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Table of Contents

United States
Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2002

or

( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 23346

EQUITY MARKETING, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter.)
 
     
Delaware   13-3534145
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
6330 San Vicente Blvd.    
Los Angeles, CA   90048
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(323) 932-4300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

     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 periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [  ]       No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date:

Common Stock, $.001 Par Value, 5,748,603 shares as of November 11, 2002.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
Exhibit 99.1
Exhibit 99.2


Table of Contents

EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

Index To Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
September 30, 2002

      Page
     
Part I.
Financial Information
     
  Item 1.
Financial Statements
  3  
  Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  18  
  Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
  26  
Part II.
Other Information
     
  Item 6.
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
  27  

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)

ASSETS

  December 31,   September 30,
  2001   2002
 
 
            (Unaudited)
                   
CURRENT ASSETS:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,935       $ 22,847  
Marketable securities
    7,200         500  
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $2,336 and $2,596 as of December 31, 2001 and
September 30, 2002, respectively)
    22,695         29,463  
Note receivable (Note 6)
    2,183          
Inventories (Note 2)
    9,337         13,581  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    6,775         6,607  
     
       
 
Total current assets
    70,125         72,998  
Fixed assets, net
    4,178         4,243  
Goodwill (Notes 2 and 7)
    24,690         33,091  
Other intangibles, net (Notes 2 and 7)
    749         846  
Other assets
    1,620         1,547  
     
       
 
Total assets
  $ 101,362       $ 112,725  
     
       
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

  December 31,   September 30,
  2001   2002
 
 
            (Unaudited)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                 
Accounts payable
  $ 22,114       $ 24,001  
Accrued liabilities
    11,391         20,422  
     
       
 
Total current liabilities
    33,505         44,423  
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    2,335         2,143  
     
       
 
Total liabilities
    35,840         46,566  
     
       
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                 
Mandatory redeemable preferred stock, Series A senior cumulative participating convertible, $.001 par value per share, 25,000 issued and outstanding, stated at liquidation preference of $1,000 per share ($25,000), net of issuance costs
    23,049         23,049  
     
       
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
                 
Preferred stock, $.001 par value per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 25,000 Series A issued and outstanding
             
Common stock, $.001 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 5,715,293 and 5,748,603 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2001 and September 30, 2002, respectively
             
Additional paid-in capital
    20,050         20,854  
Retained earnings
    35,964         35,689  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    242         1,366  
     
       
 
      56,256         57,909  
Less–
                 
Treasury stock, 2,869,793 and 2,899,608 shares, at cost, as of December 31, 2001 and
September 30, 2002, respectively (Note 4)
    (13,773)         (14,164)  
Unearned compensation
    (10)         (635)  
     
       
 
Total stockholders’ equity
    42,473         43,110  
     
       
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 101,362       $ 112,725  
     
       
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
 
    2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
REVENUES
  $ 40,828     $ 53,119     $ 97,092     $ 136,385  
COST OF SALES
    29,187       38,084       69,258       99,865  
FORGIVENESS OF NOTE RECEIVABLE (Note 6)
                      1,685  
     
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    11,641       15,035       27,834       34,835  
     
     
     
     
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
    4,152       6,054       11,428       14,979  
Selling, general and administrative
    4,725       5,490       12,001       14,552  
Integration costs (Note 7)
    81       161       81       219  
Restructuring charge (Note 8)
          178             178  
     
     
     
     
 
Total operating expenses
    8,958       11,883       23,510       29,928  
     
     
     
     
 
Income from operations
    2,683       3,152       4,324       4,907  
OTHER INCOME, net
    206       121       1,400       191  
     
     
     
     
 
Income before provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
    2,889       3,273       5,724       5,098  
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    1,088       1,142       2,148       1,752  
     
     
     
     
 
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
  $ 1,801     $ 2,131     $ 3,576     $ 3,346  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles, net of tax (Note 2)
                      (2,496 )
     
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 1,801     $ 2,131     $ 3,576     $ 850  
     
     
     
     
 
NET INCOME
    1,801       2,131       3,576       850  
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
    375       375       1,125       1,125  
     
     
     
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
    1,426       1,756       2,451       (275 )
     
     
     
     
 
BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
                               
Income per share before cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
  $ 0.24     $ 0.31     $ 0.41     $ 0.39  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
                      (0.44 )
     
     
     
     
 
BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
  $ 0.24     $ 0.31     $ 0.41     $ (0.05 )
     
     
     
     
 
BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
    5,978,322       5,740,001       6,048,926       5,714,546  
     
     
     
     
 
DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
                               
Income per share before cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
  $ 0.23     $ 0.28     $ 0.39     $ 0.38  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
                      (0.42 )
     
     
     
     
 
DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
  $ 0.23     $ 0.28     $ 0.39     $ (0.05 )
     
     
     
     
 
DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
    7,877,538       7,582,285       6,223,071       5,908,233  
     
     
     
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
 
    2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
NET INCOME
  $ 1,801     $ 2,131     $ 3,576     $ 850  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 2)
    377       222       377       1,164  
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts (Note 2)
          130             (40 )
     
     
     
     
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 2,178     $ 2,483     $ 3,953     $ 1,974  
     
     
     
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)

    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   
    2001   2002
   
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income
  $ 3,576     $ 850  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles, net of tax
          2,496  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,770       1,311  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    163       334  
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets
    3       (12 )
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    246       16  
Amortization of restricted stock
          33  
Forgiveness of note receivable
          1,685  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents:
               
Accounts receivable
    3,228       (4,250 )
Note receivable
    6,171       498  
Inventories
    (1,409 )     (2,430 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (277 )     2,552  
Other assets
    (665 )     75  
Accounts payable
    (1,291 )     (1,234 )
Accrued liabilities
    (7,149 )     4,120  
Long-term liabilities
    (72 )     (92 )
     
     
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    4,294       5,952  
     
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of fixed assets
    (889 )     (624 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
          133  
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    5,100       6,700  
Payment for purchase of UPSHOT
          (9,997 )
Payment for purchase of Logistix Limited, net of $1,747 cash acquired
    (11,408 )      
Payment for purchase of Contract Marketing, Inc. and U.S. Import and Promotion Co.
    (556 )      
     
     
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (7,753 )     (3,788 )
     
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payment of preferred stock dividends
    (1,125 )     (1,125 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (5,078 )     (391 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    1,227       130  
     
     
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (4,976 )     (1,386 )
     
     
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (8,435 )     778  
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    28       134  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    32,405       21,935  
     
     
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 23,998     $ 22,847  
     
     
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
CASH PAID FOR:
               
Interest
  $ 157     $ 184  
     
     
 
Income taxes
  $ 2,179     $ 255  
     
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

Equity Marketing, Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a leading global marketing services company based in Los Angeles, with offices in Chicago, New York, London, Paris and Hong Kong. The Company focuses on the design and execution of strategy-based marketing programs, with particular expertise in the areas of: strategic planning and research, entertainment marketing, design and manufacturing of custom promotional products, promotion, event marketing, collaborative marketing and environmental marketing. The Company’s clients include Burger King Corporation, CVS/pharmacy, Diageo, Kellogg’s, Morgan Stanley, and Procter & Gamble, among others. The Company complements its core promotions business by developing and marketing distinctive consumer products, based on trademarks it owns or classic licensed properties, which are sold through specialty and mass-market retailers. The Company primarily sells to customers in the United States and Europe.

Equity Marketing Hong Kong, Ltd., a Delaware corporation (“EMHK”), is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company. EMHK manages production of the Company’s products by third parties in the Far East and currently is responsible for performing and/or procuring product sourcing, product engineering, quality control inspections, independent safety testing and export/import documentation.

On July 31, 2001, the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Logistix Limited, a United Kingdom corporation, (“Logistix”) (see Note 7 — Acquisitions). Logistix is a marketing services agency which focuses primarily on assisting consumer packaged goods companies in their efforts to market to children between the ages of seven and fourteen by developing and executing premium-based promotions and by providing marketing consulting services. Logistix also derives a portion of its revenues from a consumer products business which holds the license for the Robot Wars® entertainment property, among others.

On July 17, 2002, the Company acquired the principal assets of Promotional Marketing, L.L.C. d/b/a UPSHOT, an Illinois limited liability company (“UPSHOT”) (see Note 7 — Acquisitions). UPSHOT is a marketing agency, specializing in promotion, event, collaborative, and environmental marketing. UPSHOT has a reputation for creating highly successful integrated marketing programs for world class brands such as Diageo, Morgan Stanley, and Procter & Gamble.

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of management and subject to year-end audit, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Net Income per Share

Basic net income per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Net income available to common stockholders represents reported net income (loss) less preferred stock dividend requirements.

Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted EPS includes in-the-money options and warrants using the treasury stock method and also includes the dilutive effect of the assumed conversion of preferred stock using the if-converted method. Options and warrants to purchase 1,481,666 and 1,918,666 shares of common stock, $.001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), as of September 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as they would have been anti-dilutive. For the nine

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months ended September 30, 2001 and 2002, preferred stock convertible into 1,694,915 shares of common stock was excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as it would have been anti-dilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computation for “income available to common shareholders” and other disclosures required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, “Earnings per Share”:

  For the Three Months Ended September 30,
  2001   2002
 
 
  Income
(Numerator)
  Shares
(Denominator)
  Per Share
Amount
  Income
(Numerator)
  Shares
(Denominator)
  Per Share
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS:
                                             
Income available to common stockholders
$ 1,426       5,978,322     $  0.24     $ 1,756       5,740,001     $  0.31  
                   
                     
 
Preferred stock dividends
  375                     375                
Effect of dilutive securities:
                                             
Options and warrants
        204,301                     147,369          
Convertible preferred stock
        1,694,915                     1,694,915          
   
     
             
     
         
Dilutive EPS:
                                             
Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversion
$ 1,801       7,877,538     $  0.23     $ 2,131       7,582,285     $  0.28  
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2001   2002
 
 
  Income
(Numerator)
  Shares
(Denominator)
  Per Share
Amount
  Income
(Numerator)
  Shares
(Denominator)
  Per Share
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic EPS:
                                             
Income(loss) available to common stockholders
$ 2,451       6,048,926     $ 0.41     $ (275 )     5,714,546     $ (0.05)  
                   
                     
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                                             
Options and warrants
        174,145                     193,687          
   
     
             
     
         
Dilutive EPS:
                                             
Income (loss) available to common stockholders and assumed conversion
$ 2,451       6,223,071     $ 0.39     $ (275 )     5,908,233     $ (0.05)  
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

Inventories

Inventories consist of (a) production-in-process which primarily represents tooling costs which are deferred and amortized over the life of the products and deferred costs on service contracts and (b) purchased finished goods held for sale to customers and purchased finished goods in transit to customers’ distribution centers. Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. As of December 31, 2001 and September 30, 2002, inventories consisted of the following:

  December 31,
2001
  September 30,
2002
 
 
Production-in-process
$ 3,991     $ 3,334  
Finished goods
  5,346       10,247  
   
     
 
  $ 9,337     $ 13,581  
   
     
 

As of September 30, 2002, inventories increased $4,244 to $13,581 from $9,337 at December 31, 2001. This increase in inventories is primarily the result of increased promotional programs expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2002 relative to the first quarter of 2002.

Foreign Currency Translation

Net foreign exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of foreign subsidiaries’ accounts whose functional currency is not the United States dollar are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. For such subsidiaries their accounts are translated into United States dollars at the following rates of exchange: assets and liabilities at period-end exchange rates, equity accounts at historical rates, and income and expense accounts at average exchange rates during the period.

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For subsidiaries with transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currency, net foreign exchange transaction gains or losses are included in determining net income. Transaction gains or losses included in net income for the quarters ended September 30, 2001 and 2002 were not significant.

Derivative Instruments

The Company adopted SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. SFAS No. 133 requires that an entity recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.

The Company designates its derivatives based upon criteria established by SFAS No. 133. For a derivative designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributed to the risk being hedged. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately.

The Company uses derivatives to manage exposures to foreign currency. The Company’s objective for holding derivatives is to decrease the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to minimize the short-term impact of foreign currency fluctuations on foreign currency receivables, investments, and payables. The gains and losses on the foreign exchange forward contracts offset the transaction gains and losses on the foreign currency receivables, investments, and payables recognized in earnings. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading purposes. Gains and losses on the contracts are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations and offset foreign exchange gains or losses from the revaluation of intercompany balances or other current assets, investments, and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the reporting entity. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts related to current assets and liabilities generally range from one to nine months in original maturity.

The Company’s Logistix subsidiary entered into four foreign currency forward contracts to sell Euro’s in exchange for pound sterling aggregating GBP 1,181 at an average rate of 1.596. These contracts expire on various dates between December 2002 and March 2003. At September 30, 2002, these foreign currency forward contracts had a balance of GBP 1,181 and an estimated fair value of $(10). The fair value of these foreign currency forward contracts is recorded in accrued liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2002. The unrealized loss on these contracts is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Revenue Recognition

For product related sales, the Company records revenues when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. When a right of return exists, the Company’s practice is to estimate and provide for any future returns at the time of sale, in accordance with SFAS No. 48, “Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists.” Accruals for customer discounts and rebates and defective returns are recorded as the related revenues are recognized.

Service revenues include all amounts that are billable to clients under service contracts. Service related revenues are recognized on a time and materials basis, or on a straight-line basis, depending on the contract. Revenues from time and materials service contracts are recognized as the services are rendered. Revenues from fixed price retainer contracts are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Losses on contracts are recognized during the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Reimbursements, including those relating to travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, and other similar third-party costs, such as printing costs, are included in revenues, and an equivalent amount of reimbursable expenses are included in cost of sales. Service revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 2002 totaled $1,339 and $5,944, respectively. Service revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2002 totaled $2,445 and $6,435, respectively. Unbilled revenues represent revenues recognized in advance of billings rendered based on work performed to date on certain service contracts. Unbilled revenues as of December 31, 2001 and September 30, 2002 totaled $0 and $1,067, respectively. Unbilled revenues are recorded in accounts receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2002. Unbilled revenues are expected to be billed and collected within the next six months.

The Company’s revenue recognition policies are in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101: “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.”

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles

SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” were approved by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) effective June 30, 2001 for business combinations consummated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method for business combinations and requires use of the purchase method. SFAS No. 142 changes the accounting for goodwill and certain other intangible assets from an amortization approach to a non-amortization (impairment) approach. The statement requires amortization of goodwill recorded in connection with previous business combinations to cease upon adoption of the statement by calendar year companies on January 1, 2002. The statement required the Company to perform a transitional goodwill impairment test, using values as of the beginning of the fiscal year that SFAS No. 142 is adopted. The Company completed the goodwill transitional impairment test in the second quarter of 2002. As a result, the Company determined that a non-cash charge in the amount of $2,496, net of tax, is required in connection with the goodwill resulting from the 1998 acquisition of Contract Marketing, Inc. and U.S. Import and Promotions Co., collectively referred to as “USI.” The transition charge is reflected as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principles effective January 1, 2002, and therefore, results for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 have been adjusted retroactively. The Company has adopted the provisions of these statements for the acquisition of Logistix (see Note 7) effective July 1, 2001 and for all other acquisitions effective January 1, 2002. Accordingly, beginning on January 1, 2002, the Company has foregone all related goodwill amortization expense, which totaled $125 and $367, net of tax effect, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, respectively.

Prior to implementing SFAS No. 142, the Company reviewed all goodwill assets for impairment under the methodology of SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of.” The undiscounted cash flows associated with all goodwill assets were in excess of the book value of the related goodwill assets, including USI goodwill. Therefore, no goodwill assets, including USI goodwill, were considered impaired under SFAS No. 121.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, the reconciliation of reported net income and diluted income per share to adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per share reflecting the elimination of goodwill amortization is as follows:

    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2001
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2001
   
 
Net income available to common stockholders, as reported
  $ 1,426     $ 2,451  
Add back: Elimination of goodwill amortization (net of tax effect)
    125       367  
     
     
 
Net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted
  $ 1,551     $ 2,818  
     
     
 
Diluted income per share
               
Income per share, as reported
  $ 0.23     $ 0.39  
Add back: Elimination of goodwill amortization (net of tax effect)
    0.02       0.06  
     
     
 
Income per share, as adjusted
  $ 0.25     $ 0.45  
     
     
 

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill from $24,690 as of December 31, 2001 to $33,091 as of September 30, 2002 reflects: the acquisition of UPSHOT of $11,571, the USI goodwill impairment charge of $(4,000), a foreign currency translation adjustment of $924 and the adjustment to reflect the net reduction to goodwill for the Logistix acquisition of $(94) (see Note 7). The entire balance of the goodwill relates to the promotions segment.

Identifiable intangibles of $846 as of September 30, 2002, and $749 as of December 31, 2001, a portion of which are subject to amortization, are included in other intangibles in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, the carrying value of assets acquired, including goodwill, are reviewed annually. During such a review the Company will estimate the fair value of the reporting unit to which the assets were assigned by discounting the reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows before interest. The Company will compare the discounted flows to the carrying value of the acquired net assets to determine if an impairment loss has occurred. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their estimated fair values.

Royalties

The Company enters into agreements to license intellectual properties such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents. The agreements may call for minimum amounts of royalties to be paid in advance and throughout the term of the agreement, which are non-refundable in the

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event that product sales fail to meet certain minimum levels. Advance royalties resulting from such transactions are stated at the lower of the amounts paid or the amounts estimated to be recoverable from future sales of the related products. Furthermore, minimum guaranteed royalty commitments are reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure that amounts are recoverable based on estimates of future sales of the products under license. A loss provision will be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations to the extent that future minimum royalty guarantee commitments are not recoverable. Estimated future sales are projected based on historical experience, including that of similar products, and anticipated advertising and marketing support by the licensor.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which the obligation is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. SFAS No. 143 is effective for 2003. The impact of such adoption is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 requires that long-lived assets be measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, whether reported in continuing operations or in discontinued operations. SFAS No. 144 is effective for 2002 and generally is to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 beginning January 1, 2002. The impact of such adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections.” SFAS No. 145 requires that gains and losses from extinguishment of debt be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 (“Opinion No. 30”). Applying the provisions of Opinion No. 30 will distinguish transactions that are part of an entity’s recurring operations from those that are unusual and infrequent and meet the criteria for classification as an extraordinary item. SFAS No. 145 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2003. The Company does not expect a material impact on the consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of SFAS No.  145.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” which supercedes Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity.” SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit activity or disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at fair value only when the liability is incurred. EITF Issue No. 94-3 requires recognition of a liability at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. All provisions of SFAS No. 146 will be effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 146, the Company ’s previously issued financial statements will not be restated. The Company is in the process of determining the impact SFAS No. 146 may have on its financial position and results of operations when it becomes effective.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2001 condensed consolidated financial statements to conform with the 2002 presentation. Such reclassifications did not change our previously reported net income or total common stockholders’ equity.

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NOTE 3 – LINE OF CREDIT

On April 24, 2001, the Company signed a credit facility (the “Facility”) with Bank of America. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and provides for a line of credit of up to $35,000 for three years from the date of closing with borrowing availability determined by a formula based on qualified assets. Interest on outstanding borrowings will be based on either a fixed rate equivalent to LIBOR plus an applicable spread of between 1.50 and 2.25 percent or a variable rate equivalent to the bank ’s reference rate plus an applicable spread of between zero and 0.50 percent. The Company is also required to pay an unused line fee of between zero and 0.60 percent per annum and certain letter of credit fees. The applicable spread is based on the achievement of certain financial ratios. The Facility also requires the Company to comply with certain restrictions and covenants as amended from time to time. On November 14, 2001, February 8, 2002 and September 30, 2002, certain covenants under the facility were amended. As of September 30, 2002, the Company was in compliance with the amended restrictions and covenants. The Facility may be used for working capital and acquisition financing purposes. As of September 30, 2002, there were no amounts outstanding under the Facility.

Letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2001 and September 30, 2002 totaled $551 and $973, respectively.

NOTE 4 – STOCK REPURCHASE

On July 21, 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized up to $10,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock over a twelve month period. In the period from July 21, 2000 to July 21, 2001, the Company spent $6,448 to purchase an aggregate of 525,094 shares at an average price of $12.28 per share including commissions. On July 24, 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $10,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock over a twelve month period. In the period from August 2, 2001 through July 11, 2002, the Company spent $5,587 to purchase 453,215 shares at an average price of $12.33 per share including commissions. On July 12, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $10,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. No shares have been repurchased as of September 30, 2002 under this authorization. The duration of the current buyback program is indefinite; provided, however, that the Company’s Board of Directors intends to review the program quarterly. Purchases are conducted in the open market at prevailing prices, based on market conditions when the Company is not in a quiet period. The Company may also transact purchases effected as block trades, as well as certain negotiated, off-exchange purchases not in the open market. Since initiating the overall buyback program on July 20, 2000, the Company has spent $12,035 to purchase a total of 978,309 shares at an average price of $12.30 per share including commissions. This repurchase program is being funded through working capital.

NOTE 5 – SEGMENTS

Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” The Company has identified two reportable segments through which it conducts its continuing operations: promotions and consumer products. The factors for determining the reportable segments were based on the distinct nature of their operations. They are managed as separate business units because each requires and is responsible for executing a unique business strategy. The promotions segment provides various services involving strategic planning, research, entertainment marketing, event marketing, environmental marketing and the design and execution of strategy-based marketing programs and produces promotional products used as free premiums or sold in conjunction with the purchase of other items. Promotional programs are used for marketing purposes by both the companies sponsoring the promotions and the licensors of the entertainment properties on which the promotional programs are based. The consumer products segment designs and contracts for the manufacture of toys and other consumer products for sale to major mass market and specialty retailers, who in turn sell the products to consumers.

Earnings of industry segments exclude interest income, interest expense, depreciation expense, restructuring, and other unallocated corporate expenses. Income taxes are allocated to segments on the basis of operating results. Identified assets are those assets used in the operations of the segments and include inventories, receivables, goodwill and other intangibles. Corporate assets consist of cash, certain corporate receivables, fixed assets, and certain trademarks.

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Industry Segments

 
  As of and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2001
 
 
 
  Promotions   Consumer
Products
  Corporate   Total
   
 
 
 
Total revenues
  $ 30,958     $ 9,870     $     $ 40,828  
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 4,811     $ 1,953     $ (3,875 )   $ 2,889  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    1,812       735       (1,459 )     1,088  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,999     $ 1,218     $ (2,416 )   $ 1,801  
     
     
     
     
 
Fixed asset additions
  $     $     $ 306     $ 306  
     
     
     
     
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 274     $     $ 394     $ 668  
     
     
     
     
 
Total assets
  $ 68,202     $ 3,457     $ 36,031     $ 107,690  
     
     
     
     
 

 
  As of and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
 
 
  Promotions   Consumer
Products
  Corporate   Total
   
 
 
 
Total revenues
  $ 42,711     $ 10,408     $     $ 53,119  
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 7,143     $ 1,058     $ (4,928 )   $ 3,273  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    2,623       372       (1,853 )     1,142  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,520     $ 686     $ (3,075 )   $ 2,131  
     
     
     
     
 
Fixed asset additions
  $     $     $ 167     $ 167  
     
     
     
     
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 65     $ 17     $ 426     $ 508  
     
     
     
     
 
Total assets
  $ 70,546     $ 6,405     $ 35,774     $ 112,725  
     
     
     
     
 

 
  As of and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001
 
 
 
  Promotions   Consumer
Products
  Corporate   Total
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
  $ 78,549     $ 18,543     $     $ 97,092  
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 13,014     $ 3,063     $ (10,353 )   $ 5,724  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    4,863       1,142       (3,857 )     2,148  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 8,151     $ 1,921     $ (6,496 )   $ 3,576  
     
     
     
     
 
Fixed asset additions
  $     $     $ 889     $ 889  
     
     
     
     
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 641     $     $ 1,129     $ 1,770  
     
     
     
     
 
Total assets
  $ 68,202     $ 3,457     $ 36,031     $ 107,690  
     
     
     
     
 

 
  As of and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002
 
 
 
  Promotions   Consumer
Products
  Corporate   Total
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
  $ 112,608     $ 23,777     $     $ 136,385  
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
  $ 15,438     $ 2,205     $ (12,545 )   $ 5,098  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    5,335       724       (4,307 )     1,752  
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
    10,103       1,481       (8,238 )     3,346  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles, net of tax
    2,496                   2,496  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 7,607     $ 1,481     $ (8,238 )   $ 850  
     
     
     
     
 
Fixed asset additions
  $     $     $ 624     $ 624  
     
     
     
     
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 134     $ 49     $ 1,128     $ 1,311  
     
     
     
     
 
Total assets
  $ 70,546     $ 6,405     $ 35,774     $ 112,725  
     
     
     
     
 

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NOTE 6 – NOTE RECEIVABLE

The Company regularly extends credit to several distribution companies in connection with its business with Burger King Corporation (“Burger King”). One of these distribution companies, AmeriServe, accounted for more than 50 percent of the products purchased from the Company by the Burger King system in 1999. AmeriServe filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on January 31, 2000. As of January 31, 2000, AmeriServe owed the Company $28,774 in trade receivables.

Restaurant Services, Inc. (“RSI”), a not-for-profit purchasing cooperative that has as its members Burger King franchisees and Burger King, is the exclusive purchasing agent for the Burger King system of franchisee-owned and company-owned restaurants located in the United States. Subsequent to January 31, 2000, the Company reached an agreement with RSI in which RSI purchased all pre-petition trade receivables owed to the Company by AmeriServe in exchange for a two-year non-interest-bearing note valued at $15,970 and satisfaction of certain contractual obligations owed by the Company to RSI. This agreement resulted in a net pre-tax charge of $1,014 for the quarter ended December 31, 1999. A note receivable of $10,515 was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1999. $6,642 of the $28,774 pre-petition trade receivables related to sales made in January 2000. Accordingly, the remaining $5,455 portion of the note receivable was recorded in January 2000, and resulted in a net pre-tax charge of $482 for the year ended December 31, 2000. This charge was offset by $1,084 of imputed interest income, at 9% per annum, recorded on the note receivable for 2000.

In December 2001, the due date for the final payment on the note was extended from December 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002 due to ongoing discussions between the Company and RSI. On May 15, 2002, the Company agreed to forgive the remaining balance of $1,685 as consideration for a new interim Master Supply Agreement with RSI. The Company recorded the forgiveness in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Simultaneously with the execution of the new interim Master Supply Agreement, the Company and RSI also executed a Release and Settlement Agreement pursuant to which the parties resolved certain outstanding issues that have arisen between the two organizations over the last three years. In connection with the Release and Settlement Agreement, the Company is released from any further liability incurred by RSI and associated with the December 1999 recall of Pokémon™ balls included with Burger King kids meals. The Company expects to negotiate a revised longer-term contract with RSI and Burger King before the end of the year.

As of July 2000, the Burger King system completed a transition to alternative distributors. The largest distribution company accounted for approximately 22.2% and 19.0% of the products purchased from the Company by the Burger King system for the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

NOTE 7 – ACQUISITIONS

On July 31, 2001, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of Logistix in exchange for 8,500 British pounds ($12,144 as of July 31, 2001) in cash plus related transaction costs of $1,011. Potential additional cash consideration may be paid based upon the results of operations of Logistix during the three year period ended December 31, 2004. Any additional consideration paid will be recorded as additional purchase price. The acquisition was financed through the Company’s existing cash reserves.

The Logistix acquisition has been accounted under the purchase method of accounting. The financial statements reflect the allocation of the purchase price to the acquired net assets based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. During the nine months ended September 30, 2002, the preliminary allocation of the purchase price was adjusted to revise the estimated value of the deferred tax liabilities and certain accrued liabilities. These adjustments resulted in a net reduction to goodwill of $94. The Company’s allocation of purchase price for the acquisition, based upon estimated fair values is as follows:

Net current assets
  $ 6,280  
Property, plant and equipment
    430  
Other non-current assets
    11  
Net current liabilities
    (6,246 )
Non-current liabilities
    (285 )
     
 
Estimated fair value, net assets acquired
    190  
Goodwill
    12,083  
Other intangible assets
    882  
     
 
Total purchase price
  $ 13,155  
     
 

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The above amounts are reported using the exchange rate in effect as of July 31, 2001. $522 of the $882 of acquired intangible assets was assigned to the Logistix trademark, which is not subject to amortization. The remaining $360 of intangible assets is being amortized over estimated useful lives ranging from 0.4 to 3 years. Intangible assets associated with the Logistix acquisition are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Goodwill has an indefinite life and is not amortized.

On July 17, 2002, the Company consummated the acquisition of UPSHOT, a marketing agency with expertise in promotion, event, collaborative and environmental marketing. The Company financed the acquisition through its existing cash reserves. The acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 22, 2002, by and among the Company, Promotional Marketing, LLC (“Promotional Marketing”) and HA-LO Industries, Inc. (“HA-LO”) (the “Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired the principal assets of Promotional Marketing (consisting of the principal assets used in connection with the operation of the UPSHOT business) for $9,312 in cash plus related transaction costs of $685. The Company assumed the principal current liabilities of the UPSHOT business in connection with the acquisition. In addition to the cash purchase price paid at the closing, the Company may be obligated to pay additional consideration to Promotional Marketing contingent upon the results of certain performance targets attained in the twelve month period ending July 31, 2003. The additional consideration, if any, will be recorded as goodwill. HA-LO, which is the parent company of Promotional Marketing, is currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, and the Company’s acquisition of the UPSHOT business was approved by the United States bankruptcy court.

The foregoing description of the Purchase Agreement and related transactions does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Purchase Agreement and the press release issued by the Company on July 18, 2002 which were attached as exhibits to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 24, 2002.

The UPSHOT acquisition has been accounted under the purchase method of accounting. The financial statements reflect the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the acquired net assets based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The Company is in the process of finalizing valuations of the individual assets and liabilities, which could result in adjustments to goodwill and other intangibles. The allocation of the purchase price may change based upon these valuations. The Company’s preliminary allocation of purchase price for the acquisition, based upon estimated fair values is as follows:

Net current assets
  $ 5,096  
Property, plant and equipment
    700  
Other non-current assets
    1  
Net current liabilities
    (7,558 )
Non-current liabilities
     
     
 
Estimated fair value, net liabilities assumed
    (1,761 )
Goodwill
    11,571  
Other intangible assets
    187  
     
 
Total purchase price
  $ 9,997  
     
 

The intangible assets of $187 are comprised of customer contracts and related customer relationships and sales order backlog and are being amortized over estimated useful lives ranging from 6 to 12 months. Intangible assets associated with the UPSHOT acquisition are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Goodwill has an indefinite life and is not amortized.

In connection with the UPSHOT acquisition, the Company formulated and implemented an integration plan and incurred integration costs, including travel and training costs. Such costs totaled $161 and $219 for the three months and for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively, and were recorded as integration costs in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the respective periods. The Company expects to incur some additional integration costs during the three months ended December 31, 2002.

The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are presented as if the Logistix and UPSHOT acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the period immediately preceding the period of acquisition after giving effect to certain adjustments for the amortization of intangibles, reduced interest income and related income tax effects. The pro forma data is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the results of operations had the businesses operated as one during the period. No effect has been given for synergies, if any, that may have been realized through the acquisitions.

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    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
   
 
    2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
Pro forma revenues
  $ 53,003     $ 54,867     $ 133,147     $ 150,386  
Pro forma net income
  $ (1,940 )   $ 2,071     $ (6,470 )   $ (39 )
Pro forma basic income per share
  $ (0.39 )   $ .30     $ (1.26 )   $ (0.20 )
Pro forma diluted income per share
  $ (0.39 )   $ .27     $ (1.26 )   $ (0.20 )

Refer to Note 2 for further discussion of the method of computation of earnings per share.

As of September 30, 2002, accrued liabilities increased $9,031 to $20,422 from $11,391 at December 31, 2001. This increase is primarily attributable to additional accruals subsequent to the acquisition of UPSHOT as well as administrative fees collected from distribution companies during the third quarter of 2002 on behalf of promotional customers and an accrual for employee performance bonuses.

NOTE 8 – RESTRUCTURING

During the quarter ended September 30, 2002, the Company formulated and implemented a restructuring plan in connection with the UPSHOT acquisition in order to combine and streamline the operations of the Company and UPSHOT. The Company evaluated the current cost structure of both businesses. In connection with this plan the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $178 for the three months ended September 30, 2002. This charge represents severance for a workforce reduction of seven employees in the Company’s Los Angeles office, who were terminated as of September 30, 2002, and is reflected as a restructuring charge in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2002. The workforce reduction included employees from the Company’s promotions division as well as other support services. $61 of the restructuring charge was paid as of September 30, 2002.

In connection with the restructuring plan, the Company also decided to close UPSHOT’s Richmond, Virginia office and eliminate certain positions at UPSHOT’s Chicago, Illinois office. The liabilities assumed in connection with this plan were not material to the Company’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2002.

NOTE 9 – WEST COAST PORT DISPUTE

In September 2002, the Pacific Maritime Association locked out the Longshore and Warehouse Union workers from the West Coast ports causing a cargo backlog. The impact of this West Coast port dispute caused a reduction of the Company’s full year 2002 revenue expectations, due to delayed shipments of both custom promotional products and consumer products, and altered production schedules in the Company’s overseas facilities. The Company’s estimate of this fourth quarter revenue impact is approximately $8.0 million. Most of the revenue impacted by the port dispute that the Company previously expected to recognize in the fourth quarter of 2002 is expected to be deferred into 2003.

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

Cautionary Statement

Certain expectations and projections regarding the future performance of Equity Marketing, Inc. (the “Company”) discussed in this quarterly report are forward-looking and are made under the “safe harbor ” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These expectations and projections are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data along with the Company’s operating plans and are subject to future events and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, such as may, will, should, expect, anticipate, estimate, continue, plans, intends or other similar terminology. Management cautions you that the following factors, among others, could cause the Company’s actual consolidated results of operations and financial position in 2002 and thereafter to differ significantly from those expressed in forward-looking statements:

Marketplace Risks

Dependence on a single customer, Burger King, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
Increased competitive pressure, which may affect the sales of the Company’s products and services.
 
Dependence on nonrenewable product orders by Burger King, which promotions are in effect for a limited period of time.
 
Dependence on the popularity of licensed entertainment properties, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
Concentration risk associated with accounts receivable. The Company regularly extends credit to several distribution companies in connection with its business with Burger King.
 
Significant quarter-to-quarter variability in the Company’s revenues and net income, which may result in operating results below the expectations of securities analysts and investors.
 
Dependence on foreign manufacturers, which may increase the costs of the Company’s products and affect the demand for such products.

Financing Risks

Currency fluctuations, which may affect the Company’s suppliers and the Company’s reportable income.

Other Risks

Products that we develop or sell may expose us to liability from claims by users of such products for damages including, but not limited to, bodily injury or property damage. We currently maintain product liability insurance coverage in amounts that we believe are adequate. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain such coverage or obtain additional coverage on acceptable terms in the future, or that such insurance will provide adequate coverage against all potential claims.
 
Exposure to liability for the costs related to product recalls. These costs can include legal expenses, advertising, collection and destruction of product, and free goods. The Company’s product liability insurance coverage generally excludes such costs and damages resulting from product recall.
 
Potential negative impact of past or future acquisitions, which may disrupt the Company’s ongoing business, distract senior management and increase expenses (including risks associated with the financial condition and integration of UPSHOT which was recently acquired by the Company).
 
Adverse results of litigation, governmental proceedings or environmental matters, which may lead to increased costs or interruption in normal business operations of the Company.
 
Changes in laws or regulations, both domestically and internationally, including those affecting consumer products or environmental activities or trade restrictions, which may lead to increased costs.
 
Strike and other labor disputes which may negatively impact the distribution channels for the Company’s products. In September 2002, the Pacific Maritime Association locked out the Longshore and Warehouse Union workers from the West Coast ports causing a cargo backlog. The impact of this West Coast port dispute caused a reduction of the Company’s full year 2002 revenue expectations, due to delayed shipments of both custom promotional products and consumer products, and altered production schedules in the Company’s overseas facilities. The Company’s estimate of this fourth quarter revenue impact is approximately $8.0 million. Most of the revenue impacted by the port dispute that the Company previously expected to recognize in the fourth quarter of 2002 is expected to be deferred into 2003.
 
Exposure to liabilities for minimum royalty commitments in connection with license agreements for entertainment properties. The Company enters into significant minimum royalty commitments from time to time in connection with its consumer products business.

The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstance after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The risks highlighted herein should not be assumed to be the only items that could affect future performance of the Company. In addition to the information contained in this document, readers are advised to review the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors.”

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Organization and Business

     Equity Marketing, Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”), is a leading global marketing services company based in Los Angeles, with offices in Chicago, New York, London, Paris and Hong Kong. The Company focuses on the design and execution of strategy-based marketing programs, with particular expertise in the areas of: strategic planning and research, entertainment marketing, design and manufacturing of custom promotional products, promotion, event marketing, collaborative marketing and environmental marketing. The Company’s clients include Burger King Corporation, CVS/pharmacy, Diageo, Kellogg’s, Morgan Stanley, and Procter & Gamble, among others. The Company complements its core promotions business by developing and marketing distinctive consumer products, based on trademarks it owns or classic licensed properties, which are sold through specialty and mass-market retailers. The Company primarily sells to customers in the United States and Europe.

     Equity Marketing Hong Kong, Ltd., a Delaware corporation (“EMHK”), is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company. EMHK manages production of the Company’s products by third parties in the Far East and currently is responsible for performing and/or procuring product sourcing, product engineering, quality control inspections, independent safety testing and export/import documentation.

     On July 31, 2001, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of Logistix Limited, a United Kingdom corporation, (“Logistix”). Logistix is a marketing services agency which focuses primarily on assisting consumer packaged goods companies in their efforts to market to children between the ages of seven and fourteen by developing and executing premium-based promotions and by providing marketing consulting services. Logistix also derives a portion of its revenues from a consumer products business which holds the license for the Robot Wars® entertainment property, among others.

     On July 17, 2002, the Company acquired the principal assets of Promotional Marketing, L.L.C. d/b/a UPSHOT, an Illinois limited liability company (“UPSHOT”). UPSHOT is a marketing agency, specializing in promotion, event, collaborative, and environmental marketing. UPSHOT has a reputation for creating highly successful integrated marketing programs for world class brands such as Diageo, Morgan Stanley, and Procter & Gamble.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the Company’s operating results as a percentage of total revenues:

 
  Three Months
Ended September 30,
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,
   
 
 
  2001   2002   2001   2002
   
 
 
 
Revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    71.5       71.7       71.3       73.3  
Forgiveness of note receivable
                      1.2  
     
     
     
     
 
Gross profit
    28.5       28.3       28.7       25.5  
     
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
    10.1       11.4       11.8       11.0  
Selling, general and administrative
    11.6       10.4       12.3       10.6  
Integration costs
    0.2       0.3       0.1       0.2  
Restructuring charge
          0.3             0.1  
     
     
     
     
 
Total operating expenses
    21.9       22.4       24.2       21.9  
     
     
     
     
 
Income from operations
    6.6       5.9       4.5       3.6  
Other income, net
    0.5       0.2       1.4       0.1  
     
     
     
     
 
Income before provision for income taxes
    7.1       6.1       5.9       3.7  
Provision for income taxes
    2.7       2.1       2.2       1.3  
     
     
     
     
 
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
    4.4       4.0       3.7       2.4  
     
     
     
     
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles, net of tax
                      (1.8 )
     
     
     
     
 
Net income
    4.4 %     4.0 %     3.7 %     0.6 %
     
     
     
     
 

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EBITDA

While many in the financial community consider earnings before other income, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) to be an important measure of comparative operating performance and an indicator of an entity’s debt capacity, it should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, operating income, net earnings, cash flow and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. EBITDA does not reflect cash available to fund cash requirements, and the items excluded from EBITDA, such as depreciation and amortization, are significant components in assessing the Company’s financial performance. Other significant uses of cash flows are required before cash will be available to the Company, including debt service, taxes and cash expenditures for various long-term assets. The Company’s calculation of EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. The Company’s calculation of EBITDA excludes the impact of: forgiveness of note receivable, integration costs, restructuring charge and cumulative effect of change in accounting principles, net of tax. The following table sets forth EBITDA for the periods indicated:

  For Three Months Ended September 30,   For Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
    2001       2002       2001       2002  
   
     
     
     
 
Net income
$ 1,801     $  2,131     $  3,576     $ 850  
Add:   Forgiveness of note receivable
                    1,685  
Depreciation and amortization
  668       508       1,770       1,311  
Other income, net
  (206 )     (121 )     (1,400 )     (191 )
Integration costs
  81       161       81       219  
Restructuring charge
        178             178  
Provision for income taxes
  1,088       1,142       2,148       1,752  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principles, net of tax
                    2,496  
   
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
$ 3,432     $  3,999     $  6,175     $ 8,300  
   
     
     
     
 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2001 (In Thousands):

Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2002 increased $12,291, or 30.1%, to $53,119 from $40,828 in the comparable period in 2001. Promotions revenues increased $11,753, or 38.0%, to $42,711 primarily as a result of increased revenues associated with Burger King and Logistix programs in 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. This increase was also attributable to additional promotions revenues generated by UPSHOT following its acquisition by the Company in July 2002. Consumer Product revenues increased $538, or 5.5%, to $10,408 primarily due to increased sales of Robot Wars® product generated by Logistix. The revenue increase was also partially attributable to increased revenues from Scooby-Doo™ product internationally, and was partially offset by decreased sales of Tub Tints® product. The results for 2001 include Logistix from August 1, 2001 (acquired July 31, 2001) and exclude UPSHOT (acquired July 17, 2002). Excluding the impact of these acquisitions, revenues increased 9.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 compared to the same period in 2001.

Cost of sales increased $8,897 to $38,084 (71.7% of revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $29,187 (71.5% of revenues) in the comparable period in 2001 due to the higher sales volume in 2002. The gross margin percentage decreased to 28.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from 28.5% in the comparable period for 2001. This decrease is primarily the result of lower Consumer Product margins as a result of an increased mix of lower margin product, partially offset by higher margin revenues from UPSHOT and Logistix.

Salaries, wages and benefits increased $1,902, or 45.8%, to $6,054 (11.4% of revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $4,152 (10.1% of revenues) in the comparable period for 2001. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of employees from the acquisition of UPSHOT and to an accrual for employee performance bonuses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $765, or 16.2%, to $5,490 (10.4% of revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $4,725 (11.6% of revenues) in the comparable period for 2001. The increase is primarily the result of higher selling expenses associated with increased sales in 2002. This increase was also attributable to additional operating expenses resulting from the acquisition of UPSHOT, partially offset by a decrease in amortization expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues from 11.6% to 10.4% as a result of revenues increasing at a greater rate.

Integration costs increased $80, or 98.8%, to $161 (0.3% of revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $81 (0.2%

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of revenues) in the comparable period for 2001. The costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 are associated with the acquisition of UPSHOT, while the costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 are associated with the acquisition of Logistix.

For the three months ended September 30, 2002, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $178 (0.3% of revenues). This restructuring charge represents severance for workforce reductions made during the quarter to combine and streamline the operations of the Company subsequent to the acquisition of UPSHOT.

Net other income decreased $85 to $121 for the three months ended September 30, 2002 from $206 in the comparable period for 2001. This decrease was attributable to a decline in interest rates as well as to the reduced level of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as a result of cash utilized for the acquisition of UPSHOT. The decrease was partially offset by gains on foreign currency transactions.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2002 was 34.9% compared to 37.7% for the same period in 2001. The reduction in the effective tax rate is the result of a lower tax rate resulting from an increased percentage of the Company’s earnings being generated internationally, in territories which have more favorable tax rates, partially offset by significantly lower non-taxable interest income from municipal securities.

Net income increased $330, or 18.3%, to $2,131 (4.0% of revenues) from $1,801 (4.4% of revenues) in 2001 due to the increase in gross profit earned on higher revenues in 2002. The increase was partially offset by the increased salaries, wages and benefits, selling, general and administrative expenses, as well as decreased net other income in 2002.

For the three months ended September 30, 2002, EBITDA increased $567, or 16.5%, to $3,999 from $3,432 in 2001 primarily due to the increase in gross profit, partially offset by the increase in salaries, wages and benefits and selling, general and administrative expenses in 2002.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001 (In Thousands):

Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 increased $39,293, or 40.5%, to $136,385 from $97,092 in the comparable period in 2001. Promotions revenues increased $34,059 to $112,608 primarily as a result of increased revenues associated with Burger King programs in 2002 compared to the same period in 2001. This increase was also attributable to additional promotions revenues generated by Logistix and UPSHOT following their acquisition by the Company in July 2001 and July 2002, respectively. Consumer Product revenues increased $5,234, or 28.2%, to $23,777 primarily due to increased sales of Robot Wars® product generated by Logistix. The revenue increase was also partially attributable to increased revenues from Scooby-Doo™ product internationally, partially offset by decreased sales of Tub Tints® product. The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 include Logistix from August 1, 2001 (acquired July 31, 2001) and exclude UPSHOT (acquired July 17, 2002). Excluding the impact of these acquisitions, revenues increased 16.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 compared to the same period in 2001.

Cost of sales increased $30,607 to $99,865 (73.3% of revenues) for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $69,258 (71.3% of revenues) in the comparable period in 2001 primarily due to the higher sales volume in 2002. The gross margin percentage decreased to 25.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from 28.7% in the comparable period for 2001. This decrease is primarily the result of a charge for the forgiveness of the note receivable from RSI for $1,685 (1.2% of revenues) (see “Note Receivable” below) and margin pressure in the promotions business as a result of shorter program lead times in the first half of 2002 which resulted in increased tooling and freight costs. This decrease was partially offset by improved promotional program lead times in the third quarter of 2002 which resulted in decreased tooling and freight costs and by higher margin revenues from UPSHOT and Logistix. This decrease was also partially the result of lower Consumer Product margins as a result of an increased mix of lower margin product.

Salaries, wages and benefits increased $3,551, or 31.1%, to $14,979 (11.0% of revenues) for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $11,428 (11.8% of revenues) in the comparable period in 2001. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of employees from the acquisitions of Logistix and UPSHOT, as well as an accrual for employee performance bonuses. Salaries, wages and benefits decreased as a percentage of revenues from 11.8% to 11.0% as a result of revenues increasing at a greater rate.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2,551, or 21.3%, to $14,552 (10.6% of revenues) for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $12,001 (12.3% of revenues) in the comparable period in 2001. The increase is primarily the result of higher selling expenses associated with increased sales in 2002. This increase was also attributable to additional operating expenses resulting from the acquisitions of Logistix and UPSHOT, partially offset by a decrease in amortization expense. Selling, general and

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administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues from 12.3% to 10.6% as a result of revenues increasing at a greater rate.

Integration costs increased $138, or 170.4%, to $219 (0.2% of revenues) for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $81 (0.1% of revenues) in the comparable period for 2001. The costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 are associated with the acquisition of UPSHOT, while the costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 are associated with the acquisition of Logistix

For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $178 (0.1% of revenues). This restructuring charge represents severance for workforce reductions made during the period to combine and streamline the operations of the Company subsequent to the acquisition of UPSHOT.

Net other income decreased $1,209, or 86.4%, to $191 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 from $1,400 in the comparable period for 2001. This decrease was attributable to a decline in interest rates as well as to the reduced level of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as a result of cash utilized for the acquisitions of Logistix and UPSHOT and the stock buyback program.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 was 34.4% compared to 37.5% for the same period in 2001. The decrease was primarily due to an increased percentage of the Company’s earnings being generated internationally in territories which have more favorable tax rates, partially offset by significantly lower tax free municipal interest income.

The cumulative effect of change in accounting principles is due to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 requires that companies no longer amortize goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, such as trademarks. SFAS 142 also requires that companies evaluate goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets for impairment. As a result of this evaluation, the Company recorded a charge of $2,496, net of tax, in connection with the goodwill resulting from the 1998 acquisition of Contract Marketing, Inc. and U.S. Import and Promotions Co., collectively referred to as “USI.” The transition charge is reflected as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principles effective January 1, 2002, and therefore results for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 have been adjusted retroactively

Net income decreased $2,726, or 76.2%, to $850 (0.6% of revenues) from $3,576 (3.7% of revenues) in 2001. The decrease was primarily due to the cumulative effect of change in accounting principles of $2,496, net of tax, a charge for the forgiveness of the note receivable from RSI, increased salaries, wages and benefits and selling, general and administrative expenses and decreased net other income, partially offset by the increased gross profit earned on higher revenues and a reduced effective tax rate in 2002.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, EBITDA increased $2,125, or 34.4 %, to $8,300 from $6,175 in 2001. The increase is primarily due to the increase in gross profit offset by the increase in salaries, wages and benefits and selling, general and administrative expenses in 2002.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company’s financial position remained strong in the third quarter of 2002. At September 30, 2002, the Company had no debt and its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $23,347, compared to $29,135 as of December 31, 2001.

As of September 30, 2002, the Company’s net accounts receivable increased $6,768 to $29,463 from $22,695 at December 31, 2001. This increase was attributable to increased Promotions and Consumer Product revenues in September 2002 as compared to December 2001 as well as additional receivables subsequent to the acquisition of UPSHOT. As of September 30, 2002, inventories increased $4,244 to $13,581 from $9,337 at December 31, 2001. This increase in inventories is primarily the result of increased promotional programs expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2002 relative to the first quarter of 2002. Promotions inventories represent 90% and 80% of total inventories as of September 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively.

As of September 30, 2002, accounts payable increased $1,887 to $24,001 from $22,114 at December 31, 2001. This increase is primarily associated with the increase in inventories as well as additional accounts payable subsequent to the acquisition of UPSHOT.

As of September 30, 2002, accrued liabilities increased $9,031 to $20,422 from $11,391 at December 31, 2001. This increase is primarily attributable to additional accruals subsequent to the acquisition of UPSHOT as well as administrative fees collected from distribution companies during the third quarter of 2002 on behalf of promotional customers and an accrual for employee performance bonuses.

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As of September 30, 2002, working capital was $28,575 compared to $36,620 at December 31, 2001. Cash flows from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 were $5,952 compared to $4,294 in the prior year. This increase is the result of higher revenues and net income before non-cash charges such as the cumulative effect of change in accounting principles and forgiveness of note receivable. Cash flows used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 were $3,788 compared to $7,753 in the prior year. In 2002, the Company acquired the principal assets of UPSHOT for $9,997 including related transaction costs. In 2001, the Company acquired Logistix for $11,408 including related transaction costs. Both acquisitions were financed through the Company’s existing cash reserves. The use of cash and cash equivalents for these acquisitions was partially offset by proceeds from the sale of marketable securities of $5,100 and $6,700 for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Cash flows used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 were $1,386 compared to $4,976 in the prior year. This decrease is the result of significantly reduced purchases of treasury stock. As of the date hereof, the Company believes that its cash from operations, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at September 30, 2002 and its credit facility will be sufficient to fund its working capital needs for at least the next twelve months. The statements set forth herein are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially.

Credit Facilities

On April 24, 2001, the Company signed a credit facility (the “Facility”) with Bank of America. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and provides for a line of credit of up to $35,000 for three years from the date of closing with borrowing availability determined by a formula based on qualified assets. Interest on outstanding borrowings will be based on either a fixed rate equivalent to LIBOR plus an applicable spread of between 1.50 and 2.25 percent or a variable rate equivalent to the bank ’s reference rate plus an applicable spread of between zero and 0.50 percent. The Company is also required to pay an unused line fee of between zero and 0.60 percent per annum and certain letter of credit fees. The applicable spread is based on the achievement of certain financial ratios. The Facility also requires the Company to comply with certain restrictions and covenants as amended from time to time. On November 14, 2001, February 8, 2002 and September 30, 2002 certain covenants under the facility were amended. As of September 30, 2002, the Company was in compliance with the amended restrictions and covenants. The Facility may be used for working capital and acquisition financing purposes. As of September 30, 2002, there were no amounts outstanding under the Facility.

Acquisition

On July 17, 2002, the Company consummated the acquisition of UPSHOT, a marketing agency with expertise in promotion, event, collaborative and environmental marketing. The Company financed the acquisition through its existing cash reserves. The acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 22, 2002, by and among the Company, Promotional Marketing, LLC (“Promotional Marketing”) and HA-LO Industries, Inc. (“HA-LO”) (the “Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired the principal assets of Promotional Marketing (consisting of the principal assets used in connection with the operation of the UPSHOT business) for $9,312 in cash plus related transaction costs of $685. The Company assumed the principal current liabilities of the UPSHOT business in connection with the acquisition. In addition to the cash purchase price paid at the closing, the Company may be obligated to pay additional consideration to Promotional Marketing contingent upon the results of certain performance targets attained in the twelve month period ending July 31, 2003. The additional consideration, if any, will be recorded as goodwill. HA-LO, which is the parent company of Promotional Marketing, is currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, and the Company’s acquisition of the UPSHOT business was approved by the United States bankruptcy court.

The foregoing description of the Purchase Agreement and related transactions does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Purchase Agreement and the press release issued by the Company on July 18, 2002 which were attached as exhibits to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 24, 2002.

Restructuring

During the quarter ended September 30, 2002, the Company formulated and implemented a restructuring plan in connection with the UPSHOT acquisition in order to combine and streamline the operations of the Company and UPSHOT. The Company evaluated the current cost structure of both businesses. In connection with this plan the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $178 for the three months ended September 30, 2002. This charge represents severance for a workforce reduction of seven employees in the Company’s Los Angeles office, who were terminated as of September 30, 2002, and is reflected as a restructuring charge in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2002. The workforce reduction included employees from the Company’s promotions division as well as other support services. $61 of the restructuring charge was paid as of September 30, 2002.

In connection with the restructuring plan, the Company also decided to close UPSHOT’s Richmond, Virginia office and eliminate certain positions at UPSHOT’s Chicago, Illinois office. The liabilities assumed in connection with this plan were not material to the Company’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2002.

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Stock Repurchase

On July 21, 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized up to $10,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock over a twelve month period. In the period from July 21, 2000 to July 21, 2001, the Company spent $6,448 to purchase an aggregate of 525,094 shares at an average price of $12.28 per share including commissions. On July 24, 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $10,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock over a twelve month period. In the period from August 2, 2001 through July 11, 2002, the Company spent $5,587 to purchase 453,215 shares at an average price of $12.33 per share including commissions. On July 12, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $10,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. No shares have been repurchased as of September 30, 2002 under this authorization. The duration of the current buyback program is indefinite; provided, however, that the Company’s Board of Directors intends to review the program quarterly. Purchases are conducted in the open market at prevailing prices, based on market conditions when the Company is not in a quiet period. The Company may also transact purchases effected as block trades, as well as certain negotiated, off-exchange purchases not in the open market. Since initiating the overall buyback program on July 20, 2000, the Company has spent $12,035 to purchase a total of 978,309 shares at an average price of $12.30 per share including commissions. This repurchase program is being funded through working capital.

Note Receivable

The Company regularly extends credit to several distribution companies in connection with its business with Burger King Corporation (“Burger King”). One of these distribution companies, AmeriServe, accounted for more than 50 percent of the products purchased from the Company by the Burger King system in 1999. AmeriServe filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on January 31, 2000. As of January 31, 2000, AmeriServe owed the Company $28,774 in trade receivables.

Restaurant Services, Inc. (“RSI”), a not-for-profit purchasing cooperative that has as its members Burger King franchisees and Burger King, is the exclusive purchasing agent for the Burger King system of franchisee-owned and company-owned restaurants located in the United States. Subsequent to January 31, 2000, the Company reached an agreement with RSI in which RSI purchased all pre-petition trade receivables owed to the Company by AmeriServe in exchange for a two-year non-interest-bearing note valued at $15,970 and satisfaction of certain contractual obligations owed by the Company to RSI. This agreement resulted in a net pre-tax charge of $1,014 for the quarter ended December 31, 1999. A note receivable of $10,515 was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1999. $6,642 of the $28,774 pre-petition trade receivables related to sales made in January 2000. Accordingly, the remaining $5,455 portion of the note receivable was recorded in January 2000, and resulted in a net pre-tax charge of $482 for the year ended December 31, 2000. This charge was offset by $1,084 of imputed interest income, at 9% per annum, recorded on the note receivable for 2000.

In December 2001, the due date for the final payment on the note was extended from December 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002 due to ongoing discussions between the Company and RSI. On May 15, 2002, the Company agreed to forgive the remaining balance of $1,685 as consideration for a new interim Master Supply Agreement with RSI. The Company recorded the forgiveness in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. Simultaneously with the execution of the new interim Master Supply Agreement, the Company and RSI also executed a Release and Settlement Agreement pursuant to which the parties resolved certain outstanding issues that have arisen between the two organizations over the last three years. In connection with the Release and Settlement Agreement, the Company is released from any further liability incurred by RSI and associated with the December 1999 recall of Pokémon™ balls included with Burger King kids meals. The Company expects to negotiate a longer-term contract with RSI and Burger King before the end of the year.

As of July 2000, the Burger King system completed a transition to alternative distributors. The largest distribution company accounted for approximately 22.2% and 19.0% of the products purchased from the Company by the Burger King system for the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” SFAS 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which the obligation is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. SFAS 143 is effective for 2003. The impact of such adoption is not anticipated to have a material effect on Company’s financial position and results of operations.

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In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 requires that long-lived assets be measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, whether reported in continuing operations or in discontinued operations. SFAS No. 144 is effective for 2002 and generally is to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 beginning January  1, 2002. The impact of such adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections.” SFAS No. 145 requires that gains and losses from extinguishment of debt be classified as extraordinary items only if they meet the criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 (“Opinion No. 30”). Applying the provisions of Opinion No. 30 will distinguish transactions that are part of an entity’s recurring operations from those that are unusual and infrequent and meet the criteria for classification as an extraordinary item. SFAS No. 145 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2003. The Company does not expect a material impact on the consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 145.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” which supercedes Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity.” SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit activity or disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at fair value only when the liability is incurred. EITF Issue No. 94-3 requires recognition of a liability at the date an entity commits to an exit plan. All provisions of SFAS No. 146 will be effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 146, the Company’s previously issued financial statements will not be restated. The Company is in the process of determining the impact SFAS No. 146 may have on its financial position and results of operations when it becomes effective.

Selected Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition
For product related sales, the Company records revenues when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. When a right of return exists, the Company’s practice is to estimate and provide for any future returns at the time of sale, in accordance with SFAS No. 48, “Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists.” Accruals for customer discounts and rebates and defective returns are recorded as the related revenues are recognized.

Service revenues include all amounts that are billable to clients under service contracts. Service related revenues are recognized on a time and materials basis, or on a straight-line basis, depending on the contract. Revenues from time and materials service contracts are recognized as the services are rendered. Revenues from fixed price retainer contracts are recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Losses on contracts are recognized during the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Reimbursements, including those relating to travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, and other similar third-party costs, such as printing costs, are included in revenues, and an equivalent amount of reimbursable expenses are included in cost of sales. Service revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2001 and 2002 totaled $1,339 and $5,944, respectively. Service revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2002 totaled $2,445 and $6,435, respectively. Unbilled revenues represent revenues recognized in advance of billings rendered based on work performed to date on certain service contracts. Unbilled revenues as of December 31, 2001 and September 30, 2002 totaled $0 and $1,067, respectively. Unbilled revenues are recorded in accounts receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2002. Unbilled revenues are expected to be billed and collected within the next six months.

The Company’s revenue recognition policies are in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101: “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.”

Goodwill and Other Intangibles
SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” were approved by FASB effective June 30, 2001 for business combinations consummated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method for business combinations and requires use of the purchase method. SFAS No. 142 changes the accounting for goodwill and certain other intangible assets from an amortization approach to a non-amortization (impairment) approach. The statement requires amortization of goodwill recorded in connection with previous business combinations to cease upon adoption of the statement by calendar year companies on January 1, 2002. The statement required the Company to perform a transitional goodwill impairment test, using values as of the beginning of the fiscal year that SFAS No. 142 is adopted. The Company completed the goodwill transitional impairment test in the second quarter of 2002. As a result, the Company determined that a non-cash charge in the amount of $2,496, net of tax, is required in connection with the goodwill resulting from the 1998 acquisition of Contract Marketing, Inc. and U.S. Import and Promotions Co., collectively referred to as “USI.” The transition charge is reflected as a

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cumulative effect of change in accounting principles effective January 1, 2002, and therefore, results for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 have been adjusted retroactively. The Company has adopted the provisions of these statements for the acquisition of Logistix effective July 1, 2001 and for all other acquisitions effective January 1, 2002. Accordingly, beginning on January 1, 2002, the Company has foregone all related goodwill amortization expense, which totaled $125 and $367, net of tax effect, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, respectively.

Prior to implementing SFAS No. 142, the Company reviewed all goodwill assets for impairment under the methodology of SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for the Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of.” The undiscounted cash flows associated with all goodwill assets were in excess of the book value of the related goodwill assets, including USI goodwill. Therefore, no goodwill assets, including USI goodwill, were considered impaired under SFAS No. 121.

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, the carrying value of assets acquired, including goodwill, are reviewed annually. During such a review the Company will estimate the fair value of the reporting unit to which the assets were assigned by discounting the reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows before interest. The Company will compare the discounted flows to the carrying value of the acquired net assets to determine if an impairment loss has occurred. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their estimated fair values.

Royalties
The Company enters into agreements to license intellectual properties such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents. The agreements may call for minimum amounts of royalties to be paid in advance and throughout the term of the agreement, which are non-refundable in the event that product sales fail to meet certain minimum levels. Advance royalties resulting from such transactions are stated at the lower of the amounts paid or the amounts estimated to be recoverable from future sales of the related products. Furthermore, minimum guaranteed royalty commitments are reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure that amounts are recoverable based on estimates of future sales of the products under license. A loss provision will be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations to the extent that future minimum royalty guarantee commitments are not recoverable. Estimated future sales are projected based on historical experience, including that of similar products, and anticipated advertising and marketing support by the licensor.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Based on their evaluation, as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this Form 10-Q, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective. There have been no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

       
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
  (a) Exhibits:  
       
  Exhibit 99.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes —Oxley Act of 2002 - Donald A. Kurz, Chief Executive Officer.
       
  Exhibit 99.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002 - Lawrence J. Madden, Chief Financial Officer
       
  (b) Reports on Form 8-K:
       
    Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 2002 (Items 2 and 7)
       
    Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 29, 2002 (Item 7)
       
    Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2002 (Item 9).

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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.

  EQUITY MARKETING, INC.
   
   
Date November 14, 2002
/s/ LAWRENCE J. MADDEN
 

  Lawrence J. Madden
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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\

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
RULE 13A-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Donald A. Kurz, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Equity Marketing, 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 officer 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 related 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 officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant ’s auditors and the audit committee of the 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 officer 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.

   
  /s/ Donald A. Kurz
  Donald A. Kurz.
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
   
Dated: November 14, 2002  

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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
RULE 13A-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Lawrence J. Madden, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Equity Marketing, 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 officer 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 related 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 officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant ’s auditors and the audit committee of the 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 officer 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.

   
  /s/ Lawrence J. Madden
  Lawrence J. Madden.
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
Dated: November 14, 2002  

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