Back to GetFilings.com

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

VITALSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (949) 743-2000

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        As of November 7, 2002, the registrant had 22,703,719 Common Shares outstanding. The 22,703,719 Common Shares reported in the previous sentence (a) includes 1,951,956 shares for which certificates have not been issued but that former VitalStream, Inc. shareholders are entitled to receive upon their completion of certain paper work related to the merger that closed on April 23, 2002, but (b) does not include the 1,757,981 shares that the will be issued to former VitalStream shareholders during November 2002 as a result of the Company's reporting in this report that certain revenue targets were reached in the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

VITALSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 AND DECEMBER 31, 2001

2

VITALSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR
THE QUARTERS AND NINE MONTH PERIODS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 AND 2001

3

VITALSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIODS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 AND 2001

4

VITALSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.

GENERAL

        Business—VitalStream Holdings, Inc. ("VHI" for acts after July 26, 2002, and Sensar Corporation ("Sensar"), for acts prior to July 26, 2002), together with its subsidiaries (collectively the "Company"), is a streaming media and managed services company that offers a broad range of business-to-business Internet products and services, including live webcasting, audio and video streaming, media hosting, network design, payment processing, encoding (via third-party resellers) and consulting services.

        On April 23, 2002, Sensar consummated a merger pursuant to which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sensar merged with and into VitalStream, Inc. ("VitalStream") with VitalStream surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sensar. In the merger, all of the outstanding shares of VitalStream capital stock were converted into the right to receive shares of Sensar common stock representing approximately 69% of the outstanding shares of Sensar following the merger. In addition, if certain performance and other criteria are satisfied, the approximately 80 former VitalStream shareholders have the right to receive as contingent consideration an additional amount of common shares of Sensar, potentially increasing their aggregate ownership to approximately 80%. During the quarter ended September 30, 2002, the level of revenue reached $1,000,000, which results in the future issuance of contingent shares and option to purchase shares. The additional issuance is considered part of the initial transaction with Sensar, which was recorded as a recapitalization.

        Although from a legal perspective, Sensar acquired VitalStream in the merger, from an accounting perspective, the merger is viewed as a recapitalization of VitalStream accompanied by an issuance of stock by VitalStream for the net assets of Sensar. This is because Sensar did not have operations immediately prior to the merger, and following the merger, VitalStream became the operating company. VitalStream's directors and officers now serve as the directors and officers of the new combined entity.

        Basis of Presentation—This report on Form 10-Q ("10-Q") for the third quarter ended September 30, 2002 should be read in conjunction with the Company's Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on May 16, 2002. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2002.

        Going Concern—The Company has generated losses and negative cash flows from operations. The Company's future success is dependent upon its ability to achieve positive cash flow prior to the depletion of its cash resources and its ability to raise funds, if needed. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis of accounting which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, liabilities, and commitments in the normal course of business. The accompanying financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that might result if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Interim Unaudited Financial Information—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions

5

that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. The amounts that the Company will ultimately incur or recover could differ materially from its current estimates. The underlying estimates and facts supporting these estimates could change in 2002 and thereafter. Certain reclassifications, none of which affects net loss, have been made to present the financial statements on a consistent basis.

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VitalStream Holdings, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, VitalStream, Inc. and VitalStream's wholly-owned subsidiary, SiteStream Incorporated. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

        Revenue Recognition—Revenues from continuing operations are primarily generated from fees for streaming media services, web hosting, managed services and sales of equipment. Streaming media service fees, which are typically usage-based, are recognized as the service is provided. Web hosting fees, generally consisting of fixed monthly amounts, are also recognized as the service is provided. Revenue from equipment sales is recognized when delivery is complete. Service contracts are generally for periods ranging from one to 24 months and typically require payment at the beginning of each month.

        Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share—Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potential common shares outstanding when their effect is dilutive. Potential common shares result from the shares that would be issued upon the exercise of all outstanding stock options and warrants. Potential common shares have not been included in the calculation of weighted average shares used for the calculation of the diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect. Basic and diluted loss per share presented for periods prior to April 23, 2002 have been restated, using a conversion rate of .72693, to be consistent with the new capital structure of the surviving company VitalStream, after the merger with VHI.

        Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 addresses the financial accounting and reporting for goodwill and other intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition. SFAS No. 142 requires that intangible assets be amortized over their useful lives unless that life is determined to be indefinite. Intangible assets shall be evaluated annually to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. An intangible asset that is not subject to amortization shall be tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 during the first quarter of fiscal 2002, which eliminated goodwill amortization starting on January 1, 2002.

3.

LEGAL MATTERS

        The Company is involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. It is the opinion of management, that such litigation and claims will be resolved without a material effect on the Company's financial position.

4.

COMMON STOCK TRANSACTIONS

        During the quarter, two of the Company's former directors and executive officers exercised options to purchase 240,720 shares of the Company's common stock, at an exercise price of $0.25 per share.

        As a result of the merger between Sensar and VitalStream, all of the outstanding shares of VitalStream capital stock were converted into the right to receive an aggregate of 15,228,521 shares of

6

Sensar common stock. Pursuant to the VitalStream Merger Agreement, the former VitalStream shareholders are entitled to receive additional "contingent" shares of VHI common stock upon the occurrence of certain events. Under the VitalStream Merger Agreement, the former VitalStream shareholders and optionholders are entitled to receive an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of and options on, VHI common stock if VHI's net revenue for any calendar quarter prior to March 31, 2003 exceeds $1,000,000. Because our revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 exceeded $1,000,000, we expect to issue 1,757,981 shares of VHI common stock to the former VitalStream shareholders, and options to purchase 242,019 shares of VHI common stock to the former VitalStream optionees, both during the week following the filing of this report. In addition, the former VitalStream shareholders will have the right to receive as contingent consideration up to an additional 11,242,301 common shares of Sensar if certain performance and other targets are met.

        During the quarter, options to purchase 170,000 common shares of the Company were issued to six employees, and one of its directors. The options were issued under the Company's 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, with a per share exercise price of $0.52, the closing price of the stock on the date of the grant.

        During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, options to purchase 185,000 common shares of the Company were issued to six employees, two executive officers, and one of its directors. The options were issued under the Company's 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, with a per share exercise price of $0.47, the closing price of the stock on the date of the grant.

        During February 2002, in anticipation of the consummation of the VitalStream merger, the Company granted, under its 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, options to purchase 1,450,000 shares of the Company's common stock to the former officers and directors of Sensar. Each such option has an exercise price of $.25 per share, subject to adjustment if the Company issues common stock at a per share price of less than $.45, and expires on April 23, 2004. The expiration date of each such option accelerates, however, if the market price for the Company's common stock exceeds $.60 for an extended period of time. All of the options granted to such officers and directors expressly exclude the provision in our 2001 Stock Incentive Plan that would otherwise cause the option to terminate soon after the termination of the holder's service with the Company.

5.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

        On November 1, 2002, VHI and VitalStream Broadcasting Corporation ("Broadcasting"), a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of VHI, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Epoch Purchase Agreement") with Epoch Networks, Inc. and Epoch Hosting, Inc. (collectively, "Epoch"), pursuant to which Broadcasting has agreed to acquire the hosting and colocation business of Epoch, related equipment and a leasehold interest in a Los Angeles data center in exchange for $250,000 in cash and a number of shares of common stock of VHI constituting 16.5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of VHI on the closing date, subject to adjustment to avoid dilution from shares of common stock of VHI that may be issued to former VitalStream shareholders under the contingent share provisions of the VitalStream Merger Agreement.

        The acquisition of the hosting and colocation businesses of Epoch pursuant to the Epoch Purchase Agreement is expected to be consummated during the fourth quarter of 2002. A more detailed description of the Epoch Purchase Agreement and related transactions, together with copies of key agreements, is set forth in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by VHI on November 12, 2002. As of the date of this report, assuming consummation of the Epoch acquisition, the 16.5% of outstanding

7

common stock issuable under the Epoch Acquisition Agreement represented approximately 4,833,690 shares of VHI common stock.

        On November 1, 2002, simultaneous with its execution of the Epoch Purchase Agreement, VHI entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement") with Dolphin Communications Fund II, L.P. and Dolphin Parallel Fund II (Netherlands), L.P. (collectively, "Dolphin") pursuant to which Dolphin has agreed to invest $1.1 million dollars in VHI in exchange for Convertible Promissory Notes (the "Dolphin Notes") with an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 million and warrants to purchase common stock of VHI (the "Dolphin Warrants"). The Dolphin Notes are convertible into a number of shares of common stock of VHI constituting 13.2% of the outstanding shares of common stock of VHI on the closing date of the Epoch acquisition following the consummation of the Epoch acquisition, subject to adjustment to avoid dilution from shares of common stock of VHI that may be issued to former VitalStream shareholders under the contingent share provisions of the VitalStream Merger Agreement and that may be issued to Epoch pursuant to the Epoch Acquisition Agreement. The Dolphin Warrants permit the holder to purchase up to an aggregate of 2.38% of the outstanding common stock of VHI immediately after the close of the Epoch acquisition, subject to adjustment on the same terms as the Dolphin Note, at an exercise price of $.3432 per share during a three-year term. As of the date of this report, the Dolphin Note is convertible into 4,455,014 shares of VHI common stock and the Dolphin Warrant is exercisable for 801,902 shares of VHI common stock.

        A description of the Note Purchase Agreement and related agreements, together with copies of key agreements, is set forth in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by VHI on November 12, 2002.

8

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        Statements contained in this Form 10-Q that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Such statements can be identified by the use of the forward-looking words "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "likely," "believe," "intend," "expect," or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations, contain projections regarding future developments, operations, or financial conditions, or state other forward-looking information. When considering such forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the critical factors noted in the following section and other cautionary statements throughout this Form 10-Q and our other filings with the SEC. You should also keep in mind that all forward-looking statements are based on management's existing beliefs about present and future events outside of management's control and on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. If one or more risks identified in this prospectus or any applicable filings materializes, or any other underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected, or intended.

        Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on our operating results are risks and uncertainties described under "Critical Factors" below, including those attributable to the absence of profits, uncertainties regarding the future demand for our products and services, the competitive advantages of companies that compete, or may compete, in our market, and uncertainties regarding our ability to obtain capital sufficient to continue our operations and pursue our proposed business strategy.

        The following discussion summarizes the material changes in our financial condition between December 31, 2001 and September 30, 2002 and the material changes in our results of operations and financial condition between the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 and September 30, 2001, respectively. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company's Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on May 16, 2002.

Overview

        VitalStream Holdings, Inc. ("VHI", formerly named Sensar Corporation prior to July 26, 2002) was incorporated in 1986 in the state of Nevada. VHI historically engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of analytical scientific instrumentation. After experiencing losses for several years, during 1999, VHI sold substantially all of its assets relating to its prior operations. On February 13, 2002 VHI enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "VitalStream Merger Agreement") with VitalStream, Inc. ("VitalStream") regarding the merger of VitalStream with a wholly-owned subsidiary of VHI. The VitalStream merger, in which the wholly-owned subsidiary of VHI merged with and into VitalStream, (resulting in VitalStream becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of VHI), was consummated on April 23, 2002.

        VitalStream was incorporated in Delaware in March 2000 to provide a complete solution on an outsource basis to customers wishing to broadcast audio and video content and other communications over the Internet. Upon raising its initial capitalization, VitalStream entered into a lease for its Irvine, California facilities and commenced construction of its data center. In September 2000, VitalStream entered into an agreement to acquire SiteStream, Incorporated ("SiteStream"). SiteStream had been organized in 1998 for the purpose of operating a website hosting business. SiteStream had failed to achieve profitability; however, it had developed a comparatively substantial customer base for its hosting business and had garnered technical expertise in audio and video streaming. VitalStream and SiteStream began integrating their operations in November 2000 and began functioning as a fully combined enterprise by the end of the first quarter of 2001.

        Today, through our wholly-owned subsidiary VitalStream, we offer our customers a range of services including live webcasting, audio and video streaming, media hosting, network design, payment

9

processing, encoding (via third-party resellers) and consulting services. Our mix of products and services allows our customers to concentrate on the creation and marketing of their content, while outsourcing the encoding, data storage and broadcasting functions to us and to our partners. Our business model relies upon leveraging our expertise and resources in audio and video streaming technology to persuade customers to utilize our Internet broadcasting services, thereby allowing VitalStream to build a base of recurring revenues from monthly or other periodic broadcasting fees.

Proposed Epoch Acquisition

        On November 1, 2002, VHI and VitalStream Broadcasting Corporation ("Broadcasting"), a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of VHI, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Epoch Purchase Agreement") with Epoch Networks, Inc. and Epoch Hosting, Inc. (collectively, "Epoch"), pursuant to which Broadcasting has agreed to acquire the hosting and colocation business of Epoch, related equipment and a leasehold interest in a Los Angeles data center in exchange for $250,000 in cash and a number of shares of common stock of VHI constituting 16.5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of VHI as of the closing date, subject to adjustment to avoid dilution from shares of common stock of VHI that may be issued to former VitalStream shareholders under the contingent share provisions of the VitalStream Merger Agreement. During the months preceding the signing of the Epoch Acquisition agreement, the hosting and colocation businesses of Epoch generated revenues of approximately $240,000 per month ($2,880,000 on an annual basis). VHI believes that it can retain substantially all of the Epoch customers following the acquisition and hopes to be able to further increase revenues by marketing VHI's other products and services to the former Epoch customers.

        The acquisition of the hosting and colocation businesses of Epoch pursuant to the Epoch Purchase Agreement is expected to be consummated during the fourth quarter of 2002. A description of the Epoch Purchase Agreement and related transactions, together with copies of key agreements, is set forth in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by VHI on November 12, 2002. As of the date of this report, the 16.5% of outstanding common stock issuable under the Epoch Acquisition Agreement represented approximately 4,833,690 shares of VHI common stock.

Proposed Dolphin Investment

        On November 1, 2002, simultaneous with its execution of the Epoch Purchase Agreement, VHI entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement") with Dolphin Communications Fund II, L.P. and Dolphin Parallel Fund II (Netherlands), L.P. (collectively, "Dolphin") pursuant to which Dolphin has agreed to invest $1.1 million dollars in VHI in exchange for Convertible Promissory Notes (the "Dolphin Notes") with an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 million and warrants to purchase common stock of VHI (the "Dolphin Warrants"). Dolphin indirectly owns an approximately 95% equity interest in Epoch. The Dolphin Notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum, require quarterly payment of accrued interest and are due and payable in full on the three-year anniversary of the issue date. The Dolphin Notes are convertible into a number of shares of common stock of VHI constituting 13.2% of the outstanding shares of common stock of VHI on the closing date of the Epoch acquisition following the consummation of the Epoch acquisition, subject to adjustment to avoid dilution from shares of common stock of VHI that may be issued to former VitalStream shareholders under the contingent share provisions of the VitalStream Merger Agreement and that may be issued to Epoch pursuant to the Epoch Acquisition Agreement. The Dolphin Warrants permit the holder to purchase up to an aggregate of 2.38% of the outstanding common stock of VHI immediately after the close of the Epoch acquisition, subject to adjustment on the same terms as the Dolphin Note, at an exercise price of $.3432 per share during a three-year term. In addition, VHI has agreed to pay Dolphin a financing fee in shares of VHI common stock with a fair market value of $25,000 and to pay attorneys fees of $42,500. As of the date of this report, assuming

10

consummation of the Epoch acquisition, the Dolphin Note is convertible into 4,455,014 shares of VHI common stock and the Dolphin Warrant is exercisable for 801,902 shares of VHI common stock.

        In connection with the Note Purchase Agreement, we entered into a Registration Agreement under which we agreed to register the re-sale of any shares issued to Dolphin pursuant to the conversion of the notes or upon the exercise of the warrants. Pursuant to an investor rights agreement, we granted Dolphin Equity Partners a right of first refusal on future issuances and, together with certain shareholders, agreed to appoint or elect a Dolphin appointee to VitalStream's board of directors.

        The funding, purchase and sale of the Dolphin Note and Warrant is expected to take place in two separate closings. The first closing, with respect to $409,000 in Dolphin Notes, is expected to occur on or about November 14, 2002. The second closing, if it occurs, will occur simultaneously with the consummation of the transaction contemplated by the Epoch Purchase Agreement. A description of the Note Purchase Agreement and related agreements, together with copies of key agreements, is set forth in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by VHI on November 12, 2002.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Management based this discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations on our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our critical accounting policies and estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, valuation of accounts receivable, property, plant and equipment, long-lived assets, intangible assets, and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. These judgments and estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Changes to these judgments and estimates could adversely affect the Company's future results of operations and cash flows.

•

Revenue Recognition. Revenues from continuing operations are primarily generated from fees for streaming media services, web hosting, managed services and sales of hardware. Streaming media service fees, which are typically usage-based, are recognized as the service is provided. Web hosting fees, generally consisting of fixed monthly amounts, are also recognized as the service is provided. Revenue from equipment sales is recognized when delivery is complete. Service contracts (for streaming media services and web hosting services) are generally for periods ranging from one to 24 months and typically require payment at the beginning of each month.



•

Valuation of Accounts Receivable. A considerable amount of judgment is required when we assess the ultimate realization of receivables, including assessing the probability of collection and the current credit-worthiness of our customers. Significant portions of customer payments are made by credit card and electronic debit. Each month, management reviews historical charge-back and cancellation patterns as well as historical data on other credits issued to customers and then records an allowance based on historical results as well as management judgment. Additionally, each month management reviews the aged receivables balance and records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the age of the outstanding receivable balances, trends in outstanding balances and management's judgment. As a result of these

11

analyses, we believe that the current allowance is adequate to cover any bad debts and credits that may be issued as of the date of the balance sheet. Actual results differing from this estimate could have a material impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

•

Property, Plant and Equipment. We utilize significant amounts of property, plant and equipment in providing service to our customers. We utilize straight-line depreciation for property and equipment over our estimate of their useful lives. Changes in technology or changes in the intended use of property, plant and equipment may cause the estimated period of use or the value of these assets to change. We perform an annual analysis to confirm the appropriateness of estimated economic useful lives for each category of current property, plant and equipment. Additionally, long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Estimates and assumptions used in both setting depreciable lives and testing for recoverability require both judgment and estimates.



•

Goodwill. We annually evaluate goodwill for potential impairment indicators. If impairment indicators exist we measure the impairment through the use of discounted cash flows. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions, and operational conditions. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that the goodwill associated with our acquired business is impaired. Goodwill is no longer amortized, but instead is subject to impairment tests at least annually.



•

Contingencies. We are subject to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of loss accrual required, if any, for these contingencies are made after careful analysis of each individual issue. We consult with legal counsel and other experts where necessary to assess any contingencies. A required accrual may change at some point in the future due to new developments in a matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.



•

Principle of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VitalStream Holdings, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, VitalStream, Inc. and VitalStream, Inc.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, SiteStream Incorporated. The term "Company" used herein means VitalStream Holdings, Inc., VitalStream, Inc and VitalStream's subsidiary, unless otherwise indicated by the context. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

12

Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, items included in our consolidated statements of operations, stated as a percentage of revenues:

Quarter Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Quarter Ended September 30, 2001

        Revenue.    Revenue consists primarily of fees for Internet broadcasting, including streaming media services, managed services, web hosting and sales of hardware. Revenues increased from $477,738 for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, to $1,061,723 for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, an increase of 122.2%. This increase reflects the addition of a significant number of new clients and the increase in average per client service utilization within the installed base. We expect revenue to grow at an increased rate through 2002 and into the first half of 2003 as we expand our sales force, ramp up channel partnerships, increase our marketing efforts, and as VitalStream gains greater market recognition from potential customers. In addition, if the proposed acquisition of the hosting and colocation businesses of Epoch is consummated, we expect our monthly recurring revenue to increase by approximately $240,000 per month following the consummation of such transaction.

        Cost of Revenue.    Cost of revenue consists primarily of access charges from the local exchange carrier, Internet backbone and transport costs and depreciation of network equipment, hardware costs and license fees. Cost of revenue increased from $272,586 for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, to $531,766 for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. Cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue, however, decreased from 57.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 to 50.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. The increased cost in absolute dollars reflects the increase in bandwidth consumption, network equipment and other items necessary to support the increase in revenue between the two quarters. The improvement in cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue mostly reflects our lower unit cost of bandwidth, which we obtained from our suppliers as a result of our increased bandwidth purchases. There was also improvement due to spreading the relatively fixed costs of core networking equipment over a larger client base. Whether or not we consummate the Epoch acquisition, we expect our unit cost of revenue to continue to decrease, albeit at a lower rate of decrease through the rest of 2002 and into the first half of 2003. This will occur as we achieve even greater economies of

13

scale in our purchasing of bandwidth and networking equipment, as we are able to more efficiently distribute bandwidth amongst carriers and as we then spread these costs over an increasing customer base.

        Research and Development.    Research and development expense consists primarily of personnel costs to develop and maintain our product offering. Research and development expense decreased from $76,007 for the quarter ending September 30, 2001, to $61,547 for the quarter ending September 30, 2002. As a percentage of revenue, research and development decreased from 15.9% to 5.8% during the same periods, respectively. The absolute decrease in cost reflects lower payroll costs associated with developing and maintaining the MediaConsole. We expect research and development expense to increase in absolute dollars during the balance of 2002 and into the first half of 2003 as we develop additional technology related to our core product offering and to continue to decrease as a percentage of revenue as revenue increases.

        Sales and Marketing.    Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of personnel costs, including salary and commissions, in addition to the costs of various marketing programs. Sales and marketing expense was relatively flat between the two periods. Sales & marketing expense was $368,926 for the quarter ending September 30, 2001 and $361,017 for the quarter ending September 30, 2002. While the change in the expense was flat in absolute dollar terms, sales & marketing expense as a percentage of revenue decreased from 77.2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 to 34.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. This decrease reflects improved marketing efficiencies obtained from targeted strategic marketing efforts combined with improved productivity within our sales force. We expect sales and marketing expense to increase incrementally in absolute terms and to continue to decrease as a percentage of revenue during the remainder of 2002 and through the first half of 2003 as we expand our sales force and further continue to increase sales and marketing productivity. If the Epoch acquisition is consummated, we expect that our sales and marketing costs will increase slightly in absolute terms as additional customer support personnel are added to handle the increased customer base; however, as a percentage of revenue, we anticipate that our sales and marketing expense would decrease further.

        General and Administrative.    General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel expense, professional fees and costs to maintain and support our facilities. General and administrative expense increased from $428,801 for the quarter ending September 30, 2001 to $635,194 for the quarter ending September 30, 2002. The quarter ending September 30, 2002 includes expenses primarily related to compensation expense for additional administrative personnel necessary to support a larger revenue base and customer count. Additionally, our insurance, legal and professional fees increased incrementally. Included in general and administrative expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 were two one-time, non-recurring expenses (collectively the "One-Time Expenses"). One expense was for approximately $31,500 relating to fees and legal expenses relating to an equity financing that we chose not to pursue. The other expense was for approximately $44,000 relating to assessed electricity costs to run the data center which were billed during the quarter, but related to prior periods. General and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue however, decreased from 89.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 to 59.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 (and from 89.8% to 52.7% if the One-Time Expenses are removed). This decrease reflects a larger base of revenue spread out over an expense base that is primarily fixed. We expect our general and administrative expense to decrease as a percentage of revenue in the balance of 2002 and into the first half of 2003 as costs increase at a lower rate than the rate at which revenue increases. If the Epoch acquisition is consummated, we expect that our general and administrative costs will increase slightly in absolute terms as additional administrative personnel are added to handle the increased revenue and customer base; however, as a percentage of revenue, we anticipate that our general and administrative expense will decrease due to the increased revenue base.

14

        Net Interest Expense.    Net interest expense increased from $10,167 for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 to $12,786 for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. The increase in net interest expense reflects less interest earned on smaller cash balances, as well as increased interest payments on new capital leases that started between October 2001 and July 2002.

        Net Loss.    Our net loss decreased from $683,858 for the quarter ending September 30, 2001 to $538,661 for the quarter ending September 30, 2002. Our net loss decreased due to the increased gross profit which the company generated for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, while decreasing its research and development expense and its sales & marketing expense in the same period. Additionally during the quarter ended September 30, 2002, while gross profit increased approximately 158.3%, general and administrative expense increased by only approximately 30.5% after removing the effect of the One-Time Expenses in the amount of approximately $75,500, as compared with the quarter ended September 30, 2001, respectively. We expect our net loss to decrease at a substantially accelerated rate in the fourth quarter as our revenue base expands, fixed costs remain relatively constant, personnel expense increases slower than revenue acceleration, and our unit cost of service decreases or remains flat. If the Epoch acquisition is consummated, and we are able to retain substantially all of the Epoch customers, we expect that our net loss will decrease dramatically as the substantial amount of gross profit is added with only incremental increases in sales and marketing and general and administrative expense.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001

        Revenue.    Revenue consists primarily of fees for Internet broadcasting, including streaming media services, web hosting, managed services and sales of hardware. Revenues increased from $1,015,285 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, to $2,566,044 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This increase reflects the addition of a significant number of new clients as well as the increase in average per client service utilization from the installed base. In addition, VitalStream did not have any client revenue prior to March 14, 2001, the date of the acquisition of SiteStream.

        Cost of Revenue.    Cost of revenue consists primarily of access charges from the local exchange carrier, Internet backbone and transport costs and depreciation of network equipment, hardware costs and license fees. Cost of revenue increased from $650,010 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, to $1,275,710 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This increase reflects the increase in bandwidth consumption, network equipment and other items necessary to support the increase in revenue between the two time periods. Cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue however, decreased from 64.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to 49.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This improvement reflects primarily our lower unit cost of bandwidth, which we were able to obtain from our suppliers as a result of the economies of scale.

        Research and Development.    Research and development expense consists primarily of personnel costs to develop and maintain our product offering. Research and development expense decreased modestly from $215,470 for the nine months ending September 30, 2001, to $196,693 for the nine months ending September 30, 2002. While R&D expense decreased in absolute dollar terms, as a percentage of revenue R&D expense also decreased from 21.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to 7.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This decrease is due to a much larger base of revenue for the latter period.

        Sales and Marketing.    Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of personnel costs, including salary and commissions, in addition to the costs of various marketing programs. Sales and marketing expense increased from $1,047,750 for the nine months ending September 30, 2001 to $1,152,012 for the nine months ending September 30, 2002. The increase in sales and marketing expenses in the amount of $104,262, was largely due to a substantially larger customer and revenue base. While sales & marketing increased in absolute dollar terms, as a percentage of revenue sales & marketing expense

15

decreased from 103.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to 44.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This decrease reflects improved marketing efficiencies obtained from targeted strategic marketing efforts combined with improved productivity within our sales force.

        General and Administrative.    General and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel expense, professional fees and costs to maintain and support our facilities. General and administrative expense increased from $1,237,304 for the nine months ending September 30, 2001 to $1,758,001 for the nine months ending September 30, 2002. The nine months ended September 30, 2002 includes the One-Time Expenses of approximately $75,500. After removing the effect of these One-Time Expenses, the increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily related to compensation expense for additional administrative personnel necessary to support a larger revenue base and customer count. Additionally, our insurance, legal and professional fees increased incrementally. However, general and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue decreased from 121.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 to 68.5% (and from 121.9% to 65.6% if the One-Time Expenses are removed) for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. This decrease reflects a larger base of revenue spread out over an expense base that is primarily fixed.

        Net Interest Income (Expense).    Net interest income was $9,442 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. Net interest expense was $39,497 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase in net interest expense reflects primarily increased interest payments on new capital leases and also less interest earned on smaller cash balances.

        Income Tax Expense.    Income tax expense was $1,600 for the each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2001 and 2002. This represents the $800 minimum tax payment for state income taxes for our operating subsidiary VitalStream, Inc. and its subsidiary, SiteStream, Incorporated.

        Net Loss.    Our net loss decreased from $2,132,516 for the nine months ending September 30, 2001 to $1,740,037 for the nine months ending September 30, 2002. Our net loss decreased due to an increase in gross profit of approximately 253.2% over the nine months ended September 30, 2001, while research & development expense decreased modestly and sales and marketing expense increased approximately 10%. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2002, while gross profit increased approximately 253.2%, general and administrative expense increased by only approximately 36.0% after removing the effect of the One-Time Expenses in the amount of approximately $75,500, as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2001, respectively. The significant increase in our revenues coupled with only marginal increases in cost were the driving factors contributing to the decrease in net loss.

        Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)

        The Company's adjusted EBITDA (loss from continuing operations, excluding interest income (expense), income taxes, depreciation and amortization), was a loss of $394,859 for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 and a loss of $1,178,688 (after adjusting for the non-cash amortization of compensation expense of $150,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 compared with a loss of $561,879 for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 and a loss of $1,845,262 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001. The decrease in the loss was primarily due to significant increases in our revenue base coupled with only modest increases in our expense structure. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use and is not intended to represent cash flow from operations as measured under generally accepted accounting principles. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net loss or net cash used in operating activities, but may be useful to investors as an indication of operating performance. The Company's calculation of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to the computation of similarly titled measures of other companies.

16

        Reconciliation of loss from continuing operations to adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        On January 22, 2002, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued FR-61, Commission Statement about Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The release sets forth certain views of the Commission regarding disclosure that should be considered by registrants. Disclosure matters addressed by the release are liquidity and capital resources including off-balance sheet arrangements, certain trading activities that include non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value, and effects of transactions with related and certain other parties. The following table sets forth the information in a format described in the release with regard to disclosures about contractual obligations and commercial commitments.

        The following table discloses aggregate information about our contractual obligations including long-term debt, operating and capital lease payments, office lease payments and contractual service agreements, and the periods in which payments are due as of September 30, 2002:

        As of September 30, 2002, the Company had $220,157 in cash and cash equivalents. This represents an increase of $85,961 compared to December 31, 2001. Cash used during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2002 includes approximately $1,017,619 used in operations, as well as $140,897 used in investing activities and $1,244,477 provided by financing activities. Of the $1,244,477 of cash provided by financing activities, $1,614,806 represents cash received as a result of the reverse merger of VitalStream, Inc. into VitalStream Holdings, Inc. The $370,329 difference between the $1,614,806 of cash received and the $1,244,477 of cash provided by financing activities represents payments on capital leases, payments on notes payable, proceeds from the exercise of stock options and payment of costs associated with the issuance of stock in the VHI/VitalStream merger.

        On November 1, 2002, VHI signed the Note Purchase Agreement with Dolphin, pursuant to which Dolphin has agreed to make a $1,100,000 investment in VitalStream through the purchase of Dolphin Notes and Dolphin Warrants. See "Dolphin Investment" above. If the Dolphin Notes and Dolphin Warrants are issued, we expect to use approximately $250,000 of the proceeds to pay the cash portion of the purchase price for Epoch's hosting and colocation businesses, $100,000 of the proceeds to pay investment banking fees associated with the Epoch acquisition, $42,500 for Dolphin's attorneys fees and

17

an estimated $100,000 for legal fees incurred in connection with the transaction. We intend to use the remainder for capital expenditures and general operating expenses.

        We anticipate making capital expenditures between $200,000 and $250,000 during the remainder of calendar 2002, generally for data center equipment, customer servers and related software.

        Assuming we issue all of the Dolphin Notes and Dolphin Warrants, consummate the acquisition of Epoch's hosting and colocation businesses, and retain substantially all of the Epoch hosting and colocation customers, we expect that the cash obtained through the Dolphin investment, net of transaction fees and expenses related to the Dolphin and Epoch transactions, together with recurring operating revenues would be sufficient to meet our current and future obligations until the time that the Company can sustain itself on its own internally-generated cash flow.

        If we neither issue all of the Dolphin Notes and Dolphin Warrants nor consummate the acquisition of Epoch's hosting and colocation businesses, we believe that cash on hand would not be sufficient to meet our current and future obligations until the time that the Company can sustain itself on its own internally-generated cash flow, as we are currently operating the business. Accordingly, we anticipate that, if the Dolphin and Epoch transactions are not consummated, we will likely seek additional financing in the form of equipment lease financing, accounts receivable financing, other bank financing or the sale of debt or equity securities. If we are unable to obtain such additional financing at a reasonable cost, or at all, we could make some short-term limited cuts in our expense model to the point where we would be break-even from an operating cash flow perspective. By making these cuts we would be able to continue operating the business; however, such actions would slow our growth and could have a material adverse effect on future operations and financial results.

        Assuming that the Dolphin and Epoch transactions are consummated, we hope to be able to rapidly expand our operations during the balance of 2002 and into 2003, and we may seek to expand our operations through additional strategic acquisitions. If we engage in strategic acquisitions as planned, we expect that we would require additional financing in order to pay for the transaction costs of any mergers and/or acquisitions (e.g., legal, accounting, integration and working capital). We plan to generate such financing through private placements of debt or equity securities. If we are unable to obtain such additional financing at a reasonable cost, or at all, we may have to forego acquisitions, which would force us to rely exclusively on organically generated growth and could have a material adverse effect on future operations and financial results.

        Although, as stated above, in the event that we do not consummate the Dolphin and Epoch transactions, we believe that we could modify the expense structure of the business and operate at a break-even cash flow level, and thereby believe that our cash reserves at September 2002 could be adequate, certain events, including the following, may cause those cash balances to be insufficient:

•

If we are unable to continue to obtain lease financing at all, or on terms agreeable to us;



•

If we incur a substantial loss of our customer or revenue base;



•

If we were to experience an unexpected increase in governing regulations, lawsuit, investigation or other private or governmental act requiring the expenditure of substantial legal and/or other fees;



•

If our company, our regional economy or the national economy were to experience an unexpected or catastrophic disaster; or



•

If we are unable to make enough cuts in the expense structure to get the business to a break-even cash flow level;



•

If, after making the necessary expense cuts to get the business to break-even level the business is not able to be sustained with the remaining personnel or infrastructure.

18

        If any of these, or a combination of any of these were to occur, our available cash balances at September 30, 2002 might not be sufficient, and in that event, we would need to obtain additional either debt or equity financing. There can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on terms that would be agreeable to us, or at all. See also the risks discussed in "Certain Factors" below.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 addresses the financial and accounting and reporting for goodwill and other intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition. SFAS No. 142 requires that intangible assets be amortized over their useful lives unless that life is determined to be indefinite. Intangible assets shall be evaluated annually to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. An intangible asset that is not subject to amortization shall be tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002, which eliminated goodwill amortization starting in fiscal year 2002.

Certain Factors

        If any of the adverse events described in the following factors actually occur or the Company does not accomplish necessary events or objectives described in the factors, its business, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected, the trading price of the Company's common stock could decline and shareholders could lose all or part of their investments. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks the Company faces.

We have operated at a net loss throughout our limited operating history and may continue to operate at a net loss.

        VitalStream, Inc. was founded in March 2000 and, accordingly, our current business has a limited operating history upon which an evaluation of our prospects and us can be based. VitalStream, Inc. has experienced net losses in each quarter since inception, with net losses of $5.49 million from inception until September 30, 2002. Competition for new customers in our business is intense, and our revenue may not continue to grow at its current rate. In addition, we may incur extraordinary expenses in connection with acquisition transactions, expansion of our facilities or other events for which we have not budgeted. If our revenue does not continue to grow at its current rate, or if we incur significant unanticipated expenses, we may not achieve positive cash flow when projected, or at all.

        In addition, because of non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization, even if we reach positive cash flow, we may not reach income statement profitability. Achieving income statement profitability would require additional growth in our revenues in such an amount that the additional gross profit from those additional revenues would be sufficient to cover the non-cash expenses. We can provide no assurance that we will ever become profitable.

The Epoch and Dolphin transactions may not be consummated.

        We can provide no assurance that the Epoch and Dolphin transactions will be consummated. Although the Epoch Purchase Agreement and Note Purchase Agreement are definitive, binding agreements, each document contains various conditions precedent to the obligation of each party to close and provides that either party may terminate the agreement if all related transactions have not been consummated by December 15, 2002.

19

        The failure of the Company to consummate both the Epoch acquisition and the Dolphin financing may have various adverse effects, including the following:

•

We would be unable to recover, and may not have enough cash to pay, expenses that we have incurred in connection with our negotiation of the transactions and related due diligence;



•

We may be unable to continue operations in accordance with our current business plan without additional financing, which may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all;



•

Our ability to find investors for future financing transactions and targets for future acquisition transactions may be limited because of concerns about our ability to close;



•

Employee morale, and our ability to retain employees, may be damaged;



•

We may incur additional legal fees and other costs associated with the termination of the Epoch Purchase Agreement and Note Purchase Agreement and possible related litigation; and



•

If the initial closing on the Note Purchase Agreement has occurred (but the subsequent closing does not occur because of the failure of the Epoch acquisition to close), Dolphin would have received all of the Dolphin Warrants, investor rights, registration rights, restrictive covenants and related benefits in connection with the purchase of only $409,000 in Dolphin Notes.

There are numerous risks associated with consummation of the Epoch acquisition;

        If the Epoch acquisition is consummated, we would acquire certain assets and customers associated with the hosting and colocation business of Epoch in exchange for the issuance of VHI common stock. The consummation of such transaction involves, among other risks, the following risks:

•

Dilution: Under the Epoch Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to issue to Epoch 16.5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of VHI on the closing date, subject to adjustment to avoid dilution from shares of common stock of VHI that may be issued to former VitalStream shareholders under the contingent share provisions of the VitalStream Merger Agreement. As of the date of this report, the 16.5% of outstanding common stock issuable under the Epoch Acquisition Agreement represented approximately 4,833,690 shares of VHI common stock. If the VitalStream shareholders receive all shares issuable under the contingent share provisions of the VitalStream Merger Agreement (and assuming that 30% of the revenues used to reach certain earnout targets are from Epoch customers), the number of shares issuable to Epoch under the Epoch Purchase Agreement would increase to 7,955,267 shares of VHI common stock.



•

Known and Unknown Liabilities: Although we have agreed to assume only specified liabilities of Epoch, as a result of our acquiring substantially all of the asset of Epoch, we may be compelled (under equitable doctrines or for other reasons) to assume various unknown liabilities of Epoch or liabilities that we did not expressly agree to assume, including various tax, environmental, and retirement plan liabilities.



•

Retention of Customers: The primary "asset" we expect to receive from Epoch is the recurring revenue from its existing hosting and colocation customers. Most of the customer agreements we are assuming are terminable by the customer with little advanced notice. Numerous customers may terminate their use of our services in connection with the Epoch acquisition. If such customers do terminate, we would have little or no recourse against such customers or Epoch.

There are numerous risks associated with consummation of the Dolphin financing;

        If the Dolphin financing is consummated in full, we would issue $1.1 million in Dolphin Notes and the Dolphin Warrants to Dolphin, sign an investor rights and registration agreement and take certain

20

other actions in exchange for $1.1 million in cash. The consummation of such transaction involves, among other risks, the following risks:

•

Dilution: The Dolphin Notes are convertible into 13.2% of the outstanding shares of common stock of VHI on the closing date of the Epoch acquisition following the consummation of the Epoch acquisition, subject to adjustment to avoid dilution from shares of common stock of VHI that may be issued to former VitalStream shareholders under the contingent share provisions of the VitalStream Merger Agreement and that may be issued to Epoch pursuant to the Epoch Acquisition Agreement. The Dolphin Warrants permit the holder to purchase up to an aggregate of 2.38% of the outstanding common stock of VHI as of the close of the Epoch acquisition, subject to adjustment on the same terms as the Dolphin Note, at an exercise price of $.3432 per share during a three-year term. As of the date of this report, assuming consummation of the Epoch acquisition, the Dolphin Note is convertible into 4,455,014 shares of VHI common stock and the Dolphin Warrant is exercisable for 801,902 shares of VHI common stock. If the VitalStream shareholders receive all shares issuable under the contingent share provisions of the VitalStream Merger Agreement (and assuming that 30% of the revenues used to reach certain earnout targets are from Epoch customers), the number of shares issuable to the holders of the Dolphin Notes would increase to 6,873,576 shares of VHI common stock, and the number of shares subject to the Dolphin warrants would increase to 1,237,244 shares of VHI common stock.



•

Restrictive Covenants: The Note Purchase Agreement contains various restrictive covenants limiting the ability of VHI to engage in significant financing, acquisition, disposition, and other transactions without the consent of the holders of the Dolphin Notes. Such restrictive covenants may limit our ability to expand in accordance with our business plans and may be used by the holders of the Dolphin Notes to obtain special concessions from the Company.

Our target market is new and may not grow at a pace that permits us to continue to grow.

        The market for Internet broadcasting services is new and rapidly evolving. We cannot be certain that a viable market for our services will emerge or be sustainable. Factors that may inhibit the development of a viable market for Internet broadcasting services include:

•

Content providers may be unwilling to broadcast over the Internet because of issues such as protecting copyrights, royalty payments to artists and publishers, illegal copying and distribution of data, and other intellectual property rights issues.



•

Consumers may decide not to acquire broadband connectivity to the Internet at anticipated rates because of, among other factors, poor reception of electronic broadcasts or the creation or expansion of competing technologies that provide a similar service at lower cost.

        If the market for Internet broadcasting services does not develop, or develops more slowly than expected, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be seriously harmed.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate and our future revenues and profitability are uncertain.

        Our past operating results have been subject to fluctuations, on a quarterly and annual basis. We may also experience significant fluctuations in future quarterly and annual operating results due to a wide variety of factors. Because of these fluctuations, comparisons of operating results from period to period are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance. Factors that may cause operating results to fluctuate include, but are not limited to:

•

demand for and market acceptance of the Company's services;

21

•

introduction of new services or enhancements by us and our competitors;



•

technical difficulties or system downtime affecting the Internet generally or the Company's network operations specifically;



•

the mix of services delivered by us or our competitors;



•

customer retention;



•

the timing and success of our advertising and marketing efforts and introductions of new services to our customers and the timing and success of the marketing efforts and introductions of new services to the customers of our resellers;



•

increased competition and consolidation within the streaming and Web hosting markets;



•

changes in our pricing policies and the pricing policies of our competitors;



•

our consummation of any significant acquisition transaction;



•

gains or losses of key strategic relationships; and



•

other general and industry-specific economic factors.

        We cannot provide any assurances about the extent to which we will be successful in achieving any plans to increase the size of our customer base, the amount of services we offer or the amount, if any, of increase in revenues we will experience during the next fiscal year, or beyond. In addition, relatively large portions of our expenses are fixed in the short-term, and therefore our results of operations are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in revenues. Also, if we were unable to continue using third-party products in its service offerings, our service development costs could increase significantly.

        In addition, the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001 have created an uncertain economic environment and we cannot predict the impact of these events, any subsequent terrorist acts or of any related military action, on our customers or business. We believe that, in light of these events, some businesses may curtail spending on information technology, which could also affect our quarterly results in the future.

We may be unable to manage significant growth.

        In order to successfully implement our business strategy, we must establish and achieve substantial growth in our customer base through sales, through business acquisitions or a combination thereof. If achieved, significant growth would place significant demands on our management and systems of financial and internal controls, and will almost certainly require an increase in the capacity, efficiency and accuracy of our billing and customer support systems. Moreover, significant growth would require an increase in the number of our personnel, particularly within sales and marketing, customer service and technical support. The market for such personnel remains highly competitive, and we may not be able to attract and retain the qualified personnel required by our business strategy. Further, if successful in attracting new customers, we will outgrow our present facilities, placing additional strains on our management in trying to locate and to manage multiple locations.

We may be unable to obtain capital necessary to continue operations and fuel growth.

        Our business plan contemplates continued expansion of our operations in the foreseeable future. If we are to grow as contemplated in our acquisition strategy, of which there can be no assurance, we will need to seek additional funding from the capital markets. We expect to fund our future capital requirements, if any, through existing resources, sales of our services and debt or equity financings. Additionally, we anticipate continuing to fund purchases of equipment necessary to provide service to our customers via lease and or bank lines of credit.

22

        We may not be successful in raising sufficient debt or equity capital on terms that we would consider to be acceptable, or at all. Failure to generate sufficient funds may require us to delay or abandon some of our future expansion or planned expenditures or to discontinue some of our operations, which would have a material adverse effect on our growth and our ability to compete in the electronic broadcasting industry.

We may be unable to compete successfully against existing or future competitors.

        Our current and future competitors in Internet broadcasting may include other digital content delivery providers, Internet broadcast network specialty providers and alternative access providers such as various cable television companies, direct broadcast satellite, DSL, wireless communications providers and other established media companies. Many of these competitors have greater market presence, brand recognition, engineering and marketing capabilities, and financial, technological and personnel resources than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able to:

•

deploy new media-related products and services more quickly;



•

develop and expand their communications and network infrastructures more quickly;



•

adapt more swiftly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements;



•

take advantage of acquisition and other opportunities more readily; and



•

devote greater resources to the marketing and sales of their products.

        In addition, various organizations, including certain of those identified above, have entered into or are forming joint ventures or consortiums to provide services similar to our services.

Our services are subject to system failure and security risks.

        Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our network infrastructure against damage from natural disasters, such as fire, earthquakes and floods, as well as power loss, telecommunications failures and similar events. Most of our network and computer equipment, including components critical to our operations, are currently concentrated in one location in California, which in the recent past has experienced threatened power shortages. The remainder of our equipment is in two, third-party data centers, one located in Ashburn, Virginia, and the other in Chicago, Illinois. The occurrence of a natural disaster or other unanticipated system or power failures could cause interruptions in the services we provide. Although we provide backup power solutions, power failures or the lack of expansion power within our location could cause interruptions in our service. Additionally, failure of one or several of our telecommunications providers to provide the data communications capacity we require as a result of natural disasters, operational disruptions or for any other reason could cause interruptions in the services we provide. Any damage or failure that causes interruptions in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Our networks are also subject to factors that could cause interruptions in service or reduced capacity for our customers. Despite the implementation of security measures, the core of our network infrastructure is vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, equipment failure and other disruptive problems, including the following:

•

We and our users may experience interruptions in service as a result of the accidental or intentional actions of Internet users, current and former employees or others.



•

Unauthorized access may jeopardize the security of confidential information stored in our computer systems and our customers' computer systems, which may result in liability to our customers and also may deter potential customers.

23

•

We may face liability for transmitting viruses to third parties that damage or impair their access to computer networks, programs, data or information.



•

There may be a systemic failure of Internet communications, leading to claims associated with the general unavailability of the Internet.



•

Eliminating computer viruses and alleviating other security problems may require interruptions, delays or cessation of service to our customers.



•

Although we employ redundant systems virtually throughout our network, it is possible for equipment failure to disrupt service to our customers, which could materially impact our operations.

        The occurrence of any unauthorized access, computer virus, equipment failure or other disruptive problem could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent upon key personnel who may leave at any time.

        We are highly dependent upon the efforts of our senior management team, the loss of any of whom could impede our growth and ability to execute our business strategy. In addition, we believe that our future success will depend in large part on our ability to attract and retain qualified technical and marketing personnel for whom there is intense competition in the areas of our activities. The loss of the services of key personnel or the failure to attract or retain additional personnel as required could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be unable to keep up with evolving industry standards and changing user needs.

        The market for Internet media-related services is characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, changing user needs and frequent new service and product introductions. Our success will depend in part on our ability to identify, obtain authorized access to and use third party-provided technologies effectively, to continue to develop our technical capabilities, to enhance our existing services and to develop new services to meet changing user needs in a timely and cost-effective manner. In addition, new industry standards have the potential to replace or provide lower-cost alternatives to our services. The adoption of such new industry standards could render our existing services obsolete and unmarketable or require reduction in the fees charged. Any failure on our part to identify, adopt and use new technologies effectively, to develop our technical capabilities, to develop new services or to enhance existing services in a timely and cost-effective manner could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be unable to grow if methods of high-speed Internet access are not widely deployed.

        Our business is greatly enhanced by (and generally assumes adoption of) fundamental changes in the method of Internet access delivery to consumers. Currently, consumers access the Internet primarily via computers connected to public telephone networks through dial-up access or leased lines. A number of alternative methods for users to obtain high-speed access to the Internet, including cable modems, DSL, satellites and other terrestrial and wireless telecommunications technologies, collectively "Broadband Internet Access," currently provided by third-party suppliers are in use or are under development. We believe that these technologies need to be deployed to consumers on a large scale before the delivery of media entertainment over the Internet will be truly viable. The failure of Broadband Internet Access to gain rapid acceptance could have a material adverse effect on our ability to execute our business plan and consequently on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Recent financial difficulties and bankruptcies experienced by several high profile wholesale

24

and consumer providers of broadband connectivity may negatively impact the growth rate and availability of Broadband Internet Access.

We are dependent upon third-party suppliers and may be unable to find alternative suppliers.

        We rely on other companies to supply key components of our network infrastructure, including telecommunications services, networking equipment and data center facilities, which are available only from limited sources. Additionally, we rely on third-party development of technology to provide media-related functionality, such as streaming media formats and payment processing. We do not have long-term agreements governing the supply of many of these services or technologies. There can be no assurance that we can continue to obtain such services or licenses for such technologies at a commercially reasonable cost.

        We are also dependent upon regional bell operating companies, and certain other local exchange carriers, Competitive Local Exchange Carriers, and other access providers to provide telecommunications services to our customers and to us. Certain of these telecommunications companies compete with us. Additionally, many of the access providers have experienced financial problems, and some have even gone into bankruptcy. We have, from time to time, experienced delays and interruptions in receiving telecommunications services, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such services on the scale and within the time frames we require at a commercially reasonable cost, if at all. Some of our suppliers, including the regional bell operating companies and certain other local exchange carriers, are currently subject to tariff controls and other price constraints, which in the future could be changed. Such regulatory changes could result in increased prices of services and products to us.

Providing services to customers with critical web sites and web-based applications could potentially expose us to lawsuits for customers' lost profits or other damages.

        Because our streaming and Web hosting services are critical to many of our customers' businesses, any significant interruption in those services could result in lost profits or other indirect or consequential damages to our customers as well as negative publicity and additional expenditures for us to correct the problem. Although the standard terms and conditions of our customer contracts disclaim liability for any such damages, a customer could still bring a lawsuit against us claiming lost profits or other consequential damages as the result of a service interruption or other Web site or application problems that the customer may ascribe to it. A court might not enforce any limitations on our liability, and the outcome of any lawsuit would depend on the specific facts of the case and legal and policy considerations even if the Company believes it would have meritorious defenses to any such claims. In such cases, we could be liable for substantial damage awards. Such damage awards might exceed our liability insurance by significant amounts, which would seriously harm our business and financial condition and liquidity.

We could face liability for information distributed through our network.

        The law relating to the liability of online services companies for information carried on or distributed through their networks is currently unsettled. Online services companies could be subject to claims under both United States and foreign law for defamation, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, violation of securities laws or other theories based on the nature and content of the materials distributed through their networks. Several private lawsuits seeking to impose such liability upon other entities are currently pending against other companies. In addition, organizations and individuals have sent unsolicited commercial e-mails from servers hosted by service providers to massive numbers of people, typically to advertise products or services. This practice, known as "spamming," can lead to complaints against service providers that enable such activities, particularly where recipients

25

view the materials received as offensive. We may, in the future, receive letters from recipients of information transmitted by our customers objecting to such transmission. Although we prohibit our customers by contract from spamming, we cannot assure that our customers will not engage in this practice, which could subject us to claims for damages.

        In addition, we may become subject to proposed legislation that would impose liability for or prohibit the transmission over the Internet of some types of information. Other countries may also enact legislation or take action that could impose liability on us or cause us not to be able to operate in those countries. The imposition upon us and other online services of potential liability for information carried on or distributed through our systems could require us to implement measures to reduce our exposure to this liability, which may require us to expend substantial resources, or to discontinue service offerings. The increased attention focused upon liability issues as a result of these lawsuits and legislative proposals also could affect the growth of Internet use.

Increases in government regulation may have an adverse affect on our business.

        The services provided by telecommunications carriers are governed by regulatory policies establishing charges and terms for wireline communications. We are not a telecommunications carrier but we do provide Internet broadcasting services, in part, through data transmissions over private and public telephone lines provided by telecommunications carriers. Operators of value-added networks that utilize regulated transmission facilities only as part of a data services package currently are excluded from regulations that apply to "telecommunications carriers" and, as such, we are not currently subject to direct regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC"). The FCC has to date treated companies providing services similar to those provided by us as "enhanced service providers," exempt from federal and state regulations governing common carriers, including the obligation to pay access charges and contribute to the universal service fund. If the FCC were to require Internet service providers like us to pay access charges or to contribute to the universal service fund when the Internet service provider provides its own transmission facilities and engages in data transport over those facilities in order to provide an information service, the resultant increase in cost could have a material adverse effect on our operations and our financial condition.

        Additionally, electronic commerce on the Internet has been generally exempted from taxation at the federal and state levels since 1995. This exemption is occasionally under examination by the United States Congress, where there can be no assurance that it will continue. If the United States Congress or states enact new taxes on electronic commerce, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Trading in our common stock is thin, and there is a limit to the liquidity of our common stock.

        Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board. The volume of trading in our common stock is limited and likely dominated by a few individuals. Because of the thinness of the market for our stock, the price of our common stock may be subject to manipulation by one or more shareholders. In addition, the limited volume of trading limits significantly the number of shares that one can purchase or sell in a short period of time. Consequently, an investor may find it more difficult to dispose of shares of our common stock or to obtain a fair price for our common stock in the market.

26

Our stock price is volatile and subject to manipulation.

        The market price of our common stock, like that of the securities of other early stage companies, may be highly volatile. Our stock price may change dramatically as the result of various factors, including the following:

•

Manipulation of our stock price by existing or future shareholders;



•

Announcements by us or competitors concerning technological innovations, new products or procedures developed by us or our competitors,



•

The adoption or amendment of governmental regulations and similar developments in the United States and abroad that may affect our products, financial markets in which our stock trades specifically or financial markets generally,



•

Disputes relating to patents or proprietary rights,



•

Publicity regarding actual or potential results relating to product candidates under development by us or a competitor,



•

Delays in product development,



•

Slow acceptance of our products in new or existing markets, and



•

Economic and other external market factors, such as a general decline in market prices due to poor economic indicators, lack of investor confidence or investor distrust.

Our ability to issue preferred stock may significantly dilute ownership and voting power and negatively affect the price of our common stock.

        Under our Articles of Incorporation, as amended, we are authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors has the authority to create various series of preferred stock with such voting and other rights superior to those of our common stock and to issue such stock without shareholder approval. This issuance of such preferred stock would dilute the ownership and voting power of the holders of our common stock and may have a negative effect on the price of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock without shareholder approval may also be used by management to stop or delay a change of control.

We may issue an additional approximately 11.24 million shares of common stock to the former shareholders of VitalStream, which could cause significant dilution of our common stock.

        Under the terms of our merger agreement with VitalStream, in addition to the approximately 1.76 million shares of VHI common stock to be issued to the former shareholders of VitalStream as a result of the revenues reported in this report, we agreed to issue up to approximately 11.24 million additional shares of our common stock to the former shareholders of VitalStream if certain financial performance and other thresholds are met. The issuance of the additional approximately 11.24 million shares of our common stock would dilute the ownership and voting power of the holders of our common stock and may have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock. The issuance of such additional shares would also trigger the antidilution provisions of the Epoch Purchase Agreement, Dolphin Notes and Dolphin Warrants (if such transactions close), which would result in additional significant dilution, as described in "There are numerous risks associated with consummation of the Epoch acquisition" and "There are numerous risks associated with consummation of the Dolphin financing" above.

27

We have not declared any dividends with respect to our common stock.

        We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We intend to retain earnings, if any, to finance the operation and expansion of our business and, therefore, we do not expect to pay cash dividends on our shares of common stock in the foreseeable future.

Our common stock may be a "low-priced stock" and subject to certain regulatory action that limits or restricts the market for such stock.

        Shares of our common stock may be deemed to be "penny stock," resulting in increased risks to our investors and certain requirements being imposed on some brokers who execute transactions in our common stock. In general, a penny stock is an equity security that

•

Is priced under five dollars;



•

Is not traded on a national stock exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or the Nasdaq SmallCap Market;



•

Is issued by a company that has less than $5 million dollars in net tangible assets (if it has been in continuous operation for less than three years) or has less than $2 million dollars in net tangible assets (if it has been in continuous operation for at least three years); and



•

Is issued by a company that has average revenues of less than $6 million for the past three years.

        Our common stock has a trading price below five dollars; our common stock is not trading on an exchange or NASDAQ; we have average revenues of less than $6 million; depending upon how governing rules are interpreted, we probably have not been in continuous operation for more than three years; and we have less than $5 million dollars in net tangible assets. Accordingly, we believe that our common stock is likely a "penny stock." At any time our common stock qualifies as a penny stock, the following requirements, among others, will generally apply:

•

Certain broker-dealers who recommend our common stock to persons other than established customers and accredited investors must make a special written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to a transaction prior to sale.



•

Prior to executing any transaction involving our common stock, certain broker-dealers must deliver to certain purchasers a disclosure schedule explaining the risks involved in owning penny stock, the broker-dealer's duties to the customer, a toll-free telephone number for inquiries about the broker-dealer's disciplinary history, and the customer's rights and remedies in case of fraud or abuse in the sale.



•

In connection with the execution of any transaction involving our common stock, certain broker dealers must deliver to certain purchasers the following:



•

Bid and offer price quotes and volume information;



•

The broker-dealer's compensation for the trade;



•

The compensation received by certain salespersons for the trade;



•

Monthly account statements; and



•

A written statement of the customer's financial situation and investment goals.

        These requirements significantly add to the burden of the broker-dealer and limit the market for penny stocks. These regulatory burdens may severely affect the liquidity and market price for our common stock.

28

We may be subject to certain provisions of the California corporate code at various times.

        Because we are a Nevada corporation, the rights of our stockholders are generally governed by the Nevada Private Corporations Law. However, under Section 2115(a) of the California Corporations Code, we are subject to various sections of the California Corporations Code during any year if, on January 1 of such year, more than one-half of our outstanding voting securities are held by California residents and our principal business operations are located in California. We expect that, as of January 1, 2003, California residents will hold more than one-half of our outstanding voting securities and our principal business operations will be located in California. During any year that is the case, the rights of VHI shareholders will be altered by the effect of Section 2115(a) of the California Corporations Code. Although such provisions are designed to enhance the rights of shareholders, they may benefit some shareholders at the expense of others, limit management's ability to operate the Company and, in instances where Nevada and applicable California corporate law conflict, cause confusion about what laws govern the actions of VHI.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        We do not have any derivative instruments, commodity instruments, or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor are we presently at risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

        (a)  Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-14(c) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), within 90 days of the filing date of this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to our Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act

        (b)  There have been no significant changes (including corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses) in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation referenced in paragraph (a) above.

29

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

        Pursuant to the VitalStream Merger Agreement, the former VitalStream shareholders are entitled to receive additional "contingent" shares of VHI common stock upon the occurrence of certain events. Under Sections 1.4(b) and 1.4(c)(vi) of the VitalStream Merger Agreement, the former VitalStream shareholders and optionholders are entitled to receive an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of, and options on, VHI common stock if VHI's net revenue for any calendar quarter prior to March 31, 2003 exceeds $1,000,000. Because our revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 exceeded $1,000,000, we expect to issue 1,757,981 shares of VHI common stock to the former VitalStream shareholders, and options to purchase 242,019 shares of VHI common stock to the former VitalStream optionholders, both during the week following the filing of this report. Such shares will be issued in reliance upon the exemptions for sales of securities not involving a public offering set forth in Rule 506 promulgated under the Securities Act and Section 4(2) of the Securities Act based upon factors set forth in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, filed with the SEC on August 13, 2002.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

        Commencing on our about June 14, 2002, we distributed to our shareholders a Consent Solicitation Statement and related consent seeking approval by majority written consent of a proposed amendment to our Articles of Incorporation changing our name from "Sensar Corporation" to "VitalStream Holdings, Inc." (the "Amendment"). There were 22,232,999 shares of our common stock eligible to vote on the Amendment. On or before July 15, 2002, the deadline for receipt of consents set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement, we had received signed consents voting in favor of the Amendment from the holders of 11,863,462 shares of our common stock, which number was sufficient for approval of the Amendment. (The holders of 10,369,537 shares of our common stock did not return signed consents by the July 15, 2002 deadline). The Amendment was filed on or about July 17, 2002 and the name change became effective on July 26, 2002.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)

See Exhibit Index attached hereto.



(b)

Reports on Form 8-K

None

30

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

31

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Paul Summers, certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of VitalStream Holdings, Inc.;

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)    presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

32

I, Philip N. Kaplan, certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of VitalStream Holdings, Inc.;

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)    presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

33

I, Kevin D. Herzog, certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of VitalStream Holdings, Inc.;

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)    presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

34

EXHIBIT INDEX

35

QuickLinks

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Item 3 . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders .
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K