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U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2000 Commission File No. 0-15284
J2 COMMUNICATIONS
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California 95-4053296
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000
Los Angeles, California 90024
(Address of principal executive office)
Registrant's telephone number: (310) 474-5252
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
None
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, no par value
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
YES [X] NO [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
As of October 24, 2000, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant (based on the closing sales price as reported
by NASDAQ) was $9,547,791 (assuming all officers and directors are deemed
affiliates for this purpose).
As of October 24, 2000 the registrant had 1,339,379 shares of its common stock,
no par value, outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: None
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PART I.
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
GENERAL
J2 Communications ("Company" or "Registrant") was founded in 1986 by its
Chairman of the Board and President, James P. Jimirro, the first President of
both The Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video. The Company was primarily
engaged in the acquisition, production and distribution of videocassette
programs for retail sale. In late 1990, the Company acquired National Lampoon,
Inc. ("NLI"). NLI was incorporated in 1967 and was primarily engaged in
publishing the "National Lampoon Magazine" and related activities including the
development and production of motion pictures. Subsequent to the Company's
acquisition of NLI, it de-emphasized the videocassette and publishing segments
of its business and has primarily focused its activities on exploitation of the
"National Lampoon" trademark including the October 1999 launch of its website,
"nationallampoon.com."
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In August 2000, the Company received a notice from Daniel Laikin, a
Director and member of a group purporting to own approximately 22.7% of the
Company's outstanding common stock seeking, among other things, a special
meeting of the Company's shareholders. At this meeting, Mr. Laikin intended to
nominate a slate of six directors with a view to replacing all of the Company's
existing directors.
Subsequent to this request, the Company has met on several occasions
with Mr. Laikin and his representatives. During the course of these meetings,
the Company and Mr. Laikin have discussed a number of ways in which Mr. Laikin
might increase his involvement in, and/or ownership of, the Company and assure
that a costly proxy solicitation and possible related litigation will be
avoided. As of October 24, 2000, no agreement to those ends has been reached.
During the course of these discussions, the Company has questioned the
accuracy of the SEC filings made by Mr. Laikin and others. As of October 24,
2000, those questions have not been resolved to the Company's satisfaction.
Nothing in this report on Form 10-K should be read as an acknowledgement of the
accuracy of any of the statements made by the Laikin/ Skjodt group, among
others, or a waiver of any rights of the Company or any other person with
respect to such statements or related matters. SEE NOTE K - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.
NOTE REGARDING OPERATING SEGMENTS
The following discussion of the Company's business activities should be
read in conjunction with NOTE H - SEGMENT INFORMATION contained in the Company's
consolidated financial statements and related notes which summarizes the amounts
of revenue, operating profit or loss and identifiable assets attributable to
each of the Company's operating segments.
INTERNET
In October 1999, the Company launched "nationallampoon.com" (the
"Site"), a website featuring a wide array of original comedy content as well as
classic articles from "National Lampoon Magazine." Some of the Site's features
include:
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News on the March - articles parody and satirize the news of the day.
Word of the Week - animated adventures parody the importance of a
first-rate vocabulary. A dictionary in the "National Lampoon" style.
Virtual Candidate - website viewers create their own political
candidates and run them for office.
NewsFlash - authentic and topical newswire photos come to life in
twisted stories.
Fantasy Losers League - a fully functional sports rotisserie league
parodies the real-life roguish behavior of professional athletes.
Online Confessional - an interactive video features real people
confessing their most bizarre sins: website viewers vote to absolve or
condemn.
Cybercops - an animation/live action video hybrid explores the lives of
two policemen on the prowl for Internet bad guys.
The Company anticipates that its Internet operations will become the
core business of the Company in that they will be the incubator for the
development of stories, characters and animation that will be spun off into
other media. As of October 16, 2000, the Company's Internet operations have not
yet generated significant revenue. In the future, the Company expects to earn
revenue from the Site and other Internet activities as follows:
Banner and Sponsorship Advertising - The advertising model emerging on
the Internet is similar to that of more mature media in which revenue depends on
the quantity and quality of impressions delivered to advertisers. The Company
has engaged an advertising sales agent to handle the sale of advertising on its
Site. The sales agent receives a percentage of the advertising revenue. From its
inception through July 31, 2000, the website has generated approximately $10,000
in gross advertising revenue.
E-Commerce - The Site's online store has a variety of "National Lampoon"
branded merchandise including apparel, ceramics, audio entertainment and VHS and
DVD copies of "National Lampoon" movies. Visitors to the website are encouraged
to visit the online store and portions of the Site highlight special products or
special offers currently available in the store. The Site's online store is
hosted by a third party that processes and fulfills all orders and pays a
percentage to the Company from all sales. During the year ended July 31, 2000,
e-commerce revenues were not significant.
Syndication of Content - The Company has expanded its Internet
operations to include the syndication to other websites of content created for
the Site. Currently, the Company provides several of its features to other
websites including neurotrash.com, isyndicate.com, streamingmedia.com and
riopart.com. The Company generally receives a license fee or, in some cases, a
portion of the advertising revenues generated by the content licensed. While the
Company currently syndicates only programming that has appeared on the Site, the
Company also expects that in the future it may produce Internet programming for
the exclusive use of other websites.
Development of Motion Pictures and Television - Using the properties and
characters created for the Site, the Company expects to package this material
for use in motion picture and
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television properties. This is similar to NLI's past use of magazine properties
as the basis for "National Lampoon" motion pictures.
The Company has and will continue to pursue both online and offline
marketing strategies to attract visitors to the Site. Offline consumer marketing
comprises a number of activities including promotions and publicity campaigns
directed to print and electronic media. Marketing has and will be directed
toward "National Lampoon's" historical core audience of men ages 18-34, with
specific emphasis on the college age group.
The number of content-based websites is substantial and the competition
between websites for viewers is intense. Because there are few barriers to entry
into this marketplace, the number of websites competing for consumers' attention
has proliferated and it is expected that competition will continue to intensify.
Many of these competitors are larger, more established and have greater capital
resources than the Company.
The Company believes its existing resources are sufficient to fund its
activities for the next twelve months. However, unless the Company's Internet
revenues or revenues from other business activities significantly increase
during that period, the Company may need to raise additional capital to continue
to fund its current Internet operations or, in the alternative, significantly
reduce its Internet operations.
MOTION PICTURES AND TELEVISION
In recent years, the Company has derived the bulk of its revenues from
license fees relating to the production of new motion pictures and from
contingent compensation for motion pictures previously produced by the Company
and NLI. The Company generally licenses its "National Lampoon" trademark for use
in the title of the film. For producing services and providing the "National
Lampoon" trademark, the Company generally receives a fee at the time of
production of the motion picture plus contingent compensation that is dependent
on the motion picture's financial performance.
To date, the Company has not financed the production or distribution of
any "National Lampoon" motion pictures and does not maintain a dedicated film
development or production staff. Instead, the Company relies upon third parties,
primarily major motion picture studios, to provide a picture's financing and
distribution. However, the Company may participate in such activities in the
future if it believes circumstances warrant such investment.
As of July 31, 2000, the Company and/or NLI has been involved in the
production of seventeen motion pictures, as follows:
Year of Financier/
Title Release Distributor
----- ------- ------------------
National Lampoon's Animal House 1979 Universal Studios
National Lampoon Goes to the Movies 1981 United Artists
National Lampoon's Class Reunion 1982 ABC/Disney
National Lampoon's Vacation 1983 Warner Bros.
National Lampoon's European Vacation 1985 Warner Bros.
National Lampoon's Class of `86 1986 Paramount
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 1989 Warner Bros.
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Year of Financier/
Title Release Distributor
----- ------- -----------
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon I 1993 New Line
National Lampoon's Last Resort 1994 Trimark
National Lampoon's Attack of the 5'2" Women 1994 Showtime
National Lampoon's Senior Trip 1995 New Line
National Lampoon's Favorite Deadly Sins 1995 Showtime
Vegas Vacation 1996 Warner Bros.
National Lampoon's Dad's Week Off 1997 Paramount
National Lampoon's The Don's Analyst 1997 Paramount
National Lampoon's Men in White 1998 Fox
National Lampoon's Golf Punks 1998 Fox
As discussed above, the Company does not directly distribute the motion
pictures it produces. Typically, the financier is also a distributor and
subsequent to production of the picture handles distribution of the picture.
The Company has also been involved in the production of television
programs and currently has several television projects in various stages of
development. The Company has reached an agreement in principle with the William
Morris Agency to assist in the packaging of those projects and in securing
development and production commitments. As of July 31, 2000, the Company and/or
NLI has been involved in the production of seven television series, pilots or
specials including a pilot produced during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000
by Warner Bros. based upon the "National Lampoon's Vacation" movie series.
Pursuant to a July 24, 1987 Rights Agreement, NLI granted the right to
produce "National Lampoon" television programming to Guber-Peters Entertainment
Company ("GPEC"). NLI reacquired these rights from GPEC pursuant to an October
1, 1990 Termination Agreement for the sum of $1,000,000, of which $500,000 was
paid upon execution. The remaining $500,000 is contingent and payable through a
17.5% royalty on NLI's cash receipts from each program produced by NLI or any
licensee (subject to certain minimum royalties for each program produced). As of
July 31, 2000, the Company has recorded royalty expense of approximately
$265,000 relating to the Termination Agreement.
The motion picture and television industry is highly competitive. The
Company faces intense competition from motion picture studios and numerous
independent production companies, many of which have significantly greater
financial resources than the Company. All of these companies compete for motion
picture and television projects and talent and are producing products that
compete for exhibition time at theaters, on television, and on home video with
products produced by the Company.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Company has been and continues to be involved in various other
activities to exploit the "National Lampoon" trademark including books, audio
entertainment and other merchandise as well as the distribution of videocassette
programming. In addition, the Company, and previously NLI, published "National
Lampoon Magazine" from March 1970 until October 1998
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when the magazine was discontinued. Although in recent years, these activities
have not generated significant amounts of revenue, the Company believes that
such activities reinforce the "National Lampoon" trademark and provide
cross-promotional opportunities for its motion picture, television and Internet
operations. It is also anticipated that these activities will be enhanced by the
new creative content created by the Company's Internet operations.
REGULATION
The Company's trademarks and other intellectual properties are granted
legal protection under the trademark or copyright laws of the United States and
most foreign countries, which provide substantial civil and criminal sanctions
for infringement. The Company takes all appropriate and reasonable measures to
obtain agreements from licensees to secure, protect and maintain trademark and
copyright protection for the Company's properties under the laws of all
applicable jurisdictions.
EMPLOYEES
As of October 16, 2000, the Company employed ten (10) full-time
employees and one (1) part-time employee. The Company considers its employee
relations to be satisfactory at the present time.
IN ADDITION TO OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS FORM 10-K, THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS
SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING OUR BUSINESS BECAUSE SUCH FACTORS
MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS, OPERATING RESULTS AND FINANCIAL
POSITION.
DEPENDENCE ON THE INTERNET
Since the Internet and other wide area networks are new and evolving, it
is difficult to predict with any certainty whether the Internet will prove to be
a viable commercial enterprise. Growth in the Company's Internet revenues will
be dependent on the Internet's continued growth and integration into daily
commerce, among other factors. The Company's business will be adversely affected
if Internet usage does not continue to grow. A number of factors may inhibit
Internet usage, including: inadequate network infrastructure; security concerns;
inconsistent quality of service; and lack of availability of cost-effective,
high-speed service. If Internet usage grows, the Internet infrastructure may not
be able to support the demands placed on it by this growth and its performance
and reliability may decline. In addition, websites have experienced
interruptions in their service as a result of outages and other delays occurring
throughout the Internet network infrastructure. To date, the Company has not
encountered any significant outages or delays; however, if these outages or
delays occur in the future, Internet usage, including usage of the Company's
website could be adversely affected.
INTERNET ADVERTISING
The Company expects to derive a portion of its Internet revenues from
sponsorships and advertising for the foreseeable future, and demand and market
acceptance for Internet advertising solutions is uncertain. There are currently
no reliable standards for the measurement of the effectiveness of Internet
advertising, and the industry may need to develop standard measurements to
support and promote Internet advertising as a significant advertising medium. If
such standards do not develop, existing advertisers may not continue their
levels of Internet advertising. Furthermore, advertisers that have traditionally
relied upon other advertising media may be reluctant to advertise on the
Internet. The Company's business
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would be adversely affected if the market for Internet advertising fails to
develop or develops more slowly than expected.
THIRD PARTY CLAIMS
The Company may be sued for information disseminated on the Internet,
including claims for defamation, negligence, copyright or trademark
infringement, personal injury or other legal theories relating to the
information we publish on the Site. These types of claims have been brought,
sometimes successfully, against online services as well as print publications in
the past. The Company could also be subjected to claims based upon the content
that is accessible from the Site or through content and materials that may be
posted by members in chat rooms or bulletin boards. The Company may also offer
e-mail services, which may subject the Company to potential risks, such as
liabilities or claims resulting from unsolicited e-mail, lost or misdirected
messages, illegal or fraudulent use of e-mail or interruptions or delays in
e-mail service. Although the Company maintains general liability insurance, such
insurance may not adequately protect the Company against these types of claims.
INTERNET SECURITY
Internet security concerns could hinder e-commerce. The need to securely
transmit confidential information over the Internet has been a significant
barrier to electronic commerce and communications over the Internet. Any
well-publicized compromise of security could deter people from using the
Internet or using it to conduct transactions that involve transmitting
confidential information. The Company may incur significant costs to protect
against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such
breaches.
Third parties may misappropriate personal information about the
Company's potential users. If third parties were able to penetrate the Company's
network security or otherwise misappropriate our users' personal information or
credit card information, the Company could be subject to liability. This could
include claims for unauthorized purchases with credit card information,
impersonation or other similar fraud claims. They could also include claims for
other misuses of personal information such as for unauthorized marketing
purposes. These claims could result in litigation. In addition, the Federal
Trade Commission and state agencies have been investigating certain Internet
companies regarding their use of personal information. The Company would incur
additional expenses if new regulations regarding the use of personal information
are introduced or if our privacy practices are investigated.
ADEQUACY OF CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company believes its existing capital resources are sufficient to
fund its activities for the next twelve months. However, unless the Company's
Internet revenues or revenues from other business activities significantly
increase during that period, the Company may need to raise additional capital to
continue to fund its current Internet operations or, in the alternative,
significantly reduce its Internet operations. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to raise such capital on reasonable terms, or at all.
NATIONALLAMPOON.COM IS A NEW VENTURE
The Site is a new venture and its prospects are subject to risks,
expenses and uncertainties frequently encountered by young companies that
operate exclusively in the new and rapidly evolving markets for Internet
products and services. Successfully achieving its growth plan depends upon the
Company's ability to continue to develop new and original comedic material which
is equal or superior to that of its competitors, its ability to attract visitors
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to the Site, its ability to effectively integrate technology into the operations
of its business and its ability to identify, attract, retain and motivate
qualified personnel, among other things.
STOCK PRICE VOLATILITY
The trading price of the Company's stock has been and continues to be
subject to fluctuations. The stock price may fluctuate in response to a number
of events and factors, such as quarterly variations in operating results,
changes in recommendations by security analysts, the operating and stock
performance of other companies that investors may deem as comparable and news
reports relating to trends in the marketplace, among other factors. In addition,
the stock prices for Internet related companies in particular have recently
experienced extreme volatility that may be unrelated to the operating
performance of such companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may
adversely affect the price of the Company's common stock, regardless of the
company's operating performance.
DEPENDENCE ON "NATIONAL LAMPOON" TRADEMARK AND RELATED PROPERTIES
The Company's revenues are primarily derived from exploitation of the
"National Lampoon" trademark. Any erosion of brand recognition of that trademark
and its related properties or the failure of the Company to adequately protect
its intellectual property could have a materially adverse effect on the
Company's business, results of operations and financial position.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Company is dependent upon the services of James Jimirro and other
employees. The loss of their services could have a materially adverse effect on
the Company's business, results of operations and financial position.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases approximately 3,912 square feet of office space in
Los Angeles, California under a lease expiring in September 2005. Management
considers the Company's office space generally suitable and adequate for its
current needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's shareholders during
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART II.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's common stock trades on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market tier of
the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: "JTWO". The following table sets forth
the high and low bid prices of the Company's common stock during the years ended
July 31, 1999 and 2000:
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FISCAL YEAR 1999 HIGH LOW
- ---------------- ------ ------
First Quarter 2 7/16 1 5/16
Second Quarter 2 3/8 1 1/8
Third Quarter 2 3/8 1 1/2
Fourth Quarter 20 1/2 1 13/16
FISCAL YEAR 2000 HIGH LOW
- ---------------- ------- --------
First Quarter 26 5/16 14 1/16
Second Quarter 19 1/2 9 13/16
Third Quarter 17 3/8 5 7/16
Fourth Quarter 14 7/16 5 1/2
As of October 16, 2000, the Company had approximately 488 stockholders
of record.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table shows selected consolidated financial data for the
Company for each of the last five fiscal years. This financial data should be
read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and
related footnotes contained herein for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000 and
for the other periods presented.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
For the fiscal years ended July 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Revenues $ 1,480 $ 1,246 $ 783 $ 1,356 $ 964
Operating income/(loss) $ 854 $(1,765) $( 267) $ 62 $( 260)
Net income/(loss) $ 826 $(1,299) $ 121 $ 30 $( 236)
Net income/(loss) per share - basic $ 0.64 $( 1.07) $ 0.10 $ 0.03 $( 0.20)
Total assets $ 5,119 $ 5,350 $ 5,962 $ 5,473 $ 5,367
Long term obligations $ 0 $ 1,717 $ 17 $ 0 $ 0
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2000 VS. THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 1999
For the year ended July 31, 2000, total revenues increased by
approximately 19% to approximately $1,480,000 versus approximately $1,246,000
for the year ended July 31, 1999. This increase results primarily from increased
trademark revenues from the motion pictures "National Lampoon's Vacation,"
"National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon I," "National Lampoon's Dad's Week Off" and
"National Lampoon's The Don's Analyst." Internet revenue was approximately
$10,000 resulting from banner and sponsorship advertising sales on the Company's
website. During the year ended July 31, 1999, there was no Internet revenue as
the Company's website was not launched until October 1999.
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Costs related to trademark revenue, primarily royalties and commissions
payable to third parties based on the Company's trademark revenues, increased by
approximately 30% to approximately $145,000 for the year ended July 31, 2000
versus approximately $112,000 during the same period last year. This increase
results primarily from increased trademark revenues during the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2000 for motion pictures that have significant third party obligations.
Costs related to Internet revenues were approximately $284,000 for the year
ended July 31, 2000. These costs are direct expenses incurred by the Company to
develop, maintain and promote the Company's website excluding salaries and other
general and administrative expenses incurred in connection with the Company's
Internet operations. No similar costs were incurred during the year ended July
31, 1999 as the Company's website was not launched until October 1999.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2000 increased to approximately $1,102,000 versus approximately
$948,000 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999. This increase of approximately
16% results primarily from the addition of six full-time employees for its
internet operations resulting in increased salaries and related payroll taxes
and public company expenses that were partially offset by reductions in storage
and legal expenditures.
During the year ended July 31, 2000, the Company recorded a benefit of
approximately $1,148,000 related to stock appreciation rights ("SARs") granted
to the Company's Chief Executive Officer. This benefit resulted from a
significant decrease in the Company's stock price from July 31, 1999 to July 31,
2000 that lowered the amount payable by the Company to the Chief Executive
Officer upon exercise of the outstanding SARs. During the year ended July 31,
1999 the Company recorded an expense of approximately $1,700,000 related to the
SARs that resulted from a significant increase in the Company's stock price from
July 31, 1998 to July 31, 1999 that increased the amount payable by the Company
to the Chief Executive Officer upon exercise of the outstanding SARs.
Interest income during the year ended July 31, 2000 decreased to
approximately $87,000 versus approximately $99,000 for the same period last
year. This decrease results from lower cash balances held during the year ended
July 31, 2000 versus the year ended July 31, 1999.
The minority interest in the income of a consolidated subsidiary
increased to approximately $114,000 during the year ended July 31, 2000 versus
approximately $68,000 during the year ended July 31, 1999. This increase results
primarily from increased interest income earned by the subsidiary during the
year ended July 31, 2000 versus the year ended July 31, 1999 and a one-time
charge of approximately $23,000 recorded during the year ended July 31, 2000 to
reflect the settlement of various claims made by the subsidiary's minority
interest.
During the year ended July 31, 1999, the Company recorded other income
of approximately $436,000 related to the reduction of certain royalties and
other expenses (including a contingent payment on the sale of stock issued to
settle certain liabilities) accrued in previous years that were settled or
otherwise satisfied at reduced levels. There were no such items recorded during
the year ended July 31, 2000.
For the year ended July 31, 2000, the Company recorded net income of
approximately $826,000 versus a net loss of approximately $1,299,000 for the
year ended July 31, 1999. This substantial increase in net income results
primarily from the benefit recorded during the year ended July 31, 2000 of
approximately $1,148,000 relating to SARs and increased trademark
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revenues from motion pictures partially offset by Internet operations
expenditures and increased general and administrative expenses.
THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 1999 VS. THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 1998
For the year ended July 31, 1999, total revenues increased by
approximately 59% to approximately $1,246,000 versus approximately $783,000 for
the year ended July 31, 1998. This increase results primarily from increased
trademark revenues from license fees received for production of the motion
pictures "National Lampoon's Men in White" and "National Lampoon's Golf Punks."
Costs related to trademark revenue, primarily royalties and commissions
payable to third parties based on the Company's trademark revenues, increased by
approximately 180% to approximately $112,000 for the year ended July 31, 1999
versus approximately $40,000 during the same period last year. This increase
results primarily from increased trademark revenues during the fiscal year ended
July 31, 1999 for motion pictures that have significant third party obligations
versus the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 1999 increased to approximately $948,000 versus approximately $784,000
for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998. This increase of approximately 21%
results primarily from increases in salary and legal expenditures.
During the year ended July 31, 1999, the Company recorded an expense of
approximately $1,700,000 related to SARs granted to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer. This benefit resulted from a significant increase in the
Company's stock price from July 31, 1998 to July 31, 1999 that increased the
amount payable by the Company to the Chief Executive Officer upon exercise of
the outstanding SARs. During the year ended July 31, 1998 the Company recorded a
benefit of approximately $20,000 related to the SARs that resulted from a
decrease in the Company's stock price from July 31, 1997 to July 31, 1998 that
decreased the amount payable by the Company to the Chief Executive Officer upon
exercise of the outstanding SARs.
Interest income during the year ended July 31, 1999 increased to
approximately $99,000 versus approximately $85,000 for the same period last
year. This decrease results from lower cash balances held during the year ended
July 31, 1999 versus the year ended July 31, 1998.
The minority interest in the income of a consolidated subsidiary
increased to approximately $68,000 during the year ended July 31, 1999 versus
approximately $31,000 during the year ended July 31, 1998. This increase results
primarily from increased revenue generated by the subsidiary during the year
ended July 31, 1999 versus the year ended July 31, 1998.
During the year ended July 31, 1999, the Company recorded other income
of approximately $436,000 related to the reduction of certain royalties and
other expenses (including a contingent payment on the sale of stock issued to
settle certain liabilities) accrued in previous years that were settled or
otherwise satisfied at reduced levels versus approximately $340,000 of other
income representing similar reductions of accrued royalties and other expenses
during the year ended July 31, 1998.
For the year ended July 31, 1999, the Company recorded a net loss of
approximately $1,299,000 versus net income of approximately $121,000 for the
year ended July 31, 1998. This substantial decrease results primarily from the
expense recorded during the year ended
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July 31, 1999 of approximately $1,700,000 relating to SARs that was partially
offset by increased motion picture license fees.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's principal source of working capital during the fiscal year
ended July 31, 2000 was trademark and related income and approximately $271,000
from the exercise of stock options. The Company's management believes that its
existing cash resources will be sufficient to fund its ongoing operations for at
least the next twelve months. However, unless the Company's Internet revenues or
revenues from other business activities significantly increase during that
period, the Company may need to raise additional capital to continue to fund its
current Internet operations or, in the alternative, significantly reduce its
Internet operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
raise such capital on reasonable terms, or at all.
In addition, in August 2000, the Company received a notice from Daniel
Laikin, a Director and member of a group purporting to own approximately 22.7%
of the Company's outstanding common stock seeking, among other things, a special
meeting of the Company's shareholders. At this meeting, Mr. Laikin intended to
nominate a slate of six directors with a view to replacing all of the Company's
existing directors.
Subsequent to this request, the Company has met on several occasions
with Mr. Laikin and his representatives. During the course of these meetings,
the Company and Mr. Laikin have discussed a number of ways in which Mr. Laikin
might increase his involvement in, and/or ownership of, the Company and assure
that a costly proxy solicitation and possible related litigation will be
avoided. As of October 24, 2000, no agreement to those ends has been reached.
If a change of control results as part of these discussions, the
significant contingent amounts due an officer discussed in ITEM 11. - EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION could be triggered which would result in a net capital deficiency
and the need for the Company to obtain additional capital. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to raise such capital on reasonable
terms, or at all.
For the twelve months ended July 31, 2000, the Company's net cash flow
used in its operating activities was approximately $233,000, an increase of
approximately $160,000 versus approximately $393,000 of net cash flow used in
operating activities during the twelve months ended July 31, 1999. This increase
resulted primarily from increased trademark licensing income during the year
ended July 31, 2000. At October 16, 2000, the Company had cash and cash
equivalents of approximately $1,451,000 as compared to approximately $1,858,000
at July 31, 1999.
FUTURE COMMITMENTS
The Company does not have any material future commitments for capital
expenditures. However, the Company has and will continue to use its working
capital to fund its internet operations that, during the twelve months ended
July 31, 2000, generated approximately $10,000 of revenue and have resulted in
segment operating losses of approximately $955,000 (SEE NOTE H - SEGMENT
INFORMATION). Due to substantial competition among companies with internet-based
business strategies and the developing economics of the internet in general, it
is uncertain when, and if, the Company will be able to generate revenues from
its Internet operations sufficient to offset the significant costs incurred to
date and the ongoing costs that the Company expects to incur in the future to
support its Internet operations.
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In connection with Mr. Laikin's notice and the subsequent discussions
with Mr. Laikin as discussed in LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES, the Company has
retained various financial and legal advisers and, as of October 24, 2000, the
Company has incurred expenses of approximately $514,000 (of which $150,000 is
expected to be settled through the issuance of common stock) in connection with
such advisers.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The foregoing discussion, as well as the other sections of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, contains forward-looking statements that reflect the
Company's current views with respect to future events and financial results.
Forward-looking statements usually include the verbs "anticipates," believes,"
"estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "understands" and other
verbs suggesting uncertainty. The Company reminds shareholders that
forward-looking statements are merely predictions and therefore inherently
subject to uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results
to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Potential factors that
could affect forward-looking statements include, among other things, the
Company's ability to identify, produce and complete projects that are successful
in the marketplace, to arrange financing, distribution and promotion for these
projects on favorable terms and to attract and retain qualified personnel.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements of J2 Communications are listed on
the Index to Financial Statements set forth on page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the directors
and executive officers of the Company. Directors are elected at the annual
meeting of stockholders to serve a one-year term and until their successors are
elected and qualified. Officers serve at the request of the Board of Directors
of the Company. There are no family relationships among any of the directors or
executive officers.
Director
Name Age Position Since
---- --- -------- -----
James Jimirro 63 Chairman, President and Chief 1986
Executive Officer
James Fellows 64 Director 1986
Bruce Vann 44 Director 1987
John De Simio 48 Director 1998
Gary Cowan 65 Director 2000
Daniel Laikin 38 Director 2000
Christopher Trunkey 34 Vice President, Chief Financial ----
Officer and Secretary
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
JAMES P. JIMIRRO has been employed by the Company as President and Chief
Executive Officer since its inception. From 1980 to 1985 he was the President of
Walt Disney Telecommunications Company, which included serving as President of
Walt Disney Home Video, a producer and distributor of family home video
programming. While in this position, he also served as Corporate Executive Vice
President of Walt Disney Productions. In addition, from 1983 to 1985, Mr.
Jimirro served as the first President of the Disney Channel, a national cable
pay-television channel, which Mr. Jimirro conceived and implemented. Mr. Jimirro
continued in a consulting capacity for the Walt Disney Company through July of
1986. From 1973 to 1980 he served as Director of International Sales and then as
Executive Vice President of the Walt Disney Educational Media Company, a
subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company. Prior to 1973, Mr. Jimirro directed
international sales for CBS, Inc., and later for Viacom International. Mr.
Jimirro also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Rentrak Corporation
between January 1990 and September 2000.
JAMES FELLOWS has been a member of the Board of Directors and the
President of the Central Education Network, Inc., a Chicago, Illinois
association of public television and educational associations, since 1983. From
1962 through 1982, Mr. Fellows worked in a variety of positions for the National
Association of Educational Broadcasters in Washington, D.C., and became its
President and Chief Executive Officer in 1978. Mr. Fellows is a director of
numerous nonprofit corporations including the Hartford Gunn Institute, a
research and planning service for public telecommunications; the Maryland Public
Broadcasting Foundation, a corporate fund-raiser for public television; and the
American Center for Children and Media, a coalition of organizations committed
to improving media services for children and youth.
BRUCE P. VANN has been a principal of the law firm of Kelly, Lytton,
Mintz & Vann LLP since December 1995. From 1989 through December 1995 he was a
partner in the law firms of Keck, Mahin & Cate and Meyer & Vann. Mr. Vann
specializes in corporate and securities matters. From January 1994 through
December 1998, Mr. Vann served, on a non-exclusive basis, as Senior Vice
President, Business and Legal Affairs, of Largo Entertainment, Inc., a
subsidiary of the Victor Company of Japan.
JOHN DE SIMIO has been in the entertainment side of the public relations
business since 1976. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. De Simio was a Senior Vice
President, Publicity/Promotion for Castle Rock Entertainment, where he oversaw
publicity and national promotional campaigns for their theatrical and television
productions. Before moving to Castle Rock, Mr. De Simio was National Publicity
Director of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation from 1985 to 1988. Mr. De
Simio currently serves on the boards of Theatre LA and The Broadcast Film
Critics Association.
GARY COWAN, a certified public accountant, has served as Chief Financial
Officer for a broad range of companies, including U.S. Vacation Resorts, Inc.,
the Coastland Corporation, and Superscope Inc. In addition, he was Vice
President, Financial Analysis and Review, for Dart Industries. From 1993 through
1997, Mr. Cowan served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and was a
member of the Board of Directors. He is currently an independent consultant in
strategic financial planning and accounting. Mr. Cowan holds a B.S. in
accounting and a M.B.A. from U.C.L.A.
DANIEL LAIKIN currently serves as co-Chairman of Biltmore Homes, Inc.,
an Indiana based home building and real estate development company. He is also
managing partner of Four Leaf Partners, LLC, a closely held investment company,
concentrating on the startup and
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financing of high tech and Internet related companies. He is currently an
advisor to the board of directors of Focus Affiliates, Inc. and is on the
advisory board of iNetNow.
CHRISTOPHER TRUNKEY, has been Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
since January 2000. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Trunkey had served as Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer for Kings Road Entertainment since May 1994.
Between September 1997 and May 1998, Mr. Trunkey also served as Senior Vice
President of Overseas Filmgroup. Mr. Trunkey was Controller for Ulysse
Entertainment from October 1993 to May 1994. Prior to Ulysse Entertainment, Mr.
Trunkey was Director of Financial Planning at Reeves Entertainment from May 1990
through September 1993 and was a Staff Accountant for Telautograph Corporation
from August 1988 through May 1990. Mr. Trunkey is a graduate of Drake University
with a degree in Finance.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth the compensation for each of the last
three fiscal years of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and up to four other
executive officers of the Company ("Named Officers") whose annual salary and
bonus exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000.
Long Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
-------------------------- --------------------
Other Annual Stock All Other
Compensation SARs Options Compensation
Name and Position Year Salary ($) ($) (Shares) (Shares) ($)
----------------- ---- ---------- ------------ -------- -------- ------------
James Jimirro 2000 190,750(1) 913,724(2) 25,000 25,000 287,812(3)
Chairman, President and 1999 190,750(1) 0 16,667 16,667 441,000(3)
Chief Executive Officer 1998 190,750(1) 0 16,667 16,667 416,063(3)
Christopher Trunkey (4)
Vice President, Chief 2000 41,596 0 0 21,000 0
Financial Officer
- -------
(1) Mr. Jimirro has voluntarily deferred all "Base Salary," as defined by
the applicable employment agreement, in excess of $190,750. Such
deferred amounts are payable only upon a "Change of Control" of the
Company as defined by the applicable employment agreement and are
included in "All Other Compensation" hereunder.
(2) Represents the difference between the exercise price and the market
price on the date of exercise for 66,668 stock options exercised by Mr.
Jimirro on November 30, 1999.
(3) Represents salary voluntarily deferred by Mr. Jimirro that is payable
only upon a "Change of Control" as defined by the applicable employment
agreement. Does not include interest at the rate of 5% per annum on
amounts deferred also payable upon a "Change in Control."
(4) Mr. Trunkey joined the Company on January 31, 2000 and is included
hereunder pursuant to Item 402(a)(3)(iii) of Regulation S-K.
STOCK OPTION AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS GRANTS
The following table sets forth the individual grants of stock options
and stock appreciation rights made during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000 to
the Named Officers:
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Potential Realized Value
at Assumed Annual
% of Total Rates of Stock Price
Options/SARs Appreciation
Options/ Granted to Exercise for Option Term
SARs Employees Or Base Expiration ------------------------
Name Granted in Fiscal Year Price($/Sh) Date 5%($) 10%($)
---- --------- -------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
James Jimirro 25,000(1) 17% 14.76 12/28/2009 203,750 501,750
25,000(1) 100% 14.76 12/28/2009 203,750 501,750
Christopher Trunkey 21,000(2) 14% 12.75 01/31/2007 91,140 206,640
- ---------------
(1) The options and SARs granted to Mr. Jimirro were immediately exercisable
upon grant. The exercise and base prices of the options and SARs granted
to Mr. Jimirro are equal to the average of the high and low bid and
asked price during the five (5) business days preceding the date of
grant. The market price on the date of grant was $14.50.
(2) The options granted to Mr. Trunkey are exercisable one-third one year
from the date of grant, one-third two years from the date of grant and
one-third three years from the date of grant.
STOCK OPTION AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUES
Shown below is information for the Named Officers with respect to the
exercise of stock options and the ownership of stock options and stock
appreciation rights and their values as of July 31, 2000.
Value of Unexercised
Number of Unexercised In-the-Money Options/
Options/SARs at July 31, 2000 SARs at July 31, 2000 (1)
Shares ------------------------------ ---------------------------------
Acquired Value Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
Name On Exercise Realized ($) (Shares) (Shares) ($) ($)
---- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
James Jimirro 66,668 913,724 200,003 0 816,175 0
Christopher Trunkey 0 0 0 21,000 0 0
- -------
(1) Based upon the difference between the closing price on July 31, 2000 and
the option exercise price or stock appreciation rights base price.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
On the date of each annual meeting held by the Company, all directors,
excluding Mr. Jimirro, completing a year of service receive options to purchase
up to 1,333 shares at the market price on the date of grant that are immediately
exercisable. Mr. Jimirro's compensation as a director is pursuant to the
employment agreement described under "Employment Agreements."
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company has entered into a Restated Employment Agreement dated July
1, 1999 ("1999 Agreement") with James P. Jimirro, its Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer. The 1999 Agreement has a term of seven years ("Term")
and provides for a base salary of $475,000 with annual increases equal to the
greater of 9% or 5% plus the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index.
The 1999 Agreement also provides for (i) an annual bonus of 5% to 9% of the
Company's pre-tax earnings in excess of $500,000, (ii) an annual grant of
immediately exercisable stock options covering 25,000 shares of the Company's
common stock,
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(iii) an annual grant of immediately exercisable stock appreciation rights
relating to 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock, and (iv) such other
benefits including medical insurance, an automobile and the reimbursement of
business expenses as have previously been provided to Mr. Jimirro.
Also, pursuant to the 1999 Agreement, Mr. Jimirro received a contingent
note ("Contingent Note") in the principal sum of approximately $2,151,000
representing salary payable to Mr. Jimirro pursuant to previous employment
agreements that was voluntarily deferred by Mr. Jimirro between January 1, 1993
and June 30, 1999. The Contingent Note bears interest at the rate of 7% per
year. Mr. Jimirro has continued to voluntarily defer all salary in excess of
approximately $191,000 payable under the 1999 Agreement and has the right to
request the issuance of additional contingent notes to reflect such additional
deferrals. The Contingent Note and any subsequent salary deferrals are payable
only upon a "Change of Control" as defined in the 1999 Agreement.
In addition, upon any "Change of Control" of the Company or any one of
the "Executive Termination Events," all as defined in the 1999 Agreement, Mr.
Jimirro is generally entitled to receive a lump sum payment of all salary due
for the remaining Term (excluding subsequent annual increases) and to continue
to receive all benefits, bonuses, stock options and stock appreciation rights
for the remaining Term. Further, to the extent the aforesaid payments result in
any excise tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Company is
obligated to make an additional payment to Mr. Jimirro equal to the amount of
such excise taxes plus any income or other payroll taxes resulting from such
excise tax payment. In addition, Mr. Jimirro, at his request, shall be engaged
as a consultant to the Company for a term of five years at the annual rate of
50% of his salary at the time of termination.
The Company has entered into an employment agreement dated January 21,
2000 with Christopher Trunkey, its Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
The agreement provides for a term of one year commencing January 31, 2000 at an
annual salary of $90,000 for four (4) work days per week, the grant of options
to purchase up to 21,000 shares of the Company's common stock under the
Company's stock option plan and such other benefits generally provided to all of
Company's full-time employees. As of September 1, 2000, this agreement was
amended to include five (5) workdays per week at an annual salary of $120,000.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Company's Board of Directors does not have a compensation or similar
committee. Mr. Jimirro's employment agreement was negotiated on behalf of the
Company by Mr. Vann and approved by all of the Company's directors, other than
Mr. Jimirro who abstained, at a special meeting of the Board of Directors held
on October 14, 1999.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information, as of October 16,
2000, concerning ownership of shares of Common Stock by each person who is known
by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the issued and outstanding
Common Stock of the Company:
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Number of Percent of
Name of Beneficial Owner Shares Class
- ------------------------ ----------- ----------
James Jimirro (1) 283,668 (2) 19.8%
Daniel Laikin (1) 165,900 (3) 11.6%
Paul Skjodt (1) 159,300 (3) 11.1%
Christopher Williams (1) 129,900 (4) 9.1%
Carroll Edwards (1) 95,000 (5) 6.6%
- ---------------
(1) The address for Mr. Jimirro is 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los
Angeles, California 90024. The address for Mr. Laikin and Mr. Skjodt is
25 West 9th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. The address for Mr.
Williams is PO Box 21207, Santa Barbara, California 93121. The address
for Mr. Edwards is PO Box 219, Marshville, North Carolina 28103.
(2) Includes options to purchase up to 75,001 shares that are presently
exercisable.
(3) Based upon a joint Schedule 13D filed by Mr. Laikin and Mr. Skjodt as
amended August 11, 2000. Mr. Laikin and Mr. Skjodt disclaim voting power
or any voting agreement or arrangements over the shares beneficially
owned by the other.
(4) Mr. Williams filed a Schedule 13G on January 20, 2000 claiming
beneficial ownership of 89,000 shares. The Company has information that
as of August 22, 2000 Mr. Williams is the beneficial owner of the shares
indicated.
(5) To the Company's knowledge, Mr. Edwards has not filed any Schedule 13D
or 13G with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company has
information that as of August 22, 2000 Mr. Edwards is the beneficial
owner of the shares indicated.
The information contained in this table is derived, in part, from a
listing of Non-objecting Beneficial Owners of the Company's common stock dated
as of August 22, 2000 and information filed by various holders on Schedules 13D
and 13G. By presenting the foregoing information, the Company does not
necessarily accept the accuracy of the information disclosed herein including,
but not limited to, the number of shareholders in the Laikin/Skjodt group, the
number of shares owned or controlled by the Laikin/Skjodt group and/or the
relationship of Christopher Williams or Carroll Edwards, among others, to such
group. SEE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of October 16, 2000, certain
information concerning ownership of shares of Common Stock by each executive
officer and director of the Company and by all executive officers and directors
of the Company as a group:
Name of Director Number of Percent of
or Executive Officer Shares Class
- -------------------- ---------- ----------
James Jimirro (1) 283,668(2) 19.8%
Daniel Laikin (1) 165,900(3) 11.6%
James Fellows (1) 14,833(4) 1.0%
Bruce Vann (1) 2,998(4) ***
John De Simio (1) 2,666(5) ***
Gary Cowan (1) 1,333(4) ***
Christopher Trunkey (1) -- --
All directors and executive
officers as A group (7 persons) 471,398(6) 32.9%
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- ---------------
*** Less than one percent
(1) The address for each director or officer except for Mr. Laikin is 10850
Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, California 90024. The address
for Mr. Laikin is 25 West 9th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.
(2) Includes options to purchase up to 75,001 shares that are presently
exercisable.
(3) Based upon a joint Schedule 13D filed by Mr. Laikin and Mr. Skjodt as
amended August 11, 2000. Mr. Laikin and Mr. Skjodt disclaim voting power
or any voting agreement or arrangements over the shares beneficially
owned by the other.
(4) Represents options to purchase up to the number of shares indicated that
are presently exercisable.
(5) Includes options to purchase up to 1,333 shares that are presently
exercisable.
(6) Includes options to purchase up to 95,498 shares that are presently
exercisable.
In August 2000, the Company received a notice from Daniel Laikin, a
Director and member of a group purporting to own approximately 22.7% of the
Company's outstanding common stock seeking, among other things, a special
meeting of the Company's shareholders. At this meeting, Mr. Laikin intended to
nominate a slate of six directors with a view to replacing all of the Company's
existing directors.
Subsequent to this request, the Company has met on several occasions
with Mr. Laikin and his representatives. During the course of these meetings,
the Company and Mr. Laikin have discussed a number of ways in which Mr. Laikin
might increase his involvement in, and/or ownership of, the Company and assure
that a costly proxy solicitation and possible related litigation will be
avoided. As of October 24, 2000, no agreement to those ends has been reached.
Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the Company does not know of any
arrangements, including any pledge of the Company's securities, the operation of
which at a subsequent date may result in a change of control of the Company.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Bruce Vann, one of the Company's directors, is a partner of the law firm
Kelly, Lytton, Mintz and Vann retained by the Company for various legal matters.
Legal expenses of approximately $25,000 were incurred with respect to work
performed by Mr. Vann's firm for the Company during the fiscal year ended July
31, 2000.
On July 14, 1986, James P. Jimirro, the Company's Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer purchased 192,000 shares of the Company's common
stock for approximately $115,000. For such shares, the Company received the sum
of approximately $58,000 and a note ("Note") for approximately $58,000. The Note
bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum and, pursuant to a July 14, 1986
Pledge and Security Agreement, is secured by the shares purchased. The unpaid
principal and interest outstanding at July 31, 2000 was approximately $140,000.
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PART IV.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) EXHIBITS (NUMBERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITEM 601 OF REGULATION S-K)
2.1 Acquisition Agreement dated as of July 31, 1990 between
Registrant, J2 Acquisition Corp., National Lampoon, Inc., Daniel
L. Grodnick and Tim Matheson and related Agreement and Plan of
Merger. (1)
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Registrant filed July 17,
1986. (2)
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Restated Articles of Incorporation
filed April 27, 1989. (9)
3.3 Certificate of Amendment of Restated Articles of Incorporation
filed July 14, 1993. (9)
3.4 Certificate of Amendment of Restated Articles of Incorporation
filed October 29, 1998. (3)
3.5 Bylaws of Registrant. (2)
3.6 Amendment to Bylaws of Registrant dated July 15, 1999. (4)
3.7 Amendment to Bylaws of Registrant dated August 18, 2000. (5)
4.1 Rights Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Stock Transfer
Corporation dated July 15, 1999. (4)
10.1 Employee Stock Purchase Plan adopted June 30, 1986. (2)
10.2 Agreement between Registrant and Harvard Lampoon, Inc. dated
October 1, 1998. (6)
10.3 Restated Employment Agreement between Registrant and James
Jimirro dated as of July 1, 1999. (7)
10.4 Contingent Note issued by Registrant to James Jimirro dated as of
July 1, 1999. (7)
10.5 Registrant's Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option, Deferred
Stock and Restricted Stock Plan dated October 14, 1999. (8)
10.6 Employment Agreement between Registrant and Christopher Trunkey
dated January 21, 2000. (9)
10.7 First Amendment to Office Lease between Registrant and Avco
Center Corporation dated April 21, 2000. (9)
10.8 Letter Agreement between Registrant and Batchelder & Partners,
Inc. dated August 16, 2000. (9)
10.9 Amendment to Letter Agreement between Registrant and Batchelder &
Partners, Inc. dated August 30, 2000. (9)
10.10 Warrant issued by Registrant to George Vandemann dated August 18,
2000. (9)
10.11 Amendment to Employment Agreement between Registrant and
Christopher Trunkey dated as of September 1, 2000. (9)
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10.12 Form of Restated Indemnification Agreement. (6)
21 Subsidiaries of Registrant. (9)
27 Financial Data Schedule. (9)
---------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to Form S-4 filed on August 2, 1990, as
amended September 18, 1990.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed on July 28, 1986, as
amended September 22, 1986 and October 2, 1986.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 1998.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed July 16, 1999.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed August 22, 2000.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q for the period ended
October 31, 1998.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 1999.
(8) Incorporated by reference to Schedule 14A filed December 13,
1999.
(9) Filed electronically herewith with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, omitted in copies distributed to shareholders or
other persons.
(b) FORMS 8-K
On August 11, 2000, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K
reporting under Item 5. thereof that on August 11, 2000, the Company
received a request from Daniel Laikin, a member of the Company's Board
of Directors, requesting a special meeting of the Company shareholders
be called for September 18, 2000 for the purpose of removing the
Company's incumbent directors and electing a new Board of Directors,
among other things.
On August 21, 2000, the Company filed a current Report on Form 8-K
reporting under Item 5. thereof the adoption of an amendment to the
Company's Bylaws.
(c) SEE (a) ABOVE
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Date: October 24, 2000
By: /s/James Jimirro
------------------------
James Jimirro,
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/James Jimirro Chairman of the Board of October 24, 2000
- ------------------------ Directors and Chief Executive
James Jimirro Officer (Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/Christopher Trunkey Vice President and Chief October 24, 2000
- ------------------------ Financial Officer (Principal
Christopher Trunkey Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/James Fellows Director October 24, 2000
- ------------------------
James Fellows
/s/Bruce Vann Director October 24, 2000
- ------------------------
Bruce Vann
/s/John De Simio Director October 24, 2000
- ------------------------
John De Simio
/s/Gary Cowan Director October 24, 2000
- ------------------------
Gary Cowan
/s/Daniel Laikin Director October 24, 2000
- ------------------------
Daniel Laikin
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J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2000
Report of Independent Public Accountants F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2000 and 1999 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
Ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
for the Years Ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7
F-1
24
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To J2 Communications:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of J2
Communications and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of July 31, 2000 and 1999,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2000. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, a significant
portion of the Company's assets is composed of certain intangible assets.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of J2
Communications as of July 31, 2000 and 1999 and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31,
2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note K to the
consolidated financial statements, in August 2000, the Company received notice
from a member of the Board of Directors requesting that a special meeting of the
Company's shareholders be called for the purported purpose of nominating a slate
of six new directors and replacing all of the Company's incumbent directors. As
of October 24, 2000, the Company is currently engaged in discussions with this
Director regarding the notice and related matters. Management cannot predict the
outcome of these discussions at this time. As discussed in Note C to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has significant contingent
payments due an officer upon a change of control event. If a change of control
event results as part of these discussions, the amounts due discussed in Note C
would be triggered and result in a net capital deficiency that raises
substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's
plans in regard to these matters are also described in note K. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments to asset carrying amounts or the
amount and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty.
Arthur Andersen, LLP
Los Angeles, California
October 24, 2000
F-2
25
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JULY 31,
-----------------------------
2000 1999
----------- -----------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,883,750 $ 1,857,941
Accounts receivable 6,580 8,643
Inventory 0 9,642
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 22,214 22,629
----------- -----------
Total current assets 1,912,544 1,898,855
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation 19,816 18,899
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 3,176,154 3,416,154
Other assets 10,758 15,653
----------- -----------
Total non-current assets 3,206,728 3,450,706
----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,119,272 $ 5,349,561
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 291,567 $ 196,645
Accrued expenses 374,692 431,577
Accrued income taxes 0 25,378
Settlement payable 203,117 203,117
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary 0 186,234
Stock appreciation rights payable 568,820 0
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 1,438,196 1,042,951
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Stock appreciation rights payable 0 1,716,876
----------- -----------
Total non-current liabilities 0 1,716,876
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,438,196 2,759,827
----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock, no par value, 2,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued and outstanding 0 0
Common Stock, no par value, 15,000,000 shares
authorized, 1,337,046 and 1,233,712 shares
issued, respectively 9,024,778 8,754,092
Less: Note receivable on common stock (139,940) (134,180)
Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 1,166 shares (1,603) (1,603)
Deficit (5,202,159) (6,028,575)
----------- -----------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 3,681,076 2,589,734
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 5,119,272 $ 5,349,561
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
26
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
-----------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
REVENUES
Trademark $ 1,454,239 $ 1,230,284 $ 782,353
Video 16,020 16,188 664
Internet 9,956 0 0
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenue 1,480,215 1,246,472 783,017
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Costs related to trademark revenue 144,578 111,598 40,407
Costs related to video revenue 3,583 12,793 5,251
Costs related to internet revenue 283,929 0 0
Amortization of intangible assets 240,000 240,000 240,000
Selling, general & administrative expenses 1,101,784 947,632 783,922
Stock appreciation rights (benefit)/expense (1,148,056) 1,699,745 (19,569)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total costs and expenses 625,818 3,011,768 1,050,011
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING INCOME/(LOSS) 854,397 (1,765,296) (266,994)
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE)
Interest income 87,365 98,845 85,386
Minority interest in income of
consolidated subsidiary (113,846) (68,102) (30,803)
Reduction of accrued liabilities 0 435,665 339,707
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other (expense)/income (26,481) 466,408 394,290
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 827,916 (1,298,888) 127,296
Provision for income taxes 1,500 0 6,356
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME/(LOSS) $ 826,416 $(1,298,888) $ 120,940
=========== =========== ===========
Earnings/(loss) per share - basic $ 0.64 $ (1.07) $ 0.10
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average number of common
shares -basic 1,289,930 1,211,728 1,200,000
=========== =========== ===========
Earnings/(loss) per share - diluted $ 0.62 $ (1.07) $ 0.10
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average number of common
and common equivalent shares - diluted 1,341,661 1,211,728 1,212,347
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
27
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Common Note Total
Stock Stock Receivable on Treasury Shareholders'
Shares Amount Common Stock Stock Deficit Equity
----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
Balance at July 31, 1997 1,200,000 $ 8,655,795 $(121,220) $(1,603) $(4,850,627) $ 3,682,345
Interest on note receivable -- 7,200 (7,200) -- -- --
Net income -- -- -- -- 120,940 120,940
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at July 31, 1998 1,200,000 8,662,995 (128,420) (1,603) (4,729,687) 3,803,285
Interest on note receivable -- 5,760 (5,760) -- -- --
Exercise of stock options 17,045 47,836 -- -- -- 47,836
Stock issued in settlement
of liabilities 16,667 37,501 -- -- -- 37,501
Net loss -- -- -- -- (1,298,888) (1,298,888)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at July 31, 1999 1,233,712 8,754,092 (134,180) (1,603) (6,028,575) 2,589,734
Interest on note receivable -- -- (5,760) -- -- (5,760)
Exercise of stock options 103,334 270,686 -- -- -- 270,686
Net income -- -- -- -- 826,416 826,416
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at July 31, 2000 1,337,046 $ 9,024,778 $(139,940) $(1,603) $(5,202,159) $ 3,681,076
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
28
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31,
-------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income/(loss) $ 826,416 $(1,298,888) $ 120,940
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net
cash (used in)/provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 250,661 248,327 240,000
Stock appreciation rights (benefit)/expense (1,148,056) 1,699,745 (19,569)
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiary 113,846 68,102 30,803
Other (5,760) 0 0
Stock issued in settlement of liabilities 0 37,501 0
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable 2,063 (1,339) 35,837
Decrease/(increase) in inventory 9,642 4,650 (2,030)
Decrease/(increase) in prepaid expenses and
other current assets 415 16,327 (33,987)
Decrease/(increase) in other assets 4,895 (912) (389)
Increase in accounts payable 94,922 42,389 24,327
Decrease in accrued expenses (56,885) (396,373) (262,744)
Decrease in income taxes payable (25,378) (12,801) 0
(Decrease)/increase in minority interest payable (300,080) 0 3,695
(Decrease)/increase in deferred revenue 0 (800,000) 591,375
Decrease in settlement payable 0 0 (8)
----------- ----------- -----------
NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (USED IN)/
PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (233,299) (393,272) 728,250
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of fixed assets (11,578) (27,227) 0
Sale/(purchase) of marketable securities 0 1,351,805 (1,351,805)
----------- ----------- -----------
NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (USED IN)/
PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (11,578) 1,324,578 (1,351,805)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Exercise of stock options 270,686 47,836 0
----------- ----------- -----------
NET CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 270,686 47,836 0
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 25,809 979,142 (623,555)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,857,941 878,799 1,502,354
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
AT END OF YEAR $ 1,883,750 $ 1,857,941 $ 878,799
=========== =========== ===========
Cash paid for:
Taxes $ 3,230 $ 23,289 $ 6,356
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
29
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization and Principals of Consolidation - The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of J2 Communications and its subsidiaries
("Company") after elimination of all inter-company items and transactions. The
Company, a California corporation, was formed in 1986 and was primarily engaged
in the acquisition, production and distribution of videocassette programs for
retail sale. During fiscal year 1991, the Company acquired all of the
outstanding shares of National Lampoon, Inc. ("NLI"). NLI was incorporated in
1967 and was primarily engaged in publishing the "National Lampoon Magazine" and
related activities. Subsequent to the Company's acquisition of NLI, it has
de-emphasized its videocassette business and publishing operations and has
focused primarily on exploitation of the "National Lampoon" trademark including
the October 1999 launch of the Company's website, "nationallampoon.com."
Revenue Recognition - The Company's trademark licensing revenues are generally
recognized when received or when earned under the terms of the associated
agreement and when the collection of such revenue is reasonably assured.
Revenues from the sale of videocassettes, net of estimated provisions for
returns (which are not material for any period presented) are recognized when
the units are shipped. Revenues from Internet operations are recognized when
earned under the terms of the associated agreement and the collection of such
revenue is reasonably assured.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Depreciation - Depreciation of fixed assets is computed by the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from three to five
years.
Cash Concentration and Cash Equivalents - The Company maintains its cash
balances at financial institutions that are federally insured, however, at times
such balances may exceed federally insured limits. The Company considers all
highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased
to be cash equivalents.
Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets consists primarily of the "National
Lampoon" trademark and related assets acquired through the Company's acquisition
of NLI and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over twenty-five years.
The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred
that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of intangible assets should be
revised or the remaining balance of intangible assets may not be recoverable.
Factors that would indicate the occurrence of such events or circumstances
include current period operating or cash flow losses, a projection or forecast
of future operating or cash flow losses, or the inability of the Company to
identify and pursue trademark licensing opportunities on terms favorable to the
Company.
F-7
30
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The Company has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." This statement requires that
long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that
intangible assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, the
recoverability of such assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying value
of an asset to the estimated future net cash flows expected to be generated by
the asset. 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 asset
exceeds the fair value of the asset.
As of July 31, 2000, the Company has determined that expected future cash flows
relating to its intangible assets will result in the recovery of the carrying
value of such asset. The continued realization of these intangible assets,
however, is dependent upon the continued exploitation of the "National Lampoon"
trademark for use in motion pictures, television, the Internet, merchandising
and other appropriate opportunities. If these and other ventures that the
Company may enter into do not result in sufficient revenues to recover the
associated intangible assets, the Company's future results of operations may be
adversely affected by adjustments to the carrying values of such intangible
assets.
New Accounting Pronouncements - In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," was issued, as amended by SFAS
No. 137, "Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" and SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for
Certain Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - An Amendment to FASB
Statement No. 133." SFAS No. 133 and 138 establish accounting and reporting
standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. SFAS No. 133 and 138
are effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company
anticipates that adoption of these pronouncements will have no material impact
on the Company's financial position or results of operations as there are no
derivative instruments or hedging activities.
In March 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") issued EITF Issue No.
00-02, "Accounting for Web Site Development Costs." The EITF provides guidance
on accounting for costs incurred to develop a website and is required to be
implemented by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2001. The Company
does not expect the effect of this new guidance on its financial statements to
be significant.
Common Stock - On October 26, 1998, the Company effected a 1-for-3 reverse stock
split. All share and per share amounts reflect the reverse stock split for all
periods presented.
Basic and Fully Diluted Loss Per Share - The Company computes earnings per share
in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." Basic
earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income
available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential
dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity that were
outstanding for the period, similar to fully diluted earnings per share.
F-8
31
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
A summary of the number of shares used to compute earnings per share is as
follows:
For the Fiscal Year Ended
-------------------------------------------
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999 July 31, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Weighted average number of common
shares used to compute basic EPS 1,289,930 1,211,728 1,200,000
Weighted average number of common
share equivalents 51,731 0 12,347
--------- --------- ---------
Weighted average number of common
shares used to compute diluted EPS 1,341,661 1,211,728 1,212,347
========= ========= =========
Options to purchase 182,167 common shares are not included in the calculation of
diluted EPS in the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999 because they are
anti-dilutive.
Reclassification - Certain amounts for the fiscal years ended July 31, 1999 and
1998 have been reclassified to conform with the presentation of the July 31,
2000 amounts. These reclassifications have no effect on reported net income.
NOTE B - ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of:
As of As of
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999
------------- -------------
Accrued legal fees $ 10,000 $ 62,500
Accrued accounting fees 40,000 37,051
Accrued payroll and related items 79,922 26,535
Accrued video royalties 49,971 49,903
Deferred payroll 188,845 188,845
Other 5,954 66,743
-------- --------
$374,692 $431,577
======== ========
Certain royalties and other expenses (including a contingent payment on the sale
of stock issued to settle certain liabilities) accrued in previous years were
settled or otherwise satisfied at reduced levels during the fiscal years 1999
and 1998. The reduction in these accruals is reflected as other income in the
accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
NOTE C - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Leases - The Company is obligated under an operating lease expiring on September
30, 2005 for approximately 3,912 square fee of office space in Los Angeles,
California. The lease agreement includes certain provisions for rent adjustments
based upon the lessor's operating costs and increases in the Consumer Price
Index.
F-9
32
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE C - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
The Company is obligated under an operating lease expiring September 2002 for
office equipment located at its Los Angeles offices.
The Company is obligated under an operating lease expiring in December 2000 for
an automobile provided by the Company to its Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer.
The Company's minimum future lease payments for the fiscal years indicated are
as follows:
Office Auto/
Year Space Equipment Total
---- -------- --------- --------
2001 $120,098 $ 5,180 $125,278
2002 126,748 1,754 128,502
2003 129,878 292 130,170
2004 136,138 0 136,138
2005 136,138 0 136,138
2006 22,690 0 22,690
-------- -------- --------
$671,690 $ 7,226 $678,916
======== ======== ========
The Company's aggregate lease payments were approximately $99,000, $81,000 and
$91,000 for the years ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Harvard Lampoon Agreement - Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and The
Harvard Lampoon, Inc. ("HLI"), as restated October 1, 1998, the Company is
obligated to pay HLI a royalty of from 1.5% to 2% on the Company's net receipts
from exploitation of the "National Lampoon" trademark. Royalty payments under
this agreement were approximately $9,000, $19,000 and $14,000 for the years
ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. In addition, pursuant to a
Settlement Agreement dated November 24, 1998, the Company issued 16,667 shares
of its common stock to HLI (which at the time of issue had a value of
approximately $38,000), in settlement of various claims made by HLI against the
Company.
Guber-Peters Agreement - Pursuant to a July 24, 1987 Rights Agreement, NLI
granted the right to produce "National Lampoon" television programming to
Guber-Peters Entertainment Company ("GPEC"). NLI reacquired these rights from
GPEC pursuant to an October 1, 1990 Termination Agreement ("Termination
Agreement") for the sum of $1,000,000, of which $500,000 was paid upon
execution. The remaining $500,000 is contingent and payable through a 17.5%
royalty on NLI's cash receipts from each program produced by NLI or any licensee
(subject to certain minimum royalties for each program produced). The Company
guaranteed all of NLI's obligations under the Termination Agreement and is the
successor-in-interest to NLI as a result of its acquisition of NLI. As of July
31, 2000, the Company has recorded royalty expense of approximately $265,000
relating to the Termination Agreement including approximately $83,000 and
$53,000 during the years ended July 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
F-10
33
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE C - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
Employment Agreement - The Company has entered into a Restated Employment
Agreement dated July 1, 1999 ("1999 Agreement") with James P. Jimirro, its
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. The 1999 Agreement has a term
of seven years ("Term") and provides for a base salary of $475,000 with annual
increases equal to the greater of 9% or 5% plus the percentage increase in the
Consumer Price Index. The 1999 Agreement also provides for (i) an annual bonus
of 5% to 9% of the Company's pre-tax earnings in excess of $500,000, (ii) an
annual grant of immediately exercisable stock options covering 25,000 shares of
the Company's common stock, (iii) an annual grant of immediately exercisable
stock appreciation rights relating to 25,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, and (iv) such other benefits including medical insurance, an automobile
and the reimbursement of business expenses as have previously been provided to
Mr. Jimirro.
Also, pursuant to the 1999 Agreement, Mr. Jimirro received a contingent note
("Contingent Note") in the principal sum of approximately $2,151,000
representing salary payable to Mr. Jimirro pursuant to previous employment
agreements that was voluntarily deferred by Mr. Jimirro between January 1, 1993
and June 30, 1999. The Contingent Note bears interest at the rate of 7% per
year. Mr. Jimirro has continued to voluntarily defer all salary in excess of
approximately $191,000 payable under the 1999 Agreement and has the right to
request the issuance of additional contingent notes to reflect such additional
deferrals. The Contingent Note and any subsequent salary deferrals are payable
only upon a "Change of Control" as defined in the 1999 Agreement.
In addition, upon any "Change of Control" of the Company or any one of the
"Executive Termination Events," all as defined in the 1999 Agreement, Mr.
Jimirro is generally entitled to receive a lump sum payment of all salary due
for the remaining Term (excluding subsequent annual increases) and to continue
to receive all benefits, bonuses, stock options and stock appreciation rights
for the remaining Term. Further, to the extent the aforesaid payments result in
any excise tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Company is
obligated to make an additional payment to Mr. Jimirro equal to the amount of
such excise taxes plus any income or other payroll taxes resulting from such
excise tax payment. In addition, Mr. Jimirro, at his request, shall be engaged
as a consultant to the Company for a term of five years at the annual rate of
50% of his salary at the time of termination.
Litigation - The Company, NLI and certain of their officers and directors became
defendants in a lawsuit filed in March 1990 in the Supreme Court of the State of
New York, County of Kings, alleging that the then proposed merger between the
Company and NLI was financially unfair to the shareholders, among other things.
In August 1991, a settlement was reached between the parties ("Settlement
Agreement") whereby the Company would issue an additional 25,000 shares of its
common stock to NLI shareholders plus issue up to 16,667 shares of its common
stock to plaintiff's attorneys' for their fees and expenses. Subsequent to
August 1991, to the Company's knowledge, the plaintiffs have not executed the
Settlement Agreement or otherwise pursued their causes of action. The Company
established a reserve of approximately $203,000 during the fiscal year ended
July 31, 1992 for its obligations under the Settlement Agreement.
F-11
34
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE C - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
On August 13, 1999, Heathdale Productions, Inc. ("Heathdale") filed an action
against the Company in the Superior Court of the State of California for the
County of Los Angeles alleging, among other things, breach of contract relating
to a joint venture ("Joint Venture") formed to produce the film "National
Lampoon's Animal House." The Company and Heathdale entered into a Mutual Release
and Settlement Agreement ("Heathdale Agreement") as of June 30, 2000 pursuant to
which approximately $1,027,000, representing all monies then held by the Joint
Venture, was disbursed approximately $727,000 to the Company and $300,000 to
Heathdale. The Company recorded an expense of approximately $23,000 during the
fiscal year ended July 31, 2000 for its obligations under the Heathdale
Agreement in excess of normally recurring expenses previously recorded relating
to the Joint Venture. (SEE NOTE I - JOINT VENTURE).
Shareholder Rights Plan - On July 15, 1999, the Company's Board of Directors
adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan ("Rights Plan"). The Rights Plan is designed
to assure that all of the Company's shareholders receive fair and equal
treatment in the event of any proposed takeover of the Company and to guard
against partial tender offers, open market accumulations and other abusive
tactics to gain control of the Company without paying all shareholders a
premium. In connection with such adoption, a dividend was declared of one
preferred share purchase right ("Purchase Right") for each outstanding share of
common stock outstanding on August 5, 1999. Subject to certain exceptions, each
share of common stock issued by the Company subsequent to such date also carries
a Purchase Right.
After the Purchase Rights become exercisable, each Purchase Right will initially
entitle the holder to purchase 1/100th of a share of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock ("Preferred Shares") at a price of $65.00 per
1/100th of a share until the close of business on July 15, 2009 or such earlier
date as defined in the Plan. In the event any person or any of such person's
affiliates or associates ("Acquiring Person") becomes the beneficial owner of
15% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock (with certain exceptions
as set forth in the Plan), each shareholder, other than the Acquiring Person,
shall thereafter, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Rights Plan, have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of
the Company's common stock having a market value of two times the then current
exercise price of one Purchase Right. Subject to certain exceptions, the
Purchase Rights are redeemable at a price of $0.001 per right at the approval of
the Board of Directors.
The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms
of the Rights Plan that has been filed by the Company as an exhibit to its Form
8-K filed on July 16, 1999.
NOTE D - NOTE RECEIVABLE ON COMMON STOCK
On July 14, 1986, James P. Jimirro, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer purchased 192,000 shares of the Company's common stock for
approximately $115,000. For such shares, the Company received the sum of
approximately $58,000 and a note ("Note") for approximately $58,000. The Note
bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum and, pursuant to a July 14, 1986
Pledge and Security Agreement, is secured by the shares purchased. The unpaid
principal and interest outstanding at July 31, 2000 and 1999 was approximately
$140,000 and $134,000, respectively.
F-12
35
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE E - MAJOR CUSTOMERS
During the year ended July 31, 2000, the Company earned revenue from three
significant customers of approximately $1,056,000 representing 27%, 24% and 20%
of revenues, respectively. During the year ended July 31, 1999, the Company
earned revenue from one significant customer of approximately $800,000
representing 59% of revenues. During the year ended July 31, 1998, the Company
earned revenue from one significant customer of approximately $300,000
representing 25% of revenues.
NOTE F - STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
The Company periodically grants stock options to its employees and directors as
financial incentives directly linked to increases in shareholder value. Such
grants are subject to the Company's Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option,
Deferred Stock and Restricted Stock Plan ("1999 Plan"), as adopted by the
Company's shareholders at its annual meeting on January 13, 2000. All stock
options granted under prior stock option plans were converted to stock option
grants under the 1999 Plan. A summary of stock options outstanding is as
follows:
Option Weighted
Number of Exercise Average
Options Price Range Exercise Price
--------- ------------ --------------
Balance, July 31, 1997 213,167 $1.68-$4.43 $ 3.24
Options granted 44,000 $1.68-$3.00 $ 2.10
Options canceled (8,000) $2.63-$3.19 $ 3.09
Options exercised -- -- --
-------- ------------ ------------
Balance, July 31, 1998 249,167 $1.68-$4.43 $ 3.03
Options granted 42,000 $1.53-$2.08 $ 2.02
Options canceled (92,000) $1.69-$3.57 $ 3.04
Options exercised (17,000) $1.69-$3.56 $ 2.91
-------- ------------ ------------
Balance, July 31, 1999 182,167 $1.53-$4.43 $ 2.82
Options granted 145,832 $7.50-$17.50 $ 13.10
Options canceled (27,000) $8.00-$16.13 $ 14.07
Options exercised (103,334) $1.53-$11.63 $ 2.62
-------- ------------ ------------
Balance, July 31, 2000 197,665 $1.69-$17.50 $ 9.09
======== ============ ============
Of the options outstanding at July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, 107,333, 149,833 and
214,000, respectively, were exercisable with weighted average exercise prices of
$4.53, $2.99 and $3.18, respectively. The weighted average remaining life of the
options outstanding at July 31, 2000 was 5.29 years.
F-13
36
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE F - STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS (CONTINUED)
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation,"
issued in October 1995. In accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected
to follow Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in accounting for its
employee stock options. Under APB Opinion No. 25, because the exercise price of
the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying
stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. If the
Company had elected to recognize compensation expense based on the fair value of
the options granted on their grant date as prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the
Company's net income/(loss) and earnings/(loss) per share would have been
reduced to the pro forma amounts as follows:
For the Fiscal Year Ended
--------------------------------------------
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999 July 31, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Net income/(loss) - as reported $826,416 $(1,298,888) $120,940
Net income/(loss) - pro forma $341,421 $(1,333,059) $ 83,992
Basic earnings/(loss) per share - as reported $ 0.64 $(1.07) $ 0.10
Basic earnings/(loss) per share - pro forma $ 0.27 $(1.10) $ 0.07
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share - as reported $ 0.62 $(1.07) $ 0.10
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share - pro forma $ 0.25 $(1.10) $ 0.07
The fair value of each option grant on its date of grant was estimated using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:
For the Fiscal Year Ended
----------------------------------------------
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999 July 31, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Expected dividend yield 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Expected stock price volatility 89.14% 85.77% 79.84%
Risk free interest rate 6.27% 4.95% 5.83%
Expected life of option (in years) 4.00 3.34 6.89
The weighted average fair value of the options granted during the fiscal years
ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $8.75, $1.53 and $1.51, respectively.
The Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer has stock
appreciation rights that entitle him to receive, upon demand, a cash payment
equal to the difference between the fair market value and the appreciation base
of the rights when they are exercised. As of July 31, 2000 and 1999, the
appreciation in these rights was approximately $569,000 and $1,717,000,
respectively, and is reflected under stock appreciation rights payable in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
NOTE G - INCOME TAXES
The Company's provision for income taxes is as follows:
F-14
37
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE G - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
For the Fiscal Year Ended
---------------------------------------------------
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999 July 31, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Federal income taxes $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
State income taxes 1,500 0 6,356
------ ------ ------
Provision for income taxes $1,500 $ 0 $6,356
====== ====== ======
A reconciliation between the statutory federal tax rate and the Company's
effective tax rate is as follows:
For the Fiscal Year Ended
--------------------------------------------------
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999 July 31, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Statutory federal income tax rate 34% (34%) 34%
State income taxes -- -- 7%
Amortization of intangible assets 10% 6% 64%
Other, primarily utilization of
valuation allowances (44%) 28% (98%)
--- --- ---
Effective tax rate 0% 0% 7%
=== === ===
The Company's effective tax rate is lower than the statutory rate due to the
utilization of prior years operating losses not previously benefited.
For federal income tax purposes, the Company has available net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $1,735,000 (expiring between 2007 and 2015) to
potentially offset future income tax liabilities.
Deferred tax assets result from temporary differences between financial and tax
accounting in the recognition of revenue and expenses. Temporary differences and
carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets are as follows:
As of As of
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999
------------- -------------
Net operating loss carryforwards 581,000 550,000
Accrued liabilities 258,000 705,000
Royalty reserves 17,000 108,000
----------- -----------
856,000 1,363,000
Valuation allowance (856,000) (1,363,000)
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax assets $ 0 $ 0
=========== ===========
Valuation allowances of $856,000 and $1,363,000 were recorded at July 31, 2000
and 1999, respectively, to offset the net deferred tax assets due to the
uncertainty of realizing the benefits of the tax assets in the future.
F-15
38
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE H - SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure About Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," during the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999
which changed the way the Company reports information about its operating
segments. The Company operates in three business segments: licensing and
exploitation of the "National Lampoon" trademark and related properties,
operation of the "nationallampoon.com" website and video distribution. Segment
operating income/(loss) excludes the amortization of intangible assets, stock
appreciation rights costs, interest income and income taxes. Selling, general
and administrative expenses not specifically attributable to any segment have
been allocated equally between the trademark and Internet segments. Summarized
financial information for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
concerning the Company's segments is as follows:
Trademark Internet Video Total
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Year Ended July 31, 2000
Segment revenue $ 1,454,000 $ 10,000 $ 16,000 $ 1,480,000
Segment operating income/(loss) 776,000 (955,000) 12,000 (167,000)
Identifiable assets 0 20,000 0 20,000
Capital expenditures 0 12,000 0 12,000
Depreciation expense 0 11,000 0 11,000
Year Ended July 31, 1999
Segment revenue $ 1,228,000 $ 0 $ 18,000 $ 1,246,000
Segment operating income/(loss) 425,000 (324,000) 5,000 106,000
Identifiable assets 0 19,000 10,000 29,000
Capital expenditures 0 27,000 0 27,000
Depreciation expense 0 8,000 0 8,000
Year Ended July 31, 1998
Segment revenue $ 782,000 $ 0 $ 1,000 $ 783,000
Segment operating income/(loss) (73,000) 0 (5,000) (78,000)
Identifiable assets 0 0 14,000 14,000
Capital expenditures 0 0 0 0
Depreciation expense 0 0 0 0
A reconciliation of segment operating income/(loss) to net income/(loss) before
income taxes for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 is as
follows:
For the Fiscal Year Ended
---------------------------------------------------------
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999 July 31, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Segment operating (loss)/income (167,000) $ 106,000 $ (78,000)
Amortization of intangible assets (240,000) (240,000) (240,000)
Stock appreciation rights benefit/(expense) 1,148,000 (1,700,000) 20,000
Other income 0 436,000 340,000
Interest income 87,000 99,000 85,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income/(loss) before income taxes $ 828,000 $(1,299,000) $ 127,000
=========== =========== ===========
F-16
39
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE H - SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation of reportable segment assets to consolidated total assets as of
July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 is as follows:
For the Fiscal Year Ended
-----------------------------------------------------
July 31, 2000 July 31, 1999 July 31, 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
Total assets for reportable segments $ 20,000 $ 29,000 $ 14,000
Goodwill not allocated to segments 3,176,000 3,416,000 3,656,000
Cash and cash equivalents 1,884,000 1,858,000 879,000
Short-term investments 0 0 1,352,000
Other unallocated amounts 39,000 47,000 61,000
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets $5,119,000 $5,350,000 $5,962,000
========== ========== ==========
NOTE I - JOINT VENTURE
The Company is the successor to a 75% interest in a joint venture ("Joint
Venture") established in 1975 for the development and production of the film
"National Lampoon's Animal House" ("Film"). The current operations of the Joint
Venture consist solely of collecting certain proceeds from the distribution and
exploitation of the Film by the copyright owner. For financial statement
purposes, the Joint Venture has been consolidated and an expense recorded
corresponding to the minority partner's interest in the proceeds from the Joint
Venture. The revenue received by the joint venture relating to the Film was
approximately $322,000, $251,000 and $123,000 for the fiscal years ended July
31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
NOTE J - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Bruce Vann, one of the Company's directors, is a partner of the law firm Kelly,
Lytton, Mintz and Vann retained by the Company for various legal matters. Legal
expenses of approximately $25,000, $13,000 and $7,000 were incurred with respect
to work performed by Mr. Vann's firm for the Company during the fiscal years
ended July 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998.
See Notes C, D and F to these consolidated financial statements for information
concerning certain transactions between the Company and the Company's Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer.
NOTE K - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In August 2000, the Company received a notice from Daniel Laikin, a Director and
member of a group purporting to own approximately 22.7% of the Company's
outstanding common stock seeking, among other things, a special meeting of the
Company's shareholders. At this meeting, Mr. Laikin intended to nominate a slate
of six directors with a view to replacing all of the Company's existing
directors.
F-17
40
J2 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE K - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
Subsequent to this request, the Company has met on several occasions with Mr.
Laikin and his representatives. During the course of these meetings, the Company
and Mr. Laikin have discussed a number of ways in which Mr. Laikin might
increase his involvement in, and/or ownership of, the Company and assure that a
costly proxy solicitation and possible related litigation will be avoided. As of
October 24, 2000, no agreement to those ends has been reached.
In connection with Mr. Laikin's notice and the subsequent discussions with Mr.
Laikin, the Company has retained various financial and legal advisers and, as of
October 24, 2000, the Company has incurred expenses of approximately $514,000
(of which $150,000 is expected to be settled through the issuance of common
stock) in connection with such advisers.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company
will continue as a going concern. As discussed herein, as of October 24, 2000,
the Company is currently engaged in discussions with Mr. Laikin regarding his
notice and related matters. Management cannot predict the outcome of these
discussions at this time. However, if a change of control results as part of
these discussions, the significant contingent amounts due an officer discussed
in NOTE C - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES could be triggered which would result
in a net capital deficiency that raises substantial doubt about the Company's
ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include
any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
F-18