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United States
Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

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 [X] No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

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, 5,758,888 shares as of August 12, 2004.

 


EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

Index To Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
June 30, 2004

             
        Page
  Financial Information        
  Item 1. Financial Statements     3  
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     21  
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     33  
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures     33  
  Other Information        
  Item 2. Change in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     34  
  Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     34  
  Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K     35  
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

Cautionary Statement

Certain expectations and projections regarding our future performance 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 our operating plans and are subject to future events and uncertainties. Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated for a variety of reasons. We undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are advised to review “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation — Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors.”

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)

ASSETS

                 
    December 31,   June 30,
    2003
  2004
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 19,291     $ 12,948  
Marketable securities
          1,300  
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $2,143 and $1,556 as of December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively)
    36,765       29,367  
Inventories (Note 2)
    15,099       14,240  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,352       4,384  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    75,507       62,239  
Fixed assets, net
    3,809       3,935  
Goodwill (Notes 2 and 6)
    41,893       44,339  
Other intangibles, net (Notes 2 and 6)
    1,252       3,344  
Other assets
    5,869       6,893  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 128,330     $ 120,750  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

LIABILITIES, MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                 
    December 31,   June 30,
    2003
  2004
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 28,865     $ 24,917  
Accrued liabilities
    17,195       13,623  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    46,060       38,540  
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    5,555       5,122  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    51,615       43,662  
 
   
 
     
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
Mandatorily 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       22,518  
 
   
 
     
 
 
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, 5,684,953 and 5,758,888 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively
           
Additional paid-in capital
    23,886       27,661  
Retained earnings
    45,138       43,692  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    3,334       3,860  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    72,358       75,213  
Less—
               
Treasury stock, 3,150,708 and 3,167,258 shares, at cost, as of December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively (Note 4)
    (17,458 )     (17,669 )
Unearned compensation
    (1,234 )     (2,974 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
    53,666       54,570  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities, mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and stockholders’ equity
  $ 128,330     $ 120,750  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

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

                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
  June 30,
    2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
REVENUES
  $ 56,953     $ 51,778     $ 104,520     $ 103,590  
COST OF SALES
    41,766       38,015       77,053       76,587  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    15,187       13,763       27,467       27,003  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
    5,537       7,900       11,398       15,177  
Selling, general and administrative
    6,485       6,160       11,510       12,056  
Integration costs
          93             136  
Loss on Chicago lease
          311             311  
Restructuring charge
          105             105  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total operating expenses
    12,022       14,569       22,908       27,785  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
    3,165       (806 )     4,559       (782 )
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net
    205       (68 )     307       (360 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
    3,370       (874 )     4,866       (1,142 )
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
    1,230       (344 )     1,748       (446 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
    2,140       (530 )     3,118       (696 )
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
    375       375       750       750  
UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS ALLOCATED TO PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
    405             542        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
  $ 1,360     $ (905 )   $ 1,826     $ (1,446 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
  $ 0.24     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.32     $ (0.25 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
    5,700,016       5,758,370       5,704,148       5,739,603  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
  $ 0.22     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.31     $ (0.25 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
    6,057,801       5,758,370       5,970,205       5,739,603  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

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

                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
  June 30,
    2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 2,140     $ (530 )   $ 3,118     $ (696 )
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 2)
    792       (202 )     506       320  
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts (Note 2)
    (175 )     (83 )     (176 )     206  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 2,757     $ (815 )   $ 3,448     $ 170  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

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

                 
    Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    2003
  2004
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 3,118     $ (696 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    936       987  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    255       110  
Benefit on disposal of fixed assets
          (8 )
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    60       65  
Amortization of restricted stock
    156       311  
Other
    4        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents:
               
Accounts receivable
    8,433       9,487  
Inventories
    1,650       1,621  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (199 )     (829 )
Other assets
    (989 )     (1,012 )
Accounts payable
    (9,680 )     (4,141 )
Accrued liabilities
    (8,804 )     (4,188 )
Long-term liabilities
    63       (433 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (4,997 )     1,274  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of fixed assets
    (373 )     (936 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    16       9  
Purchase of marketable securities
    (1,500 )     (1,300 )
Payment for purchase of JGI
          (4,614 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,857 )     (6,841 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payment of preferred stock dividends
    (750 )     (1,125 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (845 )     (211 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    389       538  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (1,206 )     (798 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (8,060 )     (6,365 )
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    165       22  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    25,833       19,291  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 17,938     $ 12,948  
 
   
 
     
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
CASH PAID FOR:
               
Interest
  $ 113     $ 102  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income taxes, net of refunds
  $ 2,045     $ 7  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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

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EQUITY MARKETING, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2004
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

Equity Marketing, Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiaries (“EMAK” or the “Company”), is a leading global integrated marketing services company based in Los Angeles, with offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, Ontario (CA), London, Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The Company focuses on the design and execution of strategy-based marketing programs providing measurable results for its clients. The Company has expertise in the areas of: strategic planning and research, entertainment marketing, design and manufacturing of custom promotional products, promotion, event marketing, collaborative marketing, retail design and environmental branding. The Company’s clients include Burger King Corporation, Diageo, Kellogg’s, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Procter & Gamble, and Subway Restaurants, among others. The Company complements its core marketing services business by developing and marketing distinctive consumer products, based on emerging and evergreen licensed properties, which are sold through specialty and mass-market retailers. The Company primarily sells to customers in the United States and Europe. The Company’s functional currency is the United States dollar.

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.

Logistix Limited, a United Kingdom corporation (“Logistix”), is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company which was acquired on July 31, 2001. 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.

The Company’s UPSHOT division (“UPSHOT”), which was acquired on July 17, 2002 is a marketing agency, specializing in promotion, event, collaborative marketing, retail design and environmental branding.

The Company’s SCI Promotion division (“SCI”), which was acquired on September 3, 2003, is a promotional marketing services business specializing in the development and execution of promotional campaigns that utilize purchase-with-purchase, gift-with-purchase and incentives, promotional licenses and promotional retail programs, principally for the retail department store industry.

Johnson Grossfield, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“JGI”), is 100% owned subsidiary of the Company, which was formed in January 2004 to acquire the promotions business of Johnson Grossfield, Inc., a Minnesota corporation. The JGI business, which was acquired on February 2, 2004 (effective January 31, 2004), is a promotional marketing services business specializing in providing custom licensed premiums for the kids marketing program of Subway Restaurants.

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 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, 2003.

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Net Income Per Share

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

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 using the treasury stock method. During a loss period, the assumed exercise of in-the-money stock options has an antidilutive effect. As a result, these shares are not included with the weighted average shares outstanding used in the calculation of diluted loss per share for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2004. Options to purchase 1,226,166 and 1,373,666 shares of common stock, $.001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), as of June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as they would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, 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.

Earnings per share for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2003 reflect a restatement pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-6, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share” (“EITF 03-6”). EITF 03-6 requires that companies with participating securities calculate earnings per share using a two-class method. The Company’s cumulative participating mandatorily redeemable preferred stock qualifies as “participating securities” since it is entitled to dividends declared on the Company’s common stock; therefore, EITF 03-6 requires the allocation of a portion of undistributed earnings to preferred stock. As a result, earnings per diluted common share were reduced by $0.06 for the second quarter of 2003, to $0.22 from $0.28 as reported in the prior year. The earnings results per diluted common share were reduced by $0.09 for the six months ending June 30, 2003, to $0.31 from $0.40 as reported in the prior year. EITF 03-6 had no impact on 2004 per share amounts because of the net loss.

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 June 30,
    2003
  2004
    Income   Shares   Per Share   Loss   Shares   Per Share
    (Numerator)
  (Denominator)
  Amount
  (Numerator)
  (Denominator)
  Amount
Basic EPS:
                                               
Income (loss) available to common stockholders
  $ 1,360       5,700,016     $ 0.24     $ (905 )     5,758,370     $ (0.16 )
 
                   
 
                     
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                                               
Options and warrants
          357,785                              
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Dilutive EPS:
                                               
Income (loss) available to common stockholders and assumed conversion
  $ 1,360       6,057,801     $ 0.22     $ (905 )     5,758,370     $ (0.16 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                                                 
    For the Six Months Ended June 30,
    2003
  2004
    Income   Shares   Per Share   Loss   Shares   Per Share
    (Numerator)
  (Denominator)
  Amount
  (Numerator)
  (Denominator)
  Amount
Basic EPS:
                                               
Income (loss) available to common stockholders
  $ 1,826       5,704,148     $ 0.32     $ (1,446 )     5,739,603     $ (0.25 )
 
                   
 
                     
 
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                                               
Options and warrants
          266,057                              
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Dilutive EPS:
                                               
Income (loss) available to common stockholders and assumed conversion
  $ 1,826       5,970,205     $ 0.31     $ (1,446 )     5,739,603     $ (0.25 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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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, 2003 and June 30, 2004, inventories consisted of the following:

                 
    December 31,   June 30,
    2003
  2004
Production-in-process
  $ 3,363     $ 1,293  
Finished goods
    11,736       12,947  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 15,099     $ 14,240  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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, 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.

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 (loss) for the quarters ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were $260 and $(44), respectively. Transaction gains or (losses) included in net income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were $374 and $(322), respectively.

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 adopted SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” which amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The guidance was applied prospectively.

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 condensed consolidated statements 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.

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The Company’s Logistix subsidiary entered into foreign currency forward contracts aggregating GBP 6,481 to sell Euros in exchange for British pounds and United States dollars and to sell British pounds in exchange for United States dollars. The contracts will expire by March 14, 2005. At June 30, 2004, the foreign currency forward contracts had an estimated fair value of $45. The fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2004. The unrealized gain on the contracts is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The Company’s JGI subsidiary entered into foreign currency forward contracts aggregating $439 to sell Canadian dollars in exchange for United States dollars. The contracts will expire by December 31, 2004. At June 30, 2004, the foreign currency forward contracts had an estimated fair value of $(18).

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. Accordingly, beginning on January 1, 2002, the Company has foregone all related goodwill amortization expense.

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill from $41,893 as of December 31, 2003 to $44,339 as of June 30, 2004 reflects: a foreign currency translation adjustment of $246, an adjustment to reflect the net increase to goodwill for the SCI acquisition of $878 (see Note 6) and $1,322 for the acquisition of JGI (see Note 6). Of the goodwill balance, $0 relates to the consumer products segment and $44,339 relates to the marketing services segment.

Identifiable intangibles of $1,252 as of December 31, 2003 and, $3,344 as of June 30, 2004 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 cash 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. In the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company performed the annual impairment test required by SFAS No. 142 and determined that its goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2003.

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.

Stock-Based Compensation

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair-value for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results.

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As of June 30, 2004, the Company had three stock-based compensation plans – the 2000 Stock Option Plan, the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan. In accordance with provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company applies Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans and, accordingly, does not recognize compensation cost for grants whose exercise price equals the market price of the stock on the date of grant. If the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the fair value of the options granted at grant date as prescribed by SFAS No. 123, net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated in the table below:

                                             
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
  June 30,
    2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders — as reported
  $ 1,360     $ (905 )   $ 1,826     $ (1,446 )
Less:
                               
Compensation expense (a)
    357       189       838       323  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders — pro forma
  $ 1,003     $ (1,094 )   $ 988     $ (1,769 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share:
                               
Basic earnings (loss) per share, as reported
  $ 0.24     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.32     $ (0.25 )
Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.18     $ (0.19 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.31 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, as reported
  $ 0.22     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.31     $ (0.25 )
Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.17     $ (0.19 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.31 )

(a)   Determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which addresses the consolidation of business enterprises (variable interest entities) to which the usual condition (ownership of a majority voting interest) of consolidation does not apply. The interpretation focuses on financial interests that indicate control. It concludes control through voting interests, a company’s exposure (variable interest) to the economic risks and potential rewards from the variable interest entity’s assets and activities are the best evidence of control. Variable interests are rights and obligations that convey economic gains or losses from changes in the values of the variable interest entity’s assets and liabilities. Variable interests may arise from financial instruments, service contracts, nonvoting ownership interests and other arrangements. If an enterprise holds a majority of the variable interests of an entity, it would be considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary would be required to include the assets, liabilities and the results of operations of the variable interest entity in its financial statements. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN 46 to address certain implementation issues. The adoption of FIN 46 and FIN 46 (revised) did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In March 2004, the FASB published an Exposure Draft, “Share-Based Payment, an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 123 and 95.” The proposed change in accounting would replace existing requirements under SFAS No. 123 and APB Opinion No. 25. The proposed statement would require public companies to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for equity instruments, based on the grant-date fair value of those instruments, with limited exceptions. The proposed statement would also affect the pattern in which compensation cost would be recognized, the accounting for employee share purchase plans, and the accounting for income tax effects of share-based payment transactions. The Exposure Draft also notes that the use of a lattice model, such as the binomial model, to determine the fair value of employee stock options, is preferable. The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of its employee stock options. Use of a lattice model to determine the fair value of employee stock options may result in compensation cost materially different from those pro forma costs disclosed above under “Stock-Based Compensation” in this Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently determining what impact the proposed statement would have on its results of operations or financial position.

In November 2003 and March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached final consensus on EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” The EITF requires a company to apply a three-step model to determine whether an impairment of an investment, within the scope of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” is other-than-temporary. EITF Issue No. 03-1 shall be applied prospectively to all current and future investments, in interim or annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The Company believes the adoption of EITF Issue No. 03-1 will not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

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In April 2004, the EITF reached final consensus on EITF 03-6, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128,” which requires companies that have participating securities to calculate earnings per share using the two-class method. This method requires the allocation of undistributed earnings to the common shares and participating securities based on the proportion of undistributed earnings that each would have been entitled to had all the period’s earnings been distributed. EITF 03-6 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 30, 2004 and earnings per share reported in prior periods presented must be retroactively adjusted in order to comply with EITF 03-6. The Company has adopted EITF 03-6 for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Earnings per diluted common share were reduced by $0.06 for the second quarter of 2003, to $0.22 from $0.28 as reported in the prior year. The earnings results per diluted common share were reduced by $0.09 for the six months ending June 30, 2003, to $0.31 from $0.40 as reported in the prior year. EITF 03-6 had no impact on 2004 per share amounts because of the net loss.

NOTE 3 — LINE OF CREDIT

On April 24, 2001, the Company signed a credit facility (the “Facility”) with Bank of America. On April 26, 2004, the maturity date of the Facility was extended through June 30, 2005. 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 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, September 30, 2002, November 14, 2003, April 26, 2004 and August 12, 2004, certain covenants under the facility were amended. As of June 30, 2004, 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 June 30, 2004, there were no amounts outstanding under the Facility.

Letters of credit outstanding under the Facility as of December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 totaled $823 and $3,083, respectively.

In addition to the Facility, in October, 2003 the Company’s Logistix subsidiary established an import/letter of credit facility with Hong Kong Shanghai Bank Corp. (“HSBC”) to provide short-term financing of product purchases from Asia. The total availability under this facility is 1,000 GBP. Under this facility HSBC may pay Logistix’s vendors directly upon receipt of invoices and shipping documentation. Logistix in turn is obligated to repay HSBC within 120 days. As of December 31, 2003, advances outstanding under this facility totaled approximately $626 and were recorded in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of June 30, 2004, no amounts were outstanding under this facility.

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 $6,430 to purchase an aggregate of 523,594 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 $5,605 to purchase 454,715 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. The Company spent $3,505 to repurchase 267,650 shares at an average price of $13.10 per share including commissions under this authorization through June 30, 2004. 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 $15,540 to purchase a total of 1,245,959 shares at an average price of $12.47 per share including commissions through June 30, 2004. This repurchase program is being funded through working capital.

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NOTE 5 — SEGMENTS

The Company has identified two reportable segments through which it conducts its continuing operations: marketing services 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 marketing services segment designs and produces promotional products used as free premiums or sold in conjunction with the purchase of other items at a retailer or quick service restaurant and provides various services such as strategic planning and research, entertainment marketing, promotion, event marketing, collaborative marketing, retail design, and environmental branding. Marketing services 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 often 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 and geographic areas exclude interest income, interest expense, depreciation expense, asset impairment charges, restructuring gains, integration costs, 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 inventory, receivables, goodwill and other intangibles. Corporate assets consist of cash, certain corporate receivables, fixed assets, and certain trademarks.

Certain information presented in the tables below has been restated to conform to the current management structure as of January 1, 2004. Specifically, the results and assets of the USI division, which had previously been reported as part of Consumer Products, are now being reported as part of Marketing Services, which is consistent with management responsibility for this business. Effective January 1, 2004, the USI division was carved out of the Company’s Consumer Products division and consolidated with the Company’s SCI division (acquired September 3, 2003) which is part of the Marketing Services segment. The vast majority of the revenues for the USI division represent sales of made-to-order custom product to oil & gas and other retailers who in turn sell the products to consumers.

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Industry Segments

                                 
    As of and For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2003
    Marketing   Consumer        
    Services
  Products
  Corporate
  Total
Total revenues
  $ 46,163     $ 10,790     $     $ 56,953  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 6,437     $ 1,919     $ (4,986 )   $ 3,370  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    2,398       726       (1,894 )     1,230  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,039     $ 1,193     $ (3,092 )   $ 2,140  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fixed asset additions
  $     $     $ 256     $ 256  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 3     $ 45     $ 416     $ 464  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 76,736     $ 10,820     $ 34,886     $ 122,442  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                                 
    As of and For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2004
    Marketing   Consumer        
    Services
  Products
  Corporate
  Total
Total revenues
  $ 47,195     $ 4,583     $     $ 51,778  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 4,938     $ (716 )   $ (5,096 )   $ (874 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    1,946       (282 )     (2,008 )     (344 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,992     $ (434 )   $ (3,088 )   $ (530 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fixed asset additions
  $     $     $ 345     $ 345  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 90     $     $ 431     $ 521  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 82,539     $ 8,730     $ 29,481     $ 120,750  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                                 
    As of and For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
    Marketing   Consumer        
    Services
  Products
  Corporate
  Total
Total revenues
  $ 89,998     $ 14,522     $     $ 104,520  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 12,272     $ 1,765     $ (9,171 )   $ 4,866  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    4,567       665       (3,484 )     1,748  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 7,705     $ 1,100     $ (5,687 )   $ 3,118  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fixed asset additions
  $     $     $ 373     $ 373  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 47     $ 62     $ 827     $ 936  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 76,736     $ 10,820     $ 34,886     $ 122,442  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                                 
    As of and For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
    Marketing   Consumer        
    Services
  Products
  Corporate
  Total
Total revenues
  $ 93,683     $ 9,907     $     $ 103,590  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 9,245     $ (839 )   $ (9,548 )   $ (1,142 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    3,585       (329 )     (3,702 )     (446 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 5,660     $ (510 )   $ (5,846 )   $ (696 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fixed asset additions
  $     $     $ 936     $ 936  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 160     $     $ 827     $ 987  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 82,539     $ 8,730     $ 29,481     $ 120,750  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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NOTE 6 — ACQUISITIONS

On September 3, 2003, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of SCI Promotion Group, LLC (“SCI-LLC”), a privately held promotional marketing services company based in Ontario, California (the “SCI Acquisition”). The Company financed the SCI Acquisition through its existing cash reserves. The SCI Acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 3, 2003, by and among the Company, SCI-LLC and Joseph J. Schmidt, III (the “Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of SCI-LLC for a cash purchase price of approximately $5,900 (before closing balance sheet working capital adjustment), plus additional earnout consideration of up to $3,500 based upon future performance of the acquired business. Net of a holdback of $250, the Company paid $5,683 in cash plus related transaction costs of $538. The Company also assumed the operating liabilities of the business in connection with the acquisition. The earnout consideration is based upon the acquired business achieving targeted levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) over the period from 2003 through 2006. The earnout payments, if required, are payable 50% in cash and 50% in shares of the Company’s common stock. The additional consideration, if any, will be recorded as goodwill.

The SCI Acquisition has been accounted for 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 may result in an adjustment to goodwill and other intangibles. The allocation of the purchase price may change based upon these valuations. During the six months ended June 30, 2004, the preliminary allocation of the purchase price was adjusted to revise the estimated value of prepaid expenses ($64 decrease) and accrued liabilities ($13 increase). The allocation reflects a receivable from SCI-LLC resulting from a closing balance sheet working capital adjustment of $855, accruing interest at the rate of 5% per annum, that will offset additional earnout consideration. Based on the results for 2003, additional consideration of $800 was earned and partially offset the receivable from SCI-LLC. The remaining balance of this receivable is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2004. The additional earnout consideration was recorded as additional goodwill as of June 30, 2004. The Company’s preliminary allocation of purchase price for the acquisition, based upon estimated fair values is as follows:

         
Net current assets
  $ 6,373  
Receivable from SCI
    855  
Property, plant and equipment
    37  
Other non-current assets
    13  
Net current liabilities
    (5,755 )
 
   
 
 
Estimated fair value, net assets acquired
    1,523  
Goodwill
    3,986  
Other intangible assets
    728  
 
   
 
 
Total purchase price
  $ 6,237  
 
   
 
 

The intangible assets of $728 are comprised of customer contracts and related customer relationships and sales order backlog, and are being amortized over estimated useful lives ranging from 4 months to 5 years.

On February 2, 2004 (effective January 31, 2004), the Company acquired certain assets of Johnson Grossfield, Inc. (“JGI-MN”), a privately held promotional marketing services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota (the “JGI Acquisition”). The Company financed the JGI Acquisition through its existing cash reserves. The acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 16, 2004, by and among the Company, JGI, JGI-MN, Marc Grossfield and Thom Johnson (the “Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased the assets of JGI-MN’s promotional agency business for approximately $4,600 in cash and 35,785 shares of the Company’s common stock (which, based upon the January 30, 2004 closing market price of $14.80, had a value of $530), plus additional earnout consideration of up to $4,500 based upon future performance of the acquired business. The Company also assumed the operating liabilities of the promotional agency business in connection with the acquisition. The earnout consideration is based upon the acquired business achieving targeted levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) over the period from 2004 through 2008. The earnout payments, if required, are payable 50% in cash and 50% in shares of the Company’s common stock. The additional consideration, if any, will be recorded as goodwill.

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The JGI Acquisition has been accounted for 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 may result in an adjustment to goodwill and other intangibles. The allocation of the purchase price may change based upon these valuations. However, the Company does not expect significant changes to the preliminary allocation of the purchase price. During the three months ended June 30, 2004, the preliminary allocation of the purchase price was adjusted to revise the estimated value of accounts receivable ($31 decrease), inventory ($68 decrease) and accrued liabilities ($19 decrease). During the second quarter of 2004, additional consideration was paid in the amount of $105 as a working capital adjustment. The Company’s preliminary allocation of purchase price for the JGI Acquisition, based upon estimated fair values is as follows:

         
Net current assets
  $ 2,758  
Property, plant and equipment
    8  
Other non-current assets
    7  
Net current liabilities
    (1,194 )
 
   
 
 
Estimated fair value, net assets acquired
    1,579  
Goodwill
    1,322  
Other intangible assets
    2,243  
 
   
 
 
Total purchase price
  $ 5,144  
 
   
 
 

The intangible assets of $2,243 are comprised of customer relationships and a non-competition agreement, and are being amortized over estimated useful lives ranging from 2 years to 12 years.

In connection with the SCI and JGI Acquisitions, the Company formulated and implemented an integration plan and incurred integration costs, including travel, training and consulting costs. Such costs totaled $93 and $136 for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2004, respectively, and were recorded as integration costs in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are presented as if the SCI and JGI Acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the year 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.

                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
  June 30,
    2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
Pro forma revenues
  $ 66,754     $ 51,778     $ 122,215     $ 105,054  
Pro forma net income (loss)
  $ 2,716     $ (530 )   $ 3,745     $ (538 )
Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.32     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.40     $ (0.22 )
Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.30     $ (0.16 )   $ 0.39     $ (0.22 )

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

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NOTE 7 — RELATED PARTIES

On July 15, 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with U.S. Capital Investors, Inc. (“USCI”), an entity controlled by Jeffrey S. Deutschman, pursuant to which USCI will serve as an advisor to the Company with respect to potential mergers and acquisitions through December 31, 2003. Mr. Deutschman currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Company as the representative of the holder of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock. The Company’s agreement with USCI provides for the payment of a discretionary success fee for completed acquisition transactions in an amount determined by an independent committee of the Board in accordance with certain guidelines and criteria. The guidelines for fees payable upon successful completion of an acquisition transaction are $200 for up to $10,000 of consideration, 1.5% of consideration from $10,000 to $25,000 and 1% of consideration over $25,000; provided, however, that the success fee for the first transaction under the agreement has an initial fee guideline of $275 for up to $10,000 of consideration. Notwithstanding the guidelines, the independent committee has absolute discretion in determining the amount, if any, of the success fee for any transaction. The USCI agreement provides for the payment of a refundable advance against success fees in the aggregate amount of $275. The USCI agreement was approved by the Board and consented to by the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock. The Company believes that this agreement has enhanced its ability to analyze and close merger and acquisition transactions in a manner that is more cost effective than traditional outside advisory firms. In connection with the acquisition of SCI (see Note 6), USCI earned a success fee of $275. This success fee is recorded as a transaction cost of the SCI acquisition. In connection with the February 2004 acquisition of JGI, USCI earned a success fee of $125. This success fee is recorded as a transaction cost of the JGI acquisition. The Company is currently in discussions with USCI to continue the advisory related services through 2004 which may or may not be on the same terms.

NOTE 8 — MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

On March 29, 2000, Crown EMAK Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Crown”), invested $11,900 in EMAK in exchange for preferred stock and warrants to purchase additional preferred stock. Under the terms of the investment, Crown acquired 11,900 shares of Series A mandatory redeemable senior cumulative participating convertible preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, (the “Series A Stock”) with a conversion price of $14.75 per share. In connection with such purchase, the Company granted to Crown five year warrants (collectively, the “Warrants”) to purchase 5,712 shares of Series B senior cumulative participating convertible preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, (the “Series B Stock”) at an exercise price of $1,000 per share, and 1,428 shares of Series C senior cumulative participating convertible preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, (the “Series C Stock”) at an exercise price of $1,000 per share. The Warrants were immediately exercisable. The conversion prices of the Series B Stock and the Series C Stock were $16.00 and $18.00 per share, respectively. On June 20, 2000, Crown paid EMAK an additional $13,100 in exchange for an additional 13,100 shares of Series A Stock with a conversion price of $14.75 per share. In connection with such purchase, EMAK granted to Crown additional Warrants to purchase another 6,288 shares of Series B Stock and another 1,572 shares of Series C Stock. Each share of Series A Stock is convertible into 67.7966 shares of Common Stock, representing 1,694,915 shares of Common Stock in aggregate. Each share of Series B Stock and Series C Stock was convertible into 62.5 and 55.5556 shares of Common Stock, respectively, representing 916,666 shares of Common Stock in aggregate. Also in connection with such purchase, the Company agreed to pay Crown a commitment fee in the aggregate amount of $1,250, paid in equal quarterly installments of $62.5 commencing on June 30, 2000 and ending on June 30, 2005. Two payments of $62.5 each were made during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

On March 19, 2004, the Company entered into a Warrant Exchange Agreement with Crown whereby Crown received new warrants to purchase an aggregate of 916,666 shares of Common Stock (“New Warrants”) in exchange for cancellation of the existing Warrants to purchase shares of Series B Stock and Series C Stock (which, upon issuance, would have been convertible into 916,666 shares of Common Stock). The New Warrants consist of warrants to purchase 750,000 shares and 166,666 shares of Common Stock at exercise prices of $16.00 and $18.00 per share, respectively. Of each tranch, 47.6% expire on March 29, 2010 and 52.4% expire on June 20, 2010. As a result of the exchange transaction, Crown received an extension of time in which to exercise its right to purchase additional equity in EMAK, and EMAK obtained an elimination of the preferred rights and preferences as well as the preferred dividend associated with the now eliminated Series B Stock and Series C Stock. The exchange was recorded as a reduction to preferred stock of $531 and an increase to additional paid–in-capital of $487, net of transaction costs of $44.

Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company’s affairs, Crown, as holder of the Series A Stock, will be entitled to payment out of assets of the Company available for distribution of an amount equal to the greater of (a) the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Liquidation Preference”) plus all accrued and unpaid dividends or (b) the aggregate amount of payment that the outstanding preferred stock holder would have received assuming conversion to Common Stock immediately prior to the date of liquidation of capital stock, before any payment is made to other stockholders.

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The Series A Stock is subject to mandatory redemption at the option of the holder at 101% of the aggregate Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends if a change in control occurs.

Crown has voting rights equivalent to the number of shares of Common Stock into which their Series A Stock is convertible on the relevant record date. Crown is also entitled to receive a quarterly dividend equal to 6% of the Liquidation Preference per share outstanding, payable in cash. The dividends for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 totaled $375 and were paid in June 2004.

Crown currently holds 100% of the outstanding shares of Series A Stock, and has designated one individual to the Board of Directors of the Company. Crown currently has the right to designate two additional directors.

The Series A Stock is recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at its Liquidation Preference net of issuance costs. The issuance costs total approximately $1,951 and include an accrual of approximately $1,000 for the present value of the commitment fee discussed above.

NOTE 9—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

The Company has operating leases for its properties and equipment, which expire at various dates through 2014.

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of June 30, 2004 are as follows:

         
Year
 
2004
  $ 2,655  
2005
    4,777  
2006
    4,224  
2007
    4,018  
2008
    3,614  
Thereafter
    6,183  
 
   
 
 
Total
  $ 25,471  
 
   
 
 

Aggregate rental expenses for operating leases were $937 and $915 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Guaranteed Royalties

For the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, the Company incurred $1,683 and $666, respectively, in royalty expense. License agreements for certain copyrights and trademarks require minimum guaranteed royalty payments over the respective terms of the licenses. As of June 30, 2004, the Company has committed to pay total minimum guaranteed royalties as follows:

         
Year
 
2004
  $ 1,714  
2005
    4,271  
2006
    2,546  
2007
    1,076  
 
   
 
 
Total
  $ 9,607  
 
   
 
 

License agreements for certain copyrights and trademarks in the Consumer Products segment require minimum commitments for advertising over the respective terms of the licenses. The commitment for advertising expenditures is determined as a percentage of the sales (typically up to 10 percent) of certain licensed properties over the terms of their respective agreements.

Employment Agreement

The Company has employment agreements with key executives. Guaranteed compensation under these agreements as of June 30, 2004 are as follows:

         
Year
 
2004
  $ 1,096  
2005
    600  
2006
    325  
2007
    325  
2008
    200  
Thereafter
    1,800  
 
   
 
 
Total
  $ 4,346  
 
   
 
 

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NOTE 10 — RESTRUCTURING

During the second quarter of 2004, the Company formulated and implemented a restructuring plan in connection with the realignment of centralized resources in its Marketing Services business in order to combine and streamline the operations. In connection with this plan the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $105. This charge represents severance for one employee in the Company’s Los Angeles office, who was terminated, and is reflected as a restructuring charge in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of June 30, 2004, none of the restructuring charge was paid.

NOTE 11 — LOSS ON CHICAGO LEASE

In 2003, the Company finalized its exit plan with respect to vacating half of its leased space (approximately thirty thousand square feet) at UPSHOT’s Chicago, Illinois office. In June 2003, this resulted in an adjustment to the liabilities recorded and an increase to goodwill of $1,900 for the present value of the remaining lease payments for the vacated office space in excess of the estimated sub-lease income. The liabilities assumed in connection with this restructuring plan totaled $3,535 and are included as part of goodwill in accordance with EITF Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination.” In June 2004, the Company recorded expense of $311 due to lower than estimated sublease income for the vacated office space. The office space has been subleased at rates modestly below the Company’s initial estimates, due to softness in the current Chicago real estate market.

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

Except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, as used herein,“EMAK,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us,” means Equity Marketing, Inc., a Delaware corporation and its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, all dollar amounts herein are expressed in thousands.

Organization and Business

Equity Marketing, Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiaries, is a leading integrated global marketing services company based in Los Angeles, with offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, Ontario (CA), London, Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai. We focus on the design and execution of strategy-based marketing programs providing measurable results for our clients. We have expertise in the areas of: strategic planning and research, entertainment marketing, design and manufacturing of custom promotional products, promotion, event marketing, collaborative marketing, retail design and environmental branding. Our clients include Burger King Corporation, Diageo, Kellogg’s, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Procter & Gamble, and Subway Restaurants, among others. We complement our core marketing services business by developing and marketing distinctive consumer products, based on emerging and evergreen licensed properties, which are sold through specialty and mass-market retailers.

Equity Marketing Hong Kong, Ltd., a Delaware corporation (“EMHK”), is a 100% owned subsidiary. EMHK manages production of our 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.

Logistix Limited, a United Kingdom corporation (“Logistix”), is a 100% owned subsidiary which was acquired on July 31, 2001. 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 small portion of its revenues from a consumer products business.

Our UPSHOT division (“UPSHOT”), which was acquired on July 17, 2002 is a marketing agency, specializing in promotion, event, collaborative marketing, retail design and environmental branding.

Our SCI Promotion division (“SCI”), which was acquired on September 3, 2003, is a promotional marketing services business specializing in the development and execution of promotional campaigns that utilize purchase-with-purchase, gift-with-purchase, promotional licenses and promotional retail programs, principally for the retail department store industry.

Johnson Grossfield, Inc. (“JGI”), is a 100% owned subsidiary, the operations of which were acquired on February 2, 2004 (effective January 31, 2004). JGI is a promotional marketing services business specializing in providing custom licensed premiums for the kids marketing program of Subway Restaurants.

Overview

Despite contributions from our recent acquisitions, revenues for the second quarter of 2004 decreased $5,175 to $51,778 as compared to $56,953 recorded in the prior year. Our second quarter 2004 performance was hurt by revenue and margin shortfalls primarily in our Consumer Products segment. This was partially offset by moderate revenue growth in our Marketing Services segment as a result of our recent acquisitions of SCI and JGI, which more than offset a year-over-year decline in volumes for Burger King promotional programs. SCI and JGI combined generated approximately $5,900 of revenues during the quarter.

We recorded a net loss of $0.16 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2004 compared to net income of $0.22 per diluted share in the prior year quarter. The net loss per share was primarily attributable to the following factors:

  A decrease in revenues and margin shortfalls in the Consumer Products segment. Sales in the Consumer Product segment decreased $6,207 from the prior year quarter and gross profit margins decreased to 20.9% of sales from 36.5% in the prior year quarter. The gross profit margin for Consumer Products was negatively impacted by pricing pressure, a higher mix of international sales which carry lower margins and a changing product sales mix. The decrease in sales was attributable to a large shipment of Kim Possible™ product in the second quart of 2003 to stock Wal-Mart for their exclusive launch of this product line.

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  Collectively, SCI and JGI were $0.05 dilutive per share. The first half of the year is seasonally SCI’s lowest. As a result, we didn’t have the sales volume to absorb the largely fixed cost structure of this business. This resulted in increased operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.

  Charges for the integration of SCI and JGI totaling $93, or $0.01 per diluted share.

  A restructuring charge for $105, or $0.01 per diluted share related to the realignment of centralized resources in the Marketing Services business.

  A charge of $311, or $0.03 per diluted share due to lower than estimated sub-lease income for vacated office space in the UPSHOT business. The office space has been subleased at rates modestly below the Company’s initial estimates, due to softness in the current Chicago real estate market.

  Operating expenses in the second quarter of 2004 include approximately $194, or $0.02 per diluted share, in non-cash expense related to grants of restricted stock units, compared with $61, or $0.01 recognized in the same period of 2003. We began using restricted stock units as our primary means of stock based compensation in the second quarter of 2003 and made additional grants at the beginning of the second quarter of 2004.

Our Burger King business performed in line with our expectations. During the quarter we implemented three domestic premium programs and two international ones. This is essentially the same number of promotional programs that we have typically produced for Burger King in the second quarter but the unit volume of the domestic programs was lower than in the past, which has reduced our total revenues and profits from this business. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in volumes in our international Burger King business. We expect the trend of lower domestic unit volumes as compared to prior years to begin to turn around towards the end of 2004 and into 2005 as a result of recent improvements in Burger King system sales of kids meals.

With the exception of the Kim Possible™ product line discussed above, sales for our other Consumer Products brands have increased. This is attributable to our expanded line-up of products. Revenues in 2003 were primarily comprised of sales of Scooby-Doo™ and Kim Possible™ product. This year we received contribution from Scooby-Doo™, Kim Possible™, from our expanded line-up of Crayola® branded bath toys, and from our newest line of toys, Baby Einstein™. As a result of the expanded product lines, we expect our Consumer Products business to grow in 2004 relative to 2003.

Due to the seasonality of our business, we expect to generate the bulk of our revenues and net income in the second half of the year.

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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   Six Months
    Ended June 30,
  Ended June 30,
    2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
Revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    73.3       73.4       73.7       73.9  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    26.7       26.6       26.3       26.1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
    9.7       15.3       10.9       14.7  
Selling, general and administrative
    11.4       11.9       11.0       11.7  
Integration costs
          0.2             0.1  
Loss on Chicago lease
          0.6             0.3  
Restructuring charge
          0.2             0.1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total operating expenses
    21.1       28.2       21.9       26.9  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
    5.6       (1.6 )     4.4       (0.8 )
Other income (expense), net
    0.4       (0.1 )     0.3       (0.3 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    6.0       (1.7 )     4.7       (1.1 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    2.2       (0.7 )     1.7       (0.4 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
    3.8 %     (1.0 )%     3.0 %     (0.7 )%
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2003 (In Thousands):

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $5,175, or 9.1%, to $51,778 from $56,953 in the comparable period in 2003. Marketing Services revenues increased $1,032, or 2.2%, to $47,195 primarily as a result of increased revenues resulting from the SCI and JGI Acquisitions. The increase in Marketing Services revenues was also attributable to net foreign currency translation impact which contributed approximately $734 to revenues for Logistix versus the prior year period average exchange rates. Revenues for the Burger King business decreased as the volume of units for domestic promotional programs were lower compared to the same period in 2003.

The results for 2003 exclude SCI (acquired September 3, 2003) and JGI (acquired February 2, 2004). Excluding the impact of the SCI and JGI Acquisitions, Marketing Services revenues decreased 10.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. SCI and JGI combined generated approximately $5,900 of revenues during the quarter.

Consumer Product revenues decreased $6,207, or 57.5%, to $4,583. The decrease is primarily attributable to a significant one-time stocking of Kim Possible™ merchandise in the second quarter 2003. Our Kim Possible™ line was launched in the second quarter of 2003 as a Wal-Mart exclusive. The decrease in Kim Possible™ product was partially offset by increased international sales of Scooby-Doo™ product, the continued growth of Crayola® branded bath toys, and the addition of the Baby Einsteinproducts. Our second quarter 2003 Consumer Product revenues were primarily comprised of Kim Possible™, Scooby-Doo™ and Crayola® product. In January 2004, we also began distributing the first toy products based upon Baby Einstein™, the best selling brand of videos specifically designed for infants and toddlers. We have granted exclusive distribution to Target and Babies R Us for 2004. The growth in our Crayola® line of bath toys, which was launched in the second half of 2003, was attributable to an expanded product line and expanded distribution channels. The growth in Scooby-Doo™ revenues for the quarter was the result of international sales, which is attributable to the brand receiving more exposure on television in Europe and Latin America.

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Cost of sales and gross profit

Cost of sales decreased $3,751 to $38,015 (73.4% of revenues) for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $41,766 (73.3% of revenues) in the comparable period in 2003 due to the lower sales volume in 2004.

The gross margin percentage slightly decreased to 26.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from 26.7% in the comparable period for 2003. This decrease is the result of a decrease in Consumer Products gross margins. The gross profit percentage for Marketing Services for the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased to 27.1% compared to 24.4% for the comparable period in 2003. This increase is attributable to an increase in the relative mix of non-Burger King business, which tends to carry higher gross profit margins. The gross profit percentage for Consumer Products decreased to 20.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from 36.5% in the comparable period in 2003. This decrease is primarily the result of pricing pressure, a higher mix of international sales which carry lower margins and a changing product sales mix. International sales, which are sold through distributors who bear more of the risk and incur the bulk of the selling expenses, tend to carry lower gross margins than domestic sales.

Salaries, wages and benefits

Salaries, wages and benefits increased $2,363, or 42.7%, to $7,900 (15.3% of revenues) for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $5,537 (9.7% of revenues) in the comparable period for 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of approximately 55 employees from the SCI and JGI Acquisitions as well as annual employee merit pay increases and additional compensation expense resulting from grants of restricted stock units.

Salaries, wages and benefits increased as a percentage of revenues from 9.7% to 15.3% as a result of the revenue decrease. The first half of the year is seasonally SCI’s lowest. As a result, we didn’t have the sales volume to absorb the largely fixed cost structure of this business. In addition, the reduction in Burger King unit volume had a significant impact on this metric, as our staffing levels required to service this account are largely fixed.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $325, or 5%, to $6,160 (11.9% of revenues) for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $6,485 (11.4% of revenues) in the comparable period for 2003. The decrease is attributable to lower selling expenses associated with a decrease in sales compared to the second quarter 2003. The decrease was partially offset by additional operating expenses resulting from the SCI and JGI Acquisitions.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of revenues from 11.4% to 11.9% as a result of the revenue decrease. The first half of the year is seasonally SCI’s lowest. As a result, we didn’t have the sales volume to absorb the largely fixed cost structure of this business. In addition, the reduction in Burger King unit volume had a significant impact on this metric, as our cost structure required to service this account is largely fixed.

Integration costs

We recorded integration costs of $93 (0.2% of revenues) for the three months ended June 30, 2004. These are primarily travel, training and consulting costs directly related to the integration of SCI and JGI.

Loss on Chicago lease

We recorded a charge for the loss on the Chicago office lease of $311 (0.6% of revenues) for the three months ended June 30, 2004. This is due to lower than estimated sublease income for vacated office space in the Upshot business. The office space has been subleased at rates modestly below our initial estimates, due to softness in the current Chicago real estate market.

Restructuring charge

We recorded a restructuring charge of $105 (0.2% of revenues) for the three months ended June 30, 2004. This is associated with the realignment of centralized resources in our Marketing Services business.

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Other income (expense)

Net other income (expense) decreased $273 to $(68) for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $205 in the comparable period for 2003. This decrease was due to modest foreign currency transaction losses in 2004 as compared to foreign currency gains recorded in 2003 due to the strengthening of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar.

Provision (benefit) for taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was 39.4 % compared to 36.5% for the same period in 2003. The increase in the effective tax rate is the result of a net loss being generated domestically in 2004 relative to net income in 2003 which was primarily generated internationally in territories which have more favorable tax rates.

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) decreased $2,670 to a net loss of $530 ((1.0)% of revenues) in 2004 from net income of $2,140 (3.8% of revenues) in 2003 primarily due to lower sales and increased salaries, wages and benefits attributable to the SCI and JGI Acquisitions.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 (In Thousands):

Revenues

Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $930, or 0.9%, to $103,590 from $104,520 in the comparable period in 2003. Marketing Services revenues increased $3,685, or 4.1%, to $93,683 primarily as a result of increased revenues resulting from the SCI and JGI Acquisitions. The increase in Marketing Services revenues was also attributable to additional revenues generated by our Logistix subsidiary. Our Logistix business had increased revenues from Kellogg’s promotional programs compared to the same period in 2003. In addition, net foreign currency translation impact contributed approximately $2,200 to revenues for Logistix versus the prior year period average exchange rates. Revenues for the Burger King business decreased as the volume of units for domestic promotional programs were lower compared to the same period in 2003.

The results for 2003 exclude SCI (acquired September 3, 2003) and JGI (acquired February 2, 2004). Excluding the impact of the SCI and JGI Acquisitions, Marketing Services revenues decreased 8.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. SCI and JGI combined generated approximately $10,700 of revenues in the current year period.

Consumer Product revenues decreased $4,615, or 31.8%, to $9,907. The decrease is primarily attributable to a significant one-time stocking of Kim Possible™ merchandise in the first half of 2003. Our Kim Possible™ line was launched in the first half of 2003 as a Wal-Mart exclusive; distribution expanded to other major retailers beginning in January 2004. The decrease was partially offset by increased international sales of Scooby-Doo™ product, the continued growth of Crayola® branded bath toys, and the addition of the Baby Einsteinproducts. Revenues for the first half of 2003 were primarily comprised of Scooby-Doo™ , Crayola® and Kim Possible™ product. In January 2004, we also began distributing the first toy products based upon Baby Einstein™, the best selling brand of videos specifically designed for infants and toddlers. We have granted exclusive distribution to Target and Babies R Us for 2004. The growth in our Crayola® line of bath toys, which was launched in the second half of 2003, was attributable to an expanded product line and expanded distribution channels. The growth in Scooby-Doo™ revenues for the first half was the result of international sales, which is attributable to the brand receiving more exposure on television in Europe and Latin America.

Cost of sales and gross profit

Cost of sales decreased $466 to $76,587 (73.9% of revenues) for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $77,053 (73.7% of revenues) in the comparable period in 2003 due to the lower sales volume in 2004.

The gross margin percentage decreased to 26.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 26.3% in the comparable period for 2003. This decrease is the result of a decrease in Consumer Product gross margins. The gross profit percentage for Marketing Services for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased to 26.0% compared to 24.6% for the comparable period in 2003. This increase is attributable to an increase in the relative mix of non-Burger King business, which tends to carry higher gross profit margins. The gross profit percentage for Consumer Products decreased to 26.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from 36.5% in the comparable period in 2003. This decrease is primarily the result of pricing pressure, a higher mix of international sales which carry lower margins and a changing product sales mix. International sales, which are sold through distributors who bear more of the risk and incur the bulk of the selling expenses, tend to carry lower gross margins than domestic sales.

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Salaries, wages and benefits

Salaries, wages and benefits increased $3,779, or 33.2%, to $15,177 (14.7% of revenues) for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $11,398 (10.9% of revenues) in the comparable period for 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of approximately 55 employees from the SCI and JGI Acquisitions as well as annual employee merit pay increases and additional compensation expense resulting from grants of restricted stock units.

Salaries, wages and benefits increased as a percentage of revenues from 10.9% to 14.7% as a result of the revenue decrease. The first half of the year is seasonally SCI’s lowest. As a result, we didn’t have the sales volume to absorb the largely fixed cost structure of this business. In addition, the reduction in Burger King unit volume had a significant impact on this metric, as our staffing levels required to service this account are largely fixed.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $546, or 4.7%, to $12,056 (11.7% of revenues) for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $11,510 (11.0% of revenues) in the comparable period for 2003. The increase is primarily the result of additional operating expenses resulting from the SCI and JGI Acquisitions.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of revenues from 11.0% to 11.7% as a result of the revenue decrease. The first half of the year is seasonally SCI’s lowest. As a result, we didn’t have the sales volume to absorb the largely fixed cost structure of this business. In addition, the reduction in Burger King unit volume had a significant impact on this metric, as our cost structure required to service this account is largely fixed.

Integration costs

We recorded integration costs of $136 (0.1% of revenues) for the six months ended June 30, 2004. These are primarily travel, training and consulting costs directly related to the integration of SCI and JGI.

Loss on Chicago lease

We recorded a charge for the loss on the Chicago office lease of $311 (0.3% of revenues) for the six months ended June 30, 2004. This is due to lower than estimated sublease income for vacated office space in the Upshot business. The office space has been subleased at rates modestly below our initial estimates, due to softness in the current Chicago real estate market.

Restructuring charge

We recorded a restructuring charge of $105 (0.1% of revenues) for the six months ended June 30, 2004. This is associated with the realignment of centralized resources in our Marketing Services business.

Other income (expense)

Net other income (expense) decreased $667 to $(360) for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $307 in the comparable period for 2003. This decrease was due to foreign currency transaction losses as a result of the strengthening Euro relative to the British Pound. The growth in the pan-European business at Logistix during the first quarter of 2004 surpassed the currency hedges in place covering the British pound against the Euro.

Provision (Benefit) for taxes

The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was 39.1% compared to 36.5% for the same period in 2003. The increase in the effective tax rate is the result of a net loss being generated domestically in 2004 relative to net income in 2003 which was primarily generated internationally in territories which have more favorable tax rates.

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) decreased $3,814 to a net loss of $696 ((0.7)% of revenues) in 2004 from net income of $3,118 (3.0% of revenues) in 2003 primarily due to increased salaries, wages and benefits and selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the acquisitions of SCI and JGI. The decrease is also the result of foreign currency transaction losses as a result of the strengthening Euro relative to the British pound.

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Financial Condition and Liquidity

Our financial position remained strong in the second quarter of 2004 and we extended the maturity of our $35,000 credit facility with Bank of America through June 30, 2005. See “Credit Facility” below. At June 30, 2004, we had no debt; and cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $14,248, compared to $19,291 as of December 31, 2003. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities was attributable to the JGI Acquisition, purchases of fixed assets and the payment of current liabilities, partially offset by the collection of receivables.

As of June 30, 2004, our net accounts receivable decreased $7,398 to $29,367 from $36,765 at December 31, 2003. This decrease is a result of the lower level of sales volume in the second quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2003. Historically, second quarter sales are substantially lower than sales in the fourth quarter, which tends to be the highest volume quarter of the year. This decrease was partially offset by additional receivables acquired as a result of the JGI Acquisition.

As of June 30, 2004, inventories decreased $859 to $14,240 from $15,099 at December 31, 2003. This decrease in inventories is primarily the result of the timing of promotional programs expected to be delivered later in the third quarter of 2004 relative to the first quarter of 2004. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in Consumer Products inventories as a result of the addition of new product lines which were introduced in 2004. The decrease was also partially offset by additional inventories acquired as a result of the JGI Acquisition. Marketing Services inventories represent 62% and 71% of total inventories as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. Promotional product inventory used in Marketing Services generally has lower risk than Consumer Product inventory, as it usually represents product made to order.

As of June 30, 2004, accounts payable decreased $3,948 to $24,917 from $28,865 at December 31, 2003. This decrease is associated with the payment of liabilities related to fourth quarter 2003 promotional programs. This decrease was partially offset by additional payables as a result of the JGI Acquisition.

As of June 30, 2004, accrued liabilities decreased $3,572 to $13,623 from $17,195 at December 31, 2003. This decrease is primarily attributable to the payment of administrative fees collected from distribution companies during the fourth quarter of 2003 on behalf of promotional customers, as well as, the payment of royalties and income taxes. This decrease was partially offset by additional accrued liabilities as a result of the JGI Acquisition.

As of June 30, 2004, working capital was $23,699 compared to $29,447 at December 31, 2003. Cash flows provided by operations for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $1,274 compared to cash used of $(4,997) in the prior year. Cash flows used in operations in the first half of 2003 were impacted by the reduction of current assets and liabilities to more normalized levels subsequent to the West Coast port dispute which caused shipping delays in the fourth quarter of 2002. These shipping delays resulted in higher than normal levels of receivables and payables as of December 31, 2002. Cash flows used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $6,841 compared to $1,857 in the prior year. This increase is the result of the JGI Acquisition and increased purchases of fixed assets partially offset by reduced purchases of marketable securities. Cash flows used by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were $798 compared to $1,206 in the prior year primarily as a result of a decrease in the repurchase of treasury stock and an increase in proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Our current strategy and business plan calls for the consummation of additional acquisitions as well as the continued repurchase of our common stock. We plan to evaluate the level of such expenditures in the context of the capital available to us and to changing market conditions.

As of the date hereof, we believe that cash from operations, cash on hand at June 30, 2004 and our credit facility will be sufficient to fund our working capital needs for at least the next twelve months. The statements set forth herein are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially.

Future minimum annual commitments for guaranteed minimum royalty payments under license agreements, non-cancelable operating leases and employment agreements as of June 30, 2004 are as follows:

                                                         
    2004
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  Thereafter
  Total
Operating Leases
  $ 2,655     $ 4,777     $ 4,224     $ 4,018     $ 3,614     $ 6,183     $ 25,471  
Guaranteed Royalties
    1,714       4,271       2,546       1,076                   9,607  
Employment Agreements
    1,096       600       325       325       200       1,800       4,346  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 5,465     $ 9,648     $ 7,095     $ 5,419     $ 3,814     $ 7,983     $ 39,424  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

License agreements for certain copyrights and trademarks in the Consumer Products segment require minimum commitments for advertising over the respective terms of the licenses. The commitment for advertising expenditures is determined as a percentage of the sales (typically up to 10 percent) of certain licensed properties over the terms of their respective agreements.

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We had no material commitments for capital expenditures at June 30, 2004. Letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 totaled $823 and $3,803, respectively.

Credit Facilities

On April 24, 2001, we signed a credit facility (the “Facility”) with Bank of America. On April 26, 2004, the maturity date of the Facility was extended through June 30, 2005. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and provides for a line of credit of up to $35,000 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. We are 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 us to comply with certain restrictions and covenants as amended from time to time. On November 14, 2001, February 8, 2002, September 30, 2002, November 14, 2003, April 26, 2004 and August 12, 2004, certain covenants under the facility were amended. As of June 30, 2004, we were in compliance with the amended restrictions and covenants. The Facility may be used for working capital and acquisition financing purposes. As of June 30, 2004, there were no amounts outstanding under the Facility except for letters of credit of $3,803.

In addition to the Facility, in October, 2003 our Logistix subsidiary established an import/letter of credit facility with Hong Kong Shanghai Bank Corp. (“HSBC”) to provide short-term financing of product purchases from Asia. The total availability under this facility is 1,000 GBP. Under this facility HSBC may pay Logistix’s vendors directly upon receipt of invoices and shipping documentation. Logistix in turn is obligated to repay HSBC within 120 days. As of December 31, 2003, advances outstanding under this facility totaled approximately $626 and were recorded in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of June 30, 2004, no amounts were outstanding under this facility.

Acquisitions

On September 3, 2003, we acquired substantially all of the assets of SCI Promotion Group, LLC (“SCI-LLC”), a privately held promotional marketing services company based in Ontario, California (the “SCI Acquisition”). We financed the SCI Acquisition through our existing cash reserves. The SCI Acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 3, 2003, by and among EMAK, SCI-LLC and Joseph J. Schmidt, III (the “Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we acquired substantially all of the assets of SCI-LLC for a cash purchase price of approximately $5,900 (before the closing balance sheet working capital adjustment), plus additional earnout consideration of up to $3,500 based upon future performance of the acquired business. Net of a holdback of $250, we paid $5,683 in cash plus related transaction costs of $538. We also assumed the operating liabilities of the business in connection with the acquisition. The earnout consideration is based upon the acquired business achieving targeted levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) over the period from 2003 through 2006. The earnout payments, if required, are payable 50% in cash and 50% in shares of our common stock. The additional consideration, if any, will be recorded as goodwill. Based on the results for 2003, additional consideration of $800 was earned and recorded as goodwill.

On February 2, 2004, we acquired certain assets of Johnson Grossfield, Inc.(“JGI-MN”) a privately held promotional marketing services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota (the “JGI Acquisition”). We financed the JGI Acquisition through our existing cash reserves. The JGI Acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 16, 2004, by and among the Company, Johnson Grossfield, Inc., a Delaware corporation wholly owned by us (“JGI”), JGI-MN, Marc Grossfield and Thom Johnson (the “Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we purchased the assets of JGI-MN’s promotional agency business for approximately $4,600 in cash and 35,785 shares of our common stock (which, based upon the January 30, 2004 closing market price of $14.80, had a value of $530), plus additional earnout consideration of up to $4,500 based upon future performance of the acquired business. We also assumed the operating liabilities of the promotional agency business in connection with the acquisition. The earnout consideration is based upon the acquired business achieving targeted levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) over the period from 2004 through 2008. The earnout payments, if required, are payable 50% in cash and 50% in shares of our common stock. The additional consideration, if any, will be recorded as goodwill.

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Issuance of Preferred Stock

On March 29, 2000, Crown EMAK Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Crown”), invested $11,900 in EMAK in exchange for preferred stock and warrants to purchase additional preferred stock. Under the terms of the investment, Crown acquired 11,900 shares of Series A mandatory redeemable senior cumulative participating convertible preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, (the “Series A Stock”) with a conversion price of $14.75 per share. In connection with such purchase, we granted to Crown five year warrants (collectively, the “Warrants”) to purchase 5,712 shares of Series B senior cumulative participating convertible preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, (the “Series B Stock”) at an exercise price of $1,000 per share, and 1,428 shares of Series C senior cumulative participating convertible preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, (the “Series C Stock”) at an exercise price of $1,000 per share. The Warrants were immediately exercisable. The conversion prices of the Series B Stock and the Series C Stock were $16.00 and $18.00 per share, respectively. On June 20, 2000, Crown paid us an additional $13,100 in exchange for an additional 13,100 shares of Series A Stock with a conversion price of $14.75 per share. In connection with such purchase, we granted to Crown additional Warrants to purchase another 6,288 shares of Series B Stock and another 1,572 shares of Series C Stock. Each share of Series A Stock is convertible into 67.7966 shares of Common Stock, representing 1,694,915 shares of Common Stock in aggregate. Each share of Series B Stock and Series C Stock was convertible into 62.5 and 55.5556 shares of Common Stock, respectively, representing 916,666 shares of Common Stock in aggregate. Also in connection with such purchase, we agreed to pay Crown a commitment fee in the aggregate amount of $1,250, paid in equal quarterly installments of $62.5 commencing on June 30, 2000 and ending on June 30, 2005. Two payments of $62.5 each were made during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

On March 19, 2004, we entered into a Warrant Exchange Agreement with Crown whereby Crown received new warrants to purchase an aggregate of 916,666 shares of Common Stock (“New Warrants”) in exchange for cancellation of the existing Warrants to purchase shares of Series B Stock and Series C Stock (which, upon issuance, would have been convertible into 916,666 shares of Common Stock). The New Warrants consist of warrants to purchase 750,000 shares and 166,666 shares of Common Stock at exercise prices of $16.00 and $18.00 per share, respectively. Of each tranch, 47.6% expire on March 29, 2010 and 52.4% expire on June 20, 2010. As a result of the exchange transaction, Crown received an extension of time in which to exercise its right to purchase additional equity in EMAK, and we obtained an elimination of the preferred rights and preferences as well as the preferred dividend associated with the now eliminated Series B Stock and Series C Stock. The exchange was recorded as a reduction to preferred stock of $531 and an increase to additional paid–in-capital of $487, net of transaction costs of $44.

Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, Crown, as holder of the Series A Stock, will be entitled to payment out of our assets available for distribution of an amount equal to the greater of (a) the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Liquidation Preference”) plus all accrued and unpaid dividends or (b) the aggregate amount of payment that the outstanding preferred stock holder would have received assuming conversion to Common Stock immediately prior to the date of liquidation of capital stock, before any payment is made to other stockholders.

The Series A Stock is subject to mandatory redemption at the option of the holder at 101% of the aggregate Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends if a change in control occurs.

Crown has voting rights equivalent to the number of shares of Common Stock into which their Series A Stock is convertible on the relevant record date. Crown is also entitled to receive a quarterly dividend equal to 6% of the Liquidation Preference per share outstanding, payable in cash. The dividends for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 totaled $375 and were paid in June 2004.

Crown currently holds 100% of the outstanding shares of Series A Stock, and has designated one individual to our Board of Directors. Crown currently has the right to designate two additional directors.

The Series A Stock is recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at its Liquidation Preference net of issuance costs. The issuance costs total approximately $1,951 and include an accrual of approximately $1,000 for the present value of the commitment fee discussed above.

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Stock Repurchase

On July 21, 2000, our Board of Directors authorized up to $10,000 for the repurchase of our common stock over a twelve month period. In the period from July 21, 2000 to July 21, 2001, we spent $6,430 to purchase an aggregate of 523,594 shares at an average price of $12.28 per share including commissions. On July 24, 2001, our Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $10,000 for the repurchase of our common stock over a twelve month period. In the period from August 2, 2001 through July 11, 2002, we spent $5,605 to purchase 454,715 shares at an average price of $12.33 per share including commissions. On July 12, 2002, our Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $10,000 for the repurchase of our common stock. We spent $3,505 to repurchase 267,650 shares at an average price of $13.10 per share including commissions under this authorization through June 30, 2004. The duration of the current buyback program is indefinite; provided, however, that our Board of Directors intends to review the program quarterly. Purchases are conducted in the open market at prevailing prices, based on market conditions when we are not in a quiet period. We 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, we has spent $15,540 to purchase a total of 1,245,959 shares at an average price of $12.47 per share including commissions through June 30, 2004. This repurchase program is being funded through working capital.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which addresses the consolidation of business enterprises (variable interest entities) to which the usual condition (ownership of a majority voting interest) of consolidation does not apply. The interpretation focuses on financial interests that indicate control. It concludes that in the absence of clear control through voting interests, a company’s exposure (variable interest) to the economic risks and potential rewards from the variable interest entity’s assets and activities are the best evidence of control. Variable interests are rights and obligations that convey economic gains or losses from changes in the values of the variable interest entity’s assets and liabilities. Variable interests may arise from financial instruments, service contracts, nonvoting ownership interests and other arrangements. If an enterprise holds a majority of the variable interests of an entity, it would be considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary would be required to include the assets, liabilities and the results of operations of the variable interest entity in its financial statements. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN 46 to address certain implementation issues. The adoption of FIN 46 and FIN 46 (revised) did not have an impact on our results of operations or financial position.

In March 2004, the FASB published an Exposure Draft, “Share-Based Payment, an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 123 and 95.” The proposed change in accounting would replace existing requirements under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 and APB Opinion No. 25. The proposed statement would require public companies to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for equity instruments, based on the grant-date fair value of those instruments, with limited exceptions. The proposed statement would also affect the pattern in which compensation cost would be recognized, the accounting for employee share purchase plans, and the accounting for income tax effects of share-based payment transactions. The Exposure Draft also notes that the use of a lattice model, such as the binomial model, to determine the fair value of employee stock options, is preferable. We currently use the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of its employee stock options. Use of a lattice model to determine the fair value of employee stock options may result in compensation cost materially different from those pro forma costs disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. We are currently determining what impact the proposed statement would have on our results of operations or financial position.

In November 2003 and March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached final consensus on EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” The EITF requires a company to apply a three-step model to determine whether an impairment of an investment, within the scope of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” is other-than-temporary. EITF Issue No. 03-1 shall be applied prospectively to all current and future investments, in interim or annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. We believe the adoption of EITF Issue No. 03-1 will not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.

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In April 2004, the EITF reached final consensus on EITF 03-6, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128,” which requires companies that have participating securities to calculate earnings per share using the two-class method. This method requires the allocation of undistributed earnings to the common shares and participating securities based on the proportion of undistributed earnings that each would have been entitled to had all the period’s earnings been distributed. EITF 03-6 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 30, 2004 and earnings per share reported in prior periods presented must be retroactively adjusted in order to comply with EITF 03-6. We have adopted EITF 03-6 for the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Earnings per diluted common share were reduced by $0.06 for the second quarter of 2003, to $0.22 from $0.28 as reported in the prior year. The earnings results per diluted common share were reduced by $0.09 for the six months ending June 30, 2003, to $0.31 from $0.40 as reported in the prior year. EITF 03-6 had no impact on 2004 per share amounts because of the net loss.

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Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors

Marketplace Risks

  Dependence on a single customer, Burger King, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

  Concentration risk associated with accounts receivable. We regularly extend credit to several distribution companies in connection with our business with Burger King and more recently to a subsidiary of Burger King’s purchasing cooperative which is expected to increase to 70% of our sales to the Burger King system by the end of 2004.

  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 our financial condition and results of operations.

  Significant quarter-to-quarter variability in revenues and net income, which may result in operating results below the expectations of securities analysts and investors.

  Increased competitive pressure, which may affect our sales of products and services.

  Dependence on foreign manufacturers, which may increase the costs of our products and affect the demand for such products.

  Variations in product costs due to fluctuations in raw materials prices, including plastic resin.

Financing Risks

  Currency fluctuations, which may affect our suppliers and 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. Our 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 our ongoing business, distract senior management and increase expenses (including risks associated with the financial condition and integration of the SCI and JGI businesses which we recently acquired).

  Adverse results of litigation, governmental proceedings or environmental matters, which may lead to increased costs or interruption in normal business operations.

  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 our products.

  Exposure to liabilities for minimum royalty commitments in connection with license agreements for entertainment properties. We enter into significant minimum royalty commitments from time to time in connection with its consumer products business.

  Potential negative impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (“SARS”), which could adversely affect our vendors in the Far East.

We undertake 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. In addition to the information contained in this document, readers are advised to review our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors.”

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting the Company, see Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. Our exposure to market risks has not changed materially since December 31, 2003.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) , that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2004. Based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, during the quarter ended June 30, 2004, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2. CHANGE IN SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

During the second quarter of 2004, EMAK repurchased its common stock in the open market as follows:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

                                 
                    Total Number of Shares   Maximum Dollar Value
                    Purchased as Part of   of Shares that May Yet Be
    Total Number of   Average Price Paid   Publicly Announced   Purchased Under the Program
Period
  SharesPurchased
  per Share
  Program
  (in thousands)
April 1 – April 30
        $           $ 6,706  
May 1 – May 31
    2,200     12.97       2,200     6,678  
June 1 – June 30
    14,350     12.69       14,350     6,495  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    16,550     $ 12.73       16,550     $ 6,495  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

In July 2002, EMAK’s board of directors approved a share repurchase program of up to $10,000. Through June 30, 2004, EMAK repurchased 267,650 shares at a cost of $3,505 pursuant to this program. In the first half of 2004, EMAK repurchased 16,550 shares at a cost of $211 pursuant to this program. EMAK’s share repurchase program has no expiration date.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company was held on May 20, 2004. Proxies for the Annual Meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and there was no solicitation in opposition to that of management. All of management’s nominees for directors as listed in the proxy statement were elected. At the Annual Meeting, the following matters were approved by the stockholders:

                         
            Votes For
  Votes Withheld
  1.    
Election of Directors by holders of Common Stock
               
       
Howard D. Bland
    5,343,269       7,800  
       
Sanford R. Climan
    5,343,269       7,800  
       
Jonathan D. Kaufelt
    5,343,219       7,850  
       
Donald A. Kurz
    5,342,569       8,500  
       
Alfred E. Osborne Jr.
    5,343,269       7,800  
       
Bruce Raben
    5,343,269       7,800  
       
Stephen P. Robeck
    5,108,084       242,985  
  2.    
Election of Director by holders of Series A Preferred Stock
               
       
Jeffrey S. Deutschman
    25,000        

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        Votes For
  Votes Against
  Abstain
3.
  Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation to change name to EMAK Worldwide, Inc.     7,030,394       2,100       13,490  
4.
  Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation to decrease authorized shares of common stock from 50 million to 25 million     7,031,444       100       14,440  
5.
  Approval of 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan     4,261,238       446,234       114,920  
6.
  Approval of 2004 Stock Incentive Plan     4,125,465       581,843       115,084  
7.
  Ratification of PricewaterhouseCooper s LLP as independent registered public accounting firm     7,031,794       650       13,540  

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)   Exhibits:

     
Exhibit 31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
Exhibit 31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
Exhibit 32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
Exhibit 32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K:
 
    Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 2004 (Items 7 and 12).

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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 August 16, 2004
  /s/ ZOHAR ZIV
 
    Zohar Ziv
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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