cervecerias Peruanas Backus &
Johnston, Perus leading beer company. Mr. Villanueva
holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Masters of
Business Administration degree from Andres Bello Catholic
University, Caracas, Venezuela. Mr. Villanueva has been
appointed to our board of directors by our Class C common
shareholders. See Item 10B Memorandum and Articles of
Association Voting Rights.
Ralph Haiek
is our chief operating officer-pay
television. Previously, Mr. Haiek was chief operating
officer of the Cisneros Television Group (CTG) and, prior
to that, senior vice president and general manager of CTG Music.
Before joining CTG, Mr. Haiek founded MuchMusic Argentina,
one of the leading music channels in Latin America.
Mr. Haiek is a founding member of Promax Latin America and
a member of the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He
holds a Bachelors degree in Economics from Universidad de Buenos
Aires and a Masters of Business Administration from Instituto de
Altos Estudios Empresariales (Universidad Austral) in Argentina.
Mr. Haiek was given the 2003 Pay TV President of the Year
Award at the INTE Awards held in Miami, FL, an industry event
that recognizes the best of the Spanish-speaking television
industry.
José Antonio Ituarte
is our chief financial officer.
Prior to this position, Mr. Ituarte had served as
Claxsons chief staff officer, chief operating officer and
general manager and chief financial officer at Ibero American
Media Holdings Chile, one of our current subsidiaries. Before
joining Ibero American, Mr. Ituarte spent almost a decade
at Radio Pudahuel FM as strategic consultant and information
technology specialist. Prior to that, he acted as consulting
director for KPMG Peat Marwick. Additionally, Mr. Ituarte
is a founding partner of ITC Consultores, a consulting firm that
provides services to financial institutions, public service
enterprises, and educational institutions. Mr. Ituarte
holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering with a Masters
of Business Administration from Universidad Adolfo Ibañez
in Chile.
Roberto Cibrian-Campoy
is our executive vice
president broadband and Internet.
Mr. Cibrian-Campoy was El Sitios co-founder and
served as the chief executive officer, president and a director
of El Sitio from inception. In 1992, Mr. Cibrian-Campoy
founded and served as president of Cibrian-Campoy Creativos,
S.A., a producer of computer animation and developer of
multimedia projects. From 1989 to 1992, Mr. Cibrian-Campoy
served as advisor to the Minister of Culture and Education of
Argentina. From 1982 to 1989, Mr. Cibrian-Campoy was an
architect at his own firm and a designer with a leading Buenos
Aires architecture firm. Mr. Cibrian-Campoy holds a degree
in Architecture from the Universidad de Belgrano in Buenos
Aires, Argentina.
Marcelo Zuñiga
is Executive Director of Ibero
American Radio Chile (IARC). Under his tenure, IARC has grown to
become the largest radio holding in Chile with eight of the most
successful radio stations, each one of them a leader in its
segment and six of them among the top ten. His extensive radio
and television career includes a tenure as Director of Radio
Cooperativa at Compañía Chilena de Comunicaciones
(CCC), position he held for 18 years and where he lead
Cooperativa to become the most important radio station in Chile.
While at CCC he also gave life to Rock & Pop, a project
that revolutionized the Chilean radio market in the 90s, and to
Radio Corazón, a station that since its inception has
ranked among the top five radio stations in Chile. He joined
IARCs founding team in 1998 as Operations Manager, leading
the music and sales strategy of the holding to make it today the
undisputed leader in the Chilean market with close to 40% of the
national audience share.
Amaya Ariztoy
is our general counsel. Ms. Ariztoy
has served as vice president of legal and business affairs for
Cisneros Television Group since 1998. Ms. Ariztoy also
manages and oversees corporate legal matters with channel
partners, affiliates and advertisers. Ms. Ariztoy has
worked in several areas within the Cisneros Group of Companies,
including the Venezuelan-based broadcast television station,
Venevision, and DIRECTV/ Venezuela. Ms. Ariztoy holds a law
degree from the School of Law of Universidad Católica
Andres Bello in Caracas, Venezuela.
Mariano Varela
is our senior vice president of sales and
marketing. Before taking this position, Mr. Varela was
Claxsons vice president of corporate marketing, after the
merger transaction. Previously, Mr. Varela held the
position of vice president of marketing at El Sitio, where he
developed strategic marketing initiatives, including the
creation of a global brand identity of El Sitio as a provider of
content for Portuguese and Spanish-speaking users. Before
joining El Sitio, Mr. Varela was Client Services
Director & Regional Account Director at Leo
Burnett. Mr. Varela has also worked as an account manager
for Young & Rubicam and as an account executive for
Marcet, Dreyfus y Asociados. Mr. Varela holds a degree in
Communications Sciences from Universidad del Salvador, Argentina.
B.
Compensation
Each independent director and up to one director appointed by
each of Hicks Muse and the Cisneros Group who is not an employee
of each respective organization is entitled to receive $40,000
annually for service on our board of directors, payable
quarterly. The directors who received the annual compensation
for the year ended December 31, 2004, were
Messrs. Rios, Romano and Feather, our independent
directors, Mr. Gavin, a non-employee director appointed by
Hicks Muse, and Mr. Verdaguer. In addition, each
independent director is entitled to receive an additional
$20,000 if he is a member of our Audit Committee. All directors
receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with our board of directors meetings.
Prior to June 14, 2004, our non-independent directors were
also entitled to an annual directors fee. With the
exception of Mr. Gavin and Mr. Verdaguer, these fees
were never paid. On June 14, 2004, in exchange for the
renewal of the existing advisory fee agreement with the Cisneros
Group (our Class C common shareholders), Hicks Muse (our
Class H common shareholders) and the members of the
founders of El Sitio (our Class F common shareholders), our
non-independent directors (who are appointed by the Cisneros
Group, Hicks Muse and the El Sitio founders), except for
Mr. Gavin, who is a non-employee director appointed by
Hicks Muse agreed to waive all unpaid fees and forego any annual
directors fees in the future. See Item 7.B.
Related Party Transactions for a description of the
terms of the advisory fee agreement.
In the year ended December 31, 2004, the aggregate amount
of compensation paid to our seven executive officers as a group
was approximately U.S.$2,573,936. We did not set aside or accrue
any amounts for pension, retirement or similar benefits, as we
did not provide such benefits for our executive officers. The
above amount does not include share options issued to these
executive officers under any of our share option plans.
Options to Purchase Securities from Registrant or
Subsidiaries
2001 Share Incentive Plan
We have adopted the 2001 Share Incentive Plan, which is
referred to herein as the 2001 share incentive
plan or plan. The plan is intended to remain
in effect until 2011. The following description summarizes the
material terms of the plan, but is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the plan.
Administration
The 2001 share incentive plan is administered by our
compensation committee. The plan provides for the grant of both
non-qualified and incentive share options and for the grant of
restricted shares. Incentive share options are share options
that satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the
U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Non-qualified share
options are share options that do not satisfy the requirements
of Section 422 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Share options will be granted by the compensation committee.
Restricted shares will be granted by our board of directors.
Some grants of share options and restricted shares may be made
by a subcommittee of the compensation committee in order to
satisfy certain tax requirements that must be complied with in
order for us to avoid the loss of any U.S. federal income
tax deduction.
Shares Subject to Plan
The 2001 share incentive plan provides that the maximum
number of Class A common shares available for grant under
the plan is 930,000. All of the shares available for grant under
the plan have been granted. The 2001 plan provides that no
single participant may be granted share options covering in
excess
of 85,000 Class A common shares in any fiscal year, except
that each of our chief executive officer, chief financial
officer, and the chief operations officer of our Pay Television
Division may be granted up to 225,000 Class A common shares
in any fiscal year. The number of Class A common shares
subject to these limits, as well as the number and kind of
shares subject to outstanding awards, may be adjusted by the
compensation committee or by our board of directors in the event
of any change in corporate capitalization.
Share Options
All share options granted under the 2001 share incentive
plan must be evidenced by, and subject to the terms of, a
written award agreement. Unless otherwise provided by the
compensation committee in an award agreement, the term of share
options granted under the plan will be ten years. Unless
otherwise provided by the compensation committee in the
applicable award agreement, share options will vest in three
annual installments of 30%, 30% and 40%. Share options will have
an exercise price per Class A common share equal to the
fair market value of each share on the date of grant.
Under the 2001 share incentive plan, unvested share options
held by a participant will generally expire upon termination of
that participants employment. If termination is due to
death, the optionees estate will have one year to exercise
vested share options, unless the compensation committee provides
otherwise in the applicable award agreement. If termination
results from retirement or disability, the optionee will have
two years to exercise vested share options, unless the
compensation committee provides otherwise in the applicable
award agreement. If termination is for cause, no share options
will thereafter be exercisable, unless the compensation
committee provides otherwise in the applicable award agreement.
Upon termination for a reason other than death, disability,
retirement or cause, vested share options will remain
exercisable for six months, unless the compensation committee
provides otherwise in the applicable award agreement. Unless the
compensation committee provides otherwise in the applicable
award agreement, if a participant dies during, and within one
year immediately preceding the conclusion of, a post-termination
exercise period, the participants estate will be permitted
to exercise share options until the earlier of the first
anniversary of the date of death or the expiration of the stated
term of the share option, even if such date is later than the
end of the initial post-termination exercise period.
A participant exercising a share option may pay the exercise
price in cash or, if approved by the compensation committee,
with previously acquired Class A common shares or in a
combination of cash and Class A common shares. However,
Class A common shares may be used for this purpose only if
they have been held by the participant for at least six months
prior to the time of exercise or if they were purchased by the
participant on the open market. The compensation committee, in
its discretion, may allow the cashless exercise of share options
or may permit the exercise price to be satisfied through the
withholding of Class A common shares subject to the portion
of the share option being exercised. Upon receipt of a notice of
exercise of a share option, the compensation committee may, in
its discretion, choose to cash out such share option by
providing the participant with cash or with Class A common
shares equal in value to the product of (1) the difference
in value between the fair market value of a Class A common
share and the exercise price of such share option times
(2) the number of shares for which the share option would
have been exercised.
Unless otherwise provided by the board of directors, share
options will be nontransferable other than by will or the laws
of descent and distribution.
The compensation committee may establish procedures pursuant to
which participants may defer the receipt of the Class A
common shares subject to a share option exercise.
Restricted Shares
Restricted shares may be granted under the 2001 share
incentive plan subject to performance goals or service
requirements. Prior to the lapse of restrictions, a participant
may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber
restricted shares, although a participant may pledge restricted
shares as security for a loan, the sole purpose of which is to
provide funds for the purchase of share options under the plan.
Prior
to the lapse of restrictions, any certificate issued with
respect to restricted shares must contain a legend noting that
the shares are restricted. Generally, all restricted shares will
be forfeited if a participant terminates employment prior to the
lapse of restrictions. However, our board of directors shall
have the discretion to waive the restrictions with respect to a
participant who is terminating employment.
Participants will be entitled to vote their restricted shares
and to receive dividends upon their restricted shares. However,
our board of directors may provide in an award agreement that
any such dividends will themselves be invested in restricted
shares.
All restricted shares granted under the plan must be evidenced
by, and subject to the terms of, a written award agreement.
Change in Control
If a change in control occurs, any option that is not then
exercisable and vested will become fully exercisable and vested
and restrictions on all restricted shares will lapse. In
addition, the board of directors will have the power to make any
additional adjustments to outstanding awards that it deems
appropriate, including, without limitation, the power to make
cash payments in cancellation of outstanding awards, and the
power to issue a substitute award in place of outstanding
awards. A change in control will occur generally upon any of the
following events:
any acquisition by a person, other than a member or affiliate of
the Cisneros Group, an affiliate of Hicks Muse or an affiliate
of the El Sitio founders, of more than 50% of our outstanding
share capital or voting securities, in each case subject to
specified exceptions;
a change in the majority of the members of the board of
directors, unless approved by the incumbent directors;
the consummation of certain mergers or restructurings, or
certain sales of all or substantially all of our assets; or
approval by our shareholders of a liquidation, dissolution or
sale of substantially all of our assets.
Amendments
The board of directors may at any time amend or terminate the
2001 share incentive plan and may amend the terms of any
outstanding option or other award, except that no termination or
amendment may materially and adversely impair the rights of
participants as they relate to outstanding options or awards.
However, no amendment to the plan will be made without the
approval of our shareholders to the extent approval is required
by applicable law or rule of any stock exchange on which the
Class A common shares may be listed or traded.
Grant of Stock Options
The chart below lists options held under the 2001 Share
Incentive Plan by our executive officers and certain
consultants, as follows:
As per employment separation and post employment consulting
agreement.
Except for options to purchase 218,227, 109,112 and
109,112 shares of Class A common stock held by
Messrs. Vivo, Haiek and Ituarte, respectively, the exercise
price is the average of the closing price for the five-day
trading period beginning on January 17, 2002, the date of
grant, which was U.S.$0.738, and are currently vested and
exercisable. Options to purchase 218,227, 109,112 and
109,112 shares of Class A common shares held by
Messrs. Vivo, Haiek and Ituarte, respectively, are
exercisable at a price of $3.20 per share (the closing
sales price of our stock for the date immediately preceding the
date of grant) and vest 60% on the second anniversary of the
grant and 40% on the third anniversary of the grant. Except for
Roberto Vivos options which are exercisable for
10 years from the date of grant, the options are
exercisable for five years from the date of grant.
Grant of Restricted Shares to Cisneros Television Group
Employees
On January 17, 2001, we granted approximately 50,000
restricted Class A common shares to employees of the
Cisneros Television Group and its affiliates, and all shares
have since vested. These shares were issued in connection with
the consummation of the merger transaction.
C.
Board Practices
Directors
See Item 6, Section A Directors and Senior
Management.
Members of Management Body
See Item 6, Section A Directors and Senior
Management.
Benefits Upon Termination of Employment
Mr. Vivo-Chaneton, our chief executive officer, is based in
Argentina. On December 20, 2004, we entered into a new
employment contract with Mr. Vivo-Chaneton which expires on
December 31, 2007. Under the terms of the employment
agreement with Claxson, upon termination of employment without
cause or by Mr. Vivo-Chaneton with good reason,
Mr. Vivo-Chaneton will receive all earned, but unpaid,
salary, bonus, including the greater of a pro rated target bonus
or the guaranteed minimum bonus for the year of termination, and
continued benefits. In addition, Mr. Vivo-Chaneton will
receive a cash severance package equal to his base salary and
target bonus for the balance of the employment term plus one
years base salary and target bonus, not to exceed 200% of
annual base salary and annual target bonus. Mr. Vivo-
Chaneton will also receive accelerated vesting of one-half of
his unvested options, with all his vested options being
exercisable for one year following such termination.
Upon termination of employment due to the non-renewal of the
employment agreement by us, Mr. Vivo-Chaneton will receive
a lump sum amount in cash equal to one years base salary
plus a target bonus of 100% of the base salary, with vested
share options remaining exercisable for a period of one year
following such non-renewal. While employed and for a period of
one year thereafter, Mr. Vivo-Chaneton will not compete
with us or our subsidiaries. In the event of a future change in
control, Mr. Vivo-Chanetons share options will become
immediately vested and fully exercisable for the balance of the
ten-year term of these options, except that if company
performance targets have not been met at the time of the change
in control, the options will be exercisable for a period of one
year following the change in control, or such longer period as
Mr. Vivo-Chaneton and the board of directors may agree.
Our board of directors has standing audit, compensation and
executive committees.
Executive Committee
The executive committee consists of Roberto Vivo-Chaneton,
Carlos Bardasano and Eric C. Neuman. The executive committee
serves at the pleasure of the board of directors and has such
powers, authority and duties as the board of directors may
designate. Meetings of the executive committee are the forum in
which our chairman of the board and chief executive officer
share, discuss and review with the members of the committee,
among other things, the following:
strategic initiatives;
material transactions and matters; and
matters to be presented to the full board of directors and board
committees; and such other matters as the board of directors may
determine from time to time.
The executive committee consist of three members as follows:
(i) the chairman of the board and chief executive officer,
(ii) one member appointed by Class C directors
(directors elected by holders of the Class C common shares)
and (iii) one member appointed by the Class H
directors (directors elected by holders of the Class H
common shares). All matters submitted to the executive committee
must be decided by a unanimous vote of the members of the
committee. In the event that a unanimous vote is not reached
with respect to a material matter, then two of the members of
the executive committee, acting jointly, may refer such matter
to the board of directors.
Audit Committee
The audit committee consists of Frank Feather, José Antonio
Ríos and Emilio Romano, all of whom are
independent as that term is defined in relevant
Securities and Exchange Committee rules. The audit committee:
is responsible for selecting and overseeing the engagement of
our independent auditors;
reviews the results and scope of the audit and other services
provided by our independent registered public accounting firm;
reviews our financial statements;
reviews and evaluates our internal control functions and
financial reporting process; and
review and approve all related party transactions.
The members of the committee are elected by our board of
directors following each annual meeting of shareholders and will
serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified or
until their earlier resignation or removal.
Compensation Committee
We have appointed a compensation committee with a majority of
the members being independent directors. The members of the
compensation committee consist of Messrs. Feather,
Rìos and Romano, the three independent directors, and
Messrs. Bardasano and Neuman. The compensation committee
makes recommendations to the board of directors regarding the
following matters:
executive compensation;
salaries and incentive compensation for our employees and
consultants; and
The members of the committee are elected by the board of
directors following each annual meeting of shareholders and will
serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified or
until their earlier resignation or removal. The committee will
be comprised of at least two independent directors. All matters
submitted to the compensation committee must be decided by a
majority of the members of the committee present at a duly held
and convened meeting.
D.
Employees
As of December 31, 2004, our consolidated businesses had an
aggregate of 722 full-time employees. Our wholly owned pay
television businesses had 444 full-time employees, of whom
62 worked in our Miami offices, 371 in our Buenos Aires offices,
and 11 employees in our Mexico, Bahamas and Brazil offices. Our
broadcast business had 233 full-time employees as of the
same date, of whom 129 worked for Radio Chile, 46 worked
for our administrative and other staff areas in Chile and 58
worked for the Sarandi Radio Group.
At December 31, 2004, our Internet and broadband business
had 40 full-time employees.
At December 31, 2004, our executive offices, comprised of
the office of the chairman of the board and chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer, had 5 full-time
employees.
As of December 31, 2004, our non-consolidated joint
venture, DMX Music Latin America, had 5 full-time
employees, and Digital Latin America had 7 full-time
employees.
Our employees work in a variety of departments, including
programming and production, sales and marketing, creative,
engineering and operations, and finance and administration. From
time to time, we employ independent contractors to support our
production, creative, talent and technical departments.
Imagen, the operator of the Space, I.Sat, Retro, FTV, and
Infinito channels, has entered into a private collective
bargaining agreement with the union representing its employees
rather than adopt the terms of the statutory collective
bargaining agreement set by Argentine law. The Imagen collective
bargaining agreement will expire on November 1, 2005.
Our subsidiary, Canal Joven S.A., which operated the MuchMusic
channel in Argentina, was party to a statutory collective
bargaining agreement, the terms of which are set forth in the
National Collective Bargaining Agreement No. 131/75
(Convención Colectiva de Trabajo Nacional No. 131/75).
Approximately 40 of Canal Jovens employees were
represented by the Argentine Television Union (Sindicato
Argentino de Television) and were covered by the statutory
collective bargaining agreement. On April 1, 2005 Canal
Joven merged into Imagen Satelital and Imagen Satelital, as the
surviving entity, became the employer of these employees,
consequently these employees are now party to the Imagen private
collective bargaining agreement.
We believe that our relations with our employees are generally
good.
E.
Share Ownership
See Item 6, Section B Compensation and
Item 7, Section A Major Shareholders.
Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A.
Major Shareholders
Ownership of Major Shareholders
The following table presents, as of June 1, 2005, the
beneficial ownership of our Class A common shares by:
each person or entity which, to our knowledge, owns beneficially
more than 5% of the outstanding shares;
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, to our knowledge, all persons listed
below have sole voting and investment power with respect to
their Class A common shares, except to the extent
applicable law gives spouses shared authority.
Number of
Percentage of
Number of
Number of
Number of
Class A
Class A
Class C
Class F
Class H
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Beneficial Owner
Shares
Shares (%)(1)
Shares
Shares
Shares
1945 Carlton Investments LLC(2)(21)
4,709,769
23.0
1
1947 Carlyle Investments LLC(3)(21)
4,709,769
23.0
1
Ricardo J. Cisneros(4)(21)
4,709,769
23.0
Gustavo A. Cisneros(5)(21)
4,709,769
23.0
Hicks, Muse(6)(21)
7,770,708
37.9
1
Thomas O. Hicks(6)
7,770,708
37.9
IMPSAT Fiber Networks, Inc(19)(20)
*
1
Militello Limited(19)(20)
*
1
RC Limited(19)(20)
79,236
*
1
SLI.com, Inc.(19)(20)
489,417
2.4
1
Tower Plus International(19)(20)
*
1
Roberto Vivo-Chaneton(7)(19)(20)
847,079
4.1
1
Carlos Bardasano(8)
5,000
*
Eric C. Neuman(9)
7,500
*
Ana Teresa Arismendi
400
*
Gabriel Montoya(10)
5,865
*
John A. Gavin(11)
5,000
*
Ricardo Verdaguer(12)
5,000
*
Frank Feather(13)
5,000
*
José Antonio Rìos(14)
5,000
*
Emilio Romano(15)
5,000
*
Luis Villanueva
*
Marcos Clutterbuck(16)
*
Ralph Haiek
92,400
*
José Antonio Ituarte
9,500
*
Roberto Cibrian Campoy(17)(18)(19)
79,236
*
1
Amaya Ariztoy
800
*
Mariano Julian Varela
2,433
*
Marcelo Zuniga
*
All directors and executive officers as a group (18 persons)